Source: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI submitted to
MOVING AMERICAN ELDERBERRY INTO MAINSTREAM PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1027425
Grant No.
2021-51181-35860
Cumulative Award Amt.
$5,345,225.00
Proposal No.
2021-07752
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2021
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2026
Grant Year
2021
Program Code
[SCRI]- Specialty Crop Research Initiative
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
(N/A)
COLUMBIA,MO 65211
Performing Department
Plant Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The American elderberry is a rapidly emerging specialty crop with excellent potential to become a mainstream crop. Both the fruit and flowers from this native plant are increasingly used in a variety of high-end dietary supplement products. Elderberries contain some of the highest anti-oxidant levels among all fruits and have well-documented anti-viral and brain health properties. During the past 15 years, elderberry production in the midwestern U.S. has grown substantially, with orchard acreage in Missouri, for example, now being surpassed only by apples and peaches. However, American elderberry remains largely undeveloped as a horticultural crop; therefore, farmers investing, time, labor, and financial resources in elderberry production are taking substantial risk. Cultivar selection is limited to wild selections and older cultivars with limited geographic adaptation. Critical production issues such as pests, diseases, weed management, and pollination remain largely unstudied, and the fruit is laboriously hand-harvested. Our project will address some of the most critical issues needed to propel American elderberry into mainstream production. The goal is to develop an economically sustainable elderberry production system powered by new cultivars, significant horticultural and cropping systems advancement, a deeper understanding of pollination and fruit set issues, novel mechanical harvest technologies, and an economic analysis of the entire value chain from production to marketing. Our project will also foster development of new value-added products via food science research, including developing and testing elderberry supplements specifically for brain health. A significant outreach effort will bring this project directly to elderberry producers and processors around the U.S.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20511291060100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1129 - Berries and cane fruits, general/other;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The American elderberry is a rapidly emerging specialty crop with excellent potential to become a mainstream crop. Both the fruit and flowers from this native plant are increasingly used in a variety of high-end dietary supplement products. Elderberries contain some of the highest anti-oxidant levels among all fruits and have well-documented anti-viral and brain health properties. During the past 15 years, elderberry production in the midwestern U.S. has grown substantially, with orchard acreage in Missouri, for example, now being surpassed only by apples and peaches. However, American elderberry remains largely undeveloped as a horticultural crop; therefore, farmers investing, time, labor, and financial resources in elderberry production are taking substantial risk. Cultivar selection is limited to wild selections and older cultivars with limited geographic adaptation. Critical production issues such as pests, diseases, weed management, and pollination remain largely unstudied, and the fruit is laboriously hand-harvested. Our project will address some of the most critical issues needed to propel American elderberry into mainstream production. The goal is to develop an economically sustainable elderberry production system powered by new cultivars, significant horticultural and cropping systems advancement, a deeper understanding of pollination and fruit set issues, novel mechanical harvest technologies, and an economic analysis of the entire value chain from production to marketing. Our project will also foster development of new value-added products via food science research, including developing and testing elderberry supplements specifically for brain health. A significant outreach effort will bring this project directly to elderberry producers and processors around the U.S.
Project Methods
Elderberry Breeding and GeneticsActivity 1: Evaluate large, half-sibling progeny families of elite cultivars.Activity 2: Detailed characterization of floral phenology in elite American elderberry cultivars and breeding selections.Activity 3: De novo reference genome assembly.Activity 4: Comparative metabolomics to survey phytochemical diversity in elite cultivars.Horticulture and EntomologyActivity 1: Establish a rigorous five-location multi-purpose American elderberry cultivar evaluation across a south-to-north latitudinal gradient to better understand the productive range of regionally selected germplasm.Activity 2: Develop science-based elemental leaf tissue analysis guidelines and recommendations for optimum American elderberry production.Activity 3: American elderberry weed management. Activity 4: Catalogue arthropod pests and their natural enemies. Activity 5: Evaluate pesticide-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools for managing elderberry arthropod pests. Mechanical HarvestActivity 1: Study existing berry harvesters, and elderberry fruit and plant characteristics amenable to mechanical harvest.Activity 2: Design, build, and field test novel full- or semi-mechanical elderberry harvesters.Activity 3. Develop a yield monitoring system.Economics of Elderberry Production, Processing, and MarketingActivity 1: Understanding elderberry farmers' production and marketing practices. Activity 2: Examining consumer preference for elderberry products.Activity 3: Developing farm-level budgets for elderberry production. Activity 4: Analyzing the economic performance of different elderberry cultivars, and weed and insect management practices.Food Science and HealthActivity 1. Optimization of processing parameters to convert elderberry juice into elderberry juice powder.Activity 2. Produce elderberry protein-polyphenol ingredients (elderberry pomace powder) and related products for the wellness market.Activity 3: Perform an array of high-throughput screening bioassays to identify health-promoting bioactive compounds..Activity 4: Identify and characterize the bioactive phytophenolics, using both targeted and untargeted global metabolomics approach (XCMS).Activity 5. Develop an elderberry/omega-3 supplement to target brain health.OutreachActivities: Deliver elderberry production information and project results to producers, processors, educators, researchers and others through a variety of venues and media.

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project remains current and potential elderberry producers, processors, and consumers across the U.S. and Canada. While we focus on the American elderberry, our work is also relevant to producers of other species of elderberry along with other small fruit crops. The scientific communities in Horticulture, Entomology, Economics, Breeding, Food Science, Engineering, and Natural Products Chemistry are also important targets for collaborative research and professional partnerships. Changes/Problems:A significant change occurred with our Entomology project due to the departure of Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah, of Lincoln University in January 2024. Unfortunately, there was no logical or qualified successor to Dr. Akotsen-Mensah at Lincoln. Therefore, we worked to arrange a subcontract from Lincoln University to Missouri State University to continue the very important pollination work under Dr. Avery Russell's leadership and collaboration. This is an example of "making lemonade out of lemons", and the pollination project now has tremendous new excitement, energy, and expertise that may not have happened with Lincoln. We quickly brought on a new MS student (Jenny Burrow) at Missouri State University, who, on short notice, jumped into the project just prior to the elderberry flowering season, and has already done excellent, unprecedented work in elderberry pollination. The third mouse model cohort of our elderberry brain health study on dementia and the aging brain was destroyed in a significant laboratory fire at the University of Missouri's Health Sciences Center in January 2024. The fire was devastating, and the study animals had to be euthanized. It is unlikely the resources expended can be recovered sufficiently to repeat Cohort 3. However, a fourth cohort was already planned and should be implemented in 2025. With this incident, our team will not have all four cohorts (replications) of the experiment, but we expect the data among three cohorts, nevertheless, to be extremely valuable. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project continues to provide significant training opportunities for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate students. Currently 18 graduate students, two post-doctoral researchers, and one visiting scientist are being supported by the project. More than ten undergraduate university students are supported on an hourly-wage basis and are directly involved with various aspects of elderberry research, from Horticulture to Metabolomics. Numerous faculty and staff at our partner institutions continue to gain significant professional experience in elderberry production and product research. Some examples: Ms. Lara Stefani, an undergraduate student in the University of Missouri Metabolomics Center, has obtained two University of Missouri-based, independently funded projects examining the effects of elderberry on polycystic ovarian syndrome. She presented her research results at one international, one national, and three regional conferences. She was awarded the Best Undergraduate Research Poster presentation at the Metabolomics Association of North America annual conference for her poster entitled "Potential Nutraceutical Management and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with American Elderberries". How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We continue to use face-to-face farmer events and meetings to showcase the project. Our annual Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, in June in Columbia, MO, continues to draw producers and processors from all over North America (and beyond). The event is unique in fostering scientists-meeting-farmers and farmers-meeting-scientists, and features posters, displays, and presentations to elderberry producers and processors from many of the project scientists and graduate students. Additional farmer-oriented events such as regional (Central Missouri, Southwest Missouri, Minnesota, Oklahoma, etc.) elderberry workshops continue to draw 50 to 80 participants at various times throughout the year. Field days that are specific to elderberry growers, or to more general audiences (where elderberry projects are also featured), are excellent venues where we frequently showcase our project. The project website (www.elderberry.missouri.edu) is active, and highlights the diverse aspects of the project. The project's Facebook page "Advancing American Elderberry" is seeing some good use and interest. It is linked to some very active Facebook pages such as Sac River Valley Elderberry and University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry. Numerous videos on various aspects of elderberry production and processing have been created, with many available on YouTube and, for example, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry website. We continue to link more of these resources to our project website. Because of the popularity of elderberry, a variety of feature articles continue to be produced in various formats, usually featuring interviews among project personnel. Here is an excellent example from Ozarks Alive: https://www.ozarksalive.com/stories/elderberryresearchinmissouri. And another from The Daily Yonder: https://dailyyonder.com/ozarks-notebook-growing-the-elderberry-industry-through-research-and-outreach/2024/10/03/ And yet another from National Public Radio (NPR): https://www.kbia.org/kbia-news/2024-10-30/after-the-bloom-farmers-develop-products-and-markets-for-emerging-crops What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?All aspects of the project are underway and very active, and will continue as planned into the fourth year of the project. We have applied for an Extension of the project through September 2026. Most aspects of the project are on-time and on-budget but a few areas will benefit from spreading out funds and resources over a fifth year in order to more thoroughly accomplished established goals. More specifically: FOOD SCIENCE AND BRAIN HEALTH An advanced study on the production of enhanced elderberry polyphenol-enriched products is currently in progress. The performance of elderberry juice and pomace products will be compared. We are also developing fermented elderberry products using an efficient and scalable strategy. Publications in high impact journals will be prepared using experimental results. The fourth cohort of elderberry / DHA supplementation using aged, dementia-prone mouse models will be implemented in 2025, completing the initial phase of that project. HORTICULTURE AND ENTOMOLOGY The horticulture projects will continue to be very active in 2025. While the Weed Management Study has been concluded, we will focus on publishing and publicizing the results to the target audience of elderberry growers. And while the initial phase of our Genotype × Environment project has been completed, the priceless resource of these genetically and geographically diverse plantings will be maintained and tapped for additional research into breeding and natural products chemistry. For example, because we have found some putative genetic basis for resistance of certain insect / mite pests, we plan to explore the biochemistry of how this may be manifested in specific genetic materials. Phase II of our ambitious Direct Field Propagation study will continue through Winter 2024-25 with field plantings installed throughout winter. The Elderberry Pollination Project will continue with a major effort in 2025. Data from 2024 allow our team to focus efforts during the 2025 pollination season. Potential pollinators will continue to be collected, preserved, and evaluated for elderberry pollen loads. Pollinator exclusion bags will be deployed over flowers to develop a better understand of how elderberry is pollinated. BREEDING Establishment of additional multi-location replicated trials in 2025 will enable thorough evaluation of advanced selections towards cultivar release. Additional bi-parental crosses will utilize promising cultivars from the Genotype by Environment study as well as early selections from the breeding program to further improve upon existing materials. Continued characterization of floral phenology stages and genetic compatibility will strengthen recommendations for orchard design and breeding strategy, and RNA sequencing will support annotation of the American elderberry 'Bob Gordon' reference genome. METABOLOMICS / NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY The Metabolomics team looks forward to its collaborative role in understanding the role of elderberry consumption as related to brain performance. Upon the conclusion of the mouse feeding study (multiple cohorts), the labs perform metabolomics analyses to elucidate foundational health-related differences arising from an elderberry enriched diet. Development of Personal Care Products from American Elderberry. The framework for this effort has been established by building on preliminary data using modern metabolomic platforms to identify bioactive compounds in the berries, flowers, and stems of American elderberry. The identified compounds suggest that elderberry could treat inflammatory diseases, promote skin healing, and soothe the skin. The following research phase will evaluate the inhibitory effects of elderberry extracts on COX?2 (inflamatory enzyme) and the inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse RAW264.7 cells. These studies will further clarify the potential of these extracts as anti-inflammatory agents, particularly in conditions characterized by elevated cytokine levels. Future research will explore combinations of different elderberry cultivars to assess synergistic effects. By testing combinations, we may enhance the bioactivity of the extracts and develop more effective treatments for inflammatory skin diseases. ECONOMICS Our team will focus on organizing and publishing data that have mostly been already gathered. This includes consumer data, producer data, and more specific data on, for example, weed management strategies that incorporate data from our Weed Management study. MECHANICAL HARVEST We expect to publish multiple papers in 2025 that summarize foundational engineering data amassed during the project. We also plan to submit an ancillary grant proposal to allow our team to refine and incorporate data and experience now gathered. All levels of automation, from improved hand-harvesting to fully automated robotic solutions continue to be explored and developed. OUTREACH Our project outreach efforts will continue to be very active in 2025. Foremost will be the organization and hosting of the Second International Symposium on Elderberry, to be held June 18-20, 2025, Columbia, MO. We are actively putting together a dynamic three-day program involving and connecting elderberry growers, processors, and researchers from around the world.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Wrapping up Year 3 of the project and entering Year 4, all aspects of the project are very active and on track. HORTICULTURE AND ENTOMOLOGY Genotype × Environment. The first phase was completed in Fall 2024. The study, which features significant plantings at five Midwest locations, formed the foundation for the MS project for Sydney Moore. Leaf and fruit samples assembled from this study form an extremely valuable biological collection for additional research in elderberry fruit quality, metabolomics, and natural products chemistry. Exhaustive leaf tissue analysis across the five sites is being used to develop basic recommendations for leaf tissue sampling in elderberry production. Weed Management. This project was largely completed in 2024, and formed the foundation of a MS project for Matthew Huchteman. The project delivered detailed information on weed management methodologies for elderberry, and pinpointed areas (such as cover crops) that need more focused research. The economics of various weed management protocols were also studied in depth. Elderberry Field Propagation. The first project has been completed and a follow-up project initiated in 2024. Results suggest that direct field propagation of elderberry is economically viable, with a winter planting of the largest diameter cuttings providing the best opportunity for success. The second study is refining results from the first study. Arthropod Pests and Their Natural Enemies. Mr. Kofi Afari successfully defended his MS thesis on this project at Lincoln University in June 2024. The project was a broad overview of both beneficial and pest arthropods inhabiting elderberry. Different sampling procedures and traps were trialed and deployed. Elderberry Pollination. This project began in 2024 to identify visitors to elderberry flowers and to estimate the importance of such visitors toward pollination. We used timed floral observations and insect collections to determine the abundance of visitors to flowers. From collected insects, pollen loads are being examined to quantify the amounts of elderberry pollen to determine the effectiveness of visitors. Pollinator exclusion bags were used to determine effects of insect exclusion on pollination. BREEDING Evaluating Progeny of Elite Cultivars. In summer 2024, 46 promising selections from half-sibling families were planted in replicated trials for evaluation of floral phenology, yield traits, uniformity, vigor, and pest and disease incidence. Data serve as a basis for progeny evaluation and selection criteria moving forward. 600 progeny from 8 new parental populations were planted in a breeding block and will be evaluated in 2025. Characterization of Floral Phenology in Elderberry Cultivars. Data were collected on flowering stages for a second summer in 2024. Individually tagged cymes were observed to identify patterns of flowering and ripening. Cultivars with overlapping peak flowering windows may be recommended for combined planting in orchards as co-pollinizers. Genome Assembly. 'Bob Gordon' cultivar was selected as the reference genome for American elderberry and was submitted to PacBio ReVio for sequencing. A draft genome assembly was completed with support from the MU Bioinformatics Core and Savanna Institute. ECONOMICS We published an important nationwide survey that compared knowledge and awareness of elderberry and value-added products from 2011 to 2022 (Cai et al.). The paper also ascertained consumer knowledge of carbon impact and carbon off-sets relating to elderberry production, processing, and marketing. An elderberry producer survey resulted in a paper that has been accepted (with revision) in the Internation Food and Agribusiness Management Review. We engaged in extensive research utilizing economic data from elderberry field trials, and conducted an economic analysis of multiple weed management methods which also formed part of an MS thesis (Huchteman). University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative focused on establishing baseline economics data for Minnesota and Missouri elderberry farms through partnerships with Farm Business Management educators. This curriculum provides financial training and farm business tools for growers which help the elderberry industry understand establishment and ongoing costs of elderberry farms. This training also provides foundational economic data which can be entered into publicly accessible agricultural databases. METABOLOMICS / NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY We continue to use both targeted and nontargeted metabolomics approaches to examine the metabolic diversity in multiple elderberry cultivars and in a large genotype by environment study. We observed clear metabolic differences among elderberry cultivars and tissues examined (fruit, flower, leaf). These data will ultimately guide breeding and cultivar selections to maximize bioactive compounds important to plant health and productivity along with enhancement of nutraceutical content for human disease mitigation or management. Integrating Metabolomics to Elucidate Antiviral Mechanisms in Elderberry. We have identified the endonuclease of the influenza A polymerase protein as the potential target of the anti-influenza properties of American elderberry extracts. Certain elderberry cultivars have shown significantly higher inhibition rates against influenza A endonuclease activities. Wound Closure and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Elderberry. The results from this study underscore the potential of elderberry extracts to serve as therapeutic agents for inflammatory skin diseases, specifically targeting inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Significant wound closure activity was observed for 'Bob Gordon' summer-harvested leaf material compared with fall leaf materials. The extracts appear to modulate key metabolic pathways crucial in the immune response to inflammation. MECHANICAL HARVEST Determination of Harvesting Efficiency of Different Shaking Parameters. Hand-held shakers with different shaker heads were tested in field to determine the optimal head types, shaking frequencies, and altitudes. Determination of Ripening Stages of Elderberries Using Machine Learning. Fruit samples were collected at five maturity stages. Fruit weight and quality levels were measured for each sample. The expected outcome involves using machine learning techniques to identify and classify their maturity stages for optimum mechanical harvest. Evaluate the Efficiency of De-stemmers. Data were recorded throughout the de-stemming / sanitization / two-step washing process to better understand the time required for each station in the process, including bottlenecks. Additionally, weight data were collected to determine any weight loss or waste occurring at each stage of the process, and ultimate fruit quality was evaluated. FOOD SCIENCE AND BRAIN HEALTH Utilization of Processing waste (Pomace). The production of elderberry pomace concentrated extract was accomplished. We applied our spray-drying process to elderberry pomace using previously selected soy protein isolate as a carrier. Lab-scale experiments were carried out to determine optimum temperature, feed flow, and use of carriers for pilot plant scaling up. Scaled-up production was successfully conducted and the resulting protein-elderberry pomace product was provided for animal health studies. The newly developed elderberry juice and pomace ingredients are currently being used to formulate elderberry supplements with omega-3 fatty acids to investigate their protective effects on brain health in animal models. Aging Mouse Model Studies. Aged mice were provided supplements of control, DHA, DHA + elderberry, and elderberry. After supplementation for 12 weeks, animals were subjected to behavior tests, then sacrificed for brain and other organ collection. Although more studies are needed, the results show trends for improvement in some behavioral outcomes associated with elderberry.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tian, P., Zhang, L., Schoelz, J., Byers, P., and Thomas, A. A survey of Missouri Elderberry Viruses. In: Proceedings of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) Annual Meeting, Plant Health 2024, Memphis, Tennessee, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tian, P., Zhang, L., Schoelz, J., Byers, P., and Thomas, A. A survey of Missouri Elderberry Viruses. In: Proceedings of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) Annual Meeting, Portland, Maine, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dwikarina, A., Hsin-Yeh Hsieh, Andrew L. Thomas, and Chung-Ho Lin. 2024. Elucidating Antiviral Mode of Action of the Bioactive Compounds in American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). Great Plains Grower's Conference, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rifat, S. M., J. Zhou, K. Krishnaswamy, and A. Thomas. 2024. Digital Agriculture Technologies for American Elderberry Harvesting and Processing. 2024 University of Missouri Digital Agriculture Symposium. Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zhou, J., S. M. Rifat, A. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. 2024. Mechanical Harvesting Techniques for American Elderberry. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zhou, J., S. M. Rifat, A. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. 2024. Mechanical Elderberry Harvesting System: Fruit Removal Efficiency at Different Vibration Frequency and Amplitude. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tian, P., et al. 2024. A Survey of Missouri Elderberry Viruses, Advancing American Elderberry Project, 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Stefani, Lara, Aaron M. Stoker, Clayton Kranawetter, and Lloyd W. Sumner. 2024. American Elderberry as a Potential Nutraceutical Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Arthritis. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rifat, S. M., J. Zhou, A. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. 2024. Influence of various maturity stages of American elderberries on its quality attributes (poster and oral presentation). 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: ONeal, C., et al. 2024. Field Propagation of American Elderberry: Planting Early and Large is the Key. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Leach, Andrew, et al. 2024. Farm Business Management Program Opportunity, and Feasibility Study on an Elderberry Processing Facility. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zhou, J., S. M. Rifat, and A. Thomas. 2024. Developing mechanical solutions for boosting elderberry production. 2024 Multi-State Project W4009 Annual Meeting. Oahu, Hawaii.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kupke, I., L. Sumner, Z. Lei, A. Thomas and C.-H. Lin. 2024. American Elderberry for Skin Care Products. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kupke, I., L. Sumner, Z. Lei, A. Thomas and C.-H. Lin. 2024. American Elderberry Health-promoting Compounds for Skin Maladies (poster). 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hoskin, R., Perkins-Veazie, P., Lila, M., Moncada, M. Development of Novel Value-Added Ingredients from Elderberries: 2023-2024 Updates and Accomplishments. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dwikarina, A., Phuc Vo, Novianus Efrat, Van K Ho, Mohamed Bayati Zhentian Lei, Anuradha Roy, Lloyd Sumner, Andrew L. Thomas, Wendy Applequist, Andrew Townesmith, and Chung-Ho Lin. 2024. Identification and Characterization of American Elderberry Bioactive Compounds Using High-Throughput Screening Assays in Combination of Untargeted Global Metabolomics Approach. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Khatiwada, Dikshya. 2024. Market Engagement Among U.S. Elderberry Growers: Exploring Factors Influencing Market Participation and Intensity. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kranawetter, Clayton, Van Ho, Bharat Goel, and Lloyd W. Sumner. 2024. American Elderberry Metabolomics. 2024 National Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Huchteman M., et al. 2024. The Effect of Six Weed Management Methods on American Elderberry Growth, Weed Suppression, and Weed Ecology. Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hoskin, Roberta Targino, Mary H. Grace, Anna Guiotto, Alessandra Pecorelli, Giuseppe Valacchi and Mary Ann Lila. 2023. Spirulina protein-polyphenol particles attenuate pollution-induced skin damage: A novel sustainable approach. Food Bioactives and Health Conference, Prague, Czech Republic. Abstract #FBHC23-0112.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Moore, S.D., Huchteman, M.W., Prenger, E., O'Neal, C., Thomas, A.L. A Genotype by Environment Study Incorporating Twelve Promising American Elderberry Cultivars. Poster presentation at Great Plains Growers Conference, January 2024, Saint Joseph, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Akotsen-Mensah, C., et al. 2023. Invasive Insect Pest Prediction in the Context of Variable Climate. National Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, National Harbor, MD.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cai, Z., K. Stubblefield, A.L. Thomas, and F.X. Aguilar. 2024. From Niche to Mainstream: U.S. Consumer Trends and Preferences for Elderberry Products. HortScience 59:1723-1729. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18180-24.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Curtis, A.F., M. Musich, A.N. Costa, J. Gonzalez, H. Gonzales, B.J. Ferguson, B. Kille, A.L. Thomas, X. Wei, P. Liu, C.M. Greenlief, J. Shenker, D.Q. Beversdorf. 2024. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25(8):4352. Special Issue: New Trends in Alzheimer's Disease Research: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutics 2.0. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084352.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Thomas, A.L., G.E. Rottinghaus, M.D.L. Tres, P.L. Byers, J.D. Avery, Jr., M. Kaps, I. Gruen, A. Mazumder, D.M. Thomas, M.N. Westwood, G. Campos, R. Biagioni, M.C. Johnson, and C.M. Greenlief. 2024. Soil Nitrogen Fertility Influences the Growth and Yield of American Elderberry but Is Less Impactful than Genotype and Environment on Other Horticultural Characteristics. HortScience 57(6):787-793. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17772-24.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kasote, D.M., Z. Lei, C.D. Kranawetter, A. Conway-Anderson, B.W. Sumner, and L.W. Sumner. 2024. A Novel UHPLC-MS/MS Based Method for Isomeric Separation and Quantitative Determination of Cyanogenic Glycosides in American Elderberry. Metabolites, 14(7):360. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14070360
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dwikarina, A., Hsin-Yeh Hsieh, Andrew L. Thomas, and Chung-Ho Lin. 2024. Elucidating Antiviral Mode of Action of the Bioactive Compounds in American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). 18th North American Agroforestry Conference, Turrialba, Costa Rica
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dwikarina, A., Phuc Vo, Novianus Efrat, Van K Ho, Mohamed Bayati Zhentian Lei, Anuradha Roy, Lloyd Sumner, Andrew L. Thomas, Wendy Applequist, Andrew Townesmith, and Chung-Ho Lin. 2024. Identification and Characterization of American Elderberry Bioactive Compounds Using High-Throughput Screening Assays in Combination of Untargeted Global Metabolomics Approach. 18th North American Agroforestry Conference, Turrialba, Costa Rica
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Huchteman, M., S. Moore, C. ONeal, A. Roweton, D. Thomas, T. Skevas, R. Smeda, J. Cabrera-Garcia, and A.L. Thomas. 2024. Weed Management Method Impacts Growth and Fruit Yields of American Elderberry. 18th North American Agroforestry Conference, Turrialba, Costa Rica, Feb. 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Moore, S., M. Huchteman, L. Prenger, R. Revord, D. Redhage, S. Billy, E. Wolske, M. Persche, C. ONeal, and A.L. Thomas. 2024. Environment Affects Performance and Fruit Yield s of Diverse American Elderberry Genotypes. 18th North American Agroforestry Conference, Turrialba, Costa Rica, Feb. 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: ONeal, C., P.L. Byers, C.M. Spinka, and A.L. Thomas. 2024. Field Propagation of American Elderberry: Planting Early and Large is the Key. 18th North American Agroforestry Conference, Turrialba, Costa Rica, Feb. 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Musich, M., A.F. Curtis, B.J. Ferguson, A.L. Thomas, C.M. Greenlief, J.I. Shenker, D.Q. Beversdorf. 2024. Preliminary Effects of Improving Specific Cognitive Domains with American Elderberry Juice in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients. Society for Neuroscience. Chicago, IL.
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2025 Citation: Dwikarina, A., B. Mohamed, N. Efrat, A. Roy, Z. Lei, K.-V. Ho, L. Sumner, C.M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, W. Applequist, A. Townesmith, and C.-H. Lin. 2024 (Pre-print). Exploring American Elderberry Compounds for Antioxidant, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Properties Through High-Throughput Screening Assays Combined with Untargeted Metabolomics. bioRxiv https://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2024.09.13.611920v1.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Musich, M., A.F. Curtis, B.J. Ferguson, A.L. Thomas, C.M. Greenlief, J.I. Shenker, D.Q. Beversdorf. 2024. Preliminary Results on the Effects of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammatory Markers in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Alzheimers Association International Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Musich, M., A.F. Curtis, B.J. Ferguson, A.L. Thomas, C.M. Greenlief, J.I. Shenker, and D.Q. Beversdorf. 2024. Contributions of Inflammatory Markers and American Elderberry Juice to Visuospatial Cognitive Flexibility Abilities in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients: A Preliminary Investigation. Alzheimers Association International Conference - Neuroscience Next.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rifat, S. M., J. Zhou, and A. Thomas. 2024. Design and Operating Parameter Optimization of a Vibration Harvesting System for Elderberry. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting. Anaheim, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rifat, S.M., Zhou, J. and Thomas, A., 2024. The Effects of Shaking Frequency and Amplitude on Vibratory Harvesting of American Elderberry. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting. Anaheim, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Sumner, Lloyd W., Clayton Kranawetter, Khank-Van Ho, Sydney Moore, Caleb ONeal, Andrew L. Thomas. 2024. Exploring Metabolic Diversity in American Elderberry Fruits and Flowers. Annual Meeting of the Metabolomics Association of North America, Tampa, Florida.


Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project remains current and potential elderberry producers and processors across theU.S. andCanada. While our focus is on the American elderberry subspecies (canadensis), producers and processors interested in blue elderberry (cerulea), a differentsubspecies native to the western U.S., will also benefit from many aspects of this project. Animportant target audience for our research output is our fellow scientists in the horticulture and small fruit disciplines. Changes/Problems:HORTICULTURE AND ENTOMOLOGY A significant change will occur with our Entomology project due to the announced departure of Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah, of Lincoln University in Missouri. He will be taking a new Entomology faculty position at Alabama A & M University in January 2024. Very unfortunately there is no logical or qualified successor to Dr. Akotsen-Mensah at Lincoln. This is a new development and we are exploring several options to maintain and even improve the Entomology program associated with this project. ECONOMICS The Farm Business Management Association (FBMA) portion of the project, led by University of Minnesota, continued to see delays and inaction in 2023 for various reasons. Unfortunately, the delay on the Minnesota side precluded progress on the Missouri portion of the FBMA project (they are directly connected). Good news is that the project is now coming together nicely with a fresh team and new energy. While we have lost some time, and will lose some data, the remaining two years of the project are nevertheless sufficient to develop excellent outcomes from the project. ?FOOD SCIENCE AND BRAIN HEALTH The pilot scale-up production of elderberry juice ingredients required a detailed study to establish efficient spray drying conditions to produce elderberry juice products. The high concentration of sugars and acids in the elderberry juice caused undesired stickiness to the drying chamber, and the consequent low process yield required evaluation of multiple types of soy protein isolate to get an ideal product. A partnership was established with Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago, IL), a global leader in food products, that graciously donated different SPI products for testing. After careful investigation and the establishment of processing conditions adjusted to the higher capacity spray dryer being used, the production of spray dried protein-elderberry juice polyphenol product was successfully accomplished. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project continues to provide significant training opportunities for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate students. Currently 18 graduate students, two post-doctoral researchers, and one visiting scientist are being supported by the project. More than ten undergraduate university students are supported on an hourly-wage basis and are directly involved with various aspects of elderberry research, from Horticulture to Metabolomics. Numerous faculty and staff at our partner institutions continue to gain significant technical experience in elderberry production and product research. Some examples: Dr. Clayton Kranawetter (Post-doctoral Researcher) in the Metabolomics Center at University of Missouri has developed expertise in elderberry sample preparation, data acquisition, data analysis, research dissemination, and greenhouse maintenance. He recently received an independently funded NIFA postdoctoral fellowship to expand his research efforts (including crops other than elderberry). Dr. Kranawetter presented research results from this project at one major international and two national conferences. Ms. Lara Stefani, an undergraduate student in the Metabolomics Center, has obtained two University of Missouri-based, independently funded projects examining the effects of elderberry on polycystic ovarian syndrome. She presented her research results at one international, one national, and three regional conferences. She recently was awarded the Best Undergraduate Research Poster presentation at the Metabolomics Association of North America annual conference for her poster entitled "Potential Nutraceutical Management and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with American Elderberries". How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The most important methods of publicizing the project have been through face-to-face farmer events and meetings. Our annual Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, a national event held in June in Columbia, MO, was sold out. The event featured posters, displays, and presentations to elderberry producers and processors from many of the project scientists and several graduate students. Additional farmer-oriented events such as regional (Missouri) elderberry workshops continue to draw 50 to 80 participants. Field days that are specific to elderberry growers, or to more general audiences, are excellent venues to showcase our project. The project website (www.elderberry.missouri.edu) is active, and features several aspects of the project. This professional website is being upgraded to feature a better "Events" section, as well as a better and easier location for users to find new publications, results, and project data on elderberry. The project Facebook page "Advancing American Elderberry" is seeing some limited use and interest. It is linked to some very active Facebook pages such as Sac River Valley Elderberry. Numerous videos on various aspects of elderberry production and processing have been created, with many available on YouTube and, for example, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry website. We are in the process of linking more of these resources to our project website. Here are two examples of recent videos made by M.S. students Matthew Huchteman about his Elderberry Weed Management Study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPNifSmsxco, and Sydney Moore on her Genotype × Environment Elderberry Study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODSMijiQRbc. Because of the popularity of elderberry, a variety of feature articles continue to be produced in various formats, usually featuring interviews among project personnel. Here is an excellent example from Ozarks Alive: https://www.ozarksalive.com/stories/elderberryresearchinmissouri. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?All aspects of the project are underway and very active, and will continue as planned into the third year of the project. HORTICULTURE AND ENTOMOLOGY The horticulture projects will continue to be very active in 2024. Plantings will be diligently maintained and large volumes of data will be collected, compiled, and evaluated. A new, follow-up Field Propagation study will be implemented in January 2024, based on results from the recently completed study. On-going results from field trials will continue to be presented to elderberry producers and processors in a variety of formats. With personnel changes on our Entomology team (see "Changes" herein), we are planning to re-focus some of our efforts on the important pollination aspects of American elderberry. METABOLOMICS / NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY The Metabolomics team looks forward to its collaborative role in understanding the role of elderberry consumption as related to brain performance. Upon the conclusion of the mouse feeding study (multiple cohorts), the labs will perform metabolomics analyses to elucidate foundational health-related differences arising from an elderberry enriched diet. Development of Personal Care Products from American Elderberry. The framework for this effort has been established by building on preliminary data using modern metabolomic platforms to identify bioactive compounds in the berries, flowers, and peduncles of American elderberry. The identified compounds suggest that elderberry could treat inflammatory diseases, promote skin healing, and soothe the skin. The project builds on a foundation of American elderberry production and processing research, while taking product testing and product development to a new level. The potential impact may be significant to elderberry growers and processors, and farmers have responded very positively to descriptions of this project. Outside funding is being sought to support and expand this project in 2024. FOOD SCIENCE AND BRAIN HEALTH The newly developed elderberry juice ingredients produced at North Carolina State University are currently being used to formulate elderberry dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids to investigate their protective effects on brain health using animal models at University of Missouri. The production of elderberry pomace concentrated extract is underway and will be finalized during the next reporting period. The scaled-up production of protein-elderberry pomace polyphenol ingredients will be conducted during the third project year. The final products will be used to formulate supplements for a second experiment involving the effect of dietary supplementation with elderberry juice and pomace on brain health. Publications in high impact journals will be prepared using experimental results. The mouse feeding studies, which are currently carried out in different cohorts, are expected to be completed in spring, 2024. Information regarding effects of dietary supplement with elderberry and its combination with DHA on brain behavior, proteomics, lipids, and metabolomic will be obtained. OUTREACH A variety of elderberry grower and processor events will continue in 2024, including Field Days, media events, etc. The signature Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop (June 2024) will, again, provide an excellent venue for farmers to meet project scientists, and vice-versa. The project website is being updated to be more interactive and useful to producers. We are actively planning the Second International Elderberry Symposium to be held June 18-20, 2025, in Columbia, MO. A number of international scientists have already agreed to attend.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? HORTICULTURE AND ENTOMOLOGY Genotype × Environment Project. The study was fully operational in 2023. The project features significant plantings at five locations in WI, IL, MO, and OK.Data included plant growth, disease and pest severity, phenology, fruit yield, and leaf chlorophyll measurements. Fruit harvest and analysis was a major effort. Leaf samples for laboratory analyses were also collected at all five locations. The leaf and fruit samples assembled form a valuable biological collection for additional research in elderberry fruit quality, metabolomics, and natural products chemistry. Weed Management Study. Weed management treatments were fully implementedand data collection initiated.The variables include plant height, stem count, pests,disease, leaf nitrogen, leaf chlorophyll content, soil temperature, light transmission through canopy, weed density, and weed biomass. Fruit data included yield, cyme size, and berry weight. Fruit analysis in the laboratory is underway. A detailed report of labor (hours) and expenses was compiled for use in economic evaluation of weed management methods. Elderberry Field Propagation. This project has been completed.The study concluded that number of nodes (2 vs. 4) had no effect on survival, while propagule diameter was a highly significant variable. Cuttings from the earliest planting dates had a greater chance of survival in both years.Results suggest that direct field propagation of American elderberry is economically viable. Cataloguing Arthropod Pests and Their Natural Enemies. Samples of insects and mites (both pests and beneficials) were collected at multiple locations. Insect data were collected in a systematic manner on selected plots. During the 2023 elderberry cropping season, we evaluated 3 trap types for monitoring 3 key pests of elderberry namely spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Japanese beetles, and native and invasive stink bugs. SWD Degree Day Model. We have developed an initial degree day model using historic weather and trapping data. The results showed that the earliest trap capture was in May. The model predicted that 25, 50, and 75% of the spring SWD adult populations occurred in 1624, 2466, and 3066 DD.The implementation of the degree day results will provide IPM practices that are vital to the management of SWD in elderberry. BREEDING Evaluation of Large, Half-Sibling Progeny Families of Elite Cultivars. Another 730 open-pollinated breeding progeny were planted, bringing the total number of in-field breeding progeny to 3,452. Evaluations of progeny were performed, with data recorded on phenology, fruit and flower characteristics, growth habit, vigor, pests, and diseases. Controlled crosses were attempted and appear to hav ebeen successful. Characterization of Floral Phenology in American Elderberry Cultivars. Data on inflorescence bud initiation, bloom, and ripening were collected. Overlapping windows of flowering for cross-pollination weredocumented. In addition, six umbels per genotype of three varieties were tagged at inflorescence bud initiation and photographed periodically for a detailed visual progression of floral phenology and fruit development. De Novo Genome Assembly. After an initial round of sequencing, additional sequencing was required to provide adequate coverage for a draft genome assembly. The BYU genotyping facility provided data in summer 2023, and the MU Bioinformatics Core is assisting with the assembly of the draft genome. Tissues have been collected for RNA extraction and sequencing. ECONOMICS National Consumer Elderberry Survey. AQualtrics survey was distributed to 1,000 U.S. consumers to identify their purchasing preferences for elderberries and value-added products. The survey assessed consumer awareness and purchase history of elderberry products, knowledge of elderberry health benefits, and consumer willingness-to-pay price premiums for elderberry juice products with varying characteristics. Data analysis began in early 2023. Understanding Elderberry Farmers' Production and Marketing Practices. An online survey was conducted to gain an understanding of elderberry farmers' production and marketing practices. Ninety-nine usable responses were obtained, and data are being analyzed. METABOLOMICS / NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY Metabolomics of American Elderberry. We profiled berry and leaf tissues from leading elderberry cultivarsusing UHPLC-TIMS-QTof-MS. We observed specific groups of metabolites constrained to certain cultivars. Compound classes include triterpenoids and flavones/flavonols. These are representative of the approximately 100+ compounds identified, with many more left for targeted purification/identification. Further, we are also examining metabolite composition as a function of genomic and environment influences, i.e., tissues from the G × E experiment. Identification of Bioactive Metabolites. In preliminary studies, we identified 173 bioactive metabolites in juices from 21 elderberry cultivars. We selected 32 metabolites to be analyzed using High-Throughput Screening assays to determine their bioactivity. 24 compounds show antioxidant activity, 6 anti-HIV activity, and 9 demonstrate antimicrobial activity. We successfully developed a molecular assay to elucidate antiviral mechanisms targeting Influenza virus. MECHANICAL HARVEST Baseline Study for Determining Elderberry Characteristics. We surveyed eight elderberry plantings with various cultivars. Data were collected on plant height, width, cluster number, cluster size, and force needed to detach fruit. Determining Optimum Shaking Frequency and Harvester Configurations.Hand-held shakers were developed by modifying reciprocating saws with various stroke lengths. Shakers were tested to study the harvest performance. We tested three strokes and frequency range from 15 to 22 Hz. We found that shakers with stroke 0.625 inch at the frequency of 18 to 20 Hz show promise. Design and Development of Mechanical Harvester for Elderberry. Based on numerous data collected and analyzed, a full-scale elderberry harvester prototype was fabricated and demonstrated to farmers at the project's annual meeting. We are continuing to improve its performance. FOOD SCIENCE AND BRAIN HEALTH Optimization of Processing Parameters to Convert Elderberry Juice into Powder. We successfully developed spray dried American elderberry juice using soy protein isolate (SPI)as a carrier. Physicochemical, morphological, and bioactive properties were analyzed, and a gastrointestinal digestion model was used to study bioaccessibility. Elderberry processing was successfully scaled up using pilot scale juicer equipment. The scaled up production of protein-elderberry juice ingredients to be used in the brain health experiments was accomplished. Produce Elderberry Ingredients for The Wellness Market. Research goals include value-addition to both elderberry juice (mainstream) and pomace (secondary stream). Aconcentrated elderberry pomace extract was developed using the by-products of elderberry juice pressing. It was used to prepare elderberry pomace-derived powdered ingredients using SPI(Figure 2). Figure 2. Concentrated elderberry pomace extract (A) and final spray dried SPI-elderberry pomace ingredient (B). Brain Health Study. Polyphenols (such as in elderberry) can enhance the protective effects of DHA against oxidative insult in the brain. This study uses a mouse model to examine whether supplements of DHA and elderberry may ameliorate the deleterious effects of aging brain. Elderly mice were given diets supplemented with elderberry powder and/or DHA for 3 months, then subjected to a battery of behavioral tests. Animals were then sacrificed for specimens including different parts of the brain, heart, kidney, liver, serum, and fecal matter for analysis.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lovell, Sarah T., Kiruba Krishnaswamy, Chung-Ho Lin, Nicholas Meier, Ronald Revord, and Andrew L. Thomas. 2023. Nuts and Berries from Agroforestry Systems in Temperate Regions can Form the Foundation for a Healthier Human Diet and Improved Outcomes from Diet-related Diseases. Agroforestry Systems 97:13471360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00858-8
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., E.S. Silva, M. Moncada, P. Perkins-Veazie, M. A. Lila, C.M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, R. Hoskin, and K. Krishnaswamy. 2023. Spray-drying to Encapsulate Bioactive Compounds from Juice and Pomace of American Elderberry Using Carbohydrate and Protein Carriers. Food Bioscience 55, 102981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102981
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., R. Hoskin, M. Moncada, P. Perkins-Veazie, M.A. Lila, C.M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. Microencapsulation of elderberry juice and pomace extract to produce phytochemical-rich food ingredients. 9th Biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium, Tampa Bay, FL, February 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari, Bonnie C. Rogers, and C. Michael Greenlief. Determination of polyphenols in American elderberry pomace using HPLC-MS/MS, statistical analysis, and quantification of total phenolic content by UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods. Spring 2023 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari, Bonnie C. Rogers, and C. Michael Greenlief. Analysis of the accumulation of heavy metals in American elderberry pomace using ICP-MS. Spring 2023 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari D., Bonnie Rogers, Andrew L. Thomas, and C. Michael Greenlief. Determination of polyphenols in American elderberry using HPLC-MS/MS, and total phenolic and monomeric anthocyanins by UV-Vis methods. 2023 ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Houston, TX, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari, Bonnie C. Rogers, and C. Michael Greenlief. Determination of polyphenols in American elderberry pomace using HPLC-MS/MS, statistical analysis, and quantification of total phenolic content by UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari, Bonnie C. Rogers, and C. Michael Greenlief. Analysis of the accumulation of heavy metals in American elderberry pomace using ICP-MS. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., R. Hoskin, M. Moncada, P. Perkins-Veazie, M.A. Lila, C.M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. Microencapsulation of elderberry juice and pomace extract to produce phytochemical-rich food ingredients. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Greenlief, C. Michael. Elderberry brain health project. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Perera, Nihari, and C. Michael Greenlief. Determination of polyphenols in American elderberry pomace for 2018 harvest year using HPLC-MS/MS. Fall 2023 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, San Francisco, CA, August 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kupke, Isa, Amanda Dwikarina, Zhentian Lei, Lloyd Sumner, Andrew Thomas, and Chung-Ho Lin. Traditional Wisdom in Skincare: American Elderberry Targeting Inflammatory Skin Maladies. University of Missouri Research Symposium, Oct 5, 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., E. S. Silva, M. Moncada, P. Perkins-Veazie, M. A. Lila, C. M. Greenlief, Andrew L. Thomas, R. T. Hoskin, and K. Krishnaswamy. Spray drying to produce novel phytochemical-rich ingredients from juice and pomace of American elderberry. IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, Chicago, IL, July 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kupke, Isa, and Chung-Ho Lin. American elderberry health-promoting compounds for skin maladies. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kupke, Isa, and Chung-Ho Lin. American Elderberry: A plant for the future. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kupke, Isa, Amanda Dwikarina, Enji Mohamed Jamil, Chung-Ho Lin. Native North American plants and their bioactive compounds for skin maladies. 2023 Society for Economic Botany and Society of Ethnobiology Conference, June 4-9, 2023, Atlanta, GA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Dwikarina, Amanda, Phuc Vo, Novianus Efrat, Van K Ho, Mohamed Bayati, Zhentian Lei, Anuradha Roy, Lloyd Sumner, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Applequist, Andrew Townesmith, and Chung-Ho Lin. Identification and Characterization of American Elderberry Bioactive Compounds Using High-Throughput Screening Assays in Combination of Untargeted Global Metabolomics Approach. University of Missouri Research Symposium, Oct 12-13, 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Dwikarina, Amanda, Phuc Vo, Novianus Efrat, Van K Ho, Mohamed Bayati, Zhentian Lei, Anuradha Roy, Lloyd Sumner, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Applequist, Andrew Townesmith and Chung-Ho Lin. Identification and Characterization of American Elderberry Bioactive Compounds Using High-Throughput Screening Assays in Combination of Untargeted Global Metabolomics Approach. 39th Annual Research & Creative Activities Forum (RCAF), University of Missouri, April 7th, 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Dwikarina, Amanda, Hsin-Yeh Hsieh, and Chung-Ho Lin. Elucidating Antiviral Mode of Action of the Bioactive Compounds in American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop Program, June 15th, 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Foba, C. N., Afari, K., Thomas, A., Pszczolkowski, M., & Akotsen-Mensah, C. Trapping of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Missouri Elderberry. Joint Entomological Society of America, North Central and Southwestern Branches, April 16-19, 2023, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Afari, K., Foba, C. N., Thomas, A., & Akotsen-Mensah, C. Arthropod diversity in Missouri elderberry. Poster presented at the Joint Entomological Society of America (ESA), North Central and Southwestern Branches, April 16-19, 2023, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Akotsen-Mensah, C. Foba, C. N., & Thomas, A. Degree Day model and trapping of spotted wing drosophila in Missouri elderberry. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 15-16, 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Afari, K., Foba, C. N., & Akotsen-Mensah, C. Evaluation of common miticides against eriophyid mites and other pest mites in Missouri elderberry. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 15-16, 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stubblefield, K.J., Cai, Z., and Zuo, C., 2023. Consumer Preferences for Elderberry Products in the US. Annual Advancing Elderberry Project Meeting and 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, Missouri. June 14, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stefani, L., Aaron M. Stoker, Clayton Kranawetter and Lloyd W. Sumner. Potential Nutraceutical Management and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with American Elderberries. University of Missouri CAFNR Research Symposium. Oct. 5, 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kranawetter, C., Sumner, B., Thomas, A., Sumner, L. W. (14Jun2023). Nontargeted UHPLC-TIMS-ToF-MS Comparison of American Elderberry Cultivar Leaf and Fruit Tissues. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stefani, L., Kranawetter, C., Sumner, B., Thomas, A., Sumner, L. W. (14Jun2023). Cross-Comparison of Two American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Cultivars Using Nontargeted UHPLC-TIMS-QToF-MS. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kranawetter, C., Nontargeted UHPLC-TIMS-ToF-MS Analyses of American Elderberry Fruits for Expanded Identification and Cultivar Comparisons. 2023 American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS). June 2023, Houston, TX
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kranawetter, C., Sumner, B., Thomas, A., Sumner, L.W. Nontargeted UHPLC-TIMS-ToF-MS Comparison of American Elderberry Cultivar Leaf and Fruit Tissues. 2023 University of Missouri, Interdisciplinary Plant Group Research Symposium, May 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stefani, L., Kranawetter, C., Sumner, B., Thomas, A., Sumner, L.W. Cross-Comparison of Two American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Cultivars Using Nontargeted UHPLC-TIMS-QToF-MS. University of Missouri Research Symposium, April 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Prenger, Liz, and Ron Revord. American Elderberry Breeding Progress and Prospects. University of Missouri Agroforestry Symposium, January 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Prenger, Liz, Andrew Thomas, and Ron Revord. Ongoing Activities to Establish an American Elderberry Breeding Program in Missouri. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rifat, S. M., J. Zhou, K. Krishnaswamy, L. He and A. Thomas. 2023. Mechanical and Automation Technologies for Elderberry Harvest and Handling. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rifat, S. M., J. Zhou, K. Krishnaswamy, L. He and A. Thomas. 2023. Mechanical Harvesting Technology for American Elderberry. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Thomas, Andrew L., Caleb S. O'Neal, Patrick L. Byers, and Christine M. Spinka. Field Propagation of American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis). 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: O'Neal, Caleb S., Andrew L. Thomas, Patrick L. Byers, and Christine M. Spinka. Field Propagation of American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis). 2023 Combined Meetings of the Northern Nut Growers Association, Walnut Council, and Chestnut Growers of America, July 2023, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: O'Neal, Caleb S., Andrew L. Thomas, Patrick L. Byers, and Christine M. Spinka. Field Propagation of American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis). 2023 Southwest Missouri Elderberry Growers Association, Sept. 2023, Mt. Vernon, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Thomas, Andrew L. Overview of SCRI Elderberry Grant Project. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Thomas, Andrew L. Overview of SCRI Elderberry Grant Project. Southwest Missouri Elderberry Growers Conference, March and Sept, 2023. Mt. Vernon, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Moore, S., M. Huchteman, C.S. O'Neal, and A.L. Thomas. A Genotype by Environment Study Incorporating Twelve Promising American Elderberry Cultivars, 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, June 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Moore, S., M. Huchteman, C.S. O'Neal, and A.L. Thomas. A Genotype by Environment Study Incorporating Twelve Promising American Elderberry Cultivars, 2023 Combined Meetings of the Northern Nut Growers Association, Walnut Council, and Chestnut Growers of America, July 2023, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Huchteman, Matthew, Sydney D. Moore, Caleb S. O'Neal, and Andrew L. Thomas. Study of Weed Management in American Elderberry Production. 2023 Combined Meetings of the Northern Nut Growers Association, Walnut Council and Chestnut Grower4s of America, Columbia, MO, July 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Moore, Sydney. Elderberry Genotype by Environment Study, 2023 Great Plains Growers Conference, January 2023, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Moore, Sydney. Elderberry Genotype by Environment Study, Elderberry Growers Conference, March and Sept. 2023, Mt. Vernon, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Huchteman, Matthew, Sydney D. Moore, Caleb S. O'Neal, and Andrew L. Thomas, Study of Weed Management in American Elderberry Production, 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 15-16, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Huchteman, Matthew, Weed Management Study in American Elderberry, Southwest Missouri Elderberry Growers Association, Mount Vernon, MO, March 3, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Huchteman, Matthew, Weed Management Study in American Elderberry, 2023 Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO, January 13-14, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Khatiwada, Dikshya. Production and Marketing Practices of a Sample of US Elderberry Growers. 2023 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, MO, June 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rifat, Sazzad, Jianfeng Zhou, and Andrew Thomas. Design, Fabrication, and Test of Automatic Elderberry Processing System. 2023 ASABE International Annual Meeting. July 9-12, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska.


Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience of this project includes elderberry producers and processors across the U.S. and Canada, but also our fellow scientists. The American elderberry subspecies (our project focus) is not much produced in the western U.S., therefore the focus of most of our production research and outreach efforts is east of the Rockies. Nevertheless, our new project website (https://elderberry.missouri.edu) is intended for an international audience - anyone who is interested in current, up-to-date research on American elderberry. Changes/Problems:The most important changes are some changes of key personnel. With a group of collaborators this large (some 40 people), this may be inevitable. Two members of our Economics team have left the project. Dr. Zhen Cai (University of Missouri) has taken a new job and moved away, although she is still assisting on the project in a limited manner. Constance Carlson (University of Minnesota) has taken a new position within the University; while her major responsibilities with this project will be turned over to a new employee, she will remain available for consultation and guidance. Dr. Sarah Lovell, Director of the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, will be leaving the University at the end of 2022. Her role in oversight and outreach within the project is very important but somewhat indirect, and will be absorbed by other Team members. For the horticultural plantings, as is nearly always the case, we did not have 100% survival of plants, and we were short on stock of one genotype. Thus, a small number of plants are being re-propagated and replaced as soon as possible in spring 2023. While this certainly is not ideal, it is relatively normal and some logical accommodations in data collection will be made as these replacement plants catch up. Economics Core: The Farm Business Management Association (FBMA)part of the project is delayed because FBMA educators needed time and targeted training to familiarize themselves with elderberry production. Local FBMA programs also indicated the need for additional support in conducting outreach and engagement to this niche producer base in a sector of the agricultural economy (emerging perennials, small fruits/berries) different from their primary focus on annual row crop producers. University of Minnesota has developed outreach materials and will be recruiting producers over the 2022/2023 winter, seeking to have cohorts to begin in Spring, 2023. University of Minnesota also experienced significant staffing changes in 2022. Some of the funds for this project that were allocated to the University of Minnesota for Year 1 will be shifted into Year 4 (which did not initially have funds budgeted). Despite this delay, the outreach/recruitment for this activity is up and running, as we are actively engaging growers about the opportunity, keeping track of interested parties, and recruitment will intensify over the winter. For the University of Missouri portion, this delay should not have any significant consequence to the project outcome. Regarding the unspent funds for Year 1, a good portion of them were spent, instead, on the producer survey to cover mailing expenses and incentives. This is a deviation from the initial plan where we had just proposed to send the survey to farmers by email (and as a result did not budget any money for the producer survey). The reason we are doing this is to boost response rates, because paper surveys are known to have much higher response rates than web-based email surveys. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided thesis programs for 8 graduate students, 1 visiting scientist, and oversite experience for 5 technical staff. Training and professional development include planning and conducting research, development of products, scale up for application at a commercial level, and preparation of presentations and scientific papers. Additional graduate and post-doctoral students will be engaged in the second year of the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Because the project is new in 2022, and not a lot of results are forthcoming, the majority of our efforts have been in publicizing the project and our goals. The major efforts at publicizing the project and disseminating results to appropriate stakeholders have been through farmer events, social media, our project's Annual Meeting, and the new project website: https://elderberry.missouri.edu. A Facebook page has also been established: "Advancing American Elderberry". Project PI Thomas did a podcast with Michael Kilpatrick and Thriving Farmer on Feb. 28, 2022. The response to this podcast, which was very widely disseminated, has been very positive, and Thomas continues to receive inquiries and emails as a result of this event. The most important outreach event was our Annual Project Meeting, June 8, 2022, which segued directly into the annual Comprehensive Elderberry Growers Workshop, June 9-11, 2022, both held in Columbia, MO. Our SCRI team was well-represented with colleagues travelling to Missouri from North Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, and Oklahoma, and with several brand-new graduate students having just arrived from around the world (e.g., Ghana, India, Pakistan). Other Team members in Africa, Asia, and Europe attended via Zoom. Ten scientific posters on elderberry research were displayed throughout both events. Several of our Elderberry Stakeholder Advisors and two of our Science Advisors attended (three of the latter were unable to attend for various reasons). These Stakeholder and Science Advisors provided very helpful reviews of the meeting that were generally positive and encouraging. This meeting provided a broad overview of the project, allowing our diverse Team members to meet, interact, and brainstorm, not only with each other, but also with our Stakeholder and Scientific Advisors. The subsequent Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop attracted more than 220 elderberry enthusiasts from all over the U.S., Canada, and even Chile for 2 ½ days of presentations on all aspects of elderberry production, processing, and marketing. One of the most important and rewarding aspects of this event was "scientists meeting the farmers, and farmers meeting the scientists". Because several preeminent elderberry researchers came to Missouri for the Annual Project Meeting, we also asked these scientists (e.g., Food Scientists, Plant Breeders, Ag Engineers, Entomologists, etc.) to give a presentation the following day to a more "lay" audience. This itinerary, in turn, made the Growers Workshop even more relevant, literally "selling-out" the venue. A large gathering of elderberry-related vendors (growers, processors, winemakers, nurseries, etc.) completed and complemented the event for both the scientists and workshop attendees. Video from portions of the meetings have been or will be posted to the project website. A detailed list of specific Outreach events is included under the Products section below. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Horticulture Now that the major elderberry plantings associated with this project have been established, data collection will begin, including the first fruit harvests in summer 2023. Leaves will be sampled and analyzed in July to establish our leaf elemental nutrition database. The Weed Management treatments will be fully implemented and data on weed competition, weed biomass, and elderberry response will be quantified. Field days at all sites will be implemented in 2023. In Entomology, evaluation of traps and lures for key arthropod pests in elderberry will continue, as will evaluation of miticides and insecticides. A degree-day rubric being developed for spotted wing drosophila management will be tested and used to time insecticide application. Breeding Over the next reporting period, early evaluations of open-pollinated progeny will begin. Additional open-pollinated progeny will be planted in the field, and controlled crosses will be attempted for both population development and for a better understanding of the crossing hierarchy in existing cultivars. We expect to work with the Bioinformatics Core to assemble a draft genome in 2022 and 2023. We will continue to produce thousands of breeding progeny for future trial and selection. Food Science and Health The elderberry juice spray-dry treatments will be fine-tuned to ascertain the best processes for juice and pomace products. The brain health portion of the project will begin in Fall, 2022, as planned. Decisions will be made as to which elderberry product (pomace/juice with or without tapioca or soy carriers) will be used for animal diets. The spray dried elderberry powder will then be used to formulate animal diets as part of the health study to analyze the brain health benefits of elderberry consumption. Scale up development for food grade powders will continue to work out logistical and technical challenges. A publication is being prepared on the development of the spray dried powders. Metabolomics Going forward, the Sumner lab will be incorporating novel ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to trapped ion mobility spectrometry and hybrid tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Tims-QTofMS/MS) for the analyses of elderberry extracts. We have been developing this more specific technology with Bruker Daltonics Gmh (Breeman, Germany) to incorporate this technology into our metabolomics platform. This has been completed and is ready for use in other applications such as this project. The UHPLC-Tims-QTofMS/MS offers additional orthogonal data that improves our confidence in metabolite identifications. Mechanical Harvest We will continue to fine-tune and evaluate the feasibility, practicality, performance, and efficiency of all systems and prototypes that were developed in the first project year. Our team will also work with berry harvest equipment manufacturers (e.g., Oxbo International) to evaluate and modify existing technologies for elderberry harvest.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Horticulture Five major genotype × environment elderberry plantings were established across the Midwest U.S. in late spring, 2022, along with two significant weed management trials. Twelve promising and diverse elderberry selections (genotypes) of American elderberry were researched and secured. Several of these were purchased as dormant cuttings from collaborating elderberry growers. All were propagated in the greenhouse at the University of Missouri Southwest Center during winter / spring 2022. More than 3,000 plants were propagated in order to secure the 1,440 plants needed for this study. The genotypes selected, propagated, and established, along with their state of origin, were: Hamilton (FL), Barber (OK), Cherokee (OK), Pocahontas (AR), Ranch (KS), Bob Gordon (MO), Coop (MO), Rogersville (MO), East Grove (IA), Delight (WI), Dandy (WI), Anoka (MN) These were planted in an ambitious genotype × environment experiment with five locations in a south-to-north latitudinal gradient (Poteau OK, Mt. Vernon MO, New Franklin MO, Champaign IL, Spring Green WI). The majority of plants and plantings are now well-established. These plantings also serve as a foundational resource for additional studies (such as leaf nutrient profile research) and important outreach efforts. A significant elderberry Weed Management experiment was established in 2022, also from plants propagated in our university greenhouses. This study is located at two Missouri sites and incorporates three cultivars and six weed management strategies (tentatively: woven weed barrier fabric, black-backed white plastic, wood chip mulch, herbicide, cover crops, and control). This study is now well-established and some of the weed management treatments are now in place. Integrated Pest Management experiments were also established, with numerous types of insect traps deployed in elderberry plantings both at our project plantings as well as private farms. A miticide trail (evaluating efficacy of both conventional and organic miticides) has been initiated at multiple locations. Evaluation of different traps and attractants in different locations has resulted in a good trap and lure combination for spotted wing drosophila in elderberry. Breeding More than 2,500 open pollinated elderberry seedlings were propagated and have been or will be planted in the field by November 2022. These will be evaluated in the coming years for possible cultivar release. Whole genome sequence data for American elderberry have been generated, and communications with the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Core have been established for draft genome assembly. Materials have been curated for future floral phenology characterization and controlled crosses. Economics of Elderberry Production and Processing, and Market Development Survey tools from past surveys of elderberry growers conducted by University of Missouri researchers have been identified. These tools will inform the development of a producer survey questionnaire to be used in the current project. The economics team in collaboration with the project PI and external partners is in the process of obtaining contact information for elderberry growers. This information will be used to develop lists of growers to whom the survey will be administered. Next steps involve a) developing the elderberry growers' questionnaire, b) pretest the questionnaire with a small number of elderberry growers, c) use feedback from pretests to improve the questionnaire, and d) send the survey to the sample growers. Excel files used to record input costs and output quantities have been developed for each of the five sites where elderberry cultivar trials are being conducted, and establishment cost data (e.g., site preparation, labor, and planting costs) are being collected. Regarding the weed management experiment, the economics team had a first meeting with the MS student responsible for this experiment to discuss key features of the experiment and the economic data that need to be collected. In 2022, a survey was created, pretested, and administered to 1,000 U.S. consumers to identify purchasing preferences for elderberries and derivative value-added products. The survey instrument, created and distributed through the Qualtrics online platform, assessed U.S. consumers' awareness and purchase history of elderberry products, consumers' knowledge of elderberry health benefits, and consumers' willingness-to-pay price premiums for elderberry juice products of varying characteristics such as locally grown and organic. Respondents' demographic information was also collected. Ongoing data analysis will continue into 2023, with findings to be reported and submitted in a peer-reviewed journal article. Mechanical Harvest In the first project year, our team mainly focused on 1) technology review and concept design, 2) prototype development and field evaluation, and 3) collecting inputs from farmers and stakeholders. We first studied the characteristics of elderberry plants and fruits, such as plant size (height, branch diameter, and canopy), fruit distribution along branches, fruit size, and fruit retention force. The physical characteristics of the plant and fruit are important in designing a mechanical harvesting system. We concluded that two harvesting methods could be investigated to harvest elderberries, i.e., detaching fruit cluster (mimicking human pickers) and detaching individual fruits directly. Compared to direct fruit removal, harvesting fruit clusters requires additional processing, such as de-stemming and transportation, however, it may reduce fruit damage. To explore both potential methods, we have designed two mechanical harvesting approaches, including a cluster picking system based on robotic arm and a fruit detaching system based on shake-and-catch technology. In the year 2022, the team conducted the following activities: Conceptual designs of mechanical harvest solutions (Figs. 1a, 1b) Prototyping and field evaluating a fruit detaching mechanism (fruit shaker) Prototyping and field evaluating a vision-based robotic fruit detection system using camera Elderberry field survey Figure 1a: Shake-and-catch approach Figure 1b: Robotic harvesting approach Food Science and Health The first year's main goal was to develop novel value-added elderberry products. Our team collaborated to develop elderberry powders from juice and pomace, and to characterize the phenolic content. A carrier was needed as spray dried elderberry juice powder alone was sticky and hygroscopic. Tapioca starch and soy protein were effective carriers for both juice and pomace, and retained more anthocyanin when a spray dry temperature of 120 °C was used (Fig. 2). The anthocyanin profiles were similar for juice, pomace, and spray dried products. Additionally, the carrier provides a useful ingredient for in vivo trials. Scale up of food grade powders is underway at the NC Food Innovation Lab. Figure 2: Spray dried elderberry juice powder with different combinations of carriers at 120°C (SPI = soy protein isolate). Our team has also begun to identify and screen a number of elderberry cultivars for bioactive compounds. The outcomes of these studies should aid in the design of the animal health studies in the next couple of years. Metabolomics The Metabolomics Core was not officially funded during the first year of this award but has nevertheless initiated efforts towards the metabolic profiling of elderberry. A new student worked with Dr. Clayton Kranawetter on these early efforts to profile elderberry cultivars sampled in year 1. Dr. Kranawetter is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Sumner lab and will officially transition to this SCRI Elderberry project in January 2023. The initial profiling was performed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: https://elderberry.missouri.edu
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Appenteng, M.K., R. Krueger, M.C. Johnson, H. Ingold, R. Bell, A.L. Thomas, and C.M. Greenlief. 2021. Cyanogenic Glycoside Analysis in American Elderberry. Molecules 26(5):1393.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Warmund, M.R. 2022. In: D. Karp and K. Gasic, eds., Register of New Fruit and Nut Cultivars List 51. HortScience 57(9): 1175-1233. Elderberry 1207-1208. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.57.9.1174.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Warmund, M. 2022. Mitigation of herbicide injury with windbreaks. On-line newsletter article and press release. August 1, 2022. https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2022/8/windbreaks-MW/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivar Release (in the form of a peer-reviewed publication): Thomas, A.L., P.L. Byers, R. Starnes, S.E. Sergent, A. Templemire, K. McGowan, B. Schuessler, M.A. Gold., M.N. Westwood, and R. Biagioni. 2023 (in press). Pocahontas: A Vigorous and Highly Productive American Elderberry. Acta Horticulturae.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., R. Hoskin, P. Perkins-Veazie, M.A. Lila, M. Moncada, M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas,?and K. Krishnaswamy. Optimization of Spray Drying Parameters on American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra?subsp.?canadensis). Poster presented at Annual Scientific and Stakeholders Meeting for this project, June 2022, Columbia, MO; and at the University of Missouri Agriculture Research Symposium, Oct. 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Appenteng, M.K., R. Krueger, M.C. Johnson, H. Ingold, R. Bell, A.L. Thomas, and C.M. Greenlief. Cyanogenic Glycosides Analysis in American Elderberry: Picrate Paper and LC-MS/MS Method Development and Validation. Poster presented at Annual Scientific and Stakeholders Meeting for this project, June 2022, Columbia, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bruner, P.H., A.L. Thomas, C.M. Greenlief. Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling and Identification of Polyphenols in American Elderberry, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis. Poster presented at Annual Scientific and Stakeholders Meeting for this project, June 2022, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: da Silva, E.S., K.S. Ravichandran, P. Perkins-Veazie, M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, K. Krishnaswamy, M.A. Lila, R.T. Hoskin, and M.L. Moncada. 2022. Spray Drying Microencapsulation of American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) Pomace Polyphenols to Produce Phytochemical-rich Ingredients. Oral presentation at 15th International Scientific Food Biotech Conference. Oct 2022, Slovak Republic.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Perera, N. and C.M. Greenlief. 2022. Determination of Presence of Polyphenols in American Elderberry. Poster presented at the Fall National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Oct 2022, Chicago, IL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Ravichandran, K.S., R. Hoskin, P. Perkins-Veazie, M.A. Lila, M. Moncada, M. Greenlief, A.L. Thomas, and K. Krishnaswamy. 2022. Optimization of Spray Drying Parameters on American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Event and Expo. Food Ingredients Division Posters. July 2022, Chicago, IL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Thomas, A.L., P.L. Byers, R. Starnes, S.E. Sergent, A. Templemire, K. McGowan, B. Schuessler, M.A. Gold., M.N. Westwood, and R. Biagioni. 2022. Pocahontas: A Vigorous and Highly Productive American Elderberry. Poster presentation at 31st International Horticultural Congress, August 2022, Angers, France.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Warmund, M. Beware! Herbicide Drift May Injur Elderberry. Great Plains Growers Conference, January 2022, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Warmund, M. Key Pests and Diseases and Pests of Elderberry. Oral presentation at Annual Scientific and Stakeholders Meeting for this project, June 2022, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Warmund, M. Sensitivity of Elderberry to Auxin Herbicide Injury. Oral presentation at Annual Scientific and Stakeholders Meeting for this project, June 2022, Columbia, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Akotsen-Mensah, C. and A.L. Thomas. Faunistic Records of Arthropods in Missouri Elderberry. Entomological Society of America, North Central Branch Meeting, March 2022, Minneapolis, MN. Presentation #155656.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Akotsen-Mensah, C. and A.L. Thomas. 2022. Faunistic Records of Arthropods Associated with Elderberry in Missouri. Tenth International IPM Symposium. March 2022, Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Thomas, A.L., P.L. Byers, M. Kaps, D.M. Thomas, M. Westwood, G. Campos, C.M. Greenlief, and R. Biagioni. Soil Nitrogen Fertility Influence on Fruit Characteristics of Cultivated American Elderberry. Midwest Regional Meeting, American Chemical Society. Oct 2021, Springfield, MO. MWRM 2021:141.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Huchteman, Matthew (M.S. student, University of Missouri) presented his project on Elderberry Weed Management at the University of Missouri, Southwest Research, Extension, and Education Center, Mt. Vernon, MO Field Day, Sept. 2022, to several hundred FFA high school students.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Moore, Sydney (M.S. student, University of Missouri) presented her project on Elderberry Genotype � Environment interactions at the University of Missouri, Southwest Research, Extension, and Education Center, Mt. Vernon, MO Field Day, Sept. 2022, to several hundred FFA high school students.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: The following outreach presentations were made on behalf of the Outreach team by Patrick Byers: Growing Elderberries, Arkansas Brown Bag presentation, 9/22/21 "Elderberry Productivity", Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph, MO, 1/8/2022 Elderberry Production", University of Minnesota Alternative Berry Production Systems webinar, 2/10/2022 "Elderberries for Wyoming", Natrona County Master Gardener Spring Conference, Casper WY, 4/23/2022 "Elderberry Weed Management", Comprehensive Elderberry Conference, Columbia, 6/9/2022 "Elderberry Productivity", Comprehensive Elderberry Conference, Columbia, 6/10/2022 "Getting Started with Elderberry", Introduction to Elderberry Workshop, Columbia, 6/11/2022 Elderberry Production, Christian County Master Gardeners chapter meeting, Nixa, 10/24/22