ReDivia - Repositorio Digital de l'Instit Valencià d'Investigacions Agràries
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High Resolution Melting DNA analysis for the traceability of plants and juices of blond and pigmented sweet orange
The economic relevance of sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] raised the interest for the set-up of robust
and scalable methods to assess the origin of plants and derived products. Molecular markers, such as singlenucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs), represent a robust tool for the univocal identification of the genetic origin
of a specific cultivar (or group of accessions) with relevant application for traceability.
In this work, the whole-genome sequencing of 29 accessions representing the four varietal groups of sweet
orange (i.e.: Common, Navel, Acidless and Pigmented) allowed the in silico detection of unique SNPs to
discriminate each group (group-specific SNPs) and ten pigmented orange accessions (genotype-specific SNPs).
A subset of the SNPs detected in silico was then validated through a high-resolution melting assay (HRM) on
additional 81 genotypes held in three ex-situ collections in Italy and Spain and on several matrices: leaves, handsqueezed
and commercial fresh-squeezed juices, processed orange juices, and beverages. The HRM assay allowed
the identification of 13 group-specific and 30 genotype-specific SNPs showing consistent results across the whole
germplasm and the