7850 research outputs found
Sort by
Effect of 1-MCP on storage quality and the mechanism involved in ethylene signal transduction in a new early-maturing apple variety ‘Taihangzaohong’ fruits during cold storage
Get PDF1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can reduce the rate of fruit softening and prolong storage time. In this study, the fruit of a new early-maturing apple variety, ‘Taihangzaohong’, was treated with air (control), 2 μL/L 1-MCP, 100 μL/L ethylene (C 2H4) or 2 μL/L 1-MCP +100 μL/L C2H4 for 24 hours and then stored at 4 °C for 70 days. The postharvest physiological indices and the expression of 13 genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction were monitored every 10 days. The results showed that 1-MCP can delay the softening rate and maintain the fruit quality of this early-maturing apple variety by reducing ethylene production by reducing the expression of MdACO1, MdACO2, and MdACS1, as well as by preventing ethylene signal transduction by decreasing the expression of MdETR2 and MdERS1 and increasing the expression of MdCTR1. Understanding the significant changes in these genes and their functions may help us explore the mechanisms controlling apple fruit softening and its response to exogenous 1-MCP and ethylene stimuli, as well as inhibition at the receptor level during ripening and senescence
Simultaneous measurement of rice grain friction coefficient and angle of repose using rotating cylinders
Get PDFSeveral methods have been developed to measure the friction coefficient of grains and seeds as well as their angle of repose, independently. However, it seems that one single method capable of simultaneous measurement of these two important parameters of grain products is of importance. In this study, simultaneous measurement of brown rice grain friction coefficient and angle of repose is performed by using rotating cylinders method. The effects of rotational speed, cylinder diameter and filling degree on rice grains, also lower and higher angle of repose along with their friction properties were considered. Results showed that proper speed for reaching slumping and rolling motions depends on cylinder diameter and filling degree varying from 0.5 to 9.7 rpm and 2 to 34.6 rpm, respectively. An insignificant difference in the range of 1° to 4° was observed between lower and upper angles of repose which indicates the reliability of the proposed method to determine the dynamic angle of repose. Results also revealed that rotational speed of cylinders did not significantly affect the lower and upper angles of repose; however, they were not affected by filling degree. Finally, the friction coefficient of rice grains was affected by cylinder diameter and filling degree. The findings of this study may be applied in the design and mathematical modeling of grains’ motions in rotary dryers, mixers, and silos
Assessment of climate change-induced hazard potential of locusts (Acrididae) as pest for future German agriculture
Get PDFDer Klimawandel begünstigt die Ansiedlung neuer Schadorganismen in Deutschland, die hier nun geeignete Lebensräume finden. Feldheuschrecken treten in südeuropäischen Ländern immer wieder als Landwirtschaftsschädlinge auf. Es wird daher untersucht, ob durch die klimawandelbedingte Nordverschiebung wärmerer Zonen klimatisch geeignete Lebensräume für Feldheuschrecken in Deutschland entstehen und landwirtschaftlich genutzte Flächen dadurch betroffen sein können. Mit der Software CLIMEX wird die mögliche Verbreitung der Italienischen Schönschrecke (Calliptamus italicus (L., 1758)), der Marokkanischen Wanderheuschrecke (Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815)) und der Europäischen Wanderheuschrecke (Locusta migratoria (L., 1758)) für 20 Standorte in Deutschland in sechs Szenarien modelliert. Diese Szenarien werden durch die Kombination der beiden Betrachtungszeiträume 2021–2050 und 2071–2100 mit den drei Klimaprojektionen RCP2.6, RCP4.5 und RCP8.5 definiert. Aufgrund der Untersuchung ist zu erwarten, dass C. italicus sich in Deutschland stark verbreiten wird, während D. maroccanus und L. migratoria nur kleine und lokale Populationen ausbilden könnten. Heuschreckenschwärme können an den betrachteten Standorten potentiell pflanzliche Erzeugnisse auf etwa 10 – 25 % der landwirtschaftlichen Fläche in Deutschland bedrohen, ihr Auftreten wird allerdings als unwahrscheinlich eingeschätzt, da die intensive Nutzung von Grünlandflächen bisher nur unzureichende Vermehrungsbedingungen bietet. Die Schaffung größerer Brachflächen im Rahmen von Umweltschutz- und Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen könnte dies zukünftig ändern. Zusätzlich sollten Schwarmbildungen im Ausland und mögliche Migrationsrouten nach Deutschland untersucht werden. Weiterhin wird die Entwicklung von Konzepten zur Prävention und Intervention für den Fall einer Heuschreckeninvasion empfohlen. Insgesamt ist jedoch aktuell von einem geringen Gefahrenpotential von Feldheuschrecken für die deutsche Landwirtschaft auszugehen.Climate change favors the establishment of new pests in Germany, which now find suitable habitats here due to the changed climate. Field locusts occur repeatedly as agricultural pests in southern European countries. Therefore, it is investigated whether the climate change-induced northward shift of warmer zones can create climatically suitable habitats for field locusts in Germany and whether agricultural areas can be affected by this. The CLIMEX software is used to model the possible distribution of the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus (L., 1758)), the Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815)) and the Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria (L., 1758)) for 20 locations in Germany in six scenarios. These result from the combination of the two observation periods 2021 – 2050 and 2071 – 2100 with the three climate projections RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Based on the study, C. italicus is expected to spread widely in Germany, whereas D. maroccanus and L. migratoria might form only small and local populations. Locust swarms can potentially threaten crop products on around 10 – 25% of the agricultural area in Germany at the sites considered, but are unlikely to occur, since the intensive use of grassland areas provides insufficient conditions for reproduction. The creation of lager fallow areas as part of environmental protection and climate adaptation measures could change this in the future. In addition, swarm formation in neighbouring countries and possible migration routes to Germany should be investigated. Furthermore, the development of concepts for prevention and intervention in the event of a locust invasion is recommended. Overall, however, a low risk potential of field locusts for German agriculture is currently assumed
Effect of manure application timing on roots, canopy and must quality in Vitis vinifera \u27Merlot\u27: a case study in Italy, North-East
Get PDFThe maintenance and improvement of soil fertility are among the most important management practices in viticulture. The system efficiency fertilization (SEF) which is a new concept based on a maximum utilization of organic fertilizers (i.e., manure) has become very important, especially within the organic viticulture sector, since other fertilizers are not allowed. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different manure application timing on the root, shoot, and the grapevine yield, accumulation, and quality of biochemical compounds in the grape must since the timing effect was not previously investigated. The study was carried out on \u27Merlot\u27 variety organically cultivated, whose production aims at obtaining high-quality red wines. Three treatments were applied: NT (Non-Treated), T1 (Treated1- manure applied in late October) and T2 (Treated2 - manure applied in late February). After two study-years, the undertaken research has shown positive influences of soil manure application on the canopy features (T1), yield, and yield components (T2), along with a major accumulation of the primary metabolites (T2) (soluble solid, carbohydrates, chlorophyll). Yet, the secondary metabolites (polyphenols and anthocyanins) were promoted in the grape must at harvest time, especially when the manure was applied in late October (T2). Considering the benefits of manure application in the T2, after two study years, this timing is recommended in order to improve \u27Merlot\u27 grapes for high-quality red wine production
Morphology and oil quality of introduced olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) in southwest China
Get PDFThere are enormous benefits of olive cultivation in China. However, rare researches are reported about the morphological and oil qualitative characteristics of the introduced olive cultivars in southwest China. The characteristics of morphological and oil qualitative were investigated among seven introduced olive cultivars and an indigenous cultivar cultivated in southwest China. The results elucidated that all cultivars had adapted to a new environment and expressed unique characteristics. The Coratina, Koroneiki and Grossanne remained excellent oil cultivars with the fresh oil content of 20.42, 18.58 and 16.46%, respectively. The free acidity and peroxide value of olive oil were within the range of the extra virgin olive oil category. And the extracted olive oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acid, α-tocopherol, squalene, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and phenolic compounds. Moreover, the olive cultivated in southwest China exhibited a higher content of moisture, oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acid compared to scientific studies. Therefore, the region of southwest China (Jintang), a new environment, was a potential for cultivation and development of olive in the future. In addition, the results can provide theoretical guidance for olive planting and cultivar selection in southwest China
Phenolic compounds and in vitro biological activities of nonanthocyanin fractions from mulberry fruits harvested at different maturity stages
Get PDFMulberry fruits contain substances involved in physiological activities beneficial to human health. To explore potential utilization of mulberry fruits as functional foods, functional compounds and in vitro biological activities of their extracts were determined at different maturity stages. As maturity progressed, nonanthocyanin fraction (NAF) decreased, while anthocyanin fraction (AF) increased. Main phenolic acid contained in the NAF was chlorogenic acid, which decreased during ripening. Main flavonols present in the NAF were rutin, isoquercetin, and morin, which also decreased during ripening. The NAF and AF exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by lowering nitric oxide production in Raw264.7 cells. The NAF of immature mulberry fruits promoted hexokinase activity in HepG2 cells and inhibited α-glucosidase, indicating its possible hypoglycemic effect. It is suggested that immature mulberry fruits that are rich in non-anthocyanin phenolics might be a potential functional food source
Bacteria producing contractile phage tail-like particles (CPTPs) are promising alternatives to conventional pesticides
Get PDFDiese Übersichtsarbeit verfolgt das Ziel, über bakterielle kontraktile Phagenderivate (englisch CPTPs) und ihr Potenzial als effiziente und Schadorganismus-spezifische Alternativen zu konventionellen chemischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln in der Land-/Forstwirtschaft und im Gartenbau zu informieren. CPTPs werden von verschiedenen Bakterien in diversen Habitaten für den interbakteriellen Konkurrenzkampf sowie zur Beeinflussung eukaryotischer Wirte, wie Pilze und Insekten, verwendet. Diese Arbeit präsentiert interessante und bemerkenswerte Beispiele für den vielfältigen Einsatz von CPTPs als leistungsfähige biologische Bekämpfungsmittel. Wir stellen die verschiedenen Typen von CPTPs vor und legen einen besonderen Fokus auf diejenigen, die eine Wirkung gegen Schadinsekten besitzen. Zusätzlich stellen wir zwei kürzlich etablierte Webservices vor, die das permanent wachsende Wissen über CPTPs mit einem Auswahlverfahren für die besten Bakterienkandidaten kombinieren, um eine zielgerichtete Anwendung der CPTPs in der nachhaltigen Pflanzenproduktion zu ermöglichen.This mini-review aims at raising the interest in contractile phage tail-like particles (CPTPs) of bacteria as an efficient and pest-specific alternative to conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. CPTPs are used by various bacteria in diverse environments for interbacterial competition or for manipulation of eukaryotic hosts, such as fungi or insects. This review gives examples for the versatile use of CPTPs as powerful biological control agents. We introduce the different types of CPTPs with a special focus on those with activity against insect plant pests. In addition, we present two currently established web services that combine the permanently increasing knowledge on CPTPs with a selection approach of the best candidate bacteria for targeted CPTP application in sustainable plant production
Age of plant influences the effect of salinity in yield and mineral content of ice plant
Get PDFThe use of salinity-tolerant plants represents a response to the problem of the expansion of salinized soils, making coastal and salt-affected areas productive. Furthermore, limited fresh water resources may increasingly constrain the use of low-quality irrigation water. Therefore, intensified use of halotolerant crop plants will be necessary. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is a salinity-tolerant plant widely distributed and currently with a great gastronomic interest because is considered a functional food. The objective of this work was to evaluate the differential effect of a moderate salinity treatment imposed in ice plants of 40 or 55 days after transplanting. Thus, M. crystallinum of 40 and 55 days were grown under 0 and 100 mM NaCl during two weeks. The results showed that the effect of salinity depended of the age of plants. Growth parameters as shoot biomass or shoot height decreased in plants of 40 days after transplanting (DAT) subjected to salinity while no differences were found in 55 DAT plants. Also, salinity improved important yield parameters as leaf fresh mass and area when the treatment was applied in 55 DAT plants and caused higher SLA and chlorophylls content in both groups of plants. Ice plant can be intentionally cultivated 55 DAT under moderate salinity conditions to enhance crop yield which could contribute to a more extensive use of its edible leaves as functional and alternative food