A new pineapple (Ananas comosus) variety of the Bromeliaceae family was developed, via genetic engineering of MD2, named ‘Rosé’ is provided. Internal light red color with yellow spots, unique shell morphology and possibility of flowering control trait are traits of the new variety.

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Patent
   PP25763
Priority
Jun 04 2012
Filed
Jun 04 2012
Issued
Aug 04 2015
Expiry
Jun 04 2032
Inventors
Firoozbady…
Assg.orig
DEL MONTE …
Assg.curr
DEL MONTE …
Entity
unknown
Referenced by
0
References
6
Maint.:
n/a
BACKGROUND OF THE IN…
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN…
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF…
DETAILED DESCRIPTION…
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTIO…
1. A new and distinct variety of pineapple plant named ‘Rosé’ as illustrated and described herein.

Species name: Ananas comosus.

Variety denomination: ‘Rosé’, with breeder name ‘EF2-114’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a continuous need for production of novel varieties of pineapple with distinct color, higher carotenoid content and flowering tolerance trait.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A new variety of pineapple (Ananas comosus), family Bromeliaceae, has been developed using genetic engineering techniques and named ‘Rosé’ or international breeder name ‘EF2-114’. Using crown materials from variety MD2 (also known as Del Monte Gold pineapple) to produce in vitro shoot cultures, introduce genes and DNA elements into leaf base sections, regenerate complete plants, perform field trials and select plants with internal pink- or red-colored fruits. The selected plants were asexually propagated in the field and via meristem culture to confirm the color and other traits related to fruit and agronomic performance. The invention relates to production of a new and distinct variety of the Bromeliaceae, or pineapple family.

The new plant variety ‘Rosé’ is characterized by light red flesh color (FIGS. 4 and 6) and “Tiger” shell color, when compared with the parental line, MD2, and it might be tolerant to natural occurrence of flowering. Internal color of fruits can be variable for intensity of the light red color depending on the stage of ripening. The Tiger trait is defined as the color in shell has in the shoulder of each fruitlet a combination of colors green, yellow, orange and red due to expression of carotenoid genes in the shell (FIGS. 5-7). The plant morphology generally is the same as MD2, the parental plant (FIGS. 8-11).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Enzymes and genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants and algae. (Adapted from J. Hirschberg et al., Pure & Appl. Chem. 69(10):2151-58). Genes used in pineapple transformations to create ‘Rosé’ are shown in the boxes. Psy is phytoene synthase gene from tangerine and b-lyc and e-Lyc are partial sequences of pineapple lycopene β-cyclase and lycopene ε-cyclase genes respectively.

FIG. 2. Map of plasmid binary vector backbone, pHCW1, used for genetic engineering of pineapple. For definition of genetic elements see Table 1.

    • RB—Right Border
    • pVS1—Agrobacterium origin of replication
    • TetR/A—Tetracyclin gene (bacterial selectable marker)
    • pACYC—Bacterial origin of replication
    • LB—Left Border

FIG. 3. Plasmid pHCW1 was used to create pHCW.T-7 binary vector (in AG76) and pHCWflACC3′-2 binary vector (in AG62). For definition of genetic elements see Table 2 and 3.

    • Vector Backbone:
    • RB: Right T-DNA Border
    • pVS1: Agrobacterium origin of replication
    • TetR/A: Tetracyclin gene (bacterial selectable marker)
    • pACYC: Bacterial origin of replication
    • LB: Left T-DNA Border
    • T-DNA
    • ALS cassette: EHS-Ubp (promoter)-ALS-ALS3′ terminator
    • Psy casssette: BRIP (promoter)-Psy-Ubp terminator
    • bLyc cassette: BRIP (promoter)-bLyc(+)-LS1 intron-bLyc(−)-Ubp terminator
    • eLyc cassette: BRIP (promoter)-eLyc(+)-LS1 intron-eLyc(−)-Ubp terminator
    • flACS cassette: Ubp(promoter)-flACS(+)-LS1 intron-flACS(−)-Ubp terminator

FIG. 4. Event EF2-114 fruit (right) exhibits light red color in the flesh due to accumulation of lycopene while parental variety MD2 (left) has a golden flesh color.

FIG. 5. Shows “Tiger” shell color in ‘Rosé’ fruits. The color in shell has in the shoulder of each fruitlet a combination of colors green, yellow, orange and red.

FIG. 6. A “Tiger” fruit showing shell and internal color at harvest.

FIG. 7. Shows an immature fruit of ‘Rosé’ with Tiger shell morphology (left) and an immature fruit of MD2 (right) both ˜145 days after forcing.

FIG. 8. Shows overhead view of ‘Rosé’ plant.

FIG. 9. Shows a ‘Rosé’ plantation.

FIG. 10. Shows ‘Rosé’ (left) and MD2 (right) experimental plots.

FIG. 11. Shows ‘Rosé’ (left) and MD2 (right) meristem culture-derived plants. After 15 weeks growth in greenhouse, ˜15 cm long plants were transplanted in pots, and the pictures were taken 11 months later.

FIG. 12. Pineapple plant morphology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A new variety of pineapple (Ananas comosus), family Bromeliaceae, has been developed using genetic engineering techniques and named ‘Rosé’. This process took 6 years; started in August 2005, using crown materials from variety MD2 (also known as Del Monte Gold pineapple) that is not patented, imported from Hawaii, to produce in vitro shoot cultures, introduce genes and DNA elements into leaf base sections, regenerate complete plants, perform field trials and select plants with internal pink- or red-colored fruits. The selected plants were asexually propagated in the field and via meristem culture to confirm the colored traits and other traits related to fruit and agronomic performance. Testing and selection of four consecutive asexual generations took place from 2010 through 2014, in Costa Rica-Central America. During the field trials six groups of plants exhibited light red internal color. Molecular analyses confirmed that all of the groups are one transgenic event and collectively are referred as ‘Rosé’ pineapple variety. The new variety transmits the new traits from one generation to the next through asexual propagation using different propagules including use of ratoon, slips, ground sucker, hapa, stem sectioning and crown.

The ‘Rosé’ plant is very similar to parental line, MD2, for plant and fruit characteristics and fruit internal quality. However, in ‘Rosé’ the internal flesh color is light red with yellow spots, due to accumulation of lycopene in the edible part of fruit, the shell morphology is unique and referred as “Tiger” and it might be tolerant to natural occurrence of flowering. The tolerance to natural flowering has not yet been demonstrated for ‘Rosé’. On the other hand, the parental variety, MD2, produces fruits with yellow flesh color only, does not produce the shell morphology “Tiger” and is sensitive to natural flowering.

The new variety ‘Rosé’ is best suited for the fresh market and residual fruit may be processed as juice or frozen product. The residual fruits are those not qualified for export (import to the USA). These fruits have cosmetic bruises or damages, or their crowns are deformed.

The main objective of this invention was to produce a unique and differentiated variety of pineapple by accumulation of high levels of carotenoids, in particular lycopene that produces red internal color while retaining most of the characteristics of the parental line, MD2. Essentially, carotenoid genes and flowering control gene were added to parental variety MD2 to produce ‘Rosé’ pineapple variety, which has novel traits such as light red flesh, new shell morphology and maybe flowering control trait.

The invention relates to carotenoid biosynthesis in pineapple plants. More specifically, this novel pineapple was produced by genetically transforming MD2 cells in tissue culture and regenerating complete plants. Transformation was accomplished with expression regulators that modulate lycopene biosynthesis in the internal section of the fruit as well as genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis pathway to control flowering in the plants.

Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules that are widespread in nature and can occur as pigments in fruits, flowers, birds, and crustaceans. Animals are unable to synthesize carotenoids de novo, and rely upon the diet as a source of these compounds. Carotenoids may contribute fundamentally to human health and in recent years there has been considerable interest in dietary carotenoids with respect to their potential in alleviating age-related diseases in humans. This attention has been mirrored by significant advances in cloning most of the carotenoid genes and in the genetic manipulation of crop plants with the intention of increasing levels in the diet.

In plants, carotenoids are essential components of the photosynthetic apparatus and are responsible for the red, orange, and yellow color of many flowers and fruit. Our understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis has advanced dramatically in recent years (Hirschberg, 2001; Fraser and Bramley, 2004). The pathway involves a series of desaturations, cyclizations, hydroxylations, and epoxidations commencing with the formulation of phytoene (See FIG. 1). A subsequent series of desaturations is responsible for lycopene synthesis. After the desaturation reactions, the cyclization of lycopene is catalyzed by two enzymes, the beta-cyclase and the zeta-cyclase, leading to the formation of beta-carotene (two beta-rings) and alpha-carotene (one beta-ring and one zeta-ring) (Cunnigham et al., 1996, 1998).

The genes of interest are derived from edible plant species, pineapple (Ananas comosus) or tangerine (Citrus unshiu). Specifically, a tangerine phytoene synthase gene (Psy) (Ikoma et al, 2001) is under transcriptional control of the pineapple bromelain inhibitor (BRI) gene. We have also suppressed endogenous lycopene β-cyclase (b-Lyc) and/or lycopene ε-cyclase (e-Lyc) gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) technology in order to increase accumulation of lycopene in edible tissues of pineapple fruit (Young and Firoozabady 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 7,663,021). We constructed sense- and antisense-oriented sequences of the b-Lyc and e-Lyc genes derived from pineapple, which are separated by an intron of the light-inducible tissue-specific LS1 gene derived from potato (Solanum tuberosum) to form a hairpin structure. These genes are under transcriptional control of the Bromelain inhibitor gene promoter, which drives strong fruit-enhanced expression of the RNAi construct (Firoozabady, E. and Wintz, H-C 2005 and Wintz H-C and Firoozabady, E. 2011).

Flower initiation in pineapple can occur naturally primarily due to cool temperatures and short days. Natural flowering of pineapple plants is a major industry problem. To achieve the controlled flowering trait, we have altered expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis. Ethylene is a plant hormone that plays an important role in every phase of plant development, including seed germination, fruit ripening, leaf and flower senescence, and abscission. In plants, ethylene is synthesized from the amino acid, Methionine. The immediate precursor of ethylene in higher plants is 1-aminocyclopropane-1 carboxylic acid (ACC) (Adams and Yang, 1979).

Ethylene is known to inhibit flowering in most plants. In mango and pineapple, ethylene promotes flowering (Burg S.P and Burg E.A. 1966). Ethylene, ethylene producing compounds and auxins have been used to induce flowering in commercial pineapple production (Turnbull et al., 1993).

We isolated a meristem-specific ACC synthase (flACCS) gene from pineapple and constructed sense- and antisense oriented sequences of the ACC synthase gene, which are separated by an intron of the light-inducible tissue-specific LS1 gene derived from potato (Solanum tuberosum) to form a hairpin structure for RNAi suppression of endogenous ACC synthase. The RNAi construct is under transcriptional control of the meristem-specific ACC promoter derived from pineapple.

Transformation method

Pineapple was transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of organogenic tissues using a method described by Firoozabady (Firoozabady, 2011 U.S. Pat. No. 8,049,067). To achieve both high-carotenoid and controlled flowering phenotypes, Agrobacterium strains containing either a transformation plasmid for increased carotenoid biosynthesis (accumulation) or for decreased ethylene biosynthesis were co-cultivated with recipient pineapple tissues. Putative transformed tissues were selected on media containing chlorsulfuron and subsequently screened for the presence of target genes by PCR.

A. tumefaciens, [Strain GV3101] (Koncz and Schell, 1986), is a disarmed Agrobacterium strain commonly used for the delivery of T-DNA into plant cells. Different genes were inserted into T-DNA in a binary vector (see FIG. 2) for introduction to pineapple. The Psy derived from Citrus unshiu, tangerine (Ikomaa et al, 2001), encodes an enzyme that converts geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) to cis-phytoene, an intermediate in lycopene and beta-carotene biosynthesis.

The lycopene beta-cyclase gene (b-Lyc) derived from Ananas comosus, pineapple, encodes an enzyme that converts lycopene to gamma-carotene, a metabolic precursor of beta-carotene.

The lycopene epsilon-cyclase gene (e-Lyc) derived from Ananas comosus, pineapple, encodes an enzyme that converts lycopene to sigma-carotene, a metabolic precursor of alpha-carotene.

The modified acetolactate synthase (Chaleff, R. S., and Mauvais, C. J., 1984) (ALS) gene (surBHra) derived from Nicotiana tabacum, tobacco, catalyzes the biosynthesis of branched chain amino acids even in the presence of chlorsulfuron (Lee, K. et al., 1988), which allows for the selection of transformed pineapple cells.

Plasmid pHCW1 used for pineapple transformations was constructed by the laboratory of Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, Richmond, Calif. pHCW1 contains a tetracycline resistance gene (tetRA) from plasmid RP1 and the origin of replication from plasmid pACYC, which allows for selection and maintenance in Escherichia coli and the pVS1 replicon derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which ensures replication in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. pHCW1 contains the 25-base pair sequences that delimit the T-DNA transfer and a 110-base pair synthetic sequence between the borders that forms multiple cloning restriction sites to allow integration of different T-DNA cassettes (see Table 1).

The plasmid pCHW1 was used to create pHCW.T-7 and pHCWflACC3′-2 binary vector plasmids. Binary vectors were transferred to disarmed A. tumefaciens strain GV3101. The GV3101 with pHCW.T-7 vector was named AG76 and the one with pHCWflACC3′-2 was named AG62 (see FIG. 3). AG76 and AG62 were mixed together and used for pineapple transformation. Genetic elements of the vectors are described in Tables 2 and 3.

Genetic engineering of the MD2 took place in the Laboratory of Del Monte Fresh Produce Company in Richmond, Calif., USA, where transgenic plants were produced and propagated in tissue culture. Then the propaguls were taken to the research area of Corporacion de Desarrollo Agricola Del Monte, S.A. (Pindeco), Buenos Aires-Puntarenas, Costa Rica, for field evaluation, propagation in the field and in the laboratory for mass propagation of the variety.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The description of the new variety is based on observations of well fertilized specimens which were grown under field conditions, in the Buenos Aires region, Costa Rica (9 degrees and 9 minutes latitude North, and 83 degrees and 20 minutes longitude west, 379 meters above the sea level), where temperatures generally range from 14° C. to 37° C., and annual rainfall averages 3251 mm.

