4629 research outputs found
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Long-term assessment of morphological and chemical diversity of landrace and bred almond cultivars for industrial applications
No full textAlmonds exhibit extensive genetic and phenotypic diversity, enabling their use across a wide range of applications. This diversity underscores the importance of evaluating almond germplasm for morphological, colorimetric, chemical, and nutritional traits to identify unique differences at a cultivar level and link them to potential
technological uses. In this study, the kernel phenotypic diversity of 35 almond cultivars, including rarely planted
traditional cultivars, which primarily serve as sources of genetic variation, and modern breeding cultivars, was
assessed. The evaluations were performed for 41 parameters over a 15-year period. According to the results,
traditional landrace cultivars often exhibited more extreme values for morphological and chemical traits, while
breeding cultivars showed intermediate characteristics with less noticeable variations. Additionally, we also
identified notable patterns of correlation between the measured traits. And finally, we discuss the most suitable
industrial applications for the studied cultivars based on standard recommendations for each use.This project was funded by the ‘Agencia Estatal de Investigación’ (AEI) (Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities; Government of Spain) through grants PID2020–114648RR-C31, PID2020–118612RR-I00 and PID2024–159314OB-C22.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Redesigning Aquafeeds: Insect, Algae, and By-Product Blends Sustain Growth and Nutritional Value in European Sea Bass Under Feeding Constraints
No full textAdopting novel feed ingredients and aligning feeding strategies with these
formulations are key to improving aquaculture sustainability. This study assessed the
combined effects of alternative protein and lipid sources and feeding regime on growth,
nutrient utilization, and body composition of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
juveniles. Methods: Two isoenergetic and identical digestible protein diets (39%) were
formulated: a control (conventional fishmeal/fish oil (FM/FO) and plant proteins,
containing 20% FM and 6% FO) and an alternative diet replacing 50% of FM and 25% of
vegetable proteins with a blend of poultry by-products, insect meal, and single-cell
protein (Corynebacterium glutamicum) and totally replacing fish oil with alternative lipid
sources (microalgae and by-product oils). Fish (28 g of initial body weight) were fed for
210 days either to apparent satiety (AS) or under moderate restriction (85% and 65% of
AS). The number of fish used was 65 fish per 500 L tank (triplicate for each experimental
group). Growth performance, feed conversion, nutrient efficiency ratios, protein
retention, and proximate and fatty acid composition were measured. Results: The
alternative diet significantly improved growth, feed and nutrient efficiency, and protein
retention compared with the control. Whole-body fatty acid profiles of fish fed the
alternative diet showed higher contents of nutritionally important fatty acids, including
DHA. Restricted feeding at 65% of AS enhanced nutrient efficiency ratios and protein
retention relative to 85% and AS, but reduced growth. Feeding to AS produced the highest
feed intake and growth but poorer feed conversion and nutrient efficiency. No significant
interaction between diet and feeding strategy was observed. Conclusions: Incorporating
novel protein and lipid sources can improve sea bass performance and product nutritional
value while supporting sustainability. Feeding at ~85% of AS may offer a practical
compromise between growth and efficient nutrient utilization.This work was supported by the European Union‘s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 818367; AquaIMPACT—Genomic and nutritional innovations for genetically superior farmed fish to improve efficiency in European aquaculture.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Are Argentinians ready for plant-based meat alternatives? A case study on awareness and willingness for consumption
No full textMeat alternatives’ popularity is increasing worldwide. Nevertheless, the attitudes and motivations underpinning their adoption still evolve and may differ by region. In Argentina, where meat consumption per capita is among the highest globally, the market for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) is just beginning to develop. Few reports attempt to explain the behavior of the Argentinian population regarding these products. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of meat analogues and hybrid products through a national online survey (N = 2339). Also, barriers and drivers to their consumption as well as the target segments were identified. Participants were classified as omnivores 73.8%, flexitarians 19.5%, vegetarians 6%, and vegans 0.7%. Despite the significant lack of awareness about PBMAs, there is a strong willingness to adopt them, with females, younger respondents, and those with lower incomes more open to these options. The main drivers for consumption were health concerns, animal welfare, and environmental awareness. Familiarity was a key factor influencing the adoption, as evidenced by the openness of well-informed omnivores. Lack of available options represented the main limitation for consumption and distrust regarding their origin and sensory appeal were the primary reasons for rejection. This study reveals a potential market for PBMAs in Argentina, highlighting that guaranteeing nutritional and sensory quality is crucial. Educating consumers is also essential for their widespread acceptance.This work was supported by Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA (INTA PD-E7-I153).info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Soil-atmosphere terpene exchanges in the tropical forest of French Guiana with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application
No full textBackground and aims
Tropical forest soils can act as sources or sinks of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), especially terpenes, yet the impact of long-term nutrient deposition on these fluxes remains unclear. We aimed to assess how nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and combined (NP) fertilization affect soil-atmosphere terpene exchanges across seasons and topographical gradients in a tropical forest in French Guiana.
Methods
We measured net exchange rates of terpenes using dynamic chambers in control and fertilized plots after three years of nutrient addition. Treatments were compared across wet and dry seasons, topographic positions, and under conditions with and without litter.
Results
Soil exhibited both emission and uptake of terpenes, with marked seasonal patterns. Emissions peaked during the wet season, while uptake was more frequent during the dry season. N fertilization significantly increased monoterpene emissions from litter-covered soils in the wet season and reduced terpene uptake in the dry season. P fertilization weakened monoterpene uptake during the dry season but had limited effects on emissions. Combined NP treatment enhanced overall terpene exchange rates. Topography and litter presence modulated these effects but did not override the dominant influence of fertilization and season.
Conclusions
Nutrient enrichment alters the magnitude and direction of soil terpene fluxes in tropical forests, with implications for ecosystem functioning and atmospheric chemistry. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate soil BVOC dynamics into models predicting biogeochemical responses to global change.This research was financially supported by the ERC Synergy project SyG-2013-610028 IMBALANCE-P, the grant TED2021-132627B-I00 funded by MCIN, AEI/https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR, the Fundación Ramón Areces project ELEMENTAL-CLIMATE, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation under Grant Number 2024M753272 and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF under Grant Number GZC20241752. Special acknowledgement: Kaijun Yang would like to express my gratitude here to my lovely supervisors (Catherine, Joan and Josep) who provided me with unwavering support during my most challenging times when I almost gave up my academic pursuits—their support is invaluable and I will keep in mind forever.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
La pyriculariosi de l’arròs: descripció i estratègies de control
No full textinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Revisiting Chilean gorgonians (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae): taxonomic clarification and molecular phylogeny of Leptogorgia chilensis and Phycogorgia fucata
No full textMost biodiversity studies of eastern Pacific octocorals have focused on the tropical shallow waters from Mexico to Peru, and more recently, on those off Chile. The first description of a Chilean octocoral dates back to the H.M.S. Challenger expedition (1873–1876), and since then, only a few descriptions of new coral species have been published from this region. In addition, the taxonomic status of most gorgonians reported from the temperate Pacific coast of South America remains uncertain due to the loss of the original type material. In this study, we use morphological characters and nuclear and mitochondrial markers to re-evaluate the taxonomy of the Chilean gorgonians Phycogorgia fucata and Leptogorgia chilensis. Our findings support the monophyly of Chilean Leptogorgia, confirm that Leptogorgia chilensis from Chile is distinct from specimens identified as the same species in California, and reveal that P. fucata, despite its unique morphology, should be included in the genus Leptogorgia.JCC received financial support from the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción. IAH was partially funded by COPAS Coastal ANID FB210021. AB was funded by Fondecyt 1230158. The funders did not play any role in study design, data collection and analysis, or preparation of the manuscript.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Auxospore fine structure and development in the surirelloid diatom Campylodiscus cf. neofastuosus (Bacillariophyta)
No full textThe development of the auxospore is reported in the surirelloid diatom Campylodiscus cf. neofastuosus. As in most pennate diatoms, growth of the auxospore is accompanied and constrained by the formation of a transverse perizonium composed of finely structured bands, which are added one after another as the auxospore expands. However, unlike in most pennate diatoms, in which the transverse perizonium develops bidirectionally from a hoop-like or shortly cylindrical primary band formed around the equator of the zygote, in C. cf. neofastuosus, development is unidirectional, outward from a heart-shaped cap at one end of the auxospore. Limited evidence from other surirelloid diatoms suggests that unidirectional perizonium development may be typical of the group. This developmental pattern correlates with the profound symmetry shifts that have occurred during the evolution of the circumferential raphe system of Surirellaceae and may have a common origin with these, despite the difference in life-cycle stage. The longitudinal perizonium of Campylodiscus also exhibits differences from the arrangement typical of most raphid diatoms, since it comprises three concentrically organized bands, including a unique, heavily silicified secondary band, which runs around the whole circumference of the wide primary band. In this and some other Surirellaceae, the longitudinal perizonium seems to play an important role in the morphogenesis of the initial cells by controlling the shape of the protoplast during a contraction before the formation of the initial epivalve. Small extra perizonial elements, unlike any reported previously in raphid diatoms, were detected beneath the suture formed by the ends of the transverse perizonial bands.This work was supported financially by JSPS KAKENHI (grant number: 20K06726) and Grant‐in‐Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas 21A402. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is supported by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division; IRTA is supported by the CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya. DGM thanks the Royal Society for an equipment grant, allowing purchase of a Reichert Polyvar photomicroscope.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Guia tècnica per a la producció de carn madurada en sec
No full textEl contingut de la guia, a més de considerar la legislació alimentària vigent i els estudis científics recents, es fonamenta en l’experiència acumulada durant diversos anys per l’IRTA en l’àmbit de la maduració de la carn. En particular, recull resultats derivats de les activitats dutes a terme en el marc dels Grups operatius GO-MADURACIÓ (Optimització del sistema de maduració de carn de boví, basat en la selecció de la matèria primera més idònia i la monitorització a temps real de les condicions de la cambra), GO-OPTICARN (Optimització de les condicions d'emmagatzematge de la carn de diferents espècies per millorar la qualitat sensorial i la vida útil, aplicant protocols específics de maduració), GO-CARNPREMIUM (Estratègies de conservació per obtenir carn de porcí i boví d'elevada qualitat sensorial i segura pel consumidor, aplicant protocols de maduració de la carn), els projectes de recerca STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP (INIA FPTA 373), AROMA (PID2024-158887OR-C31), i les activitats demostratives INNOVAMAD (Demostració d’eines innovadores per produir carn madurada de boví i porcí i millorar la competitivitat de les empreses del sector carni català, Figura 1) i VALIDA (Procediments experimentals a l’abast de la indústria alimentària per la validació de mesures de control, inclosa la vida útil segura), així com altres activitats emmarcades a convocatòries com AJUTS INNOTRACK, CUPONS ACCIÓ GREEN i fins i tot, activitats contractuals amb empreses càrniques productores de carn madurada.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Plant oils induce fatty acid plasticity in Artemia – A comparison among newly hatched, starved, and enriched nauplii
No full textArtemia nauplii (AN) are commonly fed as live prey, although they are deficient in certain fatty acids (FAs). To address this deficiency, AN are directly enriched with the necessary FAs. However, while the use of plant oils (POs) in aquafeed is common practice, their applicability toward mass production of enriched AN has not been fully explored. The goal of this study was to investigate the flexibility of AN FA synthesis in response to POs. Three olive oils (OOs) derived from single-cultivar trees (Kor, Par, and Arg) were used to enrich AN. Newly hatched (AN0) and 36-h starved AN (AN36) were designated as unenriched groups. While certain FAs increased (16:1n-7, 18:1n-7, 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:4n-6, and 20:5n-3) from AN0 to AN36, others, such as 16:0 and 18:0, decreased, indicating ongoing FA synthesis in AN. Regression models revealed interrelationships among FAs in AN36. The AN enriched with OOs exhibited significant changes in their FA profiles and interrelationships. These changes were attributed to either biosynthesis or dietary factors. Overall, the results suggest that using POs, as sustainable enrichment components, can effectively modify FA metabolism in AN to achieve desired FA profiles.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Cultivos de invierno de cereal y leguminosa para optimizar la producción de proteína de forraje ecológico
No full textEl principal coste de producción de leche y carne de las explotaciones agroganaderas ecológicas es la compra de ingredientes para la dieta de los animales, destacando el elevado precio de la proteína ecológica.
Este trabajo ha comparado diferentes alternativas forrajeras de invierno basadas en cereales y leguminosas para identificar las que más proteína pueden producir permitiendo una mayor reducción de las importaciones de este ingrediente. Para ello se estableció un ensayo de campo donde se comparó la producción y calidad forrajera de cinco tipos de cereales de invierno (cebada, cebada híbrida, avena, trigo blando de primavera y de invierno), solos o asociados con diferentes especies de leguminosas (habín, guisante, veza, trébol violeta y trébol balanza), en una proporción de 75 % cereal y 25 % leguminosa en relación a la densidad de un cultivo puro, con aprovechamiento en el estadio fenológico de fin de floración o de grano pastoso.
Los resultados de la investigación han mostrado un efecto significativo del cultivo y de la fecha de aprovechamiento, pero no de la asociación con leguminosa, sobre la producción y la proteína, así como en la mayor parte de los parámetros de calidad de los forrajes obtenidos. Los forrajes de aprovechamiento más precoz con las cebadas son los que han producido mayor cantidad de proteína. La asociación tiende a incrementar la proteína, pero el efecto de las leguminosas en las proporciones Temarioevaluadas ha sido limitado, lo que también se ha reflejado en su contribución al nitrógeno residual del suelo. Se ha realizado un cálculo teórico para estimar la contribución a las necesidades anuales de proteína de las vacas en lactación con los forrajes de invierno. En base a los resultados del ensayo, se ha encontrado que el forraje de invierno puede generar reducciones significativas de hasta un 30 % en las necesidades de compra de proteína.
La conclusión es que, la optimización de la producción forrajera es clave para disminuir los costes de producción y mejorar la sostenibilidad de las explotaciones agroganaderas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio