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Veränderung der Fruchtinhaltsstoffe bei Genotypen von Prunus domestica während der Reifeentwicklung und Lagerung
No full textIn the present paper the influence of maturation and storage on the inner quality of different genotypes of Prunus domestica L. was investigated. Genotypes \u27Topper\u27, \u27Topking\u27, \u27Hauszwetsche\u27 and \u27Tophit\u27 were harvested from early to overripe ripening stages over a period of three years. The harvested fruits were evaluated freshly and additionally after storage periods of two and three weeks. Analytical key parameters were colour L*a*,b*, Hunter system), total titratable acid, soluble dry mass (0 Brix), total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and sensorial acceptance. As could be expected, there was an increase of soluble dry mass and a decrease of acidity during maturation and during post-harvest storage. The most significant effects happened in the first two weeks of storage, whereas only marginal alterations could be observed in the third week. Among the sensorial properties, particularly sweetness and sourness were deciding about the general popularity of the fruits. There was a large acceptance of fresh overripe fruits picked at the end of the harvesting period.
Statistical correlations between analytical and sensorial parameters were mainly found between sweetness and soluble dry mass and between the attributes sourness/unripe/green/astringency and total acidity. The overall popularity of the fruits maintained by the test panel did not correlate with any analytical parameter, but was more related to sensorial properties like sweetness, sourness, astringency or fruitiness. Consumers acceptance of the fruits was closely connected to popularity. The results showed that popularity, respectively quality was depending on complex interactions of different parameters such as sugar content, total acidity, fruit texture and particularly aroma
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) induces different photosynthetic activities and secondary metabolite accumulation in several plant species
Full text linkIt is well established that nighttime light exposure can negatively influence the physiological performance of plants. Nevertheless, the specific effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on plants under natural conditions remain insufficiently understood. The Bogor Botanic Gardens (BBG) is widely recognized as an ex-situ conservation site for diverse plant species. Although BBG provides an ecosystem resembling natural habitats, its location within the center of a rapidly developing urban area exposes plant collections to direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures, including light pollution. In this study, we examined the impact of ALAN installations at BBG on fourteen plant species by quantifying several physiological parameters, including photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, secondary metabolite accumulation, and mineral nutrient concentrations. Our results demonstrated significant alterations in photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gsw) in several species exposed to ALAN. In particular, we focused on one secondary metabolite, neophytadiene, and observed that its content was consistently higher after treatments (T1 and T2) compared to pre-treatment levels (T0) in most of the tested species, indicating a measurable effect of ALAN. Furthermore, we detected a pronounced reduction in iron (Fe) concentration across five plant species, although this decrease did not appear to be directly associated with changes in photosynthetic performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological responses of plants to ALAN and may inform strategies for plant selection in urban environments. Such strategies could help alleviate the adverse effects of light pollution on plant physiological functions and improve the sustainability of urban green spaces
Qualitative and agronomic effects of not treating the tramline with plant protection products in winter wheat
Full text linkEine Möglichkeit zur Einsparung von Pflanzenschutzmitteln in der Landwirtschaft, ist eine Nichtbehandlung der kulturfreien Fahrgassen in den Kulturflächen. In mehrjährigen Feldversuchen wurden mögliche Auswirkungen einer Nichtbehandlung der Fahrgasse mit Pflanzenschutzmitteln im Winterweizen untersucht. Im Fokus standen dabei die Unkrautentwicklung und qualitätsbestimmende Kriterien von Winterweizen, wie z.B. der Proteingehalt, die Tausendkornmasse (TKM) oder das Hektolitergewicht im Bereich der Fahrgasse. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine Aussparung von Fungiziden, Insektiziden und Wachstumsregulatoren in der Fahrgasse keine Effekte gegenüber einer praxisüblichen ganzflächigen Applikation von Pflanzenschutzmitteln aufweisen. Sobald jedoch zusätzlich die Herbizide in den Fahrgassen ausgelassen werden, führt dies zu einem erhöhten Unkrautaufkommen und zu einem teilweise erhöhten Anteil von Fremdbesatz im Erntegut im Bereich der Fahrgasse. Besonders Ackerfuchsschwanz konnte sich in der Fahrgasse ohne Herbizideinsatz mit bis zu über 12 Pflanzen/m² (Pfl/m²) gut entwickeln.One way to reduce the use of plant protection products in agriculture is not to treat the crop-free tramlines in the cultivated areas. The effects of not treating the tramline with plant protection products in winter wheat were investigated in a multi-year field trial. The focus was on weed development as well as quality-determining criteria of winter wheat, such as protein content, thousand grain mass (TKM) or hectoliter weight in the tramline area. The results show that the omission of fungicides, insecticides and growth regulators in the tramline has no effect compared to the application of plant protection products over the entire area, which is standard practice. However, as soon as the herbicides are also left out in the tramlines, this leads to an increase in the number of weeds on the one hand and, on the other, to a partially increased proportion of foreign matter in the crop in the tramline area. In particular, black grass was able to develop well in the tramline without the use of herbicides, with up to over 12 plants/m²
Symbiotic relationships between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and wild accessions of Selenicereus undatus in the Peruvian Amazon
Full text linkThe Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a crop whose demand in the Peruvian market has grown significantly due to its nutraceutical properties. However, species within the genus Selenicereus are highly susceptible to various pathogens. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) not only exhibit remarkable adaptability to adverse conditions but also contribute to protecting plants against pathogens, enhancing their health and resilience.
The present study aimed to report the symbiotic relationship between AMF and wild accessions of Selenicereu undatus, assessing the presence of fungal structures (hyphae, arbuscules, vesicles) in the roots, the diversity of AMF in rhizospheric soil, and the confirmation of AMF-DNA in the roots. For this purpose, soil and root samples were collected from two wild pitahaya accessions in the Peruvian Amazon. The results revealed the presence of 16 AMF species across eight genera, with the genus Acaulospora being the most abundant. Furthermore, the Cabo Aberto Leveau accession exhibited a higher colonization rate (38%) compared to the Bellavista accession (22%). Molecular analysis successfully amplified a DNA band of approximately 1500 base pairs, confirming the presence of AMF-DNA in the roots of both accessions evaluated. These findings lay the groundwork for advancing studies focused on the potential of AMF associations with pitahaya cultivation and developing technologies for sustainable agricultural systems
Effects of avoiding chemical synthetic pesticides with simultaneous nitrogen optimization on aphid abundance, aphid-antagonist relationships and antagonist diversity in wheat
Full text linkSustainable management practices are needed to reduce adverse impacts of agriculture on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of avoiding chemical synthetic pesticides with simultaneous nitrogen optimization on predator-prey dynamics of aphids (Aphidoidea) and their antagonists as well as antagonist diversity in wheat cropping systems of different management intensities (organic, conventional, and hybrid (no chemical synthetic pesticides with optimized use of nitrogen fertilizers)) in Brandenburg, Germany. Each cropping system was established with four replicated plots of 50m² each. To assess the impact of management practices, sweep netting of aphids and visual counting of aphids and their antagonists, converted into predator units, were conducted over the course of two years (2022 and 2023). Under the organic treatment, aphids and their antagonists exhibited higher abundances than in the other two cropping systems. The new hybrid cropping system was intermediate between organic and conventional systems, exhibiting higher populations of aphids and their natural predators compared to the conventional system. The application of chemical synthetic pesticides negatively impacted both aphid and predator populations directly and indirectly. Aphids were reduced by insecticides while predators suffered from a lack of food resources or were also affected by insecticides as non-target organisms. Even though aphid abundance benefited from the reduction of chemical synthetic insecticides, a favorable development of aphid antagonists was observed in 2023. Notably, the avoidance of pesticides and the nitrogen optimization contributed to the increase of the number of individuals of aphid antagonists. Achieving a balance without the use of pesticides mitigates environmental damage and reduces the risk of pests developing resistance
Biochar had no detrimental effects on markers linked to grape and wine sensory attributes: the case study of a Portuguese Appellation
Full text linkUnderstanding the potential impacts of biochar on wine flavour is crucial if such a soil management tool is to be adopted by the viticulture sector, ensuring acceptance by vine growers, winemakers, and consumers alike. Two previous field studies in the temperate and Mediterranean regions showed that standard grape quality parameters were unchanged upon soil amendment with biochar, under favourable climatic conditions. We aimed to investigate the way biochar impacts on standard grape quality indicators and secondary metabolites that are key for wine sensory attributes under unfavourable climatic conditions, hypothesizing an increased potential for biochar to affect such quality parameters in drier climates. To that aim, we deployed a woody biochar (alone and combined with vegetable compost) at application rates relevant to agricultural management (4 and 40 t.ha-1) in a non-irrigated commercial denomination of controlled origin vineyard in Central Portugal, with established grapevines of ‘Sauvignon Blanc’. Biochar did not significantly alter grape composition, such as aroma compounds associated with wine aroma (mono and sesquiterpenic compounds, C6 aliphatic and aromatic alcohols). These findings support the feasibility of applying a woody biochar to commercial vineyards (up to 40 t.ha-1) in drier Mediterranean-like regions, with no adverse effects on grape or wine sensory attributes in the second year, although further clarification of longer-term effects is needed
“Planting potatoes with science”: A school project to raise consciousness of the importance of plant protection
Full text linkDer Artikel „Kartoffeln mit Wissenschaft pflanzen“ beschreibt ein schulisches Bildungsprojekt, das Grundschülern durch praktische Erfahrungen im Kartoffelanbau die Landwirtschaft näherbringt, mit besonderem Fokus auf Pflanzengesundheit und Virusprävention. Dabei wird die IAC Sprossen/Saatkartoffel-Technologie angewendet. Das Programm wird wissenschaftlich vom Agronomischen Institut von Campinas (IAC) begleitet und vom Julius Kühn-Institut unterstützt. Es ermöglicht den Schülern, die Auswirkungen von Pflanzenviren auf den Ernteertrag zu beobachten, indem sie gesunde und virusinfizierte Kartoffeln anbauen. Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, das wachsende Auseinanderdriften von Stadtbewohnern und Lebensmittelproduktion zu verringern und ein tieferes Verständnis für nachhaltige landwirtschaftliche Praktiken zu fördern.Das Projekt integriert drei Dimensionen der Nachhaltigkeit: ökologisch (es zeigt, wie landwirtschaftliche Praktiken die Umwelt beeinflussen), ökonomisch (es hebt den wirtschaftlichen Wert ressourceneffizienter Landwirtschaft hervor) und sozial (es fördert das Bewusstsein für die kollektive Verantwortung in der Landwirtschaft). Durch die aktive Beteiligung der Schüler an der Pflanzenpflege, der Wachstumsüberwachung und der Ernte vermittelt das Projekt nicht nur Wissen über Agrarwissenschaft, sondern fördert auch kritisches Denken, Umweltbewusstsein und ein Verständnis für die Komplexität der Lebensmittelproduktion. Dieses erfolgreiche 15-jährige Projekt unterstreicht das Potenzial, Agrarwissenschaften frühzeitig in die Bildung zu integrieren und so eine Grundlage für bewusstes Konsumverhalten und nachhaltige Entscheidungsfindung zu schaffen.The article, "Planting Potatoes with Science," explores a school-based educational project that introduces elementary students to agriculture through hands-on potato cultivation following the IAC Sprout/Seed-Potato Tecnology, particularly focusing on plant health and virus prevention. Conducted with scientific guidance from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) and supported by the Julius Kühn Institute, this program allows students to observe the effects of plant viruses on crop yield by growing both healthy and virus-infected potatoes. The initiative aims to reduce urban populations\u27 growing disconnect from food production, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.The project incorporates three dimensions of sustainability: ecological (demonstrating how agricultural practices impact the environment), economic (highlighting the economic value of resource-efficient farming), and social (promoting awareness of collective agricultural responsibility). By engaging students in plant care, growth monitoring, and final harvest activities, the project not only educates them about agricultural science but also cultivates critical thinking, environmental awareness, and an appreciation for food production\u27s complexities. This successful 15-year initiative underscores the potential of integrating agricultural science into early education, encouraging future consumer consciousness and a foundation for informed, sustainability-minded decision-making
Risk management in forest protection – Third-party funded research strengthens further decisions and transparency
Full text linkMit dem Klimawandel wachsen die Risiken von Schäden im Wald (Schafellner & Möller, 2019; Niesar et al., 2013). Die klimawandelbedingten Veränderungen, verbunden mit den gleichzeitig steigenden Ansprüchen der Gesellschaft an die Ökosystemleistungen des Waldes, führen zu neuartigen Herausforderungen für das Waldschutzrisikomanagement (Möller, 2021). Das Landeskompetenzzentrum Forst Eberswalde (LFE) nutzt seit Jahren Drittmittelprojekte, um die eigene, insbesondere auf die Praxisberatung ausgerichtete Forschung zu wichtigen Bausteinen des Waldschutzrisikomanagements zu qualifizieren und auch für die Öffentlichkeit transparenter zu gestalten. Das betrifft das Monitoring, die Prognosegenauigkeit, Möglichkeiten der Prophylaxe durch waldbauliche Maßnahmen oder im Notfall auch die Entscheidung für oder gegen einen Pflanzenschutzmitteleinsatz. Vorgestellt werden die Ergebnisse von fünf ausgewählten, durch das BMEL geförderten Projekten, in denen diese Themen im Fokus standen und deren Ergebnisse die fachlichen Grundlagen für Entscheidungsoptionen im Waldschutz erweitern.Seit Jahrzehnten erfasst das LFE mit einem wissenschaftlich fundierten Monitoring die Waldschutzsituation für den Gesamtwald in Brandenburg und nutzt die Daten als Grundlage für Entscheidungen über Waldschutzmaßnahmen. In den Projekten WAHYKLAS und DSS-RiskMan wurden mit der Digitalisierung und Georeferenzierung der Waldschutzdaten wichtige Grundlagen für umfassende Analysen zu Risikofaktoren und den Möglichkeiten waldbaulicher Prophylaxe gelegt.Insbesondere aus Klimaschutzgründen sollte als Grundlage für eine nachhaltige Sicherung aller natürlichen und gesellschaftlichen Funktionen von Waldökosystemen deren Erhalt das wichtigste Ziel sein. Entscheidungen im Waldschutzrisikomanagement sollten daher immer vor dem Hintergrund der Folgen für alle Ökosystemleistungen getroffen werden. Ziel des Projektes ARTEMIS war es, differenzierte und situationsangepasste Lösungen für den Waldschutz in Zeiten des Klimawandels zu finden, die im Ausnahmefall auch Pflanzenschutzmaßnahmen nicht ausschließen. Neue Erkenntnisse zu ökotoxikologischen Auswirkungen von Insektizidanwendungen auf Nicht-Ziel-Organismen im Wald, die im Projekt RiMa-Wald erarbeitet wurden, erweitern dafür die Faktenlage. Mit betriebswirtschaftlichen Fragen der Bewertung von Risiken und Nutzen von Waldschutzmaßnahmen beschäftigte sich das Projekt AWANTI.Die Ergebnisse aus Drittmittelprojekten, die oft in großen Projektverbünden entstehen, sowie die stetige praktische Waldschutzarbeit am LFE verbessern wesentlich das Wissen und damit die Entscheidungskompetenz im Prozess der Planung und Umsetzung von Waldschutzmaßnahmen. Das LFE bietet seit 2022 im Internet eine Waldschutzseite an, die über aktuelle Entwicklungen im Waldschutzgeschehen Brandenburgs informiert, Erhebungsmethoden und Bewertungen beschreibt und Langzeitdaten bereitstellt. Damit wird das praktische Waldschutzrisikomanagement gegenüber verschiedensten Akteuren im Wald sowie der Öffentlichkeit deutlich