Genomic analysis provides insights into the westward expansion of domesticated peaches in China

Peach, an economically important model plant of the Rosaceae family, has been domesticated and cultivated in China for approximately5 000 years. The Hexi Corridor, an important corridor connecting east-central China and the Tarim Basin, is the starting point of the Silk Road that links China and the Eurasian region. As a globally distributed fruit tree, the spread of peach was accomplished through historical trade routes in the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin. However, knowledge of peach genetic diversity in these regions remains limited. In this study,we examined the relationships and the spread history of domesticated peaches through sequencing and genomic analysis of 161 peach accessions collected from Northwest China, including 43 from the Hexi Corridor and 104 from the Tarim Basin. The results indicate that peach landraces in the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin are derivatives of peaches from the east and south of China (ESC). Notably, the genetic diversity of accessions from both the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin was lower than that of ESC accessions. Reduction of diversity (ROD) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses detected a genetic bottleneck in peaches from these regions. Additionally, these peaches have undergone varying degrees of selection from natural environment. Moreover, genes responsive to biotic and abiotic stresses were under selection, which could be the result of the climate change of Northwest China after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Our findings provide a better understanding of the genetic basis of peach migration in Northwest China. Furthermore, this study expands the available genomic data for peaches and provides critical information for future peach breeding programs.

Changes in Enzymatic Activity and Quality Attributes of Late-mature Peaches in Response to Controlled Atmosphere Conditions

Late-mature peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. Dongxuemi) were stored in air, modification atmosphere (MA) and controlled atmospheres (CA) at 1℃ to investigate enzymatic activities, flesh browning, quality attributes and fruit storability during storage periods. Peaches stored in CA conditions showed significant lower activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) compared to that kept in MA and in air during the early period of storage. CA treatments indicated a better result in maintaining fruit firmness, color and titratable acidity than MA and control treatments. But there was no significant difference in vitamin C and total soluble solids of peaches stored in CA, MA and air. Increasing PPO activity obviously stimulated flesh browning. Peach fruits stored in CA conditions showed a lower activity of POD and higher firmness in the early period of storage. The peaches stored in 5%CO2 + 5%O2 and 10%CO2 + 5%O2 for 92 days had a good quality without any off-flavor. The results indicated CA conditions obviously inhibited the enzymatic browning, delayed senescence and maintained quality of late-mature peaches.

Methyl Jasmonate Reduces Chilling Injury and Maintains Postharvest Quality in Peaches

Zhaohui peaches(Prunus persica Batsch)were treated with 0(CK), 1, 10 or 100 μmol L-1 methyl jasmonate(MeJA)vapor at 20℃ for 24 h before stored at 0℃ for 35 d. The untreated fruits showed chilling injury(CD symptoms after 4 wk of storage, as indicated by increased fruit firmness and reduced ex-tractable juice, which is referred as leatheriness. Treatment with 1 and 10 μmol L-1 MeJA promoted normal ripening and softening, maintained higher levels of extractable juice, titratable acidity, pectinesterase(PE)and polygalacturonase(PC)activities, inhibited increases in fruit fresh weight loss, decay incidence, electrolyte leakage and MDA content, and improved color development, thereby preventing chilling injury symptoms development and maintaining edible quality. MeJA treatment also delayed the climacteric rise in respiratory rate, but promoted ethylene production during the later period of cold storage, suggesting that ethylene may involve in CI development of peaches. These results indicate that 1 and 10 μmol L-1 MeJA treatments could be used to reduce CI development and decay incidence in peaches.

Main Varieties of Ornamental Peaches and Their Application in Shijiazhuang City

In order to comprehensively understand the varieties of ornamental peaches in Shijiazhuang City and their application status,a systematic survey was conducted on the ornamental peach varieties in Shijiazhuang.The results showed that there were 27 ornamental peach varieties in Shijiazhuang,including 1 species of mountain peach and 26 species of ornamental peaches.According to the systematic observation and analysis of their branch types,flower types,flower colors,and application frequency,the ornamental peaches in Shijiazhuang City belonged to the ecological northern peaches,which were characterized by early flowering phase,long flowering period,and rich flower color.Then problems existing in the application of ornamental peaches were explored,and corresponding solutions and suggestions were proposed.

Prediction for the Flowering Period of Two Varieties of Ornamental Peaches

In order to accurately predict the flowering period of peach blossoms and provide visitors with the best viewing period of peach blossoms, the regression model was used to establish the forecasting model of the blooming of ornamental peaches according to the relevant laws of phenology. The forecasting model could accurately predict the flowering period and the best viewing period of peach blossoms.

Residue patterns of buprofezin and teflubenzuron in treated peaches

The biological half-life and final residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were examined in peaches over a 14-day cultivation period. The residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were analyzed by chromatographic method with recovery ranging from 84.0% to 96.6%. The biological half-lives of buprofezin andteflubenzuron were 4.88 and 11.49 days at the standard dose, and 4.40 and 10.86 days at a triple dose, respectively. The initial concentration of buprofezin exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) set in Korea, but the concentration decreased to below the MRL within 6 days after application. The initial and persisting concentrations of teflubenzuron were all below the prescribed MRL. The final residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were 0.17 and 0.10?mg·kg﹣1 following a standard single dose, and 0.20 and 0.23 mg·kg﹣1 following a triple dose, respectively. The final re-sidue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were also compared with the good agricultural practices standards of the United States and Italy.

Prevalence and ecological factors affecting the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in Prunus groves in Spain

A wide survey was conducted to study plant-parasitic nematodes(PPNs)associated with Prunus groves in Spain.This research aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of PPNs in Prunus groves,as well as the influence of explanatory variables describing soil,climate and agricultural management in structuring the variation of PPNs community composition.A total of 218 sampling sites were surveyed and 84 PPN species belonging to 32 genera were identified based of an integrative taxonomic approach.PPN species considered as potential limiting factors in Prunus production,such as Meloidogyne arenaria,M.incognita,M.javanica,Pratylenchus penetrans and P.vulnus,were identified in this survey.Seven soil physico-chemical(C,Mg,N,Na,OM,P,pH and clay,loamy sand and sandy loam texture classes),four climate(Bio04,Bio05,Bio13 and Bio14)and four agricultural management variables(grove-use history less than 10 years,irrigation,apricot seedling rootstock,and Montclar rootstock)were identified as the most influential variables driving spatial patterns of PPNs communities.In particular,younger plantations showed higher values for species richness and diversity indices than groves cultivated for more than 20 years with Prunus spp.Our study increases the knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of PPNs associated with Prunus rhizosphere,as well as on the influence of explanatory variables driving the spatial structure PPNs communities,which has important implications for the successful design of sustainable management strategies in the future in this agricultural system.

A study of the soil water potential threshold values to trigger irrigation of ‘Shimizu Hakuto’ peach at pivotal fruit developmental stages

Water management is an important practice that affects fruit size and quality.Effective implementation of irrigation scheduling requires knowledge of the appropriate indicators and thresholds,which are established manly based on the effects of water deficits on final fruit quality.Few studies have focused on the real-time effects of water status on fruit and shoot growth.To establish soil water potential (ψ_(soil)) thresholds to trigger irrigation of peach at pivotal fruit developmental stages,photogrammetry,^(13)C labelling,and other techniques were used in this study to investigate real-time changes in stem diameter,fruit projected area,net leaf photosynthetic rate (P_(n)),and allocation of photoassimilates to fruit under soil water potential conditions ranging from saturation to stress in 6-year-old Shimizu hakuto’peach.Stem growth,fruit growth,and P_n exhibited gradually decreasing sensitivity to water deficits during fruit developmental stages I,II,and III.Stem diameter growth was significantly inhibited whenψ_(soil)dropped to-8.5,-7.6,and-5.4 k Pa,respectively.Fruit growth rate was low,reaching zero when theψ_(soil)was-9.0 to-23.1,-14.9 to-21.4,and-16.5 to-23.3 k Pa,respectively,and P_ndecreased significantly when theψ_(soil)reached-24.2,-22.7,and-20.4 kPa,respectively.In addition,more photoassimilates were allocated to fruit under moderateψ_(soil)conditions (-10.1 to-17.0 k Pa) than under otherψ_(soil)values.Our results revealed threeψ_(soil)thresholds,-10.0,-15.0,and-15.0 kPa,suitable for triggering irrigation during stages I,II,and III,respectively.These thresholds can be helpful for controlling excessive tree vigor,maintaining rapid fruit growth and leaf photosynthesis,and promoting the allocation of more photoassimilates to fruit.

Peculiarity of transcriptional and H3K27me3 dynamics during peach bud dormancy

Bud dormancy facilitates the survival of meristems under harsh environmental conditions.To elucidate how molecular responses to chilling accumulation controlling dormancy in peach buds,chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify the H3K27me3 modifications and RNA sequencing of two peach cultivars with pronounced differences in chilling requirement were carried out,the results showed that genes associated with abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signal pathways play key roles in dormancy regulation.The results demonstrated that peach flower bud differentiation occurred continuously in both cultivars during chilling accumulation,which was correlated with the transcript abundance of key genes involved in phytohormone metabolism and flower bud development under adverse conditions.The more increased strength in high chillingrequirement cultivar along with the chilling accumulation at the genome-wide level.The function of the dormancy-associated MADS-box gene PpDAM6 was identified,which is involved in leaf bud break in peach and flower development in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum(NC89).In addition,PpDAM6 was positively regulated by PpCBF,and the genes of putative dormancy-related and associated with metabolic pathways were proposed.Taken together,these results constituted a theoretical basis for elucidating the regulation of peach bud dormancy transition.

Study on Germplasm Resources of Peach Cultivars

[Objectives]To study the germplasm resources of excellent peach cultivars.[Methods]Five peach cultivars were introduced,in-cluding‘Jinxiu’peach,‘Jinxiang’peach,‘Chunxiao’peach,‘Hujingmilu’peach and‘018 nectarine’peach.Then,these five cultivars were used to study the biological characteristics of peach trees,namely,as phenology,fruit quality,heat resistance,cold resistance and other resistance.[Results]Five cultivars of peach plants grew fast and robust,among which‘018 nectarine’had very crisp fruit,‘Jinxiu’,‘Jinxiang’,‘Chunxiao’and‘Hujingmilu’had very sweet fruitꎻthe peach trees of these five cultivars have good water resistance,heat resist-ance and cold resistance.[Conclusions]The results of this study can not only provide a reference for the introduction of peach trees,but also provide a practical basis for the large-scale planting of peach trees.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in the Soil of Typical Peach Orchards in Zunyi City

[Objectives]This study was conducted to clarify the enrichment and paucity of trace elements in the soil environment of peach orchards in Zunyi City,and to provide reference for supplementary application of microelement fertilizers and high-quality peach production in peach orchards.[Methods]Taking the soil of three typical peach orchards(Taoli Renjia peach orchard,Pengrui peach orchard and Taohuadao peach orchard)in Shenxi Town,Honghuagang District,Zunyi City as the research object,the contents of trace elements in soil were analyzed through field sampling and indoor determination of trace elements.[Results]The effective contents of trace elements in the soil of peach orchard bases in the study area were at a medium level,and the soil of the peach orchards was rich in available Fe and Se.The contents of available Cu,Mo and Mn were relatively rich.The contents of available B were not high overall.The contents of available Zn were at a moderate to low level overall.The soil of Taoli Renjia peach orchard was relatively rich in trace elements.[Conclusions]The research results can provide a scientific basis for the production of high-quality crispy peaches in peach orchards.

Color of the Year 2024: Peach Fuzz

Pantone has declared Pantone 13-1023Peach Fuzz as its Color of the Year for 2024.This soft peach tone reflects comforting warmth and represents a desire for unity,peace and personal well-being.The calming shade,a sublime blend of pink and orange,suggests fresh softness,signifying an environment that invites relaxation,reccovery and growth.The delicatehue of Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz not only awakens our senses to the tactile and enveloping warmth of the color,but also influences our sense of peace and overall well-being.

Comparative Analysis of Three Types of Peaches:Identification of the Key Individual Characteristic Flavor Compounds by Integrating Consumers' Acceptability with Flavor Quality

In order to recognize the key flavor compounds influencing the consumers' choice for honey peach, nectarine, and flat peach and provide important information for orientation breeding, sugars, organic acids, and aroma volatiles in 3 types of peaches were examined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS) and their key individual characteristic flavor compounds were identified by multivariate analysis integrated with consumers' evaluation. No significant differences in sugar and organic acid were observed between 3 types of peaches. In hierarchical clustering analysis(HCA) and principal component analysis(PCA)models, 3 types of peaches could not be differentiated by sugars or organic acids, but could be identified completely by aroma volatiles or by flavor compounds. A partial least squares regression(PLSR) model revealed that the key individual characteristic volatiles in nectarine, honey peach, and flat peach are C9 compounds and terpenic compounds, norisoprenoids and C6 compounds, and benzaldehyde, γ-decalactone, andδ-dodecalactone, respectively. These results suggest that sugars and organic acids form the background flavor of peach fruit and lactones shape the typical peach aroma. However, the individual aroma volatiles play the decisive role in unique flavor determination of different types of peaches.

Classification of the firmness of peaches by sensor fusion

The objectives of this research were to compare the performance of each individual nondestructive sensor with the destructive sensor,and to apply sensor fusion technique to explore whether a combination of sensors would give better results than a single sensor for classification of peach firmness.Tests were carried out with four peach varieties namely Royal Glory,Caterina,Tirrenia and Suidring.In this research,the three nondestructive firmness sensors acoustic firmness,low-mass impact and micro-deformation impact were used to measure firmness.A Bayesian classifier was chosen to provide a classification into three categories,namely soft,intermediate and hard.High level fusion technique was performed by using identity declaration provided by each sensor.The data fusion system processed the information of the sensors to output the fused data.The result of the high level fusion was compared with the classification provided by an unsupervised algorithm based on destructive reference measurement.The fusion process of the nondestructive sensors provided some improvements in the firmness classification;the error rate varied from 25%to 19%for individual sensor.Furthermore,the results of fusion process by using three sensors decreased the error rate from 19%to 13%.This research demonstrated that the fused systems provided more complete and complementary information and,thus,were more effective than individual sensors in the firmness classification of peaches.

PpMAPK6 regulates peach bud endodormancy release through interactions with PpDAM6

The MADS-box(DAM)gene PpDAM6,which is related to dormancy,plays a key role in bud endodormancy release,and the expression of PpDAM6 decreases during endodormancy release.However,the interaction network that governs its regulation of the endodormancy release of flower buds in peach remains unclear.In this study,we used yeast two-hybrid(Y2H)assays to identify a mitogen-activated protein kinase,PpMAPK6,that interacts with PpDAM6 in a peach dormancy-associated SSHcDNA library.PpMAPK6 is primarily located in the nucleus,and Y2H and bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC)assays verified that PpMAPK6 interacts with PpDAM6 by binding to the MADS-box domain of PpDAM6.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis showed that the expression of PpMAPK6 was opposite that of PpDAM6 in the endodormancy release of three cultivars with different chilling requirements(Prunus persica‘Chunjie’,Prunus persica var.nectarina‘Zhongyou 5’,Prunus persica‘Qingzhou peach’).In addition,abscisic acid(ABA)inhibited the expression of PpMAPK6 and promoted the expression of PpDAM6 in flower buds.The results indicated that PpMAPK6 might phosphorylate PpDAM6 to accelerate its degradation by interacting with PpDAM6.The expression of PpMAPK6 increased with decreasing ABA content during endodormancy release in peach flower buds,which in turn decreased the expression of PpDAM6 and promoted endodormancy release.

