A survey of cranberry fruit rots in commercial production beds in Oregon and Washington.

Introduction: Fungal fruit rots are a perennial threat to the production of cranberries. Eleven genera of fungi have been reported to cause cranberry rot in the field and/or during cold storage. Oregon and Washington rank fourth and fifth in the production of cranberries in the USA, but much of the research on cranberry fruit rots has been conducted in Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Objective: The primary objective of this project was to describe the current composition of cranberry fruit rot complex in Oregon and Washington. Methods: A survey of fungal fruit rot pathogens was conducted over four years in commercial cranberry farms located in the Pacific Ocean coastal zone in Oregon and Washington. Results: Yield, rot incidence, and fungal pathogens isolated varied year-to-year. Pathogens isolated frequently from field-rotted cranberries included the cranberry fruit rot genera described in other cranberry production regions of the USA, such as Colletotrichum, Coleophoma, and Physalospora. Neofabraea actinidiae, a recently described cranberry fruit rot, was isolated consistently from field-rotted cranberries from beds with specific fungicide usage patterns. N. actinidiae also was one of the more common storage rot pathogens in this region, alongside other well-established storage rots like Coleophoma and black rots caused by Allantophomopsis cytisporea, A. lycopodina, and Strasseria geniculata. Conclusions: These findings may have important implications for Washington cranberry production because a large proportion of the crop is dry-harvested, placed in cold storage, and then sold as fresh cranberries. Climatic differences among the cranberry production areas across the United States may affect the disease incidence and prevalence of different genera of cranberry fruit rot pathogens, as summer months in Oregon and Washington are often much cooler and dryer than in Wisconsin and east coast states and may account for differing presence of various cranberry fruit rot fungi.

Determination of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro in Fruit of Small Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Growing in Natural Habitats in Lithuania.

The composition of flavonols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, triterpene compounds, and chlorogenic acid in small cranberry fruit samples collected in natural habitats in Lithuania and variation in the antioxidant capacity of cranberry fruit extracts was determined. This study showed that in the flavonol group, hyperoside and myricetin-3-O-galactoside predominated in cranberry fruit samples; in the anthocyanin group, the predominant compounds were cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, peonidin-3-O-galactoside, and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, and in the group of triterpene compounds, ursolic acid was predominant. The highest total amounts of flavonols and anthocyanins were found in the samples collected in Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve (2079.44 ± 102.99 µg/g and 6993.79 ± 350.22 µg/g, respectively). Cluster analysis of the chemical composition of small cranberry fruit samples revealed trends in the accumulation of bioactive compounds in cranberry fruit. Cranberry fruit samples collected in central Lithuania had higher levels of triterpene compounds. Statistical correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between the quantitative composition of cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside and the reducing capacity of the ethanolic extracts of the cranberry fruit samples assessed in vitro by the FRAP assay (r = 0.882, p < 0.01 and r = 0.805, p < 0.01, respectively). Summarizing the results, the geographical factor affects the variation of the quantitative composition of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples.

Vaccinium Species-Unexplored Sources of Active Constituents for Cosmeceuticals.

The genus Vaccinium is represented by shrubs growing in a temperate climate that have been used for ages as traditional remedies in the treatment of digestive problems, in diabetes, renal stones or as antiseptics due to the presence of polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins) in their fruits and leaves. Recent studies confirm their marked potential in the treatment of skin disorders and as skin care cosmetics. The aim of this review is to present the role of Vaccinium spp. as cosmetic products, highlight their potential and prove the biological properties exerted by the extracts from different species that can be useful for the preparation of innovative cosmetics. In the manuscript both skin care and therapeutic applications of the representatives of this gender will be discussed that include the antioxidant, skin lightening, UV-protective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties to shed new light on these underestimated plants.

Effect of UV Radiation and Temperature on Radical Scavenging Activity of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Fruit Extracts.

New active ingredients, including those of plant origin, which could protect the skin against various harmful factors, such as UV radiation and free radicals responsible for skin ageing, are still being sought. The present study was focused on the antioxidant activity of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. fruit glycolic extracts. Investigations were also carried out to evaluate the effect of UVA radiation and the storage of the sea buckthorn and European cranberry extracts at an elevated temperature of 50 °C on their interactions with free radicals. The kinetics of the interactions of the extracts with DPPH were assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The sea buckthorn and European cranberry extracts quench the EPR signal of DPPH free radicals, which indicates their antioxidant potential. The EPR method further showed that a mixture of sea buckthorn and cranberry extracts in a volume ratio of 2:1 was more potent in quenching free radicals compared to a mixture of these extracts in a ratio of 1:2. Our findings demonstrate that long-term UVA radiation exposure reduces the ability of sea buckthorn and cranberry extracts to interact with free radicals. Moreover, storage at elevated temperatures does not affect the interaction of sea buckthorn extract with free radicals, while it alters the ability of cranberry extract to interact with free radicals. This study has demonstrated that an important factor in maintaining the ability to scavenge radicals is the storage of raw materials under appropriate conditions. H. rhamnoides and V. oxycoccos extracts can be used as valuable raw materials with antioxidant properties in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Fruit Phenolic Bioactivities-A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Human Studies.

This review is focused on the effects of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) fruit phenolic compounds in human in vitro cells and in vivo clinical studies. Studies with lingonberries, lingonberry juice/lingonberry nectar/fermented lingonberry juice, and phenolic fractions with active molecules are reviewed. Lingonberry's bioactive substances have a diverse range of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Fermentation of lingonberries and modulation of the dysbiotic microbiome to a more symbiotic composition by favoring the growth of lactobacilli and inhibiting the growth of human opportunistic pathogens are discussed. Research results suggest that more studies on humans are needed.

Bilberry Expansion in the Changing Subalpine Belt.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.

Possible Mechanism of Sucrose and Trehalose-6-Phosphate in Regulating the Secondary Flower on the Strong Upright Spring Shoots of Blueberry Planted in Greenhouse.

Secondary flowering is the phenomenon in which a tree blooms twice or more times a year. Along with the development of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits in spring, a large number of secondary flowers on the strong upright spring shoots were noticed in blueberries planted in the greenhouse. To reveal the cause and possible regulatory mechanism of the phenomenon, we clarified the phenological characteristics of flower bud differentiation and development on the spring shoots by combining phenological phenotype with anatomical observation. Furthermore, the changes in carbohydrates, trehalose-6-phosphate (Tre6P), and the relationship among the key enzyme regulatory genes for Tre6P metabolism and the key regulatory genes for flower formation during the differentiation process of apical buds and axillary buds were investigated. The results showed that the process of flower bud differentiation and flowering of apical and axillary buds was consistent, accompanied by a large amount of carbohydrate consumption. This process was positively correlated with the expression trends of VcTPS1/2, VcSnRK1, VcFT, VcLFY2, VcSPL43, VcAP1, and VcDAM in general, and negatively correlated with that of VcTPP. In addition, there is a certain difference in the differentiation progress of flower buds between the apical and axillary buds. Compared with axillary buds, apical buds had higher contents of sucrose, fructose, glucose, Tre6P, and higher expression levels of VcTPS2, VcFT, VcSPL43, and VcAP1. Moreover, VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 were more closely related to the physiological substances (sucrose and Tre6P) in axillary bud and apical bud differentiation, respectively. It was suggested that sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate play a crucial role in promoting flower bud differentiation in strong upright spring shoots, and VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 might play a central role in these activities. Our study provided substantial sight for further study on the mechanism of multiple flowering of blueberries and laid a foundation for the regulation and utilization of the phenomenon of multiple flowering in a growing season of perennial woody plants.

Differential Responses of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Phenology and Density to a Changing Environment: A Study from Western Carpathians.

Environmental factors regulate the regeneration of mountain spruce forests, with drought, wind, and bark beetles causing the maximum damage. How these factors minimise spruce regeneration is still poorly understood. We conducted this study to investigate how the phenology and population dynamics of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a dominant understory species of mountain spruce forests, are related to selected environmental factors that are modified by natural disturbances (bark beetle and wind). For this, we analysed bilberry at different sites affected by bark beetles and adjacent undisturbed forests in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) during the growing season (April-September) in 2016-2021, six years after the initial bark beetle attack. The observations were taken along an altitudinal gradient (1100-1250-1400 m a.s.l.) in two habitats (disturbed spruce forest-D, undisturbed spruce forest-U). We found that habitat and altitude influenced the onset of selected phenological phases, such as the earliest onset at low altitudes (1100 m a.s.l.) in disturbed forest stands and the latest at high altitudes (1400 m a.s.l.) in undisturbed stands. Although there were non-significant differences between habitats and altitudes, likely due to local climate conditions and the absence of a tree layer, these findings suggest that bilberry can partially thrive in disturbed forest stands. Despite temperature fluctuations during early spring, the longer growing season benefits its growth.

Sparganothis sulfureana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) egg surface characteristics stimulate parasitism by Ascogaster mimetica (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Ascogaster mimetica Viereck is an egg-larval parasitoid that targets Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens, a major cranberry pest in North America. While previous studies have shown that other Ascogaster species respond to cues from their hosts' eggs, it remains unknown whether A. mimetica utilizes these cues to recognize S. sulfureana. We hypothesized that female A. mimetica recognizes S. sulfureana from another cranberry pest, Choristoneura parallela Robinson, based on the presence of surface cues on eggs. To test this, we observed female A. mimetica behavior when exposed to eggs from its host, S. sulfureana; a nonhost, C. parallela; and eggs of S. sulfureana that were washed clean with hexane. Additionally, we tracked parasitism rates in each group. Our results revealed that A. mimetica spent 9.5 times longer walking when exposed to C. parallela eggs and 6 times longer when exposed to hexane-washed S. sulfureana eggs compared to unwashed S. sulfureana eggs. Also, A. mimetica spent 3 times longer grooming when exposed to hexane-washed than unwashed S. sulfureana eggs. In contrast, females spent 6 and 18 times longer drumming and probing/ovipositing on unwashed S. sulfureana eggs than on C. parallela eggs and 5 times longer probing/ovipositing on unwashed S. sulfureana eggs than on hexane-washed S. sulfureana eggs. Higher parasitism rates were observed from unwashed S. sulfureana eggs compared to those from C. parallela eggs and hexane-washed S. sulfureana eggs. Our findings suggest that the presence of egg surface cues, like scales, of S. sulfureana likely plays a crucial role in host acceptance and parasitism success for A. mimetica.

Phytoplasma infection renders cranberries more susceptible to above- and belowground insect herbivores.

While phytoplasma infections in plants are known to affect their interactions with aboveground herbivores, the impact of different genotypes on these infections and their effects on belowground herbivores remains largely unexplored. In cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), infection by the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma sp. subgroup 16SrIII-Y leads to false blossom disease. This study investigates whether cranberry infection by this phytoplasma affects the performance and feeding behavior of a foliar feeder (spongy moth, Lymantria dispar) and a root feeder (oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis). Using phytoplasma-infected and uninfected cranberries of two genotypes ("Ben Lear" and "Crimson Queen"), the survival, growth and consumption of L. dispar and A. orientalis larvae were measured. To assess the effects on plant morphological and chemical traits, we also examined the impact of phytoplasma infection on shoot and root growth, carbon and nitrogen content, and the levels of defensive compounds such as proanthocyanidins (PACs). Results indicate that larvae of L. dispar and A. orientalis generally showed larger size and more efficient tissue consumption on infected plants, with these effects varying by cranberry genotype, possibly due to differences in phytoplasma titer. Phytoplasma infection was associated with stunted growth, elevated nitrogen content, and lower PAC levels in both shoots and roots of infected cranberry plants compared to uninfected ones. These findings indicate that phytoplasma infection potentially manipulates plant chemical composition by increasing nutrient levels and decreasing defensive compounds, enhancing herbivore performance both above and belowground. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay among plants, phytoplasma infection, and insect herbivore communities.

Vaccinium spp. Berries in the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Update of Preclinical and Clinical Research.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disorder marked by the buildup of triacylglycerols (TGs) in the liver. It includes a range of conditions, from simple steatosis to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can advance to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD's prevalence is rising globally, estimated between 10% and 50%. The disease is linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases and currently lacks effective treatment options. Therefore, researchers are focusing on evaluating the impact of adjunctive herbal therapies in individuals with NAFLD. One herbal therapy showing positive results in animal models and clinical studies is fruits from the Vaccinium spp. genus. This review presents an overview of the association between consuming fruits, juices, and extracts from Vaccinium spp. and NAFLD. The search used the following keywords: ((Vaccinium OR blueberry OR bilberry OR cranberry) AND ("non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" OR "non-alcoholic steatohepatitis")). Exclusion criteria included reviews, research notes, book chapters, case studies, and grants. The review included 20 studies: 2 clinical trials and 18 studies on animals and cell lines. The findings indicate that juices and extracts from Vaccinium fruits and leaves have significant potential in addressing NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism and boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, blueberries appear to have the potential to alleviate NAFLD, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Multiparametric Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) Fruit Textural Trait Development for Harvest and Postharvest Evaluation in Representative Cultivars.

Fruit texture is a priority trait that guarantees the long-term economic sustainability of the cranberry industry through value-added products such as sweetened dried cranberries (SDCs). To develop a standard methodology to measure texture, we conducted a comparative analysis of 22 textural traits using five different methods under both harvest and postharvest conditions in 10 representative cranberry cultivars. A set of textural traits from the 10%-strain compression and puncture methods were identified that differentiate between cultivars primarily based on hardness/stiffness and elasticity properties. The complementary use of both methodologies allowed for a detailed evaluation by capturing the effect of key texture-determining factors such as structure, flesh, and skin. Furthermore, the high effectiveness of this approach in different conditions and its ability to capture high phenotypic variation in cultivars highlights its great potential for applicability in various areas of the value chain and research. Therefore, this study provides an informed reference for unifying future efforts to enhance cranberry fruit texture and quality.

Genome-wide identification of the WRKY gene family in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and expression analysis under abiotic stress.

Introduction: The WRKY transcription factor (TF) family is one of the largest TF families in plants and is widely involved in responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Methods: To clarify the function of the WRKY family in blueberries, this study identified the WRKY genes within the blueberry genome and systematically analyzed gene characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression patterns, and subcellular localization of the encoded products. Results: In this study, 57 VcWRKY genes were identified, and all encoding products had a complete WRKY heptapeptide structure and zinc-finger motif. The VcWRKY genes were divided into three subgroups (I-III) by phylogenetic analysis. Group II was divided into five subgroups: IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, and IIe. 57 VcWRKY genes were distributed unevenly across 32 chromosomes. The amino acids ranged from 172 to 841, and molecular weights varied from 19.75 to 92.28 kD. Intra-group syntenic analysis identified 12 pairs of duplicate segments. Furthermore, 34 cis-element recognition sites were identified in the promoter regions of VcWRKY genes, primarily comprising phytohormone-responsive and light-responsive elements. Comparative syntenic maps were generated to investigate the evolutionary relationships of VcWRKY genes, revealing the closest homology to dicotyledonous WRKY gene families. VcWRKY genes were predominantly expressed in the fruit flesh and roots of blueberries. Gene expression analysis showed that the responses of VcWRKY genes to stress treatments were more strongly in leaves than in roots. Notably, VcWRKY13 and VcWRKY25 exhibited significant upregulation under salt stress, alkali stress, and saline-alkali stress, and VcWRKY1 and VcWRKY13 showed notable induction under drought stress. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that VcWRKY13 and VcWRKY25 function within the nucleus. Conclusion: These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of VcWRKY genes and provide guidance for selecting stress-tolerant genes in the development of blueberry cultivars.

Characterization of cellulases from softening fruit for enzymatic depolymerization of cellulose.

Cellulose is a major renewable resource for a wide variety of sustainable industrial products. However, for its utilization, finding new efficient enzymes for plant cell wall depolymerization is crucial. In addition to microbial sources, cellulases also exist in plants, however, are less studied. Fleshy fruit ripening includes enzymatic cell wall hydrolysis, leading to tissue softening. Therefore, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), which produces small fruits that undergo extensive and rapid softening, was selected to explore cellulases of plant origin. We identified 20 glycoside hydrolase family 9 (GH9) cellulases from a recently sequenced bilberry genome, including four of which showed fruit ripening-specific expression and could be associated with fruit softening based on phylogenetic, transcriptomic and gene expression analyses. These four cellulases were secreted enzymes: two B-types and two C-types with a carbohydrate binding module 49. For functional characterization, these four cellulases were expressed in Pichia pastoris. All recombinant enzymes demonstrated glucanase activity toward cellulose and hemicellulose substrates. Particularly, VmGH9C1 demonstrated high activity and ability to degrade cellulose, xyloglucan, and glucomannan. In addition, all the enzymes retained activity under wide pH (6-10) and temperature ranges (optimum 70 °C), revealing the potential applications of plant GH9 cellulases in the industrial bioprocessing of lignocellulose.

Genotypic variation in blueberry flower morphology and nectar reward content affects pollinator attraction in a diverse breeding population.

BACKGROUND: Pollination is crucial to obtaining optimal blueberry yield and fruit quality. Despite substantial investments in seasonal beekeeping services, blueberry producers consistently report suboptimal pollinator visitation and fruit set in some cultivars. Flower morphology and floral rewards are among the key factors that have shown to contribute to pollinator attraction, however little is known about their relative importance for improving yield in the context of plant breeding. Clarifying the relationships between flower morphology, nectar reward content, pollinator recruitment, and pollination outcomes, as well as their genetic components, can inform breeding priorities for enhancing blueberry production. In the present study, we measured ten flower and nectar traits and indices of successful pollination, including fruit set, seed count, and fruit weight in 38 southern highbush blueberry genotypes. Additionally, we assessed pollinator visitation frequency and foraging behavior over two growing seasons. Several statistical models were tested to optimize the prediction of pollinator visitation and pollination success, including partial least squares, BayesB, ridge-regression, and random forest. RESULTS: Random forest models obtained high predictive abilities for pollinator visitation frequency, with values of 0.54, 0.52, and 0.66 for honey bee, bumble bee, and total pollinator visits, respectively. The BayesB model provided the most consistent prediction of fruit set, fruit weight, and seed set, with predictive abilities of 0.07, -0.08, and 0.42, respectively. Variable importance analysis revealed that genotypic differences in nectar volume had the greatest impact on honey bee and bumble bee visitation, although preferences for flower morphological traits varied depending on the foraging task. Flower density was a major driving factor attracting nectar-foraging honey bees and bumble bees, while pollen-foraging bumble bees were most influenced by flower accessibility, specifically corolla length and the length-to-width ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Honey bees comprised the majority of pollinator visits, and were primarily influenced by nectar volume and flower density. Corolla length and the length-to-width ratio were also identified as the main predictors of fruit set, fruit weight, seed count, as well as pollen-foraging bumble bee visits, suggesting that these bees and their foraging preferences may play a pivotal role in fruit production. Moderate to high narrow-sense heritability values (ranging from 0.30 to 0.77) were obtained for all floral traits, indicating that selective breeding efforts may enhance cultivar attractiveness to pollinators.

A new isocoumarin derivative from endophytic fungus Pezicula neosporulosa VDB39 from Vaccinium dunalianum.

Four isocoumarin derivatives (1-4) and five phenols (5-9) were obtained from the endophytic fungus Pezicula neosporulosa VDB39, which was isolated from the branches of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight (Ericaceae). Compound 1 is a new derivative of isocoumarin. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Single X-ray crystallography confirmed the absolute configuration of compound 1. Additionally, the antiphytopathogenic fungi activity of isocoumarin derivatives (1-4) was evaluated.

Monitoring effects on anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin phenolics and ORACFL values of Colombian bilberry (V. meridionale Swartz) during pulping and thermal operations.

Processing of berries usually degrades anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenolics and diminishes antioxidant activity. In Colombia, jelly produced from the fruit of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz is a popular product among consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of jelly processing steps on bioactive components. Analysis of anthocyanins (ACNs) and non-anthocyanin phenolics was performed via HPLC-PDA. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the ORACFL method. The pulping step had the highest impact on ACNs, whose total content was significantly higher in the pomace (747.6 ± 59.2 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside (cyn 3-glu)/100 g) than in the pulp (102.7 ± 8.3 mg cyn 3-glu/100 g). Similarly, pulping caused a significant decrease in flavonols, procyanidins (PACs) and ORACFL values. Despite the effects of processing, Colombian bilberry jelly can be considered a good source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity. The final concentration of ACNs, hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) and flavonols, as well as the ORACFL values in this product were comparable to those of fresh cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and black currant (Ribes nigrum). The results also suggest that the pomace of V. meridionale can be recovered as an excellent source of bioactive compounds.

Fungicide resistance in Botrytis cinerea and identification of Botrytis species associated with blueberry in Michigan.

Botrytis blossom blight and fruit rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a significant threat to blueberries, potentially resulting in substantial economic losses if not effectively managed. Despite the recommendation of various cultural and chemical practices to control this pathogen, there are widespread reports of fungicide resistance, leading to decreased efficacy. This study aimed to characterize the resistance profile of B. cinerea isolated from blighted blossoms and fruit in 2019, 2020 and 2022 (n = 131, 40, and 37 for the respective years). Eight fungicides (fludioxonil, thiabendazole, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, fluopyram, fenhexamid, iprodione, and cyprodinil) were tested using conidial germination at specific discriminatory doses. Additionally, 86 isolates were phylogenetically characterized using the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the protein coding genes: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), heat-shock protein 60 (HSP60), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2). This revealed higher fungicide resistance frequencies in 2020 and 2022 compared to 2019. Over all 3 years, over 80% of the isolates were sensitive to fludioxonil, fluopyram, and fenhexamid. Pyraclostrobin and boscalid showed the lowest sensitivity frequencies (<50%). While multi-fungicide resistance was observed in all the years, none of the isolates demonstrated simultaneous resistance to all tested fungicides. Botrytis cinerea was the most prevalent species among the isolates (74) with intraspecific diversity detected by the genes. Two isolates were found to be closely related to B. fabiopsis, B. galanthina, and B. caroliniana and 10 isolates appeared to be an undescribed species. This study reports the discovery of a potentially new species sympatric with B. cinerea on blueberries in Michigan.

Potential ameliorative effects of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit extract on cisplatin-induced reproductive damage in adult male albino rats.

OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its severe side effects impact testicular function. We investigated the potential protective effects of bilberry extract against CP-induced testicular toxicity. METHODS: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. Control animals received a single oral dose of 0.9% saline. Bilberry-treated rats received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg body weight [BW] dissolved in 1 mL of saline) daily for 10 consecutive days. CP-treated animals were administered a single intraperitoneal dose (7.5 mg/kg BW). Finally, a bilberry+CP group received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 consecutive days, with one intraperitoneal dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg BW) on day 2. We assessed sperm count, motility, viability, and abnormalities, along with testis weight, testis weight-to-BW ratio, antioxidant activity, levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]), sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and testosterone), and apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers, and DNA damage. Testicular tissue underwent histopathological examination. RESULTS: Among CP-treated rats, significantly lower values were observed for testis weight; testis weight-to-BW ratio; levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, and B-cell lymphoma 2; and sperm count, motility, and proportion of normal sperm. CP administration was associated with higher MDA, H2O2, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 levels, along with elevated tail moment. However, bilberry extract administration significantly improved all altered parameters. CONCLUSION: Bilberry treatment demonstrated protective effects and reduced CP-induced testicular toxicity via antioxidant activity and cytoprotection.

Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Vaccinium carlesii Dunn.

Vaccinium L. is an important fruit tree with nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental values. However, the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Vaccinium L. remains largely unexplored. Vaccinium carlesii Dunn is an endemic wild resource in China, which is crucial for blueberry breeding. The V. carlesii mt genomes were sequenced using Illumina and Nanopore, which total length was 636,904 bp with 37 protein coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. We found four pairs of long repeat fragments homologous recombination mediated the generation of substructures in the V. carlesii mt genome. We predicted 383 RNA editing sites, all converting cytosine (C) to uracil (U). According to the phylogenetic analysis, V. carlesii and V. macrocarpon of the Ericaceae exhibited the closest genetic relationship. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the evolution of higher plants, species classification and identification, and will also be useful for further utilization of Vaccinium germplasm resources.