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Impact of Crop Load on Fruit Size, Color and Return Bloom of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple across Four US Locations
No full textEffective crop load management programs are critical to maximize apple orchard profitability. A series of coordinated experiments were conducted at four locations in the United States (Michigan, North Carolina, New York, and Washington). The studies aimed to determine the relationship between crop load and yield, fruit size, color, and return bloom of ‘Honeycrisp’. Mature and uniform ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees grafted on ‘M.9’ rootstock were selected at each location. Crop load, expressed as fruits/cm2 trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), was used to standardize trees and provide a physiological context for interpreting fruit size and yield efficiency. Fruit size, independent of crop load, among the four locations was positively correlated to growing degree hours from green tip to full bloom and average daytime temperature from 6 weeks after bloom until harvest. The percentage of marketable red blush area and return bloom were negatively correlated with the final crop load at all locations and years. Fruit red color, independent of crop load, among the four locations was positively correlated to growing degree hours from green tip to full bloom, and average solar radiation the week before harvest negatively correlated to average daytime temperature the week before harvest. Return bloom the following year was also negatively correlated to crop load. Return bloom, independent of crop load, among the four locations was positively correlated to growing degree hours from full bloom to 6 weeks after full bloom and negatively correlated to average of radiation from green tip to full bloom. The market-preferred fruit size for ‘Honeycrisp’ (200–250 g) was achieved with different crop loads depending on the region and weather conditions (between 4.4 and 13 fruits/cm2). However, a general range of 4.5 to 6 fruits/cm2 TCSA is recommended to balance size, color, and return bloom.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Moderate electric field-assisted alkaline solubilization of lupin protein
No full textThe nutritional quality of lupin is often limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANF), such as saponins and alkaloids, as well as anti-technological factors (ATF), including fat and polyphenols. This study evaluated the use of moderate electric field (MEF) during the protein solubilization stage as a strategy to reduce ANF and ATF and improve protein yield and the techno-functional properties of lupin protein isolate (LPI). Thus, 4 different treatments were applied during the alkaline solubilization for protein isolation purposes: (i) conventional (25 °C, 90 min), (ii) high temperature (60 °C, 45 min), (iii) MEF (60 °C, 45 min, 1200 Hz) with ON-OFF (25 V/cm) and (iv) Proportional control (up to 25 V/cm, avg 3.7 V/cm) algorithms to prevent overheating. Overall, MEF application led to a highly effective decrease in the ANF and ATF of LPI. Compared to high temperature isolation, MEF significantly lowered saponin content (1.93 g oleanolic acid/hg dm) and polyphenols (0.66 mg gallic acid/g dm). Additionally, techno-functional traits, such as water and oil absorption and foaming and emulsifying properties, were also enhanced. A prolonged voltage supply at low electric field under MEF proportional control effectively prevented overheating during protein solubilization and led to improved LPI properties when compared with ON-OFF control.This work was supported by the Grant PID2020-114422RR-C53 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Paola Navarro-Vozmediano acknowledges the FPU PhD contract (FPU19/03497) granted by the Spanish “Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional”. Funding for open access charge: Universitat Politècnica de València.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Mid-season variable-rate algorithm for organic and mineral rice fertilization
Get PDFAccurate calculation of nitrogen requirements is essential in rice fields utilizing both local manure and mineral fertilizers to mitigate nitrogen deficiencies and yield losses associated with reducing chemical fertilizer use. Traditional approaches often fail to effectively integrate organic and mineral fertilizers or adapt to the complexities of real-farm conditions. To tackle these challenges, this study introduced a novel application of the Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Algorithm (NFOA), leveraging remote optical sensors and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to deliver precise, data-driven nitrogen recommendations for the effective integration of organic fertilization in rice cultivation. Fertilizer prescription maps generated by the NFOA delivered precise nitrogen recommendations tailored for diverse real-farm fields. The algorithm demonstrated strong predictive performance for yield responses to nitrogen application at critical phenological stages, such as panicle initiation and maximum tillering (R2 = 0.71, p < 0.0001; R2 = 0.73, p < 0.0001). Key findings demonstrate the model’s ability to optimize nitrogen inputs, achieving up to a 40% reduction in surplus nitrogen while maximizing yields. By promoting a balanced nitrogen input-output equilibrium, the NFOA offers significant environmental and economic benefits, even in the context of the complexities associated with organic fertilization. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the NFOA approach is suitable for calculating nitrogen fertilizer requirements in rice fields using organic fertilization strategies, effectively accommodating the high variability in nutrient content and availability of organic nitrogen to rice crops. However, further refinement is necessary to enhance its predictive accuracy by incorporating advanced spectral indices and accounting for detailed environmental and management factors.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This work was commissioned and funded by the Catalan Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda and by the projects TED2021-131606B-C21, PLEC 2021-007786 of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and by the LEGENDARY (KnowLEdGE creation and iNcreasing acreage of legumes in Diversified cropping systems by quAntification of theiR ecosYstem services) project through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The funders participated in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, and manuscript preparation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Zoonotic tuberculosis in Catalonia, Spain: Phylogenetic insights into Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae transmission at the human-livestock interface
Get PDFThis genomic epidemiology study analyzed Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae isolates from animals and humans in Catalonia, Spain, between 2005 and 2023. Of 42 human tuberculosis (TB) cases, five were phylogenetically linked to livestock outbreaks, suggesting zoonotic transmission. The findings specifically indicate goats as a primary source of M. caprae transmission to humans. The study also revealed unexpected genetic diversity of mycobacteria within the same outbreak or even within the same patient, highlighting the complexity of tuberculosis transmission dynamics. The results underscore the value of genomic surveillance in understanding zoonotic TB transmission at the human-livestock interface and its role in informing effective control strategies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Com incideix la varietat de blat de moro en el contingut en micotoxines del gra
No full textLes varietats de blat de moro mostren diferències importants en el contingut en micotoxines al gra. Aquestes diferències venen donades en gran part per la resistència als atacs d’insectes. És per això que generalment s’observen continguts en micotoxines més baixos en les varietats transgèniques respecte les convencionals. En els assajos de varietats de cicles llargs s’observen unes contaminacions per fumonisines molt més elevades a la zona del litoral de Girona. Els darrers anys però, s’han detectat uns nivells de micotoxines molt superiors al acceptables en els cicles curts en segones collites a la zona dels regadius de Lleida (on és més habitual aquesta pràctica).Grup Operatiu ESTRATÈGIES DE CULTIU PER A LA PRESERVACIÓ DE LA SANITAT DE LES PRODUCCIONS DE BLAT DE MORO ENFRONT ELS EPISODIS DE SEQUERA MOTIVATS PEL CANVI CLIMÀTIC (ZEASEC).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Consequences of global warming on apple orchards in the Mediterranean basin: Challenges of insect pest management
Get PDFGlobal warming is expected to have diverse effects on fruit orchards. However, predictions suggest that the consequences of extremely high temperatures, rainfall reduction and increased UV radiation will significantly affect those from the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, herbivores feeding upon trees affected by global warming will be directly influenced by the varying geographical distribution and phenology of their populations. Changes in herbivore biology and performance will most likely modify the behaviour and preferences of organisms in the upper levels of the food chain. This review gathers information on the cascade effect of global warming on the different actors in apple fruit trees. It explores the consequences of tree protection and insect pest management in apple orchards of the Mediterranean basin. Scientific evidence suggests that elevated temperatures will generally compromise the performance of the pest’s natural enemies; however, lack of diapause due to warmer winters may benefit certain natural enemies, increasing their presence earlier in the season. On the other hand, using ecological infrastructures will suffer from increased water shortages, and heat and UV radiation will increase the degradation of phytosanitary products, posing significant challenges for pest management. Therefore, predictions of pest development using the variations of climatic factors in mathematical models represent a great tool to prevent outbreaks and improve orchard management. Altogether, global warming is and will be a challenge for apple production in the Mediterranean basin and joint actions of politicians, farmers, and scientists are required to overcome its consequences.Authors are financially supported by the project PID2022-139988OB-I00 and the CERCA project of the Generalitat of Catalonia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Data recording and use of data tools for pig health management: perspectives of stakeholders in pig farming
Get PDFIntroduction: Data-driven strategies might combat the spreading of infectious pig disease and improve the early detection of potential pig health problems. The current study aimed to explore individual views on data recording and use of data tools for pig health management by recruiting stakeholders (N = 202) in Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Methods: Questionnaire focused on current on-farm challenges, current status of data recording on farms, and evaluation of the two mock data tools. Particularly, “benchmarking tool” was designed to visualize individual farm’s pig mortality, targeting the management of infectious respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases; and “early-warning tool” was designed to generate an alarm through monitoring coughs in pigs, targeting the management of infectious respiratory diseases.
Results: Results showed that respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases and aggressive behaviors were the most frequently mentioned health challenge and welfare challenge, respectively. Most of the data was more frequently recorded electronically than on paper. In general, the “benchmarking tool” was perceived as useful for the management of infectious respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and the “early-warning tool” was evaluated as useful for the management of infectious respiratory diseases. Several barriers to the perceived usefulness of these two tools were identified, such as the lack of contextual information, inconvenience of data input, limited internet access, reliance on one’s own experience and observation, technical hurdles, and mistrust of information output. The perceived usefulness of both tools was higher among highly educated participants, and those who reported being integrators and positive toward technology for disease control. Female participants and those who came from integrated farms evaluated the “early-warning tool” as more useful compared to their counterparts. The perceived usefulness of the “early-warning tool” was negatively affected by age and work experience, but positively affected by extensiveness of data recording, positive attitude toward technology, and the current use of technology.
Discussion: In summary, participants showed optimistic views on the use of data tools to support their decision-making and management of infectious pig respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. It is noteworthy that data tools should not only convey the value of data for informed decision-making but also consider stakeholders’ preconditions and needs for data tools.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101000494.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
El pecanero: evaluación agronómica
Get PDFEl pecanero es un árbol originario de Norteamérica. El fruto es muy apreciado por sus buenas características nutritivas con un elevado contenido
en proteínas, minerales y grasas saludables, y por
poseer un alto nivel de antioxidantes como su
fruto seco homólogo, la nuez común. Su domesticación como especie frutal es reciente, y ha sido
durante esta última década cuando ha irrumpido
en otras partes del mundo como una verdadera
alternativa frutal. Se presenta como una especie
bien adaptada a las previsibles nuevas condiciones de la climatología europea, con un menor
requerimiento hídrico y menores necesidades de
frío invernal comparadas con el nogal. Sin embargo, el comportamiento varietal es poco conocido
fuera de su zona de origen y especialmente en el
sur de Europa donde tiene como hándicap adicional el no encontrarse dentro de la normativa europea de especies frutales. El objetivo principal de
este artículo es aportar al sector aspectos claves
a considerar a la hora de implantar el cultivo, en
cuanto a características vegetativas y reproductivas de la especie. Se presentan unos primeros
datos sobre 16 variedades evaluadas en condiciones de clima mediterráneo subhúmedo en las
colecciones del IRTA Mas Bovéinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Proficiency testing and cross-laboratory method comparison to support standardisation of diatom DNA metabarcoding for freshwater biomonitoring
Get PDFDNA metabarcoding of benthic diatoms has been successfully applied for biomonitoring at the national scale and can now be considered technically ready for routine application. However, protocols and methods still vary between and within countries, limiting their transferability and the comparability of results. In order to overcome this, routine use of DNA metabarcoding for diatom biomonitoring requires knowledge of the sources of variability introduced by the different steps of the procedure. Here, we examine how elements of routine procedures contribute to variability between European laboratories. A set of four experiments were performed focusing on DNA extraction and PCR amplification steps to evaluate their reproducibility between different laboratories and the variability introduced by different protocols currently applied by the scientific community. Under the guidance of a reference laboratory, 17 participants from 14 countries performed DNA extraction and PCR amplification in parallel, using the same fixed protocol and their own choice of protocol. Experiments were performed by each participant on a set of standardised DNA and biofilm samples (river, lake and mock community) to investigate potential systematic and random errors. Our results revealed the successful transferability of a protocol amongst labs and a highly similar and consistent ecological assessment outcome obtained regardless of the protocols used by each participant. We propose an “all for one but prove them all” strategy, suggesting that distinct protocols can be used within the scientific community, as long as their consistency is be proven by following minimum standard requirements.This work was funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action DNAqua-Net (CA15219), Macherey-Nagel, Takara, ID-Gene, SCIMABIO Interface, INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment), the Cyprus University of Technology, WAT-DIMON (EUROSTARS/0519/0005), INRAE Transfert, the Eco-AlpsWater Interreg Alpine space programme, The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Croatian Science Foundation (UIP-2014-09-6563 and UIP-2020-02-7868).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Relevant Indicators of Consciousness After Head-Only Electrical Stunning in Rabbits, Stunning Efficiency, and Risk Factors in Commercial Conditions
Get PDFThis study evaluates the inter-observer repeatability of valid and feasible animal-based indicators (ABIs) for assessing the state of consciousness in rabbits subjected to head-only electrical stunning (HOES). Four observers assessed 11,540 rabbits from 38 batches across 16 commercial slaughterhouses in Europe. Indicators evaluated immediately after stunning included tonic-clonic seizure, breathing, spontaneous blinking, and vocalisation. During bleeding, the same indicators were evaluated with the addition of the righting reflex. Combinations of indicators were analysed to identify associations and the list of relevant indicators. Logistic regression was performed to identify key factors influencing effective stunning. The refined list of indicators for assessing consciousness immediately after stunning comprises tonic-clonic seizure, breathing, spontaneous blinking, and vocalisations. During bleeding, relevant indicators include breathing, spontaneous blinking, and vocalisations. The presence of at least one sign of consciousness of these indicators means the stunning system failed at rendering the rabbit unconscious or the rabbit regained consciousness before death. The prevalence of rabbits showing indicators of persistence or gradual recovery of consciousness within a batch ranged from 0 to 15% immediately after stunning and 2 to 93% during bleeding, underscoring the need for effective monitoring and prompt corrective actions. The identified key factors for effective stunning, listed in order of importance are as follows: maintaining a stun-to-stick interval under 5 s, applying electrical currents above 200 mA with a frequency of 50 Hz, and wetting the rabbits’ heads prior to stunning. These findings provide insights for refining monitoring protocols and improving the welfare of rabbits at slaughter.This research was funded by the EURCAW-Poultry-SFA, European Commission Grant number: SMP-FOOD-2023-EURL-EURC-AG-IBA.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio