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Genomic characterization of a global Corylus avellana L. collection: insights into hazelnut ancestry and genetic determinants of production traits
No full textBackground European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a high-value, understudied crop that exhibits a large diversity
of traits. Commercial production relies on a small number of globally grown varieties. Advancing hazelnut breeding
requires a comprehensive understanding of its genetic diversity and its association with valuable traits. Here, we used
genotyping-by-sequencing to sequence 316 hazelnut varieties, retaining 282 samples and 44,757 single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) after quality control. This collection was used to study genetic diversity, identify genomic loci
under selection, and describe genome-wide association with nut traits, i.e. nut size, perimeter and caliber.
Results We uncovered three genetic clusters and five ancestral populations, with Eurasian varieties (Türkiye,
Azerbaijan, and Georgia) being the most distinct and European and U.S. populations showing higher admixture. We
identified four loci under positive selection in Eurasian varieties, including one within Cav06g02620 (probable calcium
uniporter) on chromosome 6. We also characterized the nut morphology of 151 genotyped varieties, leading to the
identification of ten SNPs associated with nut traits.
Conclusions While functional validation of candidate genes and the use of a larger population are important for
future analysis, our findings provide a basis for exploring the genetics of quantitative traits in hazelnut, supporting
breeding and conservation efforts.This research received financial support from Soremartec Italia srl and Hazelnut Company Division. Additionally, it was funded by the Doctoral School in Agrobiodiversity at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa, in Italy. These fundings do not have grant IDs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
An Apple Fruit Set Prediction Model From Distributions of Fruitlet Mass Accurately Estimates Abscission in Four Disparate Regions of the United States
No full textCrop load management of apple is one of the most important management practices for ensuring consistent annual yields of high-quality fruit. A previously developed fruit set prediction model, coined the FGR (Fruit Growth Rate) was shown to predict apple fruit set within 7 to 8 days of chemical thinning. Although this could aid repeat thinning decisions, the FGR model had not been widely adopted due to the time demand for implementation. The objective of the current research was to develop a user-friendly alternative using the conceptual framework of the FGR model to generate fruit set predictions. Because fruitlet weight was highly correlated to fruitlet diameter, fruitlets were assessed by mass using an automated balance with a data export function to an Excel program. Without the need for repeated measures of fruit growth and manual data entry, the method was tested alongside the FGR model using two commercially important cultivars, Gala and Honeycrisp, in four distinct locations of the United States: Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Washington. At all sites, post-bloom chemical thinning applications were made over a range of developmental timings according to fruitlet diameter and weather conditions. A given model’s capacity to generate a prediction was considered successful if the accuracy of the fruit set prediction was within ± 10% of the absolute fruit set observed at “June drop.” Over the course of 12 separate experiments, the FSD model (fruitlet size distribution) successfully predicted fruit set in 83% of trials; this was markedly higher than the FGR (67% success rate). However, the FGR model, when accurate, returned a prediction by 5.5 days (±0.7 day), which was 2.8 days earlier than the FSD. When thinners were applied before 6-mm fruitlet diameter, both models returned a prediction when fruitlets would still be considered susceptible to select thinning chemistries. When thinner applications were delayed until later fruitlet development stages, a 2.8-day delay in the prediction could limit repeat applications given increasing fruitlet resistance to thinners with time. Model validation under disparate regions, cultivars, and years produced consistent results and may improve labor-use-efficiency and precision management of apple fruit set, especially in combination with bloom and early fruitlet (∼≤6 mm diameter) thinning.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Characterization and Valorization of the Microalgal Co-Product Spirugrass®: Protein Profile, Iron Speciation, and Potential Use as a Supplement for Honeybees
No full textMicroalgae are used as dietary supplements for humans and animals, due to their excellent nutritional profile. This research aims to characterize Spirugrass®, a co-product obtained after the extraction of phycocyanin from Limnospira platensis, and to evaluate whether a stabilization treatment involving high-pressure processing (HPP) affects its proteomic profile. The research also aims to evaluate the possible use of Spirugrass® as feed integration for honeybee health. Proteins were extracted and fractionated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The iron content was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Samples of Spirugrass® were subjected to HPP at 600 MPa for five minutes and the effect on the integrity of the protein profile was analyzed. Finally, nine groups of 30 newly emerged honeybees were supplemented with Spirugrass® in a controlled laboratory experiment. SDS-PAGE and SEC enabled the assessment of the quality and integrity of the Spirugrass® proteome, which contains 80% of the proteins found in the algal biomass, including phycocyanin. The phycocyanin purity indices were 2.07 ± 0.14 and 0.72 ± 0.13 for the L. platensis and Spirugrass® extracts, respectively. Spirugrass® maintains a consistent iron content of 261 ± 15 μg/g dry weight, equivalent to 74% of the iron present in the algal biomass. In both L. platensis and Spirugrass®, iron was predominantly bound to high-molecular-mass proteins, including phycocyanin. Following HPP treatment, differences in the protein profiles were observed, which suggests partial protein degradation. Preliminary data obtained with honeybees are encouraging, as no mortality or adverse effects were observed and Spirugrass® can be considered a promising candidate as feed supplement. Overall, the presence of consistent levels of soluble proteins, as well as protein-bound iron, suggests that Spirugrass® could be used in animal nutrition.The research on honeybees was carried out within Agritech National Research Center and received funding from the European Union Next-GenerationEU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA(PNRR)-MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.4-D.D. 1032 17/06/2022, CN00000022). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions; neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Impact of different controlled temperature and humidity conditions on the behaviour, posture and spatial needs in fattening rabbits
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal conditions on the posture and behaviour of fattening rabbits and to determine the minimum space allowance and height required in a transport container to allow for thermoregulatory behaviours. Thirty-six rabbits (2.27 ± 0.13 kg) of hybrid genetics were fasted for 6 h and then exposed to three thermal treatments (T1: 15.3°C and 63.0% RH; T2: 22.9°C and 38.3% RH; T3: 31.1°C and 35.5% RH) for 8 h in a climate-controlled chamber. Postural and behavioural responses were continuously recorded via video and subsequently analysed using standardised ethograms. These responses were also analyzed by comparing the first and last 4 h of exposure to assess temporal changes in response to thermal treatments but no significant differences were found between them. The space occupied by each rabbit was quantified through digital image analysis. Results showed that the warmer the thermal treatment, the more frequently the rabbits adopted sprawled postures, while self-grooming and exploratory behaviours decreased and inactivity increased significantly. Rabbits tend to avoid physical contact under higher temperatures, likely as a mechanism to enhance heat dissipation. The space occupied varied with posture: 168 cm2/kg when lying, 205 cm2/kg in sternal sprawl, and 277 cm2/kg in lateral sprawl, corresponding to a stocking density of 60, 49, and 36 kg/m2, respectively. Height needed to perform the different behaviours ranged from 13 cm in sprawled positions to 32 cm when upright. During the 8 h treatment, rabbits spent approximately 1% of the time in upright posture, suggesting limited use of vertical space. In T1, rabbits require a minimum of 168 cm2/kg (60 kg/m2) to lie down all at the same time. In T2 and T3, rabbits require 205–277 cm2/kg (36–49 kg/m2) to allow sprawling in static, non-ventilated conditions. A cage height of ≥ 35 cm is necessary for rabbits of this weight to stand upright. These findings highlight the importance of adjusting space allowance and height in transport containers based on thermal conditions to safeguard rabbit welfare during transport. These experimental results need validation under commercial transport conditions.The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. Project was granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Spain (GO Welfarecun). This is part of the subsidies aimed at innovation projects of general interest, promoted by supra-regional operational groups of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), within the framework of the Strategic Plan for the CAP in Spain (PEPAC).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Novel high-pressure thermal processing at industrial scale efficiently inactivates bacterial spores while minimises process-induced contaminants in acid and low-acid infant food
Get PDFHigh-pressure thermal processing (HPTP) takes advantage of rapid and uniform compression heating and decompression cooling. However, its industrial implementation faces scale-up and operational challenges. In this study a novel insulated canister for a HPTP industrial equipment was validated assessing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore inactivation and process-induced contaminants (hydroxymethylfurfural and acrylamide) formation in apple puree (pH 3.0), banana puree (pH 3.5) and vegetable and fish meal (pH 5.6), at varying pressures (200–600 MPa) and times (0–10 min). Product acidity impacted on spore inactivation. A 600 MPa pulse caused more than 6 log spore reduction in apple and banana puree, but only 1.2 ± 0.2 log in vegetable and fish meal, which required longer times to reduce 5 log, following a log-linear trend. HPTP spore inactivation with the insulated canister exceeded ”botulinum cook” standards, highlighting its potential to efficiently sterilise low-acid foods. Pressure increase and acidity slightly promoted hydroxymethylfurfural formation in fruit puree (1.08 ± 0.14 ppm and 0.12 ± 0.04 ppm, in apple and banana, respectively) after 600 MPa pulse reaching 115 °C. Moreover, no acrylamide was formed in vegetable and fish meal (<13 μg/kg). The use of the novel insulated canister constitutes a step forward bringing the HPTP technology at industrial scale. Without heating the whole pressurisation fluid and equipment walls, the efficient rapid, uniform and adiabatic heating and cooling of food (by compression and decompression mechanisms) achieved with the insulated canister, makes HPTP technology a feasible alternative to conventional thermal technologies to inactivate bacterial spores, minimizing the process-induced contaminants formation and avoiding the food matrix overprocessing.This work was supported by the SAFFI project (Safe Food for Infants in the EU and China), which has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA 861917), SEQUSAL (2021 SGR 00468) and the CERCA Programme from Generalitat de Catalunya. Berta Torrents-Masoliver is recipient of an IRTA Sponsored Fellowship 2022.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
La detección de insectos en los productos almacenados: perspectiva actual y futura sobre el diagnóstico molecular
Get PDFLas plagas de insectos provocan importantes pérdidas a la industria agroalimentaria a partir de la infestación tanto de las materias primas como de los productos elaborados finales. De esta forma, la gestión de plagas en productos almacenados es de suma importancia, siendo la detección de plagas uno de los puntos más importantes.Los autores agradecen a Marisa Amo su ayuda en la realización de la encuesta y en la gestión de los datos recogidos. Esta investigación ha sido financiada por el MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y el Next Generation EU/PRTR de la Unión Europea (PDC2022-133321-I00), el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA, España), del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España (RTI2018- 095526-R-100), y por el Programa CERCA (Centres de Recerca de Catalunya) de la Generalitat de Catalunya.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Taxonomic review of Tryblionella with special reference to the Apiculatae group—New characters of genus Tryblionella sensu stricto (Bacillariaceae)
Get PDFTryblionella (Bacillariaceae) was described by Smith in 1853, and for many years, the diagnosis of this genus was questionable. Recent molecular analysis based on the rbcL gene marker suggests that Tryblionella is a polyphyletic genus with T. apiculata, T. hungarica, and T. gaoana forming a distinct group from other Tryblionella representatives. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the diagnosis of Tryblionella as a genus. The focus of this study was a selected group of species previously categorized within Grunow's section Apiculatae, which includes the type species T. acuminata. This classification serves as a foundation for conducting morphological and molecular comparisons with taxa of Tryblionella sensu lato, which are likely to represent distinct and highly diverse genera. Our review includes a detailed examination of frustule ultrastructure and ontogeny combined with a new molecular phylogenetic analysis derived from a three-gene concatenated dataset. The results of our research indicated that among Tryblionella, several monophyletic groups of taxa can be distinguished, including Tryblionella sensu stricto (s.s.), by three key characters: a porose valve cross-section; longitudinal valve undulation, where the peak of the undulation is located on the proximal side of the valve; and the presence of an axial sternum with thickened and relief virgae. Tryblionella s.s. taxa share a similar girdle structure: The girdle is graded, except that the first band bears a single row of poroids in the pars exterior and a crenulate margin on the side corresponding to the distal valve mantle.Generalitat de Catalunya; Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division; Krajowy Naukowy Osrodek Wiodacy, Grant/Award Number: Program for 2024-2027 (RID/SP/0045/2024/01)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Evaluation of organ and skeletal physiological characteristics for improved classification of growth-restricted newborn piglets
Get PDFThe identification of potentially slow-growing pigs at birth, using both external and internal traits, would enable the early implementation of targeted management and feeding strategies to optimize herd management and improve production efficiency. Twenty-four piglets from six hyperprolific sows were classified into four categories based on birth body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and crow-to-rump length (CRL): severe intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), low birth weight (LBW), moderate birth weight (MBW), and high birth weight (HBW). Organ weights, computed tomography (CT) measurements, bending tests to assess tibial mechanical and geometric properties, and tibial mineral content analysis were performed to evaluate organ and skeletal physiological characteristics. Severe IUGR piglets exhibited higher brain-to-organ ratios and relative brain weights, which decreased linearly across categories. High birth BW piglets demonstrated 70% more bone volume and a greater proportion of high-density bones than sIUGR piglets, along with the largest cortical area and thickness in tibia measurements. On the other hand, sIUGR showed higher maximum stress, stiffness values, and manganese content in their tibiae compared to other categories. These findings reveal that piglets with varying degrees of IUGR prioritize brain development, exhibit asymmetrical organ growth, and experience impaired ossification and longitudinal bone growth. This study underscores the need to incorporate complementary birth indicators to refine the classification of newborn piglets with different degrees of restriction.This work was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Gobierno de España (PID2019-103915GB-100). P.S.-L. was granted an FI grant (2023 FI-2 00080) from the Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya. E.L.-C. was granted with a Programa Investigo postdoctoral grant (2023 INV-2 00076) founded by NextGenerationEU.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The use of rainfall disaggregation coefficients to obtain intensity-duration-frequency curves: estimation using pluviographic data versus national mean values
Get PDFThe lack of sub-daily rainfall data to obtain intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) relationships at a local scale is a common limitation in many countries. This study determines rainfall disaggregation coefficients using pluviographic data from several meteorological stations to adjust IDF curves for Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The adjusted IDF curves using the coefficients obtained show satisfactory adjustment with Nash and Sutcliffe efficiency values above 0.99 compared to the mean values proposed by Cetesb (1979). The root mean square error (RMSE) of the estimated rainfall intensities using the adjusted IDF relationships for different return periods and rainfall durations varied between 2.55 at the Eletrobrás station and 42.49 at the São Bento station. The disaggregation coefficients obtained for Rio de Janeiro state differ from the values proposed in the literature, which confirms the need to adjust values locally and for hydrologically homogeneous regions. This local and regional scale approach provides more accurate IDF curves.The authors would like to thank the Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL), Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), Serviços e Eletricidade S/A (LIGHT) and Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA) for the rainfall data. The first author would like to thank the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq (Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) for the PhD Scholarship.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Miopatías en pollos de engorde: características, consecuencias y soluciones
No full textinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio