The objective of this work is to present an appropriate set of RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers using single and multiplex PCR analysis suitable for the characterization of the endemic Cuban species Carica cubensis and the establishment of genetic relationships with the cultivated species Carica papaya. RAPD markers presented a high level of polymorphism. In addition, the incorporation of more than one RAPD primer in the PCR analysis increased the number of obtained bands and the polymorphism of these bands. A total of 73 RAPD bands were detected (45 of them polymorphic) with the nine RAPD markers assayed using single and multiplex PCR analysis. Results demonstrated a reduced genetic variability within the tested Carica cubensis accessions. The observed clustering in this species could be better explained according to geographic proximity and can indicate the similar precedence of the isolated studied populations. C. cubensis seem to be subspecies of C. papaya adapted to the environmental conditions of the mountains of Cuba or a endemic species close to C. papaya. The implications of these results in the creation of effective germplasm core collection in Carica species have been also discussed

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Late season cherry (Prunus avium [L.] L.) cultivars have turned of important relevance in production systems of the south of Chile with a continuous increase in exports. Cherries reach final markets after long distance ocean shipping and pitting damage continues to be the main postharvest detrimental quality loss during this period. Different factors affect pitting expression responses during harvest and postharvest fruit management. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of postharvest factors in pitting development of two late cherry 'Regina' and 'Sweetheart' using an impact energy method. Maturity stage (red and dark red), impact energy (0.00342 and 0.0107 J) and storage time (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 d) were evaluated. Fruit composition (soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity), weight loss (%) and firmness were measured. Induced pitting was determined after allocating a known impact energy level and obtaining an imprint of the damaged area. Pit diameter, depth and volume were determined by light microscopy techniques and image analysis. Pitting damage that occurred naturally on fruit picked at commercial maturity stage was determined at harvest and during cold storage. The induced pitting device allowed for the application of a mechanical injury of known impact energy, useful to determine pitting susceptibility differences among cultivars. The coefficient of variation of the method was 0.18 for pit diameter, 0.37 for pit depth and 0.6 for pit volume, indicating repeatability of results independent of the impact energy applied or the variety studied. 'Sweetheart' showed higher incidence of induced pitting during storage, with an average 2.8 pit volume increase compared to a 2.2 increase in 'Regina' during the same period. Naturally occurring damage of commercial fruit verified results obtained with the induced pitting device, with 'Sweetheart' more susceptible than 'Regina' (P < 0.05).

An exploration and collection mission for wild Brassica oleracea populations was carried out in spring and summer of 2013. The aim of this collection was to expand the number of accessions of wild Brassica oleracea available for basic and applied research in plant breeding. In this paper we report a new population of wild Brassica oleracea in an unexplored coastal area of Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula. Details of population ecology and vegetation, soil, climate and geographic data were recorded for this population. The "Endangered" threat category for the region is proposed, and actions for in situ and ex situ conservation are proposed. Seeds will be added to the germplasm collections of University of Santiago de Compostela and Misión Biológica de Galicia (CSIC) for further research on diverse aspects of the dynamics and ecophysiology of the population along with characterization and evaluation of useful traits.