Studies on water transport through the sweet cherry fruit surface: II. Conductance of the cuticle in relation to fruit development

Water conductance of the cuticular membrane (CM) of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L. cv. Sam) fruit during stages II and III (31-78 days after full bloom, DAFB) was investigated by gravimetrically monitoring water loss through segments of the exocarp. Segments were mounted in stainless-steel diffusion cells, filled with 0.5 ml of deionized water and incubated for 8 h at 25 +/- 2 degrees C over dry silica. Conductance was calculated by dividing the amount of water transpired per unit surface area and time by the difference in water vapor concentration across the segment (23.07 g m(-3) at 25 degrees C). Fruit mass and fruit surface area increased 4.9- and 2.8-fold between 31 and 78 DAFB, respectively. However, CM mass per unit area decreased from 3.9 to 1.5 g m(-2) and percentage of total wax content remained constant at about 31%. Stomatal density decreased from 0.8 to 0.2 mm(-2) (31-78 DAFB). Total conductance of the CM on the fruit cheek (gtot.) remained constant during stage II of development (approx. 1.38 x 10(-4) m s(-1) from 31 to 37 DAFB), increased to 1.73 x 10(-4) m s(-1) during early stage III of fruit growth (43-64 DAFB) then decreased to 0.95 x 10(-4) m s(-1) at maturity (78 DAFB). Partitioning gtot. into cuticular (gcut.) and stomatal conductance (gsto.) revealed that the relative contribution of gcut. to gtot. increased linearly from 30% to 87% of gtot. between 31 and 78 DAFB. respectively. On a whole-fruit basis, g,tot. and gcut. consistently increased up to 64 DAFB, and decreased thereafter. A significant negative linear relationship was obtained between gcut. and CM thickness, but not between the permeability coefficient (p) and CM thickness. Further, p was positively related to strain rate, suggesting that strain associated with expansion of the fruit surface increased p.     

Changes in strain and deposition of cuticle in developing sweet cherry fruit

Changes in surface area, deposition and elastic strain of the cuticular membrane (CM) were monitored during development of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit. Fruit mass and surface area ('Sam') increased in a sigmoidal pattern between 16 and 85 days after full bloom (DAFB) with maximum rates of 0.35 g day(-1) and 0.62 cm(2) day(-1), respectively. Rates of total area strain, namely the sum of elastic plus plastic strain, were highest in cheek and stem cavity regions followed by stylar and suture regions. Rates of total uniaxial strain were higher in transverse, namely perpendicular to the stem/stylar axis, than in longitudinal direction, namely parallel to the stem/stylar axis. On a whole fruit basis CM mass remained essentially constant during fruit development. Mass of CM, dewaxed CM and wax per unit surface area decreased during development, particularly between 43 and 71 DAFB. There was no change in wax content of isolated CM. Up to 43 DAFB the surface area of isolated CM was similar to the area prior to excision indicating little elastic strain, but markedly decreased thereafter. Calculating elastic and plastic components of total strain of the CM revealed, that initial deformation up to 22 to 43 DAFB was mostly plastic. Thereafter, elastic strain was evident and both, elastic and plastic deformation, increased linearly with an increase in total strain. There was no consistent difference in the relative contribution of elastic strain to total strain between transverse and longitudinal directions, but both total and elastic strain were larger in the transverse direction. Abrading the CM had only little effect on fruit turgor. However, turgor decreased when the exocarp was cut indicating that the exocarp provided a significant structural shell of a mature sweet cherry fruit ('Regina'). Our data demonstrate, that (1) surface area expansion in sweet cherry fruit causes elastic and plastic strain of the CM, and (2) the onset of elastic strain coincided with the cessation of CM formation.     

Studies on water transport through the sweet cherry fruit surface: characterizing conductance of the cuticular membrane using pericarp segments

Water conductance of the cuticular membrane (CM) of mature sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium L. cv. Sam) was investigated by monitoring water loss from segments of the outer pericarp excised from the cheek of the fruit. Segments consisted of epidermis, hypodermis and several cell layers of the mesocarp. Segments were mounted in stainless-steel diffusion cells with the mesocarp surface in contact with water, while the outer cuticular surface was exposed to dry silica (22 ± 1 °C). Conductance was calculated by dividing the amount of water transpired per unit area and time by the difference in water vapour concentration across the segment. Conductance values had a log normal distribution with a median of 1.15 × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹ (n=357). Transpiration increased linearly with time. Conductance remained constant and was not affected by metabolic inhibitors (1 mM NaN₃ or 0.1 mM carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) or thickness of segments (range 0.8–2.8 mm). Storing fruit (up to 42 d, 1 °C) used as a source of segments had no consistent effect on conductance. Conductance of the CM increased from cheek (1.16 ± 0.10 × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹) to ventral suture (1.32 ± 0.07 × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹) and to stylar end (2.53 ± 0.17 × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹). There was a positive relationship (r²=0.066**; n=108) between conductance and stomatal density. From this relationship the cuticular conductance of a hypothetical astomatous CM was estimated to be 0.97 ± 0.09 × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹. Removal of epicuticular wax by stripping with cellulose acetate or extracting epicuticular plus cuticular wax by dipping in CHCl₃/methanol increased conductance 3.6- and 48.6-fold, respectively. Water fluxes increased with increasing temperature (range 10–39 °C) and energies of activation, calculated for the temperature range from 10 to 30 °C, were 64.8 ± 5.8 and 22.2 ± 5.0 kJ mol⁻¹ for flux and vapour-concentration-based conductance, respectively. Received: 23 March 2000 / Accepted: 28 July 2000     

Studies on water transport through the sweet cherry fruit surface: IX. Comparing permeability in water uptake and transpiration

Water uptake and transpiration were studied through the surface of intact sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit, exocarp segments (ES) and cuticular membranes (CM) excised from the cheek of sweet cherry fruit and astomatous CM isolated from Schefflera arboricola (Hayata) Hayata, Citrus aurantium L., and Stephanotis floribunda Brongn. leaves or from Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. and Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum Fasciculatum Group fruit. ES and CM were mounted in diffusion cells. Water (deionized) uptake into intact sweet cherry fruit, through ES or CM interfacing water as a donor and a polyethyleneglycol (PEG 6000, osmotic pressure 2.83 MPa)-containing receiver was determined gravimetrically. Transpiration was quantified by monitoring weight loss of a PEG 6000-containing donor (2.83 MPa) against dry silica as a receiver. The permeability coefficients for osmotic water uptake and transpiration were calculated from the amount of water taken up or transpired per unit surface area and time, and the driving force for transport. Permeability during osmotic water uptake was markedly higher than during transpiration in intact sweet cherry fruit (40.2-fold), excised ES of sweet cherry fruit (12.5- to 53.7-fold) and isolated astomatous fruit and leaf CM of a range of species (on average 23.0-fold). Partitioning water transport into stomatal and cuticular components revealed that permeability of the sweet cherry fruit cuticle for water uptake was 11.9-fold higher and that of stomata 56.8-fold higher than the respective permeability during transpiration. Increasing water vapor activity in the receiver from 0 to 1 increased permeability during transpiration across isolated sweet cherry fruit CM about 2.1-fold. Permeability for vapor uptake from saturated water vapor into a PEG 6000 receiver solution was markedly lower than from liquid water, but of similar magnitude to the permeability during self-diffusion of ³H₂O in the absence of osmotica. The energy of activation for self-diffusion of water across ES or CM was higher than for osmotic water uptake and decreased with increasing stomatal density. The data indicate that viscous flow along an aqueous continuum across the sweet cherry fruit exocarp and across the astomatous CM of selected species accounted for the higher permeability during water uptake as compared to self-diffusion or transpiration.     

Composition of the cuticle of developing sweet cherry fruit

The composition of wax and cutin from developing sweet cherry (Prunus avium) fruit was studied by GC-MS between 22 and 85 days after full bloom (DAFB). In this and our previous study, fruit mass and surface area increased in a sigmoidal pattern with time, but mass of the cuticular membrane (CM) per unit fruit surface area decreased. On a whole fruit basis, mass of CM increased up to 36 DAFB and remained constant thereafter. At maturity, triterpenes, alkanes and alcohols accounted for 75.6%, 19.1% and 1.2% of total wax, respectively. The most abundant constituents were the triterpenes ursolic (60.0%) and oleanolic acid (7.5%), the alkanes nonacosane (13.0%) and heptacosane (3.0%), and the secondary alcohol nonacosan-10-ol (1.1%). In developing fruit triterpenes per unit area decreased, but alkanes and alcohols remained essentially constant. The cutin fraction of mature fruit consisted of mostly C16 (69.5%) and, to a lower extent, C18 monomers (19.4%) comprising alkanoic, omega-hydroxyacids, alpha,omega-dicarboxylic and midchain hydroxylated acids. The most abundant constituents were 9(10),16-dihydroxy-hexadecanoic acid (53.6%) and 9,10,18-trihydroxy-octadecanoic acid (7.8%). Amounts of C16 and C18 monomers per unit area decreased in developing fruit, but remained approximately constant on a whole fruit basis. Within both classes of monomers, opposing changes occurred. Amounts of hexadecandioic, 16-hydroxy-hexadecanoic, 9(10)-hydroxy-hexadecane-1,16-dioic and 9,10-epoxy-octadecane-1,18-dioic acids increased, but 9,10,18-trihydroxy-octadecanoic and 9,10,18-trihydroxy-octadecenoic acids decreased. There were no qualitative and minor quantitative differences in wax and cutin composition between cultivars at maturity. Our data indicate that deposition of some constituents of wax and cutin ceased during early fruit development.     

Seasonal changes in stomatal responses of sweet cherry and plum to water status in detached leaves

Seasonal changes in the relationship between stomatal responses and water potential components in detached leaves of sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L. cv. Bigarreau Morreau) and plum ( Prunus domestica L. cv. Queen Victoria) were examined by the simultaneous measurement of stomatal conductance and water relation parameters derived from pressure-volume curves. The water potential threshold for stomatal closure in sweet cherry leaves throughout the season and in plum leaves until mid-July varied nearly in parallel with changes in the osmotic potential at the turgor loss point. From August onward, closing reactions of plum stomata had no relationship to the turgor loss point. Stomata of sweet cherry leaves opened more widely and showed slower reactions to dehydration early in the season than later. Seasonal changes of stomatal conductance and stomatal responses to dehydration in both species seem thus to be influenced by fruit development and ripening.     

Combination of antagonistic yeasts with two food additives for control of brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola on sweet cherry fruit

AIMS: To evaluate beneficial effect of two food additives, ammonium molybdate (NH4-Mo) and sodium bicarbonate (NaBi), on antagonistic yeasts for control of brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola in sweet cherry fruit under various storage conditions. The mechanisms of action by which food additives enhance the efficacy of antagonistic yeasts were also evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biocontrol activity of Pichia membranefaciens and Cryptococcus laurentii against brown rot in sweet cherry fruit was improved by addition of 5 mmol l(-1) NH4-Mo or 2% NaBi when stored in air at 20 and 0 degrees C, and in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage with 10% O2 + 10% CO2 at 0 degrees C. Population dynamics of P. membranefaciens in the wounds of fruit were inhibited by NH4-Mo at 20 degrees C after 1 day of incubation and growth of C. laurentii was inhibited by NH4-Mo at 0 degrees C in CA storage after 60 days. In contrast, NaBi did not significantly influence growth of the two yeasts in fruit wounds under various storage conditions except that the growth of P. membranefaciens was stimulated after storage for 45 days at 0 degrees C in CA storage. When used alone, the two additives showed effective control of brown rot in sweet cherry fruit and the efficacy was closely correlated with the concentrations used. The result of in vitro indicated that growth of M. fructicola was significantly inhibited by NH4-Mo and NaBi. CONCLUSION: Application of additives improved biocontrol of brown rot on sweet cherry fruit under various storage conditions. It is postulated that the enhancement of disease control is directly because of the inhibitory effects of additives on pathogen growth, and indirectly because of the relatively little influence of additives on the growth of antagonistic yeasts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results obtained in this study suggest that an integration of NH4-Mo or NaBi with biocontrol agents has great potential in commercial management of postharvest diseases of fruit.     

QTL analysis of flower and fruit traits in sour cherry

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for eight flower and fruit traits in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genetic linkage map constructed from a double pseudo-testcross. The mapping population consisted of 86 progeny from the cross between two sour cherry cultivars, Rheinische Schattenmorelle (RS)×Erdi Botermo (EB). The genetic linkage maps for RS and EB were 398.2 cM and 222.2 cM, respectively, with an average interval length of 9.8 cM. The RS/EB linkage map that was generated with shared segregating markers consisted of 17 linkage groups covering 272.9 cM with an average interval length of 4.8 cM. Eleven putatively significant QTLs (LOD >2.4) were detected for six characters (bloom time, ripening time, % pistil death, % pollen germination, fruit weight, and soluble solids concentration). The percentage of phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranged from 12.9% to 25.9%. Of the QTLs identified for the traits in which the two parents differed significantly, 50% had allelic effects opposite to those predicted from the parental phenotype. Three QTLs affecting flower traits (bloom time, % pistil death, and % pollen germination) mapped to a single linkage group, EB 1. The RFLP closest to the bloom time QTL on EB 1 was detected by a sweet cherry cDNA clone pS141 whose partial amino acid sequence was 81% identical to that of a Japanese pear stylar RNase. Received: 4 March 1999 / Accepted: 27 August 1999     

Differences in body size and egg loads of Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae) from introduced and native cherries

The western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, infests introduced, domesticated sweet [Prunus avium (L.) L.], and tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) as well as native bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata (Douglas) Eaton. Bitter cherries are smaller than sweet and tart cherries and this could affect various life history traits of flies. The objectives of the current study were to determine 1) if body size and egg loads of flies infesting sweet, tart, and bitter cherries differ from one another; and 2) if any observed body size differences are genetically based or caused by the host fruit environment. Pupae and adults of both sexes reared from larval-infested sweet and tart cherries collected in Washington and Montana were larger than those reared from bitter cherries. In addition, flies of both sexes caught on traps in sweet and tart cherry trees were larger than those caught in bitter cherry trees and females trapped from sweet and tart cherry trees had 54.0-98.8% more eggs. The progeny of flies from naturally-infested sweet and bitter cherries reared for one generation in the laboratory on sweet cherry did not differ in size. The same also was true for progeny of sweet and bitter cherry flies reared in the field on bitter cherry. The results suggest that the larger body sizes of flies from sweet and tart cherries than bitter cherries in the field are caused by host fruit and not genetic factors.     

Genetic diversity of some Iranian sweet cherry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus avium</Emphasis>) cultivars using microsatellite markers and morphological traits

The aim of this study was to characterize 23 important Iranian sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivars collected from different provinces of Iran and 1 foreign cultivar, which was used as control, considered for breeding programs by using 21 microsatellite markers and 27 morphological traits. In sweet cherry (Prunus avium) accessions, leaf, fruit, and stone morphological characters were evaluated during two consecutive years. The study revealed a high variability in the set of evaluated sweet cherry accessions. The majority of important correlations were determined among variables representing fruit and leaf size and variables related to color. Cluster analysis distinguished sweet cherry accessions into two distinct groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) of qualitative and quantitative morphological parameters explained over 86.59% of total variability in the first seven axes. In PCA, leaf traits such as leaf length and width, and fruit traits such as length, width, and weight, and fruit flesh and juice color were predominant in the first two components, indicating that they were useful for the assessment of sweet cherry germplasm characterization. Out of 21 SSR markers, 16 were polymorphic, producing 177 alleles that varied from 4 to 16 alleles (9.35 on average) with a mean heterozygosity value of 0.82 that produced successful amplifications and revealed DNA polymorphisms. Allele size varied from 95 to 290 bp. Cluster analyses showed that the studied sweet cherry genotypes were classified into five main groups based mainly on their species characteristics and SSR data. In general, our results did not show a clear structuring of genetic variability within the Iranian diffusion area of sweet cherry, so it was not possible to draw any indications on regions of provenance delimitation. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of sweet cherry genetic variations in Iran, thus making for more efficient programs aimed at preserving biodiversity and more rational planning of the management of reproductive material.     

A DNA test for routine prediction in breeding of sweet cherry fruit color,Pav-R<Subscript>f</Subscript>-SSR

Sweet cherry fruit color is a market class-defining trait. The two main market classes in the USA are mahogany, consisting fruit with red skin and flesh, and blush, consisting clear-fleshed fruit with yellow skin and a red overcolor on less than the entire skin surface. Fruit color is a major consideration in sweet cherry breeding as resources and selection thresholds are often differentially applied to each market class. The use of DNA-based information could improve breeding efficiency and accuracy for fruit color, but a predictive DNA test is required. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable, simple DNA test for the prediction of sweet cherry color-based market classes, targeting the major locus, termed here as R _f , associated with fruit color variation. Haplotypes were developed based on 14 SNP markers from the RosBREED cherry 6K SNP array v1 that were associated with the two market classes. To convert the multiple SNP markers to a single, simple PCR-based assay, 11 PCR-based assays targeting microsatellite motifs were designed, using the peach reference genome sequence, and used to screen 20 individuals representing the most common SNP haplotypes. One assay, subsequently named Pav-R_f-SSR, was used to screen 221 phenotyped individuals of the RosBREED sweet cherry reference germplasm set and accurately differentiated individuals with mahogany and blush fruits. Pav-R_f-SSR can be used in DNA-informed breeding schemes to efficiently and accurately predict genetic potential for fruit color and is one of the first DNA tests publicly available for a sweet cherry fruit quality trait.     

Combined heat and controlled atmosphere quarantine treatments for control of western cherry fruit fly in sweet cherries

Nonchemical quarantine treatments, using a combination of short duration high temperatures under low oxygen, elevated carbon dioxide atmospheric environment were developed to control western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, in sweet cherries, Prunus avium (L.). The two treatments developed use a chamber temperature of 45 degrees C for 45 min and a chamber temperature of 47 degreesd C for 25 min, both under a 1% oxygen, 15% carbon dioxide, -2 degrees C dew point environment. Both these treatments have been shown to provide control of all life stages of western cherry fruit fly while preserving commodity market quality. There was no definitive egg or larval stage, which was demonstrated to be the most tolerant to either controlled atmosphere temperature treatment system treatment. Efficacy tests for both treatments resulted in 100% mortality of >5000 western cherry fruit flies in each treatment. These treatments may provide, with further study, quarantine security in exported sweet cherries where western cherry fruit fly is a quarantine concern and fumigation with methyl bromide is not desired.     

Cell number regulator genes in Prunus provide candidate genes for the control of fruit size in sweet and sour cherry

Striking increases in fruit size distinguish cultivated descendants from small-fruited wild progenitors for fleshy fruited species such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Prunus spp. (peach, cherry, plum, and apricot). The first fruit weight gene identified as a result of domestication and selection was the tomato FW2.2 gene. Members of the FW2.2 gene family in corn (Zea mays) have been named CNR (Cell Number Regulator) and two of them exert their effect on organ size by modulating cell number. Due to the critical roles of FW2.2/CNR genes in regulating cell number and organ size, this family provides an excellent source of candidates for fruit size genes in other domesticated species, such as those found in the Prunus genus. A total of 23 FW2.2/CNR family members were identified in the peach genome, spanning the eight Prunus chromosomes. Two of these CNRs were located within confidence intervals of major quantitative trait loci (QTL) previously discovered on linkage groups 2 and 6 in sweet cherry (Prunus avium), named PavCNR12 and PavCNR20, respectively. An analysis of haplotype, sequence, segregation and association with fruit size strongly supports a role of PavCNR12 in the sweet cherry linkage group 2 fruit size QTL, and this QTL is also likely present in sour cherry (P. cerasus). The finding that the increase in fleshy fruit size in both tomato and cherry associated with domestication may be due to changes in members of a common ancestral gene family supports the notion that similar phenotypic changes exhibited by independently domesticated taxa may have a common genetic basis.     

田间应用拮抗酵母菌对甜樱桃果实采后病害的防治效果

研究了应用拮抗酵母菌丝孢酵母(Trichosporon pullulans(Lindner.)Diddens et Lodder)、罗伦隐球酵母(Cryptococcus laurentii(Kuffer.)Skinner)和粘红酵母(Rhodotorula glutinis(Fresenius)Harrison)后拮抗菌在果实表面的繁殖能力以及对不同贮藏条件下甜樱桃(Pranus avivum L.cv.Hongdeng)果实采后病害的防治效果.酵母菌的使用浓度为1×108CFU/mL.结果表明,田间3种拮抗菌都能够在果实表面增值,但是只有C.laurentii和R.glutinis能够持续稳定地生长.C.laurentii的抑病效果最好,它对田间环境和采后低温低氧及高CO2都具有很强的适应能力.     

Gibberellins Increase Cuticle Deposition in Developing Tomato Fruit

Effects of the gibberellins A₄₊₇(GA₄₊₇) and A₃(GA₃), benzyladenine (BA) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU) on deposition of the cuticular membrane (CM) in developing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruit were investigated. Growth regulators were applied when fruit development within trusses ranged from the flower to the mature stage. Developmental stage of fruit at the time of application was indexed by fruit diameter. Fruit were harvested at maturity, the CM isolated enzymatically on an individual fruit basis and mass of CM per unit fruit surface area calculated. In mature fruit, mass of CM per fruit increased with fruit size, but mass of CM per unit surface area was independent of fruit size, position within a truss and position of the truss on the plant. GA₄₊₇ and GA₃ increased CM mass per unit fruit surface area at concentrations up to 300 mg l⁻¹. Young fruit (5–10 mm diam. at time of application) was most responsive. Responsiveness decreased as fruit development at application progressed towards maturity. There was no consistent effect of GA₄₊₇ or GA₃ on fruit mass. BA (up to 100 mg l⁻¹) or CPPU (up to 3 mg l⁻¹) had no significant effect on CM mass per unit surface area regardless of developmental stage. Higher concentrations of BA or CPPU decreased CM mass per unit surface area. There was no effect of BA or CPPU on fruit mass. Potential mechanisms and benefits of a gibberellin induced increase in CM deposition are discussed.     

Biomechanics and anatomy of Lycopersicon esculentum fruit peels and enzyme-treated samples

We report the biomechanics and anatomy of fruit wall peels (before and after cellulase/pectinase treatment) from two Lycopersicon esculentum cultivars (i.e., Inbred 10 and Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes). Samples were tested before and after enzyme treatment in uniaxial tension to determine their rate of creep, plastic and instantaneous elastic strains, breaking stress (strength), and work of fracture. The fruit peels of both cultivars exhibited pronounced viscoelastic and strain-hardening behavior, but differed significantly in their rheological behavior and magnitudes of material properties, e.g., Inbred 10 peels crept less rapidly and accumulated more plastic strains (but less rapidly), were stiffer and stronger, and had a larger work of fracture than Sweet 100 peels. The cuticular membrane (CM) also differed; e.g., Sweet 100 CM strain-softened at forces that caused Inbred 10 to strain-harden. The mechanical behavior of peels and their CM correlated with anatomical differences. The Inbred 10 CM develops in subepidermal cell layers, whereas the Sweet 100 CM is poorly developed below the epidermis. Based on these and other observations, we posit that strain-hardening involves the realignment of CM fibrillar elements and that this phenomenon is less pronounced for Sweet 100 because fewer cell walls contribute to its CM compared to Inbred 10.     

Late dormant rapeseed oil treatment against black cherry aphid and cherry fruit moth in sweet cherries

Abstract:  Black cherry aphid [ Myzus cerasi (Fabricius)] and cherry fruit moth [ Argyresthia pruniella (Clerck)] are the main insect pests on sweet cherries in Norway. In this study, application of rapeseed oil alone and rapeseed oil mixed with pesticides were tested as a control method against overwintering eggs of both black cherry aphid and cherry fruit moth. Results showed that rapeseed oil applied at the late dormant stage significantly reduced damage by black cherry aphid. Efficiency of oil mixed with pesticides was higher, but only significant in three of seven trials. The efficiency of rapeseed oil against cherry fruit moth was low compared with what was achieved for black cherry aphid, but within the range that has been reported for other botanical pesticides. As for the black cherry aphid, adding pesticides to oil decreased damage by the cherry fruit moth. Timing of treatment and effect of temperature were discussed.     

Modelling the effect of fruit growth on surface conductance to water vapour diffusion

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A model of fruit surface conductance to water vapour diffusion driven by fruit growth is proposed. It computes the total fruit conductance by integrating each of its components: stomata, cuticle and cracks. METHODS: The stomatal conductance is computed from the stomatal density per fruit and the specific stomatal conductance. The cuticular component is equal to the proportion of cuticle per fruit multiplied by its specific conductance. Cracks are assumed to be generated when pulp expansion rate exceeds cuticle expansion rate. A constant percentage of cracks is assumed to heal each day. The proportion of cracks to total fruit surface area multiplied by the specific crack conductance accounts for the crack component. The model was applied to peach fruit (Prunus persica) and its parameters were estimated from field experiments with various crop load and irrigation regimes. KEY RESULTS: The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental measurements and for the different conditions (irrigation and crop load). Total fruit surface conductance decreased during early growth as stomatal density, and hence the contribution of the stomatal conductance, decreased from 80 to 20 % with fruit expansion. Cracks were generated for fruits exhibiting high growth rates during late growth and the crack component could account for up to 60 % of the total conductance during the rapid fruit growth. The cuticular contribution was slightly variable (around 20 %). Sensitivity analysis revealed that simulated conductance was highly affected by stomatal parameters during the early period of growth and by both crack and stomatal parameters during the late period. Large fruit growth rate leads to earlier and greater increase of conductance due to higher crack occurrence. Conversely, low fruit growth rate accounts for a delayed and lower increase of conductance. CONCLUSIONS: By predicting crack occurrence during fruit growth, this model could be helpful in managing cropping practices for integrated plant protection.     

Habitat-specific flight period in the cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Flight periods of the cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew), were compared in the major sweet and tart cherry-growing regions of Michigan, among neglected orchards, managed orchards, and natural areas containing the ancestral host, black cherry. Traps were deployed from early June to late September 2005 and 2006. Captures indicated that cherry fruit fly has an early flight (June-July) in neglected orchards, a mid-season flight peaking immediately after harvest (June-August) in managed orchards, and an extended flight covering most of the season (June-September) in natural areas. We found that the period of fruit infestation mirrored the flight period in neglected and managed orchards. In natural areas, we found infestation late in the season only. The relative emergence periods for adults reared from pupae collected from the three habitats and maintained under the same conditions coincided with adult flight periods for each habitat. We also studied factors related to fruit availability that may have a role in shaping the flight periods. Fruit abundance decreased rapidly early in the season in neglected orchards, whereas in managed orchards, fruit left after harvest remained on the trees until late August. Measurements of fruit size and skin firmness revealed that fly activity in neglected and managed orchards began immediately after fruit increased in size and skin firmness decreased, whereas in natural areas, the flight began before fruit matured. In managed orchards, fruit harvest and insecticide sprays likely maintain the late flight period of resident fly populations by preventing the use of fruit earlier in the season. However, a significant proportion of these resident flies may still emerge before harvest and increase the risk of costly fruit infestation.