Construction of apricot variety search engine based on deep learning

Apricot has a long history of cultivation and has many varieties and types. The traditional variety identification methods are timeconsuming and labor-consuming, posing grand challenges to apricot resource management. Tool development in this regard will help researchers quickly identify variety information. This study photographed apricot fruits outdoors and indoors and constructed a dataset that can precisely classify the fruits using a U-net model (F-score:99%), which helps to obtain the fruit's size, shape, and color features. Meanwhile, a variety search engine was constructed, which can search and identify variety from the database according to the above features. Besides, a mobile and web application (ApricotView) was developed, and the construction mode can be also applied to other varieties of fruit trees.Additionally, we have collected four difficult-to-identify seed datasets and used the VGG16 model for training, with an accuracy of 97%, which provided an important basis for ApricotView. To address the difficulties in data collection bottlenecking apricot phenomics research, we developed the first apricot database platform of its kind (ApricotDIAP, http://apricotdiap.com/) to accumulate, manage, and publicize scientific data of apricot.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Pollen Germination and Growth of Xinjiang Apricots

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the influence of different plant growth regulators on apricot pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Method] Pollens of six kinds of Xinjiang apricots were cultured in solid media supplemented with five plant growth regulators （GA3 , NAA, 2, 4-D, 6-BA, IAA）. Then the rate of pollen germination and the length of pollen tube were respectively measured. [Result] In a certain concentration range, GA3 most significantly promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of Shushanggan, Kalayulvke, Dayoujia, Yiliakeyulvke and Kabakehuanna; NNA had the strongest improvement function on Kumaiti’s pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Conclusion] All the five plant growth regulators promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of apricots at low concentration but inhibited them at high concentration.

Correlation Analysis between Fruit Cracking and Influencing Factors in Apricot

In this study, 14 representative apricot cultivars in the production were selected as the experimental materials, and their fruit cracking characteristics, as well as the correlations between fruit cracking and influencing factors （e.g., pedcarp structure, mineral elements contents, DW/FW ratio and soluble sugar content） were analyzed to provide some reference for systematic study on fruit cracking mecha- nism of apricot. The results showed the cultivars with small orderly-and compactlyarranged epidermal cells were difficult to crack, while the cultivars with big disorderly-and loosely-arranged epidermal cells were easy to crack. There was no significant correlation between pericarp thickness and cracking index. The correlations between cracking and mineral elements contents of apricot fruit were in the order as Ca 〉 Zn 〉 Mn 〉 Fe 〉 K 〉 Mg 〉 Cu. The cracking index of apricot fruit was significantly negatively correlated with Ca content, was weakly correlated with Zn and Mn contents, and was uncorrelated with Fe, K, Mg and Cu contents. Ca deficiency was the main factor affecting the fruit cracking in apricot. Under the same conditions, the higher the water content is, the lower the cracking index is; and the higher the soluble sugar content is, the higher the cracking index is.

Optimization of SSR-PCR Non-denatured Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Conditions in Kernelled Apricot

[Objective] The aim was to optimize the SSR-PCR non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions in kernelled apricot.[Method]25 accessions of kernelled apricot and three accessions of edible apricot were selected as experimental materials to screen the repeatable SSR loci with high polymorphism by the use of SSR markers combined with non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.And the effect of different factors on electrophoresis conditions was compared to explore the optimal SSR-PCR non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions in kernelled apricot.[Result]The optimal non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions for SSR-PCR were established as follows：polyacrylamide gel concentration 6%,the ratio of acrylamide to bisacrylamide 29∶1,electrophoresis at 1 000 V for 2-3 h,and staining for 15 min within 0.1% AgNO3.[Conclusion]The optimum electrophoresis system has provided some technical foundations to further study the phylogenetic relationship of kernelled apricots by SSR markers.

Flowering Biology and Fruit Development Characteristics of Apricot Cultivar ‘Kezilang' in Xinjiang

The flowering biology and fruit development characteristics of a Xinjiang apricot （Armeniaca vulgaris Lam） cultivar Kezilang were studied by measuring its flowering phenology, floral organ development, stigma receptivity, pollen quantity, pollen viability, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight and fruit contents, with an attempt to provide a theoretical basis for the cultivation and promotion of Kezilang. The results showed that Kezilang can be popularized as an early-maturing apricot cultivar, as it had high fruit setting rate, large fruit weight, excellent taste, high sugar content and lower titratable acid content in fruit. The dynamic curves of Kezilang fruit diameters in three directions, fruit fresh weight and fruit dry weight were all S-shaped, and the rapid growth stage of dry weight was later than that of other terms. Fruit swelling was due to higher water content of flesh tissue in early stage of the rapid growth periods of fruit. Most sugar in flesh was accumulated at the second rapid growth period of fruit.

Preliminary Study of Low Self-fertile Rate of ‘Kuijin' Apricot

To research the self-sterility of apricot, the pollen germination of ‘Kuijin＇apricot was conducted in vitro, and pollen viability was determined by germination on solid medium. Meanwhile, the effects of different media on its pollen germination and the growth of pollen tubes were analyzed. The results showed that the optimum media for pollen germination and growth of pollen tubes were 10% sucrose ＋0.1% boric acid and 5% sucrose ＋ 0.01% boric acid respectively. The self-pollination setting rate of ‘Kuijin＇ apricot was 4.70%, indicating that ‘Kuijin＇ apricot was self-incompatible. The reasons for the self-incompatibility of ‘Kuijin＇ were explored according to its pollen weight and pollen quantity. The results showed that self-pollinate setting rate of ‘Kuijin＇ apricot was closely related to the length of pollen tubes,but it had no direct correlation with pollen quantity.

Comparison of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction with Simultaneous Steam Distillation Extraction for the Analysis of the Volatile Constituents in Chinese Apricot

Volatile constituents in fully mature fruits of apricot （Prunus armeniaca L.） cultivar Xinshiji were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction （HS-SPME） and simultaneous steam distillation extraction （SSDE） and then analyzed using capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 70 components were identified by HSSPME, including 20 esters, 19 hydrocarbons, 5 alcohols, 5 ketones, 4 acids, 4 lactones, 3 aldehydes, and 10 miscellaneous components, with the esters being the dominant constituent. On the basis of the odor unit values, it is believed that the following compounds probably contributed to the fresh apricot odor： hexyl acetate, β-ionone, butyl acetate, （E）-2-hexenal, linalool, limonene, γ-decalactone, and hexanal. A total of 49 components were also detected by SSDE, including 13 hydrocarbons, 9 alcohols, 7 aldehydes, 9 esters, 4 ketones, 4 lactones, 2 acids, and 1 miscellaneous component, of which the monoterpene alcohols were the dominant constituents. It could be judged from the odor unit values that the following compounds were the major contributors to boiled apricot aroma： β-ionone, linalool, hexyl acetate, γ-dodecalactone, γ- decalactone, （E）-2-hexenal, hexanal, γ-octalactone, phenylacetaldehyde, butyl acetate, limonene, α-terpineol, and δ-decalactone. The results show that HS-SPME is a simple, rapid, and solvent-free method, which is an alternative to the classical SSDE.

Study on Supercooling Point and Freezing Point in Floral Organs of Apricot

Under the environment of an artificial climate chamber, supercooling point （SCP） and freezing point （FP） in flower and young fruit at different development stages and freezing injuries of floral organs were studied. The apricot cultivars tested were Kety, Golden Sun and Honghebao. With the development of flower buds, SCP and FP increased, which indicated that their cold resistance decreased. SCP and FP varied with different floral organs. For different apricot cultivars, it was found that, the lower SCP or FP in floral organs was, the more resistant capacity the cultivar had, and the larger the temperature interval from SCP to FP was. SCP was not a constant value, but a range. Frequency distribution of SCP in petals was more dispersing than that in stamens and pistils. Floral organs could maintain a supercooling state to avoid ice formation, but they were sensitive to freezing. Once floral organs froze, thev turned brown after thawing.

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma responds to MK615, a compound extract from the Japanese apricot “Prunus mume ”

MK615, a compound extracted from the Japanese apricot "Prunus mume " has been reported to have in vitro anti-tumor activities against several cancer cell lines,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). However, the clinical effects and feasibility of administering MK615for patients with HCC were unknown. We experienced a case with advanced HCC for which MK615 was effective against both lymph node and pulmonary metastases. A 60-year-old female underwent surgical resection of a 9 cm HCC in the right lobe. The pathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated HCC with vascular invasion. The HCC recurred in the liver 8 mo after the surgery. Radiofrequency ablation and transarterial infusion chemotherapy were performed, but the recurrence was not controlled. One year after the intrahepatic recurrence, pulmonary and lymph metastasis appeared.Sorafenib was administered, but was not effective.Then, MK615 was administered as a final alternative therapy after informed consent was obtained from the patient. Three months later, her alpha-fetoprotein level decrease and both the lymph node and pulmonary metastases decreased in size. The patient has survived for more than 17 mo after the MK615 administration, and was in good condition. Although further investigations are necessary to clarify its safety and efficacy in humans, MK615 may be useful for the treatment of HCC,without serious adverse effects.

Comparative assessment of physicochemical properties of unripe peach(Prunus persica) and Japanese apricot(Prunus mume)

Objective:To investigate the physicochemical properties of unripe peach-Pruuns persica cv.Mibaekdo(Mibaekdo) and Prunus persica cv.Nagasawa Hakuho(Nagasawa Hakuho) as an alternative to fowl supplement while Japanese apricot(Prunus mume cv.Backaha)(Backaha) was used as a control sample.Methods:The unripe fruits were analyzed for soluble solid(Brix).titratable acidity.pH,total polyphenol content,1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activity,amygdalin content,free amino acid content,organic acid content,free sugar content,and α-amylase activities.Results:Total polyphenol content of unripe peach ranged between 137.27-151.64 μg/g whereas that of apricot was 160.73 μg/g.DPPH radical scavenging activities of Rackaha was the highest189.16%.) followed by Mibaekdo(85.03%) and Nagasawa Hakuho(41.30%).The highest amount of oxalic acid 1612.8 mg/100 g) was observed in Mibaekdo while that of Nagasawa llakuho and Backaha were(184.6±18.1) and(334.8±16.1) mg/100 g,respectively.Amygdalin contents of Mibaekdo.Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were 486.61,548.60 and 174.28 μg/g,respectively.Conclusions:The results suggest that the unripe fruit of peach has a significant biochemical potential of using as a food supplement with potential health benefit for human health.

New anti-proliferative agent,MK615,from Japanese apricot “Prunus mume” induces striking autophagy in colon cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the anti-neoplastic effects of MK615, an extract from the Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), against colon cancer cells. METHODS: Three colon cancer cell lines, SW480, COLO, and WiDr, were cultured with MK615. Growth inhibition was evaluated by cell proliferation assay and killing activity was determined by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by annexin Ⅴ flow cytometry. Morphological changes were studied by light and electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining with Atg8. RESULTS: MK615 inhibited growth and lysed SW480, COLO and WiDr cells in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin Ⅴ flow cytometry showed that MK615 induced apoptosis after 6 h incubation, at which point the occurrence of apoptotic cells was 68.0%, 65.7% and 64.7% for SW480, COLO, and WiDr cells, respectively. Light and electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining with Atg8 revealed that MK615 induced massive cytoplasmic vacuoles (autophagosomes) in all three cell lines. CONCLUSION: MK615 has an anti-neoplastic effect against colon cancer cells. The effect may be exerted by induction of apoptosis and autophagy.

Identification of two Monilia species from apricot in China

Monilinia fructicola, Monilia mumecola and Monilia yunnanensis have been reported as the causal agents of brown rot disease on stone fruits in China. Up to date, these species have been identified from peach and plum, and M. mumecola has also been reported on apricot recently. To investigate whether M. fructicola and M. yunnanensis can cause brown rot disease on apricot in China, 37 isolates were collected from four orchards in Chongqing and Beijing municipalities in 2014. These isolates were divided into two phenotypes according to their distinct colony appearances. Two representative isolates of each phenotype and reference species of M. mumecola from apricot were selected for further analysis. Based on the morphological characterization and molecular identification, the two phenotypes of isolates were identified as M. fructicola and M. yunnanensis, respectively.

Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies differentially expressed genes between normal and late-blooming Siberian apricot

Blooming date is an important trait in fruit tree species.Although several quantitative trait loci confirming blooming date were identified in Prunus spp.,the molecular mechanism underlying it remains unclear.Arising from this,the transcriptomes of normal blooming and lateblooming Siberian apricot(P.sibirica L.)flower buds were analyzed using RNA-seq technology.A total of 68,855 unigenes were de novo assembled,among which 1204 were differentially expressed between normal and late blooming.Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that biological processes were enriched with metabolic processes.The catalytic-related gene transcripts between the two types of blooming were significantly changed in the molecular function.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 156 genes were successfully annotated and 75 pathways enriched.Genes for gibberellin biosynthesis were up-regulated in normal blooming,whereas abscisic acid degradation-related genes were also up-regulated in normal blooming.Moreover,circadian rhythms related genes including EARLY FLOWERING 4,LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL and CIRCANDIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 were all up-regulated in normal blooming,indicating that circadian rhythms have a very important role in controlling blooming date.Furthermore,zinc finger protein CONSTANS-LIKE 12 was blasted onto the quantitative trait loci region on linkage group 4 in peach.However,changes in the abundance of key flowering genes such as SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1,FLOWERING LOCU T,LEAFY and FLOWERING LOCUS C were not significantly different,indicating that further investigation should explore the function of these genes on blooming date.The outcomes of this study will provide a valuable platform for further research on the molecular mechanism of blooming date in Prunus.

Activated Hard Shell of Apricot Stones： A Promising Adsorbent in Gold Recovery

Activated carbon has been proven to be an effective adsorbent for the recovery of a wide variety of metal ions from aqueous solutions. In this research, the activated hard shell of Iranian apricot stones was used for gold recovery from electro-plating wastewater. The effect of parameters such as dose and particle size of adsorbent,pH, agitation speed of mixing on the gold recovery was investigated. The results showed that under the optimum operating conditions more than 98% of gold ions were adsorbed onto activated carbon after just 3 h. In addition, the adsorbed gold could be eluted from this adsorbent by improved striping method. The process involves contact of gold-laden adsorbent with a strong base at ambient temperatures followed by elution with an aqueous solution containing an organic solvent. It was found that activated hard shell of apricot stones has the potential to replace im ported commercial activated carbons in gold adsorption processes.

Effects of Low Temperature Stress and INA Bacteriaon Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Induction Kineticsin Young Fruit of Two Apricot Cultivars

Effects of low temperature and INA bacteria on the change of chlorophyll a fluorescence in young fruit from two apricot cultivars were investigated. Low temperature decreased the potential activity (Fv/ Fo), conversion efficiency of primary light energy (Fv/Fm)of PS II and photochemical quenching (qP) in young fruit of two apricot cultivars. Low temperature enhanced non-photochemical quenching qN, decreasing the quantum yield of photosynthetic electron transfer. The presence of ice nucleating active (INA) bacteria intensified the effects of low temperature, raised the injury temperature threshold from - 4℃ to - 2 - - 3℃. INA bacteria can be a factor to induce frost susceptibility of apricot fruit. The amount of damaged PS I activity center was related to apricot fruit size and cultivar.

Japanese apricot improves symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To investigate the effects of Japanese apricot(JA) consumption on gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)-related symptoms.METHODS: Participants included individuals living in Minabe-cho,a well-known JA-growing region,who received specific medical check-ups by the local community health service in 2010.GERD-related symptoms were examined in 1303 Japanese individuals using a validated questionnaire,the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD(FSSG),which consists of 7 questions associated with acid reflux symptoms and 5 questions asking about gastrointestinal dysmotility symptoms.Each question was answered using a 4-point scale,with higher scores indicating more severe GERDrelated symptoms.Subjects were divided into two groups according to their intake of dried and pickled JA: daily intake(≥ 1 JA daily)(392 subjects) and none oroccasional intake(< 1 JA daily)(911 subjects).FSSG scores were compared between subjects who consumed JA daily and those who did not.Next,subjects were stratified by age,gender and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) status for subanalyses.RESULTS: Those who ate JA daily were significantly older than those who did not(60.6 ± 10.5 years vs 56.0 ± 11.0 years,P < 0.001).Total FSSG scores were significantly lower in subjects with daily JA intake than in those with none or only occasional intake(2.13 ± 3.14 vs 2.70 ± 3.82,P = 0.005).In particular,subjects who consumed JA daily showed significantly improved FSSG dysmotility scores compared with subjects who did not(1.05 ± 1.58 vs 1.46 ± 2.11,P < 0.001).In contrast,the FSSG reflux score did not differ between subjects with and without daily intake of JA(1.08 ± 1.90 vs 1.24 ± 2.11,P = 0.177).Subanalysis indicated that improvement in dysmotility by JA intake was specifically observed in non-elderly(1.24 ± 1.68 vs 1.62 ± 2.22,P = 0.005) and H.pylori-negative subjects(0.99 ± 1.58 vs 1.57 ± 2.06,P < 0.001).GERD patients(total FSSG score ≥ 8) were less frequently observed among subjects with daily intake of JA as compared to those without daily intake of JA(6.1% vs 9.7%,P = 0.040).CONCLUSION: Daily JA intake may improve digestive dysmotility symptoms,resulting in relief of GERD symptoms.The effect is more obvious in non-elderly and H.pylori-negative subjects.

PaPYL9 is involved in the regulation of apricot fruit ripening through ABA signaling pathway

Abscisic acid(ABA)is a major regulator of non-climacteric fruit ripening;however,the role of ABA in the ripening of climacteric fruit is not clear.Here,as a typical climacteric fruit,apricots were used to investigate the role of ABA in fruit ripening.Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)of our previous transcriptome data,we treated‘Danxing’fruit with exogenous ABA and obtained ABA receptor genes,genes related to ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction,and analyzed the response of these candidate genes to exogenous ABA during fruit ripening.Subsequently,the full length of candidate PYLs genes were cloned,and their putative function were analyzed by phylogenetic analysis and protein structure domain analysis.And then the function of one candidate gene PaPYL9 was verified by using transgenic tomato.Furthermore,the response genes in transgenic tomato were screened by transcriptome sequencing,and ultimately the related regulatory network was proposed.The results showed that the injection of exogenous 1.89 mmol·L^(-1) ABA remarkably promoted fruit coloration,and increased the color index for red grapes(CIRG)and the total soluble solids(TSS)content,but significantly decreased the firmness and titratable acid(TA)content(p<0.01).Nordihydroguaiaretic acid(NDGA),the inhibitor of ABA,appeared to have the converse role in TA,TSS,CIRG and firmness,during the ripening process.One NCED(9-cis-epoxycarotenoiddioxygenase)and five ABA receptor genes related to signal transduction were mined from the transcriptome data of apricot fruit through WGCNA.Compared with the control,the expression levels of NCED1,PYL9(PYR/PYL/RCAR),SnRK2(SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING1(SNF1)-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2S),and ABF2(ABRE-binding bZIP transcription)were induced dramatically by ABA treatment(p<0.01),while NDGA treatment significantly inhibited their expression.Based on gene expression and protein domain analysis,we inferred that PaPYL9 is putatively involved in apricot fruit ripening.Overexpression of PaPYL9 in Micro-TOM tomatoes resulted in the promotion of early ripening.Simultaneously,the expression levels of genes related ethylene biosynthesis,chlorophyll degradation,fruit softening,flavor formation,pigment synthesis,and metabolism were all significantly induced in overexpression of PaPYL9 tomatoes.This indicates the central role of ABA in climacteric fruit ripening.A regulatory network was tentatively proposed,laying the foundation to unveil the molecular mechanism of the regulatory role of PaPYL9 in fruit ripening.

Acute cyanide poisoning due to apricot kernel ingestion

Cyanide is a toxin and one of the most rapidly acting fatal poisons that human being is aware. If it is not treated promptly, encountering to cyanide poison will lead to die in minutes. Cyanide avoids cellular oxygen usage by inactivating mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase thus inhibits cellular respiration. In this case, we represent a case report describing uncommon cyanide intoxication owing to consumption of a few portion of apricot kernels and its rapid treatment with dicobalt edetate after suspection of cyanide poisoning.

Correlation Analysis between Cracking and Mineral Element Content of Apricot Fruit

This study aimed to clarify the effectsof mineral nutrient contents on fruit cracking so as to provide certain reference for further study on fruit cracking in apricot and basis for reasonable fertilization in the production. The 39-year-old apricot trees, with plant and row spacing of 3.0 m×4.0 m, were selected as the test materials, and the effects of contents of 7 kinds of mineral elements on the fruit cracking in apricot were analyzed. The results of variance analysis showed the intensity of correlation between mineral element content and apricot fruit cracking ranked as Ca＇s 〉 Zn＇s 〉 Mn＇s 〉 Fe＇s 〉 K＇s 〉 Mg＇s 〉 Cu＇s, The content of Ca was negatively correlated with cracking index, and the correlation ,coefficient was larger; the correlations between the contents of Zn and Mn and cracking index were weaker; and the correlations between the contents of Fe, K, Mg and Cu and cracking index were extremely weak. In conclusion, Ca deficiency is the main factor affecting fruit cracking in apricot.

The Use of Prunus mume in the Development of Low Chill Apricot Varieties:the Status of Work in the United States

Several groups in the USA have been working to de-velop a low chill apricot that would ripen its fruits veryearly in the season. Unfortunately, the cultivatcd apricothas been developed mainly from the high chilling Euro-pean group within the species Prunus armeniaca. Amongthe five groups within the apricot species, this is the mostrecently evolved and least variable (Bailey and