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Spread of Xylella fastidiosa in Majorca Island Agroecosystems: Interaction Between Insect Vectors, Woody Hosts and Bacterial Subspecies
Get PDFXylella fastidiosa (XF) is a gram-negative bacterium naturally transmitted by xylem sap-feeding insects that causes serious plant diseases. Since 2016, three subspecies of XF have been identified in Majorca: fastidiosa, multiplex, and pauca. Only the Aphrophoridae Philaenus spumarius (PS) and Neophilaenus campestris (NC) have been reported as potential insect vectors for XF in Majorca and the Balearic Islands. This study aims to understand the spread of XF and propose effective and feasible strategies for its control. Eight plots were studied from 2019 to 2021: four almond orchards and four vineyards. The crops and the surrounding vegetation were sampled for XF, phytoplasmas, and potential vectors. DNA from plants and insects was extracted and amplified by three quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods, allowing subspecies identification. The results confirmed the prevalence of PS on the island, with also the presence of NC at lower levels. During the summer months, PS captures were mainly in the wild woody vegetation surrounding the crops. Of the total PS captures, 22.83% tested positive for XF, while 12.24% of NC specimens also tested positive for XF. Phytoplasma detection was also performed on captured Auchenorrhyncha insect species and plants, with all samples testing negative. These results confirm that PS is the main vector of XF on Majorca Island, both in terms of captures and the percentage of positive insects for XF. PS remains infective primarily on wild hosts throughout the summer, making it a difficult target for insecticide treatments on the crops.This work was supported byAgencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (E-RTA2017-00004-C06-05) and Government of the Balearic Islands (4384/2018).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Evaluation of Packaging Effects on the Phenolic Profile and Sensory Characteristics of Extra Virgin Olive Oil During Storage Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Get PDFThe health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), including improved cardiovascular
health and metabolic function, are linked to its phenolic content. This study evaluated how
storage duration and packaging affect the phenolic composition and sensory quality of
Corbella EVOO. Oils were analyzed at production and after 6 and 12 months of storage in
two types of packaging: bag-in-box; stainless steel containers with a nitrogen headspace.
UPLC-MS/MS profiling quantified 23 phenolic compounds, predominantly secoiridoids
such as oleuropein and ligstroside aglycones. Oleuropein aglycone increased over time,
whereas ligstroside aglycone peaked mid-storage before declining, likely converting to
oleocanthal. Lignans and flavonoids degraded during storage, although luteolin increased,
potentially due to glucoside hydrolysis. Bag-in-box packaging better preserved phenolic
content than stainless steel. A sensory analysis corroborated the chemical findings, with
oils stored in stainless steel showing greater reductions in pungency and astringency. A
Pearson correlation linked bitterness with oleuropein aglycone (r = 0.44) and oleacein
(r = 0.66), pungency with oleocanthal (r = 0.81), and astringency with oleacein (r = 0.86) and
oleocanthal (r = 0.71). These findings highlight the importance of packaging in preserving
the phenolic composition responsible for the sensory qualities of EVOO over time.This work was supported by CDTI [IDI-20210929], Fundació Bosch-Gimpera [311463], and a grant PID2023-147307OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/EU, UE. We would like to thank Agromigjorn SL (Oli Migjorn) for their collaboration and supplying the Corbella olives and EVOO. We would also like to thank the Generalitat de Catalunya GC (2021-SGR-00334), CIBEROBN from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) of the Ministerio de Ciencia, and the INSA-UB Unit of Excellence (María de Maeztu CEX2021-001234-M funded by MICIN/AEI/FEDER, UE). Mohamed M. Abuhabib is grateful for the predoctoral scholarship FISDUR (REU/551/2022) from the Agency of Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR) (GC). F.M.C.-M. thanks MICIU (FPU23/01279). R.M.L.-R would like to thank the GC for the ICREA academia recognition. The authors also would like to thank the Scientific and Technological services of the University of Barcelona (CCiT-UB) for the UPLC-MS/MS equipment, and staff members for their support and advice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Compatibility of biocontrol agents with host plant resistance for management of the South American tomato pinworm Phthorimaea absoluta
Get PDFIntegrating host plant resistance with biocontrol agents represents a promising strategy for sustainable management of Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), an invasive pest that poses a significant global threat to tomato production. However, morphological resistance traits, secondary metabolites, and plant volatiles in tomato may have adverse effects on natural enemies, thereby influencing the overall efficacy of pest control. This study evaluated the performance of three natural enemies across six tomato genotypes exhibiting various levels of resistance to P. absoluta. First, we evaluated the performance of the parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae on eggs, derived from moths reared on the different tomato genotypes, both in isolation and when presented on respective tomato leaflets. Second, we assessed the performance of the parasitoid Necremnus tutae on tomato genotypes that hosted P. absoluta larvae. And finally, we investigated the predatory capacity of the mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus on tomatoes hosting eggs and larvae of P. absoluta, all derived from moths reared on these genotypes, as well as the survival of predator nymphs on the different tomato genotypes, both with and without P. absoluta eggs. The P. absoluta-susceptible tomatoes, the resistant domesticated Corona F1 and the resistant wild tomato species Solanum neorickii had no significant impact on the parasitism and emergence rates of both parasitoids, or on the predatory efficacy and survival of predator nymphs. In contrast, the resistant wild Solanum arcanum negatively affected the performance of both parasitoids, reduced predatory efficacy and survival of first-instar nymphs, and increased the development time of predator nymphs. Our findings indicate that the resistant genotypes Corona F1 and S. neorickii appears to be compatible with all the natural enemies, whereas S. arcanum appears incompatible.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Estratègies d'aprofitament del cultiu del sorgo per a l'alimentació de vaques de llet
No full textL’alimentació de les vaques és un dels costos més importants de les granges. De la bona gestió de l’alimentació en depèn la quantitat i la qualitat de la llet produïda. El blat de moro sovint és el farratge més important i que constitueix la base de l’alimentació en moltes explotacions, però les necessitats hídriques són molt elevades i en situacions d’estrès hídric cal disposar d’una alternativa. La gran variabilitat de material vegetal de sorgo el fa un cultiu idoni per poder obtenir un farratge assimilable al del blat de moro. Definir l’objectiu de la qualitat del farratge a assolir en cada explotació ha de ser el primer pas per poder tirar endavant una alternativa d’èxit.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Interannual carry-over effects of severe drought on field-grown young pear trees
Get PDFPerennial fruit trees will likely face a severe drought during their lifespan as climate change places pressure on irrigation resources. Our understanding of carry-over effects of seasonal drought on physiological performance is limited. This research assessed the physiological effects of soil water deficit on three-year-old field-grown pear trees of the combination ‘D'Anjou’/OHxF.87 and then also evaluated the carry-over effects of the drought the next season even when no water limitations were present. The first season trees under drought stress decreased their midday stem water potential to values below -3.0 MPa, and reduced stomatal conductance and root hydraulic conductance by 72 and 37 % respectively, compared to fully irrigated trees, which greatly penalized their vegetative growth and belowground expansion. Early leaf senescence was observed in stressed trees which at the end of the season had a total leaf area seven times smaller (0.06 m2) compared to trees with no water restrictions (0.44 m2). The next season, when both treatments were equally irrigated, there were no differences in the stem water potential, with values above -1.0 MPa. However, stomatal conductance for trees that were water limited the previous year remained lower by 32 % compared to those that were fully irrigated both seasons. Trees submitted to drought stress the previous season had smaller leaves with smaller stomata the next season. Moreover, carbon isotope composition in stems and leaves of those trees resulted affected highlighting the lasting effect of the previous season on tree water relations. Our results show that one season of severe drought stress can produce carry-over effects on the physiological and morphological responses of the trees the next season. Recovery from severe droughts can take many seasons even when water limitations do not persist.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Topologically associating domains and the evolution of three-dimensional genome architecture in rice
Get PDFWe examined the nature and evolution of three-dimensional (3D) genome conformation, including topologically associating domains (TADs), in five genomes within the genus Oryza. These included three varieties from subspecies within domesticated Asian rice O. sativa as well as their closely related wild relatives O. rufipogon and O. meridionalis. We used the high-resolution chromosome conformation capture technique Micro-C, which we modified for use in rice. Our analysis of rice TADs shows that TAD boundaries have high transcriptional activity, low methylation levels, low transposable element (TE) content, and increased gene density. We also find a significant correlation of expression levels for genes within TADs, suggesting that they do function as genomic domains with shared regulatory features. Our findings indicate that animal and plant TADs may share more commonalities than were initially thought, as evidenced by similar genetic and epigenetic signatures associated with TADs and boundaries. To examine 3D genome divergence, we employed a computer vision-based algorithm for the comparison of chromatin contact maps and complemented this analysis by assessing the evolutionary conservation of individual TADs and their boundaries. We conclude that overall chromatin organization is conserved in rice, and 3D structural divergence correlates with evolutionary distance between genomes. We also note that individual TADs are not well conserved, even at short evolutionary timescales.We would like to thank members of the Purugganan laboratory for critical discussions throughout this work, and Ramin Rahni for graphic design support. The wild rice accessions used in this study were distributed from the National Institute of Genetics supported by the National Bioresource Project, MEXT, Japan. This work was funded in part by grants from the National Science Foundation, Zegar Family Foundation, and Tamkeen/NYU Abu Dhabi Research Institute to M.D.P.; European Social Fund Plus’ to R.C.; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence in R&D to R.C. and J.M.C.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Spray-dried porcine plasma improves piglets’ performance and modulates gut immune-related genes in the first week postweaning
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to explore the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP)
in pre-starter feed of piglets on performance, fecal consistency, gut integrity biomarkers,
and gene expression patterns related to intestinal function.
Methods: Ninety piglets (18 pens; 5 pigs/pen; 8.16±1.29 kg initial body weight) were offered pre-starter feed with either soy protein concentrate (control) or SDPP for 14 d postweaning, and a common commercial starter feed between 14 and 35 d. Pigs’ performance
was recorded at 0, 7, 14 and 35 d of trial and their fecal consistency was assessed on the
first 2 weeks. At 7 d, one piglet per pen (18 in total) was sampled for blood, intestinal mucosa, and bile. Blood serum calprotectin and citrulline and bile sIgA were quantified with
ELISA, and gene expression in the mucosa from ileum, jejunum, and caecum was analyzed with high-throughput microfluidic technology.
Results: Relative to control, SDPP improved feed intake (215 vs 280 g/d; p<0.05), weight
gain (133 vs. 205 g/d; p<0.05) and gain-to-feed ratio (0.61 vs. 0.74; p<0.05) between d 0 to
7. Serum calprotectin and citrulline, and bile sIgA at d 7 were not affected. Piglets fed
SDPP had higher expressions of IL-1β (p = 0.033) in jejunal mucosa, and of IL-1β (p =
0.018), IL-8/CXCL8 (p = 0.010), GBP1 (p = 0.014) and TGF-β1 (p = 0.015) in ileal mucosa,
at 7 d post-weaning. No effects on fecal scores were observed.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the administration of SDPP during the pre-starter phase
improves piglet’s performance during the first week post-weaning. These SDPP associated
benefits appear to have been achieved through the modulation of gut homeostasis, potentially involving the regulation of inflammatory factors in the small intestinal mucosa.Zacharia Waithaka Ng’ang’a received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska–Curie grant agreement No. 945413 and from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA). This work reflects only the author’s view, and the Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Low-input breeding potential in stone pine, a multipurpose forest tree with low genome diversity
Get PDFStone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is an emblematic tree species within the Mediterranean basin, with high ecological and economic relevance due to the production of edible nuts. Breeding programmes to improve pine nut production started decades ago in Southern Europe but have been hindered by the near absence of polymorphisms in the species genome and the lack of suitable genomic tools. In this study, we assessed new stone pine's genomic resources and their utilization in breeding and sustainable use, by using a commercial SNP-array (5,671 SNPs). Firstly, we confirmed the accurate clonal identification and identity check of 99 clones from the Spanish breeding programme. Secondly, we successfully estimated genomic relationships in clonal collections, an information needed for low-input breeding and genomic prediction. Thirdly, we applied this information to genomic prediction for the total number of cones unspoiled by pests and their weight measured in 3 Spanish clonal tests. Genomic prediction accuracy depends on the trait under consideration and possibly on the number of genotypes included in the test. Predictive ability (ry) was significant for the mean cone weight measured in the 3 clonal tests, while solely significant for the number of cones in one clonal test. The combination of a new SNP-array together with the phenotyping of relevant commercial traits into genomic prediction models, proved to be very promising to identify superior clones for cone weight. This approach opens new perspectives for early selection.The research received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 773383 (B4EST) and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge in Spain under agreement MITECO2023-AF. 20234TE003, “Conservación y uso sostenible de recursos genéticos forestales”. The position of DM-S was partly funded by the Community of Madrid through the programme “Atracción de Talento Investigador” (ref. 2019-T2/BIO-12780).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The Use of ReTain to Improve Fruit Set of Apples
Get PDFApple varieties like 'SweeTango' or
'Evercrisp', exhibit an increase in
flower produced ethylene between
flowering and 10 mm fruit size, which
causes excessive flower or fruit drop.
Experiments with both varieties
showed that double applications of
AVG (ReTain) during full bloom and
petal fall increased fruit set.These studies were supported by NY State Apple Research and Development program and the NY Farm Viability Institute.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio