Storage stability of a fluidized-bed agglomerated spray-dried strawberry powder mixture.

Background: Strawberry is a fruit with a high antioxidant capacity due to its richness in phenolic compounds that suffer a rapid post-harvest deterioration. Spray drying is an alternative to reduce losses; however, these powders present problems of instantanisation, making it necessary to implement agglomeration processes. During storage, powdered food products can undergo a series of changes in their amorphous state from a product initially in a vitreous state to a gummy state, where all properties are substantially modified due to the increased mobility of water in the matrix. Methods: The research objective was to evaluate the storage stability (6 months) of a fluidized bed agglomerated strawberry powder mixture at three temperatures (15, 25 and 25°C), a controlled environment at 65% relative moisture, and PET foil laminated film bags as packaging. Moisture, water activity, bulk and compacted density, Carr and Hausner indices, solubility, hygroscopicity, wettability, angle of repose, antioxidant capacities, total phenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, color (CIE-Lab) and particle size were monitored. Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for all dependent variables concerning storage time; storage temperature had no significant effect on S, ABTS, DPPH and Hu. The time-temperature interaction during storage had no significant effect (p>0.05) on S, ABTS, DPPH, Hu and L. The agglomerate showed moisture and aw values that confer excellent stability against deterioration reactions; it retained good fluidity, low cohesiveness, and retentions above 50% for antioxidant capacity, 76% for total phenols, 39% for anthocyanins, and 40% for vitamin C; particle size was retained during the evaluation. The color was only affected in the 35°C treatment from the fifth month onwards. Conclusions: The study will serve as a tool for the determination of the shelf life of the chipboard once the critical values of the attributes selected as predictors of shelf life are defined.

MGIDI: a powerful tool to analyze plant multivariate data.

BACKGROUND: Commonly, several traits are assessed in agronomic experiments to better understand the factors under study. However, it is also common to see that even when several traits are available, researchers opt to follow the easiest way by applying univariate analyses and post-hoc tests for mean comparison for each trait, which arouses the hypothesis that the benefits of a multi-trait framework analysis may have not been fully exploited in this area. RESULTS: In this paper, we extended the theoretical foundations of the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) to analyze multivariate data either in simple experiments (e.g., one-way layout with few treatments and traits) or complex experiments (e.g., with a factorial treatment structure). We proposed an optional weighting process that makes the ranking of treatments that stands out in traits with higher weights more likely. Its application is illustrated using (1) simulated data and (2) real data from a strawberry experiment that aims to select better factor combinations (namely, cultivar, transplant origin, and substrate mixture) based on the desired performance of 22 phenological, productive, physiological, and qualitative traits. Our results show that most of the strawberry traits are influenced by the cultivar, transplant origin, cultivation substrates, as well as by the interaction between cultivar and transplant origin. The MGIDI ranked the Albion cultivar originated from Imported transplants and the Camarosa cultivar originated from National transplants as the better factor combinations. The substrates with burned rice husk as the main component (70%) showed satisfactory physical proprieties, providing higher water use efficiency. The strengths and weakness view provided by the MGIDI revealed that looking for an ideal treatment should direct the efforts on increasing fruit production of Albion transplants from Imported origin. On the other hand, this treatment has strengths related to productive precocity, total soluble solids, and flesh firmness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study opens the door to the use of MGIDI beyond the plant breeding context, providing a unique, practical, robust, and easy-to-handle multi-trait-based framework to analyze multivariate data. There is an exciting possibility for this to open up new avenues of research, mainly because using the MGIDI in future studies will dramatically reduce the number of tables/figures needed, serving as a powerful tool to guide researchers toward better treatment recommendations.

Molecular and structural insights into FaEXPA5, an alpha-expansin protein related with cell wall disassembly during ripening of strawberry fruit.

Cell wall modification is one of the main factors that produce the tissue softening during ripening of many fruit including strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Expansins have been studied for over 20 years as a class of the important cell growth regulators, and in the last years these have been related with the fruit softening. In strawberry, five partial sequences of the expansins genes were described in the past, this analysis showed that FaEXP5 partial gene was present throughout fruit development, but was more strongly expressed during ripening. Now, we reported the full length of this α-expansin (FaEXPA5), whose had been related with fruit softening, and the protein structural was described by homology model. Their transcript accumulation during softening was confirmed by qRT-PCR, displaying a high accumulation rate during fruit ripening. In silico analysis of promoter sequence showed four ABA and two auxin cis-regulatory elements, potentially responsible for the expression patterns observed in response to the hormone treatments. Additionally, 3D protein model displayed two domains and one open groove characteristic of expansin structures. The protein-ligand interactions were evaluated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation using three different long structure ligands (a cellulose fiber, a xyloglucan fiber (XXXG type), and a pectin fiber as control). Favorable interactions were observed with xyloglucan and cellulose, being cellulose the best ligand with lower RMSD value. Additionally, MD simulations showed that FaEXPA5 can interact with the ligands through residues present in the open groove along the two domains.

