The Barren Berry phenotype: Untangling cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) genetic contamination in central Wisconsin and beyond

Authors: LAZER, FRANK - University Of Wisconsin; LOPEZ-MORENO, HECTOR - University Of Wisconsin; Wiesman, Eric; DE LA TORRE, FERANDO - University Of Wisconsin; VERHULST, PAMELA - Lady Bug Integrated Pest Management; SOJKA, JAYNE - Lady Bug Integrated Pest Management; MAUREIRA, IVAN - Austral University Of Chile; Millar, David; Kennedy, Casey; Mura, Jyostna; Zalapa, Juan

Submitted to: Tree Genetics and Genomes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2024
Publication Date: 9/16/2024
Citation: Lazer, F., Lopez-Moreno, H., Wiesman, E.C., de la Torre, F., Verhulst, P., Sojka, J., Maureira, I., Millar, D.J., Kennedy, C.D., Mura, J.D., Zalapa, J.E. 2024. The Barren Berry phenotype: Untangling cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) genetic contamination in central Wisconsin and beyond. Tree Genetics and Genomes. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-024-01665-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-024-01665-7

Interpretive Summary: Wisconsin is the world's leading producer of American cranberry. The state produces over twenty thousand acres that contribute to more than 50% of the global total production, with more than one billion dollars in value. Cranberry growers in the “central sands” of Wisconsin have been experiencing yield decline due to vegetative unproductive genotypes, popularly known as “Barren Berry'', which consistently remain vegetative and produce no fruit. The purpose of this study was to compare visual inspection in the field to DNA fingerprinting for the early detection of unproductive/barren genotypes. Additionally, the study served as a survey of unproductive/barren genotypes in central Wisconsin, the largest growing region in the world. Growers submitted 839 cranberry leaf samples for DNA testing of two visually determined phenotypes: unproductive or barren (n=646; those that produced little to no fruit), versus the normal productive or fruiting (n=193). We conducted genetic fingerprinting on the leaf tissue using nine genetic markers previously shown to differentiate cranberry genotypes. This study identified a barren berry genotype unique to the samples submitted by growers across central Wisconsin, which we denoted “Barren Berry 1”. This genotype accounted for 44% of samples submitted as the barren berry phenotype. Due to its aggressive vegetative and unproductive nature, Barren Berry 1 has the potential to spread and negatively impact the sustainability of cranberry production worldwide. Furthermore, a previously reported genotype known for its reduction in productivity called “Perry Red'' accounted for a further 18% of samples submitted as unproductive/barren. Other unknown genotypes accounted for an additional 12% of samples submitted as unproductive/barren. Genetic fingerprinting revealed sixty-five different genotypes in beds which were thought to be monocultures of just four cultivated genotypes. Early detection of genetic contamination through visual inspection, genetic testing, and responsible propagation can drastically aid in the management and longevity of cranberry beds, and in turn save time and money to the growers.

Technical Abstract: Wisconsin is the world's leading producer of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.; 2n=2x=24). The state produces over twenty thousand acres that contribute to more than 50% of the global total production, with more than one billion dollars in value. Cranberry growers in the “central sands” of Wisconsin have been experiencing yield decline due to vegetative unproductive genotypes, popularly known as “Barren Berry'', which consistently remain vegetative and produce no fruit. The purpose of this study was to compare visual inspection in the field to DNA fingerprinting for the early detection of unproductive/barren genotypes. Additionally, the study served as a survey of unproductive/barren genotypes in central Wisconsin, the largest growing region in the world. Growers submitted 839 cranberry leaf samples for DNA testing of two visually determined phenotypes: unproductive or barren (n=646; those that produced little to no fruit), versus the normal productive or fruiting (n=193). We conducted genetic fingerprinting on the leaf tissue using nine microsatellite markers previously shown to differentiate cranberry genotypes. This study identified a barren berry genotype unique to the samples submitted by growers across central Wisconsin, which we denoted “Barren Berry 1”. This genotype accounted for 44% of samples submitted as the barren berry phenotype. Due to its aggressive vegetative and unproductive nature, Barren Berry 1 has the potential to spread and negatively impact the sustainability of cranberry production worldwide. Furthermore, a previously reported genotype known for its reduction in productivity called “Perry Red'' accounted for a further 18% of samples submitted as unproductive/barren. Other unknown genotypes accounted for an additional 12% of samples submitted as unproductive/barren. Genetic fingerprinting revealed sixty-five different genotypes in beds which were thought to be monocultures of just four cultivated genotypes. Early detection of genetic contamination through visual inspection, genetic testing, and responsible propagation can drastically aid in the management and longevity of cranberry beds, and in turn save time and money to the growers.