The plants were grown at a research facility in Buenos Aires-Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Pindeco). Essentially, ‘Rosé’ is same as MD2 for all fruit and plant characteristics with the exception of fruit internal color, Tiger trait and possibly flowering control trait (Tables 4-10). The Munsell Color Chart was used for all color designations (“Munsell Book of Color” Gretag Macneth LLC, 617 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, N.Y. 12553-6148).

Tables: Tables 4-10 compare Rosé and MD2. Twenty-one quantitative characteristics measured in details for Rosé and MD2 showed that there are no statistically significant differences between the two varieties for the 21 characteristics (Table 7). Also, detailed phenotypes measured for Rosé and MD2 showed that among 17 traits only flesh color and shell color are significantly different in the two varieties (Table 8). Sensory analyses done for Rosé and MD2 fruits showed that there are no statistically significant differences between the two varieties for all 11 attribute measured (Table 9 and 10).

TABLE 1
Genetic Elements of plasmid pHCW1
Genetic
Element Source and Function
RB A 25 by nucleotide sequence that acts as the initial point of
DNA transfer into plant cells which was originally sequenced
from pTiA6 (Barker et al., 1983).
pVS1 The pVS1 replicon derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
which ensures replication in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
(Itoh et al., 1984).
TetRA A tetracycline resistance gene from plasmid RP1, which allows
for selection of the binary plasmid in Agrobacterium tume-
faciens andEscherichia coli (Waters et al., 1983).
pACYC The origin of replication from plasmid pACYC, which en
sures replication inEscherichia coli (Chang et al., 1979).
LB A 25-nucleotide sequence that delimits the T-DNA transfer
and acts as the endpoint of DNA transfer into plant cells.
It was originally isolated from TiA6 (Barker et al., 1983).
MCS A 110-nucleotide sequence that synthetically was created,
which is composing of multiple cloning restriction sites in
order to allow integration of different cassettes into
the plasmid.

TABLE 2
Genetic Elements of T-DNA in plasmid pHCW.T-7 in AG76
Genetic Size
Element (Kb) Function (Reference)
BRIp2.5 2.5 A promoter derived from the bromelain inhibitor (BRI)
gene from Ananas comosus that drives fruit-enhanced
expression of the target gene(s).
Psy 1.131 A phytoene synthase (Psy) gene from Citrus reticulata,
identical to the gene isolated from mandarin fruit
(Ikoma et al. 2001), which encodes an enzyme in
carotenoid biosynthesis.
Ubpter 0.94 A terminator derived from the polyadenylation sequence
of the ubiquitin (Ubi) gene from Ananas comosus
terminates transcription of the transgene(s).
BRIp2.5 2.5 A promoter derived from the promoter sequence from
the bromelain inhibitor (BRI) gene from Ananas
comosus that drives fruit-enhanced expression of the
RNAi transgene.
eLyc 0.504 A fragment of the lycopene g-cyclase gene from Ananas
sense comosus in sense orientation, which is used in an RNAi
fragment expression system to down-regulate endogenous lyco-
pene c-cyclase, an enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis.
ST-LS1 0.193 An intron of the light-inducible tissue-specific ST-LS1
gene from Solanum tuberosum that functions as a spacer
between sense and antisense gene fragments enhancing
vector stability.
eLyc 0.504 A fragment of the lycopene E-cyclase gene from Ananas
antisense comosus in antisense orientation, which is used in an
fragment RNAi expression system to down-regulate endogenous
lycopene s-cyclase, an enzyme in carotenoid
biosynthesis.
Ubpter 0.94 A terminator derived from the polyadenylation se-
quence of the ubiquitin (Ubi) gene fromAnanas
comosus terminates transcription of the RNAi transgene.
BRIp2.5 2.5 A promoter derived from the promoter sequence from a
bromelain inhibitor (BRI) gene from Ananas comosus
that drives fruit-enhanced expression of the RNAi
transgene.
b-Lyc 0.619 A fragment of the lycopene 13-cyclase gene from
sense Ananas comosus in sense orientation, which is used
fragment in an RNAi expression system to down-regulated en-
dogenous lycopene 13-cyclase, an enzyme in
carotenoid biosynthesis.
ST-LS1 0.193 An intron of the light-inducible tissue-specific ST-LS1
gene from Solanum tuberosum (Eckes et al, 1986) that
functions as a spacer between sense and antisense
gene fragments enhancing vector stability.
b-Lyc 0.619 A fragment of the lycopene 13-cyclase gene from
antisense Ananas comosus in antisense orientation, which is
fragment used in an RNAi expression system to down-regu-
lated endogenous lycopene 13- cyclase, an enzyme
in carotenoid biosynthesis.
Ubpter 0.94 A terminator derived from the polyadenylation sequence
of the ubiquitin (Ubip) gene fromAnanas comosus
terminates transcription of the RNAi transgene.
Selectable Marker
EHS1.7- 4.257 A promoter derived from the epoxide hydrolase (EHS)
Ubp1.5 gene fused to the ubiquitin (Ubip) gene promoter and
the native intron from Ananas comosus that drives
constitutive expression of the selectable marker gene.
EHS1.7 1.7 A promoter derived from the epoxide hydrolase (EHS)
gene from Ananas comosus (Neuteboom et al, 2002)
that drives constitutive expression of the selectable
marker gene.
Ubp1.5 1.5 + A 1.5 kb tetrameric ubiquitin gene promoter from pine-
1.057 apple (Ananas comosus), which drives constitutive ex-
pression of the selectable marker gene. The promoter
includes an endogenous 1057 by intron sequence.
ALS 1.17 A mutant acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco
(Nicotiana tabacum), which confers resistance to
chlorsulfuron and allows selection of transformed plant
cells (Chaleff and Mauvais, 1984; Lee et al., 1988).
ALS 3′ 2.7 An endogenous terminator derived from untranslated
polyadenylation signal of the acetolactate synthase
(ALS) gene from Nicotiana tabacum (Chaleff and
Mauvais, 1984; Lee et al., 1988).

TABLE 3
Genetic Elements of T-DNA in plasmid pHCWflACC3′-2
in AG62. Elements are the same as above (Table 2) except
those mentioned below.
Genetic Size
Element (Kb) Function (Reference)
flACS(+) 0.406 A 406 by 3' sequence of meristem-specific ACC syn-
sense thase gene, isolated from pineapple (A. comosus, in
the sense orientation, which is used in an RNAi ex-
pression system to down-regulate endogenous ACC
synthase, a key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis,
thereby producing a plant that displays improved
characteristics such as delayed flowering.
flACS(−) 0.406 A 406 by 3' sequence of meristem-specific ACC syn-
antisense thase gene, isolated from pineapple (A. comosus),
in the antisense orientation.

TABLE 4
Internal quality traits measured for MD2 and Rosé.
MD2 Rosé P-
Trait N Mean Range SE N Mean Range SE value
Ascorbic 120 34.5 6.9- 0.93 501 35.9 9.8- 0.45 0.161
acid 59.3 73.0
(mg/
100 g)
Citric 121 0.6 0.30- 0.01 503 0.57 0.15- 0.01 0.411
acid 0.87 1.47
(mg/100
g)
°Brix 121 14.0 9.2- 0.11 492 13.8 10.5- 0.05 0.052
(% w/w) 16.7 19.0
pH 115 3.6 3.1- 0.03 487 3.7 3.2- 0.01 0.678
4.5 4.6
N = Number of fruits analyzed during 2009-2013. SE = Standard error. Student's t test was performed to compare the analytes. There was no significant differences at P +21 0.05 between the two varieties (P-values are larger than 0.05).
All data were analyzed using InfoStat-Statistical Software, version 2008 (National University of Cordoba, Argentina)

TABLE 5
Carotenoids, vitamin C, and potassium levels in MD2 and Rosé.
Nutrient MD2 Rosé P-
composition N Mean Range SE N Mean Range SE value
Lycopene 18 0.0 0.0- 0.0 18 21.3 14.3- 0.9 <0.000
(ppm) 0.0 32.9
β-carotene 18 28.1 20.8- 1.5 18 8.9 5.0*- 1.9 <0.000
(IU/100 g) 39.5 32.8
Vitamin C 18 46.8 36.0- 1.4 18 40.3 28.3- 1.8 0.008
(mg/100 g) 55.8 56.2
Potassium 18 129 117- 1.7 18 156 101- 6.6 0.0003
(mg/100 g) 142 204
*Limits of detection (LOD) for β-and α-carotene were 10 IU/100 g, hence the β-carotene values for the samples below LOD were considered to be 5 IU/100 g (mean of 0 and 10). α-carotene was also measured in the fruits and the values were below LOD for all samples tested.
N = Number of fruits analyzed. SE = Standard error. Student's t test was performed to compare the analytes. Results significantly different at p < 0.001 are shown in bold.
All data were analyzed using InfoStat-Statistical Software, version 2008 (National University of Cordoba, Argentina)

TABLE 6
Proximates, sugars, and amino acid levels in MD2 and Rosé
MD2
Analyte N Mean Range SE
Proximates
Total dietary fiber 18 2.8 1.9-3.3 0.11
(%)
Ash (%) 18 0.27 0.23-0.32 0.01
Carbohydrates (%) 18 12.0 10.1-13.4 0.18
Fat (%) 18 0.22 0.14-0.31 0.01
Moisture (%) 18 86.9 85.5-88.8 0.18
Protein (%) 18 0.58 0.37-0.73 0.02
Sugars
Sucrose (%) 18 4.26 3.54-5.08 0.11
Fructose (%) 18 2.34 1.59-3.12 0.09
Glucose (%) 18 2.00 1.33-2.74 0.08
Amino acids
Leucine (%) 18 0.034 0.020-0.051 0.002
Isoleucine (%) 18 0.025 0.010-0.040 0.002
Methionine (%) 18 0.016 0.004-0.044 0.003
Valine (%) 18 0.031 0.023-0.049 0.002
Rosé P-
Analyte N Mean Range SE value
Proximates
Total dietary fiber 18 2.9 1.7-3.8 0.15 0.509
(%)
Ash (%) 18 0.31 0.20-0.42 0.01 0.001
Carbohydrates (%) 18 11.2 10.0-12.7 0.18 0.002
Fat (%) 18 0.17 0.10-0.25 0.01 0.016
Moisture (%) 18 87.8 86.5-89.0 0.18 0.002
Protein (%) 18 0.54 0.35-0.78 0.03 0.370
Sugars
Sucrose (%) 18 3.81 3.09-4.50 0.09 0.004
Fructose (%) 18 2.07 1.51-2.68 0.07 0.026
Glucose (%) 18 1.80 1.26-2.47 0.06 0.063
Amino acids
Leucine (%) 18 0.026 0.017-0.040 0.002 0.004
Isoleucine (%) 18 0.029 0.012-0.041 0.002 0.240
Methionine (%) 18 0.008 0.004-0.012 0.001 0.011
Valine (%) 18 0.033 0.018-0.049 0.002 0.399
N = Number of fruits analyzed. SE = Standard error. Nutrient levels are shown in % FW. Student's t test was performed to compare the analytes. Results significantly different at P < 0.01 are shown in bold.
All data were analyzed using InfoStat-Statistical Software, version 2008 (National University of Cordoba, Argentina)

TABLE 7
Quantitative characteristics measured for Rosé and MD2
MD2
Characteristics N Mean Range SE
Pre-forcing stage
Growth rate* 75 1.78 1.18-2.27 0.02
(mm/day)
Forcing stage
Plant height (cm) 75 118  84-142 1
D leaf length at 75 98.1  73-117 2.8
forcing (cm)
Anthesis stage
Stem height (cm) 74 33.3 25-47 0.5
No. of 52 90.5  70-136 1.8
flowers/inflorescence
Harvest stage
Peduncle length (cm) 75 16.8 10-23 0.3
Peduncle diameter 75 2.49 1.6-3.4 0.04
(cm)
Fruit weight (g) 74 1559  876-2425 36
Fruit length (cm) 74 15.1 11.0-19.8 0.2
Fruit diameter 74 12.3 10.1-14.0 0.1
at base (cm)
Fruit diameter at the 74 12,3 11.0-14.0 0.1
middle portion (cm)
Fruit diameter at the 74 11.5  9.8-13.3 0.1
tip (cm)
Flesh firmness** 72 3.48 1.2-5.8 0.1
(g/Newton)
Flesh succulence (ml 72 0.46 0.26-0.86 0.01
juice/g FW)
Core diameter (cm) 73 2.47 1.5-3.2 0.18
Fruit °Brix 72 15 7.0-9.0 0.16
Citric acid 71 0.48 0.22-0.77 0.01
(mg/100 g)
Vitamin C 71 34.7  9.6-67.7 1,5
(mg/100g)
Sugar/acid ratio 70 34.2 17.4-65.1 1.3
Juice pH 61 3.7 3.0-4.3 0.03
Shoot development stage
No. of slips 75 0.84 0-3 0.08
Rosé
Characteristics N Mean Range SE P-value
Pre-forcing stage
Growth rate* 150 1.72 1.15-2.31 0.02 0.074
(mm/day)
Forcing stage
Plant height (cm) 150 116  84-150 1 0.272
D leaf length at 150 97.6  62-123 2.0 0.881
forcing (cm)
Anthesis stage
Stem height (cm) 74 34.7 27-42 0.45 0.023
No. of 111 90.8  64-134 1.2 0.891
flowers/inflorescence
Harvest stage
Peduncle length (cm) 75 17.0 12-22 0.3 0.547
Peduncle diameter 150 2.50 1.2-3.3 0.03 0.922
(cm)
Fruit weight (g) 225 1492  699-2308 24 0.110
Fruit length (cm) 225 15.7 10.3-18.0 0.1 0.083
Fruit diameter 225 12.8  9.5-14.5 0.1 0.127
at base (cm)
Fruit diameter at the 225 12.1 10.0-14.5 0.1 0.127
middle portion (cm)
Fruit diameter at the 225 11.4  8.5-13.0 0.1 0.398
tip (cm)
Flesh firmness** 221 3.40 1.8-6.8 0.1 0.500
(g/Newton)
Flesh succulence (ml 219 0.48 0.21-1.12 0.01 0.207
juice/g FW)
Core diameter (cm) 219 2.68 1.5-3.6 0.11 0.328
Fruit °Brix 212 15 12.2-18.0 0.10 0.731
Citric acid 192 0.49 0.22-0.80 0.01 0.789
(mg/100 g)
Vitamin C 63 35.2 14.7-76.6 1.6 0.801
(mg/100g)
Sugar/acid ratio 189 33.8 17.9-73.2 0.8 0.767
Juice pH 53 3.6 3.0-3.9 0.03 0.244
Shoot development stage
No. of slips 150 0.72 0-3 0.06 0.223
*Growth rate was measured by height of plant at forcing (mm)-height of plant at planting (mm)/number of days from planting to forcing.
**Flesh firmness was measured by penetrometer.
Tukey's hsd was used for statistical analyses. N = Number of fruits or plants analyzed. SE = Standard error. Results show that there is no significant differences between the two varieties at P < 0.01.

TABLE 8
Phenotypes measured for Rosé and MD2 based on the Brazilian
descriptors (MALFSB, 2003) and Corporacion de Desarrollo
Agricola Del Monte measurements for pineapple.
MD2
Characteristics N 1 2 3
Color of 75 100.0% 0.0%
petals Purple White
Homogeneity 74 100.0% 0.0%
of shell Yes No
Relief 74 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
(surface) of Flat Prominent Highly
fruitlet prominent
Fruit aroma 71 14.1% 66.2% 19.7%
Weak Medium Strong
Fruit 71 2.82% 54.90% 42.20%
fibemess Low Medium High
Fruit shape 74 0.00% 21.60% 71.60%
Conic Conic to Cylindric
cylindric
Flesh color 74 100% 0.0% 0.0%
uniformity Yellow ⅓ pink ⅔ pink
Flesh color 74 100% 0.0% 0.0%
intensity Golden Pale pink Pink
yellow
Tiger pattern 75 0.0% 100.0%
(shell color) Yes No
Crown 74 29.70% 60.80% 9.46%
position Erect Open Decumbent
Crown length 72 8.30% 20.80% 70.80%
(cm) Short Medium Long
Crown weight 71 1.40% 2.80% 95.80%
(g) Low Medium High
No. of active 75 100 0% 0.0% 0.0%
leaves Low Medium High
No. of hapas 75 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
(ratoon) Low Medium High
No. of ground 74 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
suckers Low Medium High
Spines 74 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Absent Inconspicuous Conspicuous
Distribution 74 0.0% 100.0% 0.0%
of spines at At base At apex At base and
leaf margin only only apex
MD2 Rosé
Characteristics 4 5 N 1
Color of 150 100.0%
petals Purple
Homogeneity 225 100.0%
of shell Yes
Relief 221 100.0%
(surface) of Flat
fruitlet
Fruit aroma 220 6.36%
Weak
Fruit 218 5.05%
fibemess Low
Fruit shape 6.76% 0.00% 149 0.00%
Elliptic Global Conic
Flesh color 0.0% 210 0.00%
uniformity Full Yellow
pink
Flesh color 0.0% 162 0.00%
intensity Pink/Red Golden
Tiger pattern 225 100.0%
(shell color) Yes
Crown 225 26.60%
position Erect
Crown length 147 22.50%
(cm) Short
Crown weight 139 15.30%
(g) Low
No. of active 225 100.0%
leaves Low
No. of hapas 225 100.0%
(ratoon) Low
No. of ground 225 100.0%
suckers Low
Spines 225 100.0%
Absent
Distribution 0.0 % 0.0% 225 0.0%
of spines at Regular Irregular At base
leaf margin only
Rosé P-
Characteristics 2 3 4 5 value*
Color of 0.0% >0.9999
petals White
Homogeneity 0.0% >0.9999
of shell No
Relief 0.0% 0.0% >0.9999
(surface) of Pro- Highly
fruitlet minent prominent
Fruit aroma 66.80% 26.80% 0.084
Medium Strong
Fruit 64.20% 30.70% 0.178
fibemess Medium High
Fruit shape 15.40% 69.80% 14.70% 0.00% 0.155
Conic to Cylindric Elliptic Global
cylindric
Flesh color 8.60% 3.30% 88.10% <0.0001
uniformity ⅓ pink ⅔ pink Full
pink
Flesh color 1.23% 35.19% 63.60% <0.0001
intensity Pale pink Pink Pink/Red
yellow
Tiger pattern 0.0% <0.0001
(shell color) No
Crown 59.50% 13.70% 0.6
position Open De-
cumbent
Crown length 22.50% 55.10% 0.024
(cm) Medium Long
Crown weight 2.80% 81.90% 0.011
(g) Medium High
No. of active 0.0% 0.0% >0.9999
leaves Medium High
No. of hapas 0.0% 0.0% >0.9999
(ratoon) Medium High
No. of ground 0.0% 0.0% >0.9999
suckers Medium High
Spines 0.0% 100.0% >0.9999
Incon- Con-
spicuous spicuous
Distribution 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% >0.9999
of spines at At apex At base Regular Ir-
leaf margin only and apex regular
A contingency table was created to make a distribution and Chi-square was used for statistical analyses. N = Number of plants or fruits analyzed.
Results show no biologically significant differences between the two varieties (P < 0.01) with the exception of fruit color traits (P values in bold).