Genome sequencing revealed the red-flower trait candidate gene of a peach landrace

Peach(Prunus persica)is an economically important fruit crop globally and an excellent material for genomic studies.While considerable progress has been made in unveiling trait-associated genes within cultivars and wild relatives,certain novel genes controlling valuable traits in peach landraces,such as the red-flowering gene,remained unclear.In this study,we sequenced and assembled the diploid genome of the red-flower landrace‘Yingzui’(abbreviated as‘RedY’).Multi-omics profiling of red petals of‘RedY’revealed the intensified red coloration associated with anthocyanins accumulation and concurrent decline in f lavonols.This phenomenon is likely attributed to a natural variant of Flavonol Synthase(FLS)harboring a 9-bp exonic insertion.Intriguingly,the homozygous allelic configurations of this FLS variant were only observed in red-flowered peaches.Furthermore,the 9-bp sequence variation tightly associated with pink/red petal color in genome-wide association studies(GWAS)of collected peach germplasm resources.Functional analyses of the FLS variant,purified from procaryotic expression system,demonstrated its diminished enzymatic activity in f lavonols biosynthesis,impeccably aligning with the cardinal trait of red flowers.Therefore,the natural FLS variant was proposed as the best candidate gene for red-f lowering trait in peach.The pioneering unveiling of the red-flowered peach genome,coupled with the identification of the candidate gene,expanded the knowledge boundaries of the genetic basis of peach traits and provided valuable insights for future peach breeding efforts.

The Potential Efficacy of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Nanostructure Against Brown Rot of Peach fruits

Production of peaches(Prunus persica(L.)Batsch)for both local market and export is increasing each year in Egypt.Brown rot disease,caused by Monilinia laxa and Monilinia fructigena,is considered one of the most important postharvest rots affecting peaches in Egypt and economic losses are increasing.Antifungal activity of glycyrrhizic acid nanoparticles(GA-NPs)and glycyrrhizic acid(GA)at 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/L was investigated as a control for both these brown rot pathogens on peach fruits in both in vitro and in vivo studies.In the in vitro studies,GA-NPs were the most effective as shown by the ability to decrease linear growth of both brown rot pathogens in potato dextrose agar(PDA)amended with 0.4 mmol/L GA-NPs.Micrographs of M.fructigena exposed to 0.4 mmol/LGA showed mycelial deformations,nodule formation,detachment of the cell wall,shrinkage and inhomogeneous cytoplasmic materials with large vacuoles.Mycelium of M.laxa exposed to 0.4 mmol/LGA-NPs resulted in thinner and distorted hyphae,nodule formation,cell wall thinning,and swellings.The GANPs and GA treatments improved fruit quality by maintaining firmness and total soluble solids(TSS).GA-NPs were more effective in decreasing decay incidence than their bulk material.The 0.4 mmol/L GA-NPs completely inhibited the disease on naturally infected peach fruits for both seasons of 2018 and 2019.Furthermore,0.4 mmol/L GA-NPs reduced the disease incidence in inoculated fruits by 95(M.laxa)and 88%(M.fructigena)in 2018 season and 96(M.laxa)and 85%(M.fructigena)in 2019 season.In conclusion,GA-NPs could enhance the resistance of peaches against brown rot caused by M.laxa and M.fructigena.

