Breeding Trait Priorities of the Cranberry Industry in the United States and Canada

Gallardo, R. Karina; Klingthong, Parichat; Zhang, Qi; Polashock, James J.; Atucha, Amaya; Zalapa, Juan; Rodriguez‐Saona, Cesar; Vorsa, Nicholi; Iorizzo, Massimo

doi:10.21273/hortsci13219-18

Cited by 19 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…We also compared levels of several plant defense compounds between phytoplasma-infected and uninfected cranberry plants. Although phytoplasma infection did not affect flavonol levels, it significantly reduced concentrations of proanthocyanidins; these are polyphenolic compounds found in many vascular plants that play an important role in anti-microbial defense but can also act as herbivore deterrents and thus reduce insect feeding (Fisk, 1980;Bernays, 1981;Van Huynh and Bevington, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Phytoplasma Infection of Cranberries Benefits Non-vector Phytophagous Insects

et al. 2019

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Despite increasing knowledge about the impacts of pathogens on the interactions between plants and insect vectors, relatively little is known about their effects on other, non-vector, organisms. In cranberries, phytoplasma infection causes false blossom disease, which is transmitted by leafhoppers. We hypothesized that changes in plant chemistry induced by phytoplasma infection might affect the performance and feeding behavior not only of vectors but also of other phytophagous insects. To test this, we measured growth, survival, and the number of leaves damaged by larvae of three common non-vector herbivores: spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela Robinson), Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens), and gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) on phytoplasma-infected and uninfected cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We also assessed the effects of phytoplasma infection on nutrients and phytochemistry related to defenses. In general, larvae of all three herbivore species grew 2-3 times bigger, and damaged 1.5-3.5 times more leaves, while feeding on infected vs. uninfected plants. Survival of Sparganothis fruitworm larvae was also ∼1.5 times higher on infected plants, while spotted fireworm and gypsy moth larval survival was not affected. In a long-term (5-week) assay, gypsy moth larval survival and mass were enhanced when feeding on phytoplasma-infected leaves. Levels of important plant nutrients (e.g., N, P, K, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, B, Al, and Na) were higher in infected plants, while levels of defensive proanthocyanidins were reduced by 20-40% compared to uninfected plants. In contrast, levels of Mg were lower in infected plants, while concentrations of Cu, Zn, and defensive flavonols were not affected. Taken together, these findings suggest that phytoplasma infection enhances plant nutritional quality, while reducing plant defenses in cranberries. These effects, in turn, may explain the observed enhancement of non-vector herbivore performance, as well as the higher number of damaged leaves, on infected plants. Improved understanding of the ecology of pathogen-plant-herbivore interactions could aid efforts to enhance plant resistance and suppress disease transmission in agricultural settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Phytoplasma Infection of Cranberries Benefits Non-vector Phytophagous Insects

et al. 2019

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“…The experimental accessions tested were ‘J21’, ‘M34’, ‘Valley 95’, and ‘Yellow Bell’. ‘Stevens’ is the industry standard and most widely planted cultivar, accounting for over 40% of the total U.S. acreage [13]. ‘Mullica Queen’, ‘Sundance’, and ‘Crimson King’ are increasingly popular new varieties [13].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The same respondents also indicated that fruit firmness was the fruit quality trait they believed to be the most important for breeding efforts. Fruit firmness is important to increase the production of SDCs, which are critical for the economic viability of the cranberry industry [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive analysis of the internal structure and firmness in American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) fruit

et al. 2019

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BackgroundCranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) fruit quality traits encompass many properties. Although visual appearance and fruit nutritional constitution have usually been the most important attributes, cranberry textural properties such as firmness have recently gained importance in the industry. Fruit firmness has become a quality standard due to the recent demand increase for sweetened and dried cranberries (SDC), which are currently the most profitable cranberry product. Traditionally, this trait has been measured by the cranberry industry using compression tests; however, it is poorly understood how fruit firmness is influenced by other characteristics.ResultsIn this study, we developed a high-throughput computer-vision method to measure the internal structure of cranberry fruit, which may in turn influence cranberry fruit firmness. We measured the internal structure of 16 cranberry cultivars measured over a 40-day period, representing more than 3000 individual fruit evaluated for 10 different traits. The internal structure data paired with fruit firmness values at each evaluation period allowed us to explore the correlations between firmness and internal morphological characteristics.ConclusionsOur study highlights the potential use of internal structure and firmness data as a decision-making tool for cranberry processing, especially to determine optimal harvest times and ensure high quality fruit. In particular, this study introduces novel methods to define key parameters of cranberry fruit that have not been characterized in cranberry yet. This project will aid in the future evaluation of cranberry cultivars for in SDC production.

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“…Rutgers University started a program in the late 1980s, the University of Wisconsin started a small program in the 1990s, and a Wisconsin grower independently started a private breeding program in the 1990s (Schlautman, 2016). The next set of varieties with improved productivity were released beginning in the early 2000s (Fajardo et al, 2013), and those varieties are being adopted and planted (Gallardo et al, 2018). However, cranberry growers still plant older varieties and even continue to plant and harvest beds of cranberry clones selected from the wild in the early 1800s (Vorsa and Zalapa, 2019).…”

Section: Cultural Changementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of secondary importance were traits related to disease resistance (i.e., fruit rot), abiotic plant stresses, and insects. Interestingly, yield and productivity were not assigned as important priority, nor were fruit quality traits related to shelf-life, flavor, and sweetness (Gallardo et al, 2018). The development of a "sweet" cranberry could be the DG and the genetic change the cranberry industry needs to propel the emergence of a new cultural change via the creation of a cranberry fresh fruit market and consumer demand.…”

Section: Cultural Changementioning

confidence: 99%