Efecto del tratamiento y tiempo de almacenamiento sobre los compuestos funcionales de subproductos de mora y fresa / Effect of treatment and storage time on the functional compounds of blackberry and strawberry by-products

RESUMEN Cerca de un tercio de las partes comestibles de los alimentos para el consumo humano se pierden, siendo mermas asociadas a factores de toda la cadena de abastecimiento. Dentro de dichos alimentos, se destacan la fresa (Fragaria ananassa) y la mora (Rubus glaucus Benth), frutas que han demostrado alto poder antioxidante, siendo relacionado con la prevención o el tratamiento de enfermedades. Por consiguiente, con el propósito de evidenciar el potencial para la obtención de compuestos de interés en los subproductos del procesamiento de dichas frutas, el presente estudio, se enfocó en la caracterización de los parámetros fisicoquímicos, color, poder antioxidante y vitamina C, en cuatro condiciones de conservación, durante cuatro semanas; estas fueron: coproducto fresco, refrigerado, secado convencional y liofilización, siendo caracterizadas también por su contenido de minerales. A partir de los resultados, se evidenció baja concentración de sólidos solubles, pH variable, entre 3,2 y 6,4, así como parámetros de color estables, durante el almacenamiento. Adicionalmente, los coproductos con mayor poder antioxidante fueron la semilla de mora liofilizada y el lodo de mora por secado convencional, superando al residuo de fresa en cualquier condición, según los ensayos FRAP y DPPH, respectivamente; no obstante, todas las muestras presentaron bajos contenidos en vitamina C, mientras que se caracterizaron por su alto contenido en potasio y hierro. Por consiguiente, lo anterior, muestra el interés por la obtención de compuestos, como minerales y antioxidantes, a partir de los desechos de mora y de fresa, así como su uso en productos con alto valor agregado.

ABSTRACT Near of one third of the edible food that human being cultivate are loses, which are due to factors from the supply chain. Within these was highlighted strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) and blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth), fruits that have demonstrated high antioxidant potential to which is related with prevention of some diseases. Therefore, with the aim to show the processing by-products' potential in the obtaining of interesting compounds, this study was focused on the characterization of their physicochemical parameters, color, antioxidant power and vitamin C in four preservation conditions for four weeks; these were: fresh by-product, refrigerated, conventional drying and lyophilization; also, mineral description was made for each sample. According to the results, it was proved that the samples had a lower solid soluble concentration, pH between 3.2 and 6.4, and stable color parameters during the storage. In addition, by-products with greater antioxidant power were lyophilizate blackberry seed and conventional drying blackberry sludge, which surpassed the strawberry's results in all the conditions conforming to FRAP and DPPH essays. However, all the samples presented low content of vitamin C, while they exhibited high content of potassium and iron. To sum up, above mentioned woke the interest on the minerals or antioxidant obtention from blackberry and strawberry by-products to which can be used in products with high value added.

Role of ethylene and related gene expression in the interaction between strawberry plants and the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense.

Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is one of the indirect mechanisms of growth promotion exerted by plant growth-promoting bacteria, and can be mediated by ethylene (ET). We assessed ET production and the expression of related genes in the Azospirillum-strawberry plant interaction. Ethylene production was evaluated by gas chromatography in plants inoculated or not with A. brasilense REC3. Also, plants were treated with AgNO3 , an inhibitor of ET biosynthesis; with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), a precursor of ET biosynthesis; and with indole acetic acid (IAA). Plant dry biomass and the growth index were determined to assess the growth-promoting effect of A. brasilense REC3 in strawberry plants. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyse relative expression of the genes Faetr1, Faers1 and Faein4, which encode ET receptors; Factr1 and Faein2, involved in the ET signalling pathway; Faacs1 encoding ACC synthase; Faaco1 encoding ACC oxidase; and Faaux1 and Faami1 for IAA synthesis enzymes. Results showed that ET acts as a rapid and transient signal in the first 12 h post-treatment. A. brasilense REC3-inoculated plants had a significantly higher growth index compared to control plants. Modulation of the genes Faetr1, Faers1, Faein4, Factr1, Faein2 and Faaco1 indicated activation of ET synthesis and signalling pathways. The up-regulation of Faaux1 and Faami1 involved in IAA synthesis suggested that inoculation with A. brasilense REC3 induces production of this auxin, modulating ET signalling. Ethylene production and up-regulation of genes associated with ET signalling in strawberry plants inoculated with A. brasilense REC3 support the priming activation characteristic of ISR. This type of resistance and the activation of systemic acquired resistance previously observed in this interaction indicate that both are present in strawberry plants, could act synergistically and increase protection against pathogens.