β-Cyclodextrin-Based Nitrosoglutathione Improves the Storage Quality of Peach by Regulating the Metabolism of Endogenous Nitric Oxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Phenylpropane

Nitrosoglutathione(GSNO)andβ-cyclodextrin(β-CD)exhibit positive roles in regulating fruit quality.However,there are few reports about the effects of GSNO andβ-CD on enhancing storability and boosting nitric oxide(NO),hydrogen sulfide(H2S),and phenylpropane metabolism in fruits during storage.“Xintaihong”peach were treated with 0.5,1.0,1.5mmol L−1 GSNO in 0.5%(w/v)β-CD solution(GSNO/β-CD).The effects of GSNO/β-CD on endogenous NO,H2S,and phenylpropane metabolism were investigated.Treatment with GSNO/β-CD increased the color difference of peach and inhibited the increase of respiratory intensity,weight loss,and relative conductivity.Treatment with 1.0 mmol L−1 GSNO/β-CD increased the nitric oxide synthase(NOS-like)activity and L-arginine content,thereby promoting the accumulation of endogenous NO.By improving the activities of L-cysteine desulfhydrylase(L-CD),O-acetylserine sulfur lyase(OAS-TL),serine acetyltransferase(SAT),GSNO/β-CD increased the content of endogenous H2S in peach.Treatment with GSNO/β-CD increased the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase(PAL),4-coumarate-CoA ligase(4CL),and cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase(C4H),promoted the increase of total phenols,flavonoids,and lignin in peach.These results indicated that GSNO/β-CD treatment better maintained the quality of peach by improving the metabolism of endogenous NO,H2S,and phenylpropane during storage.

Identification of Early Peach Aphid Infestation Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

Peach aphid is a common pest and hard to detect.This study employs hyperspectral imaging technology to identify early damage in green cabbage caused by peach aphid.Through principal component transformation and multiple linear regression analysis,the correlation relation between spectral characteristics and infestation stage is analyzed.Then,four characteristic wavelength selection methods are compared and optimal characteristic wavelengths subset is determined to be input for modelling.One linear algorithm and two nonlinear modelling algorithms are compared.Finally,support vector machine(SVM)model based on the characteristic wavelengths selected by multi-cluster feature selection(MCFS)acquires the highest identification accuracy,which is 98.97%.These results indicate that hyperspectral imaging technology have the ability to identify early peach aphid infestation stages on green cabbages.

Evaluation on Soil Improvement Effects of Organic Fertilization in Honey Peach Orchard in the Longquan Mountain

Combined application of organic fertilizer is an effective measure to improve the productivity and ecological effect of newly added soil.However,the effect of organic fertilizer application in newly added orchard soil is not clear.In this project,the soil of newly built peach orchard in the Longquan Mountain of Chengdu was applied with 45 t/hm 2 of organic fertilizer.After 9 months of planting 6 varieties of honey peach(Wanhujing,Baifeng,Zhongtao 13,Huangjinmitao 1,Zhongpan 101,Zhongpan 104),the locally well developed peach orchard was taken as the control.The physical and chemical properties of soil from four topography(top slope,middle slope,lower slope and flat land)of newly built peach orchard were analyzed,and the effect of organic fertilizer on soil was evaluated.The results showed that combined application of organic fertilizer had different effects on soils from orchards with different varieties of peach and from different terrain parts of the same peach variety.Specifically,it had the best effect on soil improvement in Baifeng(local variety),Zhongpan 101 and Zhongpan 104(introduced varieties).Meanwhile,the best effect of soil improvement was found on top slope.Cluster analysis divided newly built peach orchards,uncultivated soil,and locally well developed peach orchard into four groups,indicating that the selected amount of organic fertilizer application in this study has improved the soil of peach orchards to some extent,but it was still necessary to increase the application amount.It was better for 54 t/hm 2 amount of organic fertilization on the part of top and middle slope,and 60 t/hm 2 on the lower slope and flat land.The comprehensive ecological benefit assessment of organic fertilizer should be conducted based on long-term monitoring of peach orchard ecological environment,fruit tree growth,fruit yield and quality,which would provide scientific basis for peach orchard production and management.