TABLE 9
Sensory analyses of Rosé and MD2 fruits.
Sensory MD2
characteristic N 1 2 3
Aroma 27 33.33% 57.14% 9.52%
(Highly (Aromatic) (Slightly
aromatic) aromatic)
Taste 27 37.11% 52.58% 10.31%
(Excellent) (Good) (Indifferent)
Sweetness 27 39.13% 57.97% 2.90%
(High) (Normal) (Low)
Acidity 27 6.98% 46.51% 46.51%
(High) (Normal) (Low)
Other flavors 27 0.00% 9.38% 90.63%
(Bitter, Salty, High (Moderate) (None)
Other)
After taste 27 5.17% 86.21% 8. 62%
(Very high (Slight (None )
sense) sense)
Juiciness 27 55.26% 44.74% 0.00%
(High) (Normal) (Low)
Fiberness 27 25.00% 63.33% 11.67%
(High) (Normal) (Low)
Consistency 27 30.16% 69.84% 0.00%
(Firm) (Normal) (Soft)
Visual 27 33.68% 53.68% 12.63%
appearance (Liked (Acceptable) (Indifferent)
of fresh cuts very much)
Sensory MD2 Rosé
characteristic 4 N 1 2
Aroma N/A 27 20.00% 70. 00%
(Highly (Aromatic)
aromatic)
Taste 0.00% 27 4.65% 80.23%
(Bad) (Excellent) (Good)
Sweetness N/A 27 16.07% 67.86%
(High) (Normal)
Acidity N/A 27 12.77% 51.06%
(High) (Normal)
Other flavors N/A 27 3.23% 9.68%
(Bitter, Salty, (High) (Moderate)
Other)
After taste N/A 27 0.00% 80.77%
(Very high (Slight
sense) sense)
Juiciness N/A 27 27.27% 69.70%
(High) (Normal)
Fiberness N/A 27 16.67% 62.67%
(High) (Normal)
Consistency N/A 27 34.38% 65.63%
(Firm) (Normal)
Visual N/A 27 43.56% 50.508%
appearance (Liked very (Acceptable)
of fresh cuts much)
Sensory Rosé
characteristic 3 4 P-value
Aroma 10.00% N/A 0.683
(Slightly
aromatic)
Taste 13.95% 1.16% 0.063
(Indifferent) (Bad)
Sweetness 16.07% N/A 0.052
(Low)
Acidity 36.17% N/A 0.833
(Low)
Other flavors 87.10% N/A 0.284
(Bitter, Salty, Other) ( None)
After taste 19.23% N/A 0.062
(None)
Juiciness 3.03% N/A 0.051
(Low)
Fiberness 20.37% N/A 0.314
(Low)
Consistency 0.00% N/A >0.9999
(Soft)
Visual 5.94% N/A 0.465
appearance (Indifferent)
of fresh cuts
Twenty-seven fruits each of Event EF2-114 and MD2 were tested by 13 trained panelists. A Chi-square test was performed for the analyses of qualitative data collected. There were no statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two varieties for sensory attributes.

INVENTORS:

Firoozbady, Ebrahim, Young, Thomas R

THIS PATENT IS REFERENCED BY THESE PATENTS:
Patent Priority Assignee Title
THIS PATENT REFERENCES THESE PATENTS:
Patent Priority Assignee Title
7663021, Dec 06 2002 Del Monte Fresh Produce Company Transgenic pineapple plants with modified carotenoid levels and methods of their production
8049067, Dec 06 2002 Del Monte Fresh Produce Company Organogenic transformation and regeneration
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