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Fruit ripening, cell wall composition, and calcium associations in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) cultivars with contrasting firmness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), fruit firmness is a critical quality trait for postharvest life and the production of high-value products such as sweetened dried cranberries (SDC), yet the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying this characteristic remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine changes in cell wall composition and calcium (Ca) concentration throughout fruit development in two cranberry cultivars with contrasting fruit firmness (‘Stevens’ and ‘BG’). Fruit samples were collected from 14 to 91 days after full bloom (DAFB) and assessed for firmness, elasticity, size, fresh weight, anthocyanin concentration, and internal structure. Cell wall composition was analyzed for water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA (trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid)-soluble pectin (CPS), Na2CO3-soluble pectin (SSP), and 1 M and 4 M KOH hemicellulose fractions alongside Ca concentrations in both total fruit and in the cell wall. At 91 DAFB, ‘Stevens’ had a higher firmness than ‘BG’, which was correlated with greater CSP concentration and higher levels of cell wall-bound Ca. In contrast, ‘BG’ exhibited a sharper firmness decline during ripening, associated to increased solubilization of tightly bound hemicellulose (4KOH fraction) and lower cell wall-bound Ca concentration. Our findings highlight the role of Ca on solubilization of pectin and hemicellulose during fruit development, maintaining fruit firmness and elasticity, offering new insights for improving cranberry quality and fruit processing.

Source: Scientia Horticulturae

DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114568

Authors: Pedro Rojas-Barros, Hector Lopez-Moreno, Beth Ann Workmaster, Juan Zalapa, Amaya Atucha

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Washington State University

Language: English

Topic: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,000