transparenter. Das kann Grundlage für eine konstruktivere Kommunikation sein.Climate change increases the risks of forest damage (Schafellner & Möller, 2019; Niesar et al., 2013). As a result of climate change-related alterations and society’s growing demand for forest ecosystem services, the challenges for risk management in forest protection are intensifying (Möller, 2021). To address these challenges better, the State Forestry Research Centre Eberswalde (LFE) has been conducting research on key components of forest protection risk management through externally funded projects for years. This includes monitoring, improving the accuracy of forecasts or, in an emergency, the decision for or against the use of pesticides, as well as the possibilities of prophylaxis through silvicultural measures. Five selected projects funded by the BMEL (German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection) are highlighted. These projects focused on these issues, and their results provide valuable insights for future forest protection strategies.For decades, LFE has relied on scientifically based monitoring to assess forest health across Brandenburg and has used this data to guide decisions on forest protection measures. In the WAHYKLAS and DSS-RiskMan projects, the digitization and georeferencing of forest protection data have laid the foundation for comprehensive analyses of risk factors and the potential for silvicultural preventive measures.Particularly for climate protection purposes, the primary goal of forest protection risk management should be the preservation of forests as the foundation for the sustainable safeguarding of all natural and societal functions. Decisions in forest protection risk management must always be made with consideration of their impact on all ecosystem services. The expected consequences of disturbances must be assessed objectively. This includes the potential use of plant protection products in emergency situations.The ARTEMIS project thoroughly researched this socially controversial topic. One of the outcomes is an extensive online knowledge tool on forest protection issues. Furthermore, the RiMa-Wald project developed new insights into the ecotoxicological effects of insecticides on non-target organisms in forests. The AWANTI project explored the economic aspects and evaluated the risks and benefits of forest protection measures.The results of externally funded projects, which often form part of large project networks, combined with the ongoing practical forest protection work at the LFE, are working in synergy to significantly enhance knowledge and, consequently, improve decision-making competence in the planning and implementation of forest protection measures.Since 2022, LFE has contributed to greater transparency in forest protection activities through a dedicated forest protection information website. By sharing details on survey methods, assessments, and long-term data, LFE is fostering constructive communication with a wide range of forest stakeholders and the public
Tribidrag and Malvasija dubrovačka – a new life of two ancient grapevine varieties in Croatia
Full text linkThe varieties ‘Tribidrag’ (syn. ‘Zinfandel’, ‘Primitivo’, ‘Kratošija’) and ‘Malvasija dubrovačka’ (syn. ‘Malvasia delle Lipari’, ‘Malvasia de Sitges’, ‘Malvasia de la Palma’) can serve as typical examples of the value of a variety whose wine has been recognized and appreciated by people for centuries, but also of their vulnerability through different production and social systems. They have a long and interesting history and international reputation. But from the turn of the 20th to the 21st century, they were on the verge of disappearing from Croatian vineyards. Through targeted projects, and the dedication of researchers and winegrowers, they have undergone a remarkable revival. In Croatia, until 2004, ‘Tribidrag’ as a variety was not in production, nor was there any ‘Tribidrag’ wine on the market for more than a hundred years. Today, it is grown on over 65 ha and there are over 20 wine labels achieving critical and commercial success. Similarly, ‘Malvasija dubrovačka’, was reduced to 200-300 vines two decades ago but is now grown on nearly 40 hectares around Dubrovnik, yielding high-quality wines, including premium dessert wines. This review synthesizes recent ampelographic and genetic findings on these two varieties to better understand the processes and significance of reintroducing traditional grapevine varieties into their historical regions