Relationship between production, nematodes and "redness" in strawberries / Relação entre produção, nematoide e o sintoma de "vermelhão" em morangueiros

In recent years "redness" has increasingly appeared in strawberry plants with leaves taking on a reddish color. No causal agent has been associated with plants. Since strawberries presented problems due to the incidence of nematodes, the purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between production, resistance to the Meloidogyne hapla nematode and the "redness" symptom in strawberry cultivars. Two experiments were performed, both with the 'Camino Real', 'Festival', 'Oso Grande', 'Albion' and 'Camarosa' cultivars. The first experiment was performed in the field, where the following were evaluated: strawberry production, fruit quality, macro and micronutrient contents in fruit and leaves, percentage of plant survival, incidence of nematodes, quantity of eggs in the roots and juveniles in the soil, and the incidence of Botrytis cinerea . In the second experiment, the strawberries were transplanted into pots and filled with pinus bark-based commercial substrate. Half the pots were inocculated with Meloidogyne hapla . Cultivars presented differences in fruit production and also in the incidence of "redness". Lowest performance in production was related to the high incidence of the nematode Meloidogyne hapla. 'Oso Grande' and 'Albion' presented nematode-resistant behavior. It was possible find a relationship between the incidence of the Meloidogyne hapla nematode, and the incidence of "redness" only 'Camino Real' cultivar.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, vem aumentando o aparecimento do "vermelhão" nos morangueiros, que ficam com as folhas avermelhadas. Nenhum agente causal foi associado às plantas. Devido aos plantios de morangueiros apresentarem problemas pela incidência de nematoide, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a relação entre produção, resistência ao nematoide Meloidogyne hapla e o sintoma de "vermelhão" em cultivares de morangueiro. Foram realizados dois experimentos, ambos com as cultivares 'Camino Real', 'Festival', 'Oso Grande', 'Albion' e 'Camarosa'. O primeiro experimento foi realizado a campo, onde se avaliaram a produção de morangos, qualidade dos frutos, teores de macro e micronutrientes em frutos e folhas, porcentagem de sobrevivência das plantas, incidência de nematoides, quantidade de ovos nas raízes e juvenis no solo e a incidência de Botrytis cinerea. No segundo experimento, os morangueiros foram transplantados em vasos e preenchidos com substrato comercial a base de casca de pinus. Metade dos vasos foi inoculada com Meloidogyne hapla. As cultivares apresentaram diferenças na produção de frutos e também na incidência de "vermelhão". O menor desempenho produtivo relaciona-se com a alta incidência de nematoide Meloidogyne hapla. 'Oso Grande' e 'Albion' se comportaram como resistentes ao nematoide. Foi possível relacionar a incidência de nematoide Meloidogyne hapla com a de "vermelhão" apenas na cultivar 'Camino Real'.(AU)

Relationship between production, nematodes and "redness" in strawberries / Relação entre produção, nematoide e o sintoma de "vermelhão" em morangueiros

ABSTRACT: In recent years "redness" has increasingly appeared in strawberry plants with leaves taking on a reddish color. No causal agent has been associated with plants. Since strawberries presented problems due to the incidence of nematodes, the purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between production, resistance to the Meloidogyne hapla nematode and the "redness" symptom in strawberry cultivars. Two experiments were performed, both with the 'Camino Real', 'Festival', 'Oso Grande', 'Albion' and 'Camarosa' cultivars. The first experiment was performed in the field, where the following were evaluated: strawberry production, fruit quality, macro and micronutrient contents in fruit and leaves, percentage of plant survival, incidence of nematodes, quantity of eggs in the roots and juveniles in the soil, and the incidence of Botrytis cinerea . In the second experiment, the strawberries were transplanted into pots and filled with pinus bark-based commercial substrate. Half the pots were inocculated with Meloidogyne hapla . Cultivars presented differences in fruit production and also in the incidence of "redness". Lowest performance in production was related to the high incidence of the nematode Meloidogyne hapla. 'Oso Grande' and 'Albion' presented nematode-resistant behavior. It was possible find a relationship between the incidence of the Meloidogyne hapla nematode, and the incidence of "redness" only 'Camino Real' cultivar.

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, vem aumentando o aparecimento do "vermelhão" nos morangueiros, que ficam com as folhas avermelhadas. Nenhum agente causal foi associado às plantas. Devido aos plantios de morangueiros apresentarem problemas pela incidência de nematoide, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a relação entre produção, resistência ao nematoide Meloidogyne hapla e o sintoma de "vermelhão" em cultivares de morangueiro. Foram realizados dois experimentos, ambos com as cultivares 'Camino Real', 'Festival', 'Oso Grande', 'Albion' e 'Camarosa'. O primeiro experimento foi realizado a campo, onde se avaliaram a produção de morangos, qualidade dos frutos, teores de macro e micronutrientes em frutos e folhas, porcentagem de sobrevivência das plantas, incidência de nematoides, quantidade de ovos nas raízes e juvenis no solo e a incidência de Botrytis cinerea. No segundo experimento, os morangueiros foram transplantados em vasos e preenchidos com substrato comercial a base de casca de pinus. Metade dos vasos foi inoculada com Meloidogyne hapla. As cultivares apresentaram diferenças na produção de frutos e também na incidência de "vermelhão". O menor desempenho produtivo relaciona-se com a alta incidência de nematoide Meloidogyne hapla. 'Oso Grande' e 'Albion' se comportaram como resistentes ao nematoide. Foi possível relacionar a incidência de nematoide Meloidogyne hapla com a de "vermelhão" apenas na cultivar 'Camino Real'.

Efeito da gelatina incolor e comercial associada a extratos vegetais como revestimento comestível na pós-colheita do morango / Effect of gelatine colourless and commercial associated with plant extracts as edible coating in strawberry post-harves

In order to preserve the shelf life of the strawberry and other fruits for as long as possible, technologies are presently being studied to increase in post-harvest durability. The aim of this paper was to assess the effect of gelatine associated to vegetable extracts in the post-harvest life of strawberries. The strawberries were obtained from a commercial cultivation, in the town of Goioerê/PR. Four successive treatments of five repetitions were applied, being: 1st Witness (only the strawberries); 2nd Gelatine; 3rd Gelatine with peppermint vegetable extract; 4th Gelatine with clove vegetable extract. The analyses made were of the pH, titratableacidity, soluble solids, ratio, loss of mass and visual assessment. The results obtained show that the biofilms were not sufficient to prolong the life of the strawberries.(AU)

Para que a vida de prateleira do morango e outras frutas sejam preservadas pelo maior período possível, atualmente são estudadas tecnologias que visam o aumento da durabilidade pós-colheita. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da gelatina associada a extratos vegetais na vida útil pós-colheita do morango. Os morangos foram adquiridos em cultivo comercial, na cidade de Goioerê/PR. Foram aplicados quatro tratamentos seguidos de cinco repetições, sendo: 1º Tratamento controle (só os morangos); 2º Gelatina; 3º Gelatina com extrato vegetal de hortelã e 4º Gelatina com extrato vegetal de cravo da índia. As análises realizadas foram de pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, ratio, perda de massa e avaliação visual. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que os biofilmes de gelatina comercial e incolor associada a extratos vegetais não foram suficientes para prolongar a vida útil do morango.(AU)

Efeito da gelatina incolor e comercial associada a extratos vegetais como revestimento comestível na pós-colheita do morango / Effect of gelatine colourless and commercial associated with plant extracts as edible coating in strawberry post-harves

In order to preserve the shelf life of the strawberry and other fruits for as long as possible, technologies are presently being studied to increase in post-harvest durability. The aim of this paper was to assess the effect of gelatine associated to vegetable extracts in the post-harvest life of strawberries. The strawberries were obtained from a commercial cultivation, in the town of Goioerê/PR. Four successive treatments of five repetitions were applied, being: 1st Witness (only the strawberries); 2nd Gelatine; 3rd Gelatine with peppermint vegetable extract; 4th Gelatine with clove vegetable extract. The analyses made were of the pH, titratableacidity, soluble solids, ratio, loss of mass and visual assessment. The results obtained show that the biofilms were not sufficient to prolong the life of the strawberries.

Para que a vida de prateleira do morango e outras frutas sejam preservadas pelo maior período possível, atualmente são estudadas tecnologias que visam o aumento da durabilidade pós-colheita. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da gelatina associada a extratos vegetais na vida útil pós-colheita do morango. Os morangos foram adquiridos em cultivo comercial, na cidade de Goioerê/PR. Foram aplicados quatro tratamentos seguidos de cinco repetições, sendo: 1º Tratamento controle (só os morangos); 2º Gelatina; 3º Gelatina com extrato vegetal de hortelã e 4º Gelatina com extrato vegetal de cravo da índia. As análises realizadas foram de pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, ratio, perda de massa e avaliação visual. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que os biofilmes de gelatina comercial e incolor associada a extratos vegetais não foram suficientes para prolongar a vida útil do morango.

Physiological, structural and molecular traits activated in strawberry plants after inoculation with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3.

The plant growth-promoting strain REC3 of Azospirillum brasilense, isolated from strawberry roots, prompts growth promotion and systemic protection against anthracnose disease in this crop. Hence, we hypothesised that A. brasilense REC3 can induce different physiological, structural and molecular responses in strawberry plants. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study these traits activated in Azospirillum-colonised strawberry plants, which have not been assessed until now. Healthy, in vitro micropropagated plants were root-inoculated with REC3 under hydroponic conditions; root and leaf tissues were sampled at different times, and oxidative burst, phenolic compound content, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, callose deposition, cell wall fortification and gene expression were evaluated. Azospirillum inoculation enhanced levels of soluble phenolic compounds after 12 h post-inoculation (hpi), while amounts of cell wall bound phenolics were similar in inoculated and control plants. Other early responses activated by REC3 (at 24 hpi) were a decline of lipid peroxidation and up-regulation of strawberry genes involved in defence (FaPR1), bacterial recognition (FaFLS2) and H2O2 depuration (FaCAT and FaAPXc). The last may explain the apparent absence of oxidative burst in leaves after bacterial inoculation. Also, REC3 inoculation induced delayed structural responses such as callose deposition and cell wall fortification (at 72 hpi). Results showed that A. brasilense REC3 is capable of exerting beneficial effects on strawberry plants, reinforcing their physiological and cellular characteristics, which in turns contribute to improve plant performance.

Estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de morangueiro submetidos a número variável de subcultivos in vitro / Phenotypic stability of strawberry genotypes subjected to variable number of in vitro subcultures

Objetivando analisar o número de subcultivos que permita a multiplicação do morangueiro, sem que ocorram alterações nas características fenotípicas dos clones submetidos a esse processo, explantes dos genótipos 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' foram submetidos, em uma primeira etapa, a 12 ciclos de subcultivos in vitro e, no ano seguinte, explantes dos mesmos genótipos, das mesmas plantas matrizes, foram subcultivados por três ciclos. Após a fase de aclimatização, as mudas foram transplantadas para canteiros, e o experimento conduzido segundo delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2 (genótipos e níveis de subcultivos). As características avaliadas foram: altura da planta e comprimento da raiz (cm), massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz (g) e número de estolões por planta. Na avaliação a campo das características fenotípicas, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois níveis de subcultivos. As cultivares 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' apresentaram maior variação entre os dois níveis de subcultivos, sendo as maiores variações observadas em plantas submetidas a três subcultivos. Com 12 subcultivos in vitro de plantas de morangueiro, das cultivares 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real', é possível obter maior número de mudas micropropagadas sem alterações nas características fenotípicas. A cultivar 'Aromas' apresentou uma maior estabilidade nas características fenotípicas estudadas em relação aos diferentes ciclos de subcultivo in vitro.

In order to increase the availability of healthy strawberry seedlings, this study aimed to analyze the number of subcultures that enables multiplication on a large scale, without the occurrence of changes in phenotypic characteristics of clones through the process of in vitro micropropagation. In a first step, explants of the cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', at the Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture, were submitted to twelve subculture cycles, and in the following year, explants of the same cultivars, from the same mother plants, were subcultured for three cycles. The acclimatization and evaluation of the plants in the field were conducted in a greenhouse at the Horticulture Sector of the Instituto of Agronomia of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial, (genotypes and subculture levels). The characteristics evaluated were plant height and root length (cm), fresh mass and dry mass of shoots and roots (g) and number of stolons per plant. In the field evaluation, no differences between the two levels of subcultures were observed. Cultivars 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real' showed the highest variation between the two levels of subcultures, with the greatest variations observed in plants subjected to three subcultures. With twelve in vitro subcultures of strawberry plants, of cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', it is possible to obtain greater number of plantlets without changes in phenotypic characteristics. The cultivar 'Aromas' showed greater stability in phenotypic characteristics studied in relation to different cycles of in vitro subculture.

Estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de morangueiro submetidos a número variável de subcultivos in vitro

In order to increase the availability of healthy strawberry seedlings, this study aimed to analyze the number of subcultures that enables multiplication on a large scale, without the occurrence of changes in phenotypic characteristics of clones through the process of in vitro micropropagation. In a first step, explants of the cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', at the Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture, were submitted to twelve subculture cycles, and in the following year, explants of the same cultivars, from the same mother plants, were subcultured for three cycles. The acclimatization and evaluation of the plants in the field were conducted in a greenhouse at the Horticulture Sector of the Instituto of Agronomia of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial, (genotypes and subculture levels). The characteristics evaluated were plant height and root length (cm), fresh mass and dry mass of shoots and roots (g) and number of stolons per plant. In the field evaluation, no differences between the two levels of subcultures were observed. Cultivars 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real' showed the highest variation between the two levels of subcultures, with the greatest variations observed in plants subjected to three subcultures. With twelve in vitro subcultures of strawberry plants, of cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', it is possible to obtain greater number of plantlets without changes in phenotypic characteristics. The cultivar 'Aromas' showed greater stability in phenotypic characteristics studied in relation to different cycles of in vitro subculture.

Objetivando analisar o número de subcultivos que permita a multiplicação do morangueiro, sem que ocorram alterações nas características fenotípicas dos clones submetidos a esse processo, explantes dos genótipos 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' foram submetidos, em uma primeira etapa, a 12 ciclos de subcultivos in vitro e, no ano seguinte, explantes dos mesmos genótipos, das mesmas plantas matrizes, foram subcultivados por três ciclos. Após a fase de aclimatização, as mudas foram transplantadas para canteiros, e o experimento conduzido segundo delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2 (genótipos e níveis de subcultivos). As características avaliadas foram: altura da planta e comprimento da raiz (cm), massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz (g) e número de estolões por planta. Na avaliação a campo das características fenotípicas, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois níveis de subcultivos. As cultivares 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' apresentaram maior variação entre os dois níveis de subcultivos, sendo as maiores variações observadas em plantas submetidas a três subcultivos. Com 12 subcultivos in vitro de plantas de morangueiro, das cultivares 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real', é possível obter maior número de mudas micropropagadas sem alterações nas características fenotípicas. A cultivar 'Aromas' apresentou uma maior estabilidade nas características fenotípicas estudadas em relação aos diferentes ciclos de subcultivo in vitro.

Estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de morangueiro submetidos a número variável de subcultivos in vitro

In order to increase the availability of healthy strawberry seedlings, this study aimed to analyze the number of subcultures that enables multiplication on a large scale, without the occurrence of changes in phenotypic characteristics of clones through the process of in vitro micropropagation. In a first step, explants of the cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', at the Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture, were submitted to twelve subculture cycles, and in the following year, explants of the same cultivars, from the same mother plants, were subcultured for three cycles. The acclimatization and evaluation of the plants in the field were conducted in a greenhouse at the Horticulture Sector of the Instituto of Agronomia of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial, (genotypes and subculture levels). The characteristics evaluated were plant height and root length (cm), fresh mass and dry mass of shoots and roots (g) and number of stolons per plant. In the field evaluation, no differences between the two levels of subcultures were observed. Cultivars 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real' showed the highest variation between the two levels of subcultures, with the greatest variations observed in plants subjected to three subcultures. With twelve in vitro subcultures of strawberry plants, of cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', it is possible to obtain greater number of plantlets without changes in phenotypic characteristics. The cultivar 'Aromas' showed greater stability in phenotypic characteristics studied in relation to different cycles of in vitro subculture.

Objetivando analisar o número de subcultivos que permita a multiplicação do morangueiro, sem que ocorram alterações nas características fenotípicas dos clones submetidos a esse processo, explantes dos genótipos 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' foram submetidos, em uma primeira etapa, a 12 ciclos de subcultivos in vitro e, no ano seguinte, explantes dos mesmos genótipos, das mesmas plantas matrizes, foram subcultivados por três ciclos. Após a fase de aclimatização, as mudas foram transplantadas para canteiros, e o experimento conduzido segundo delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2 (genótipos e níveis de subcultivos). As características avaliadas foram: altura da planta e comprimento da raiz (cm), massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz (g) e número de estolões por planta. Na avaliação a campo das características fenotípicas, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois níveis de subcultivos. As cultivares 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' apresentaram maior variação entre os dois níveis de subcultivos, sendo as maiores variações observadas em plantas submetidas a três subcultivos. Com 12 subcultivos in vitro de plantas de morangueiro, das cultivares 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real', é possível obter maior número de mudas micropropagadas sem alterações nas características fenotípicas. A cultivar 'Aromas' apresentou uma maior estabilidade nas características fenotípicas estudadas em relação aos diferentes ciclos de subcultivo in vitro.

Estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de morangueiro submetidos a número variável de subcultivos in vitro

In order to increase the availability of healthy strawberry seedlings, this study aimed to analyze the number of subcultures that enables multiplication on a large scale, without the occurrence of changes in phenotypic characteristics of clones through the process of in vitro micropropagation. In a first step, explants of the cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', at the Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture, were submitted to twelve subculture cycles, and in the following year, explants of the same cultivars, from the same mother plants, were subcultured for three cycles. The acclimatization and evaluation of the plants in the field were conducted in a greenhouse at the Horticulture Sector of the Instituto of Agronomia of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial, (genotypes and subculture levels). The characteristics evaluated were plant height and root length (cm), fresh mass and dry mass of shoots and roots (g) and number of stolons per plant. In the field evaluation, no differences between the two levels of subcultures were observed. Cultivars 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real' showed the highest variation between the two levels of subcultures, with the greatest variations observed in plants subjected to three subcultures. With twelve in vitro subcultures of strawberry plants, of cultivars 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real', it is possible to obtain greater number of plantlets without changes in phenotypic characteristics. The cultivar 'Aromas' showed greater stability in phenotypic characteristics studied in relation to different cycles of in vitro subculture.

Objetivando analisar o número de subcultivos que permita a multiplicação do morangueiro, sem que ocorram alterações nas características fenotípicas dos clones submetidos a esse processo, explantes dos genótipos 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' foram submetidos, em uma primeira etapa, a 12 ciclos de subcultivos in vitro e, no ano seguinte, explantes dos mesmos genótipos, das mesmas plantas matrizes, foram subcultivados por três ciclos. Após a fase de aclimatização, as mudas foram transplantadas para canteiros, e o experimento conduzido segundo delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2 (genótipos e níveis de subcultivos). As características avaliadas foram: altura da planta e comprimento da raiz (cm), massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz (g) e número de estolões por planta. Na avaliação a campo das características fenotípicas, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois níveis de subcultivos. As cultivares 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' apresentaram maior variação entre os dois níveis de subcultivos, sendo as maiores variações observadas em plantas submetidas a três subcultivos. Com 12 subcultivos in vitro de plantas de morangueiro, das cultivares 'Aromas', 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real', é possível obter maior número de mudas micropropagadas sem alterações nas características fenotípicas. A cultivar 'Aromas' apresentou uma maior estabilidade nas características fenotípicas estudadas em relação aos diferentes ciclos de subcultivo in vitro.

An improved method for genomic DNA extraction from strawberry leaves / Otimização de um método para extração de DNA genômico a partir de folhas de morangueiro

Several extraction methods of genomic DNA for identification and characterization of genetic diversity in different plant species are routinely applied during molecular analysis. However, the presence of undesirable compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides is one of the biggest problems faced during the isolation and purification of high quality DNA in plants. Therefore, achievement of fast and accurate methods for DNA extraction is crucial in order to produce pure samples. Leaves of strawberry genotypes (Fragaria ananassa) have high contents of polysaccharides and polyphenols which increase the sample viscosity and decrease the DNA quality, interfering with the PCR performance. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the quality and amount of genomic DNA extracted from young leaves of strawberry after tissue lyophilization and maceration in presence of polivinilpirrolidone (PVP). The CTAB method was used as reference procedure and it was modified to improve the DNA extraction. The modifications consisted of tissue lyophilization overnight until it was completely freeze-dried and addition of PVP during the tissue maceration in liquid nitrogen. The results showed the efficiency and reliability of the modified method compared to the unmodified method, indicating that combination of lyophilization and PVP improve the quality and amount of the DNA extracted from strawberry leaves.

Vários métodos de extração de DNA genômico para a identificação e caracterização da diversidade genética em diferentes espécies de plantas são rotineiramente aplicados durante a análise molecular. Entretanto, a presença de compostos indesejáveis, tais como polifenóis e polissacarídeos, é um dos maiores problemas que ocorrem durante o isolamento e purificação de DNA de alta qualidade em plantas. Dessa forma, o sucesso no desenvolvimento de métodos de extração de DNA rápidos e acurados é crucial para produzir amostras puras. Folhas de genótipos de morangueiro (Fragaria ananassa) têm elevado conteúdo de polissacarídeos e polifenóis que aumentam a viscosidade da amostra e reduzem a qualidade do DNA, interferindo no desempenho da PCR. Neste estudo, avaliamos a qualidade e a quantidade de DNA genômico extraído de folhas jovens de morangueiro após a liofilização do tecido e a maceração na presença de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP). O método CTAB foi utilizado como procedimento de referência e foi modificado para melhorar a extração do DNA. As modificações consistiram na liofilização do tecido a baixa temperatura até que ele tivesse sido desidratado completamente, associada à adição de PVP durante a maceração do tecido no nitrogênio líquido. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a confiabilidade do método modificado comparado ao método não modificado, indicando que a combinação da liofilização com PVP melhora a qualidade e quantidade do DNA extraído de folhas de morangueiro.

Genetic similarity among strawberry cultivars assessed by RAPD and ISSR markers

Most strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) cultivars used in Brazil are developed in other countries, it became clear the need to start the strawberry breeding program in the country. To start a breeding program is necessary the genetic characterization of the germplasm available. Molecular markers are important tools that can be used for this purpose. The objectives of the present study were to assess the genetic similarity among 11 strawberry cultivars using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers and to indicate the possible promising crosses. The DNA of the eleven strawberry cultivars was extracted and amplified by PCR with RAPD and ISSR primers. The DNA fragments were separated in agarose gel for the RAPD markers and in polyacrylamide gel for the ISSR markers. The genetic similarity matrix was estimated by the Jaccard coefficient. Based on this matrix, the cultivars were grouped using the UPGMA method. The dendogram generated by the RAPD markers distributed the cultivars in three groups while the ISSR markers generated two groups. There was no direct relationship between the marker groups when the two types of markers were compared. The grouping proposed by the ISSR markers was more coherent with the origin and the genealogy of the cultivars than that proposed by the RAPD markers, and it can be considered the most efficient method for the study of genetic divergence in strawberry. The most promising crosses, based on the genetic divergence estimated from the RAPD and ISSR molecular data were between the Tudla and Ventana and the Oso Grande and Ventana cultivars, respectively.

Genetic similarity among strawberry cultivars assessed by RAPD and ISSR markers

Most strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) cultivars used in Brazil are developed in other countries, it became clear the need to start the strawberry breeding program in the country. To start a breeding program is necessary the genetic characterization of the germplasm available. Molecular markers are important tools that can be used for this purpose. The objectives of the present study were to assess the genetic similarity among 11 strawberry cultivars using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers and to indicate the possible promising crosses. The DNA of the eleven strawberry cultivars was extracted and amplified by PCR with RAPD and ISSR primers. The DNA fragments were separated in agarose gel for the RAPD markers and in polyacrylamide gel for the ISSR markers. The genetic similarity matrix was estimated by the Jaccard coefficient. Based on this matrix, the cultivars were grouped using the UPGMA method. The dendogram generated by the RAPD markers distributed the cultivars in three groups while the ISSR markers generated two groups. There was no direct relationship between the marker groups when the two types of markers were compared. The grouping proposed by the ISSR markers was more coherent with the origin and the genealogy of the cultivars than that proposed by the RAPD markers, and it can be considered the most efficient method for the study of genetic divergence in strawberry. The most promising crosses, based on the genetic divergence estimated from the RAPD and ISSR molecular data were between the Tudla and Ventana and the Oso Grande and Ventana cultivars, respectively.

An improved method for genomic DNA extraction from strawberry leaves

Several extraction methods of genomic DNA for identification and characterization of genetic diversity in different plant species are routinely applied during molecular analysis. However, the presence of undesirable compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides is one of the biggest problems faced during the isolation and purification of high quality DNA in plants. Therefore, achievement of fast and accurate methods for DNA extraction is crucial in order to produce pure samples. Leaves of strawberry genotypes (Fragaria ananassa) have high contents of polysaccharides and polyphenols which increase the sample viscosity and decrease the DNA quality, interfering with the PCR performance. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the quality and amount of genomic DNA extracted from young leaves of strawberry after tissue lyophilization and maceration in presence of polivinilpirrolidone (PVP). The CTAB method was used as reference procedure and it was modified to improve the DNA extraction. The modifications consisted of tissue lyophilization overnight until it was completely freeze-dried and addition of PVP during the tissue maceration in liquid nitrogen. The results showed the efficiency and reliability of the modified method compared to the unmodified method, indicating that combination of lyophilization and PVP improve the quality and amount of the DNA extracted from strawberry leaves.

Vários métodos de extração de DNA genômico para a identificação e caracterização da diversidade genética em diferentes espécies de plantas são rotineiramente aplicados durante a análise molecular. Entretanto, a presença de compostos indesejáveis, tais como polifenóis e polissacarídeos, é um dos maiores problemas que ocorrem durante o isolamento e purificação de DNA de alta qualidade em plantas. Dessa forma, o sucesso no desenvolvimento de métodos de extração de DNA rápidos e acurados é crucial para produzir amostras puras. Folhas de genótipos de morangueiro (Fragaria ananassa) têm elevado conteúdo de polissacarídeos e polifenóis que aumentam a viscosidade da amostra e reduzem a qualidade do DNA, interferindo no desempenho da PCR. Neste estudo, avaliamos a qualidade e a quantidade de DNA genômico extraído de folhas jovens de morangueiro após a liofilização do tecido e a maceração na presença de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP). O método CTAB foi utilizado como procedimento de referência e foi modificado para melhorar a extração do DNA. As modificações consistiram na liofilização do tecido a baixa temperatura até que ele tivesse sido desidratado completamente, associada à adição de PVP durante a maceração do tecido no nitrogênio líquido. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a confiabilidade do método modificado comparado ao método não modificado, indicando que a combinação da liofilização com PVP melhora a qualidade e quantidade do DNA extraído de folhas de morangueiro.

An improved method for genomic DNA extraction from strawberry leaves

Several extraction methods of genomic DNA for identification and characterization of genetic diversity in different plant species are routinely applied during molecular analysis. However, the presence of undesirable compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides is one of the biggest problems faced during the isolation and purification of high quality DNA in plants. Therefore, achievement of fast and accurate methods for DNA extraction is crucial in order to produce pure samples. Leaves of strawberry genotypes (Fragaria ananassa) have high contents of polysaccharides and polyphenols which increase the sample viscosity and decrease the DNA quality, interfering with the PCR performance. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the quality and amount of genomic DNA extracted from young leaves of strawberry after tissue lyophilization and maceration in presence of polivinilpirrolidone (PVP). The CTAB method was used as reference procedure and it was modified to improve the DNA extraction. The modifications consisted of tissue lyophilization overnight until it was completely freeze-dried and addition of PVP during the tissue maceration in liquid nitrogen. The results showed the efficiency and reliability of the modified method compared to the unmodified method, indicating that combination of lyophilization and PVP improve the quality and amount of the DNA extracted from strawberry leaves.

Vários métodos de extração de DNA genômico para a identificação e caracterização da diversidade genética em diferentes espécies de plantas são rotineiramente aplicados durante a análise molecular. Entretanto, a presença de compostos indesejáveis, tais como polifenóis e polissacarídeos, é um dos maiores problemas que ocorrem durante o isolamento e purificação de DNA de alta qualidade em plantas. Dessa forma, o sucesso no desenvolvimento de métodos de extração de DNA rápidos e acurados é crucial para produzir amostras puras. Folhas de genótipos de morangueiro (Fragaria ananassa) têm elevado conteúdo de polissacarídeos e polifenóis que aumentam a viscosidade da amostra e reduzem a qualidade do DNA, interferindo no desempenho da PCR. Neste estudo, avaliamos a qualidade e a quantidade de DNA genômico extraído de folhas jovens de morangueiro após a liofilização do tecido e a maceração na presença de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP). O método CTAB foi utilizado como procedimento de referência e foi modificado para melhorar a extração do DNA. As modificações consistiram na liofilização do tecido a baixa temperatura até que ele tivesse sido desidratado completamente, associada à adição de PVP durante a maceração do tecido no nitrogênio líquido. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a confiabilidade do método modificado comparado ao método não modificado, indicando que a combinação da liofilização com PVP melhora a qualidade e quantidade do DNA extraído de folhas de morangueiro.

Modificações nas atividades da poligalacturonase e pectinametilesterase em morangos armazenados a temperatura ambiente / Modifications in the activities of poligalacturonase and pectinametilesterase in stored strawberries the ambient temperature

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar as modificações da poligalacturonase (PG) e da pectinametilesterase (PME) em morangos cultivados na região de Lavras, MG, e armazenados em temperatura ambiente. Foram utilizados morangos das cultivares 'Oso-grande', 'Toyorrinho' e 'Tudla'. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições, sendo os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial (3X2), sendo 3 cultivares e 2 dias de análises (0 e 5 dias). A parcela experimental foi constituída por 10 frutos. Durante o armazenamento houve uma diminuição nos teores de pectina total e um aumento nos de pectina solúvel em todas as variedades analisadas. A atividade da PG e PME aumentaram com o período de armazenamento, independente da cultivar.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the modifications of the polygalacturonase (PG) and the pectinmethilesterase (PME) in strawberries cultivated in the region of Lavras, MG, and stored at room temperature. Strawberries of the research were used for plantation of 'Oso-grande', 'Toyorrinho' and 'Tudla'. The entirely randomized design with 4 replicates was used, being the treatments arranged in factorial (3x2), being 3 plantations and 2 days of analyses (0 and 5 days). The experimental parcel was consisted by 10 fruits. During the storage there was a reduction in the levels of total pectin and an increase in the ones of soluble pectin in all the analyzed varieties. With the period of storage the PG and PME activity grew, independent of the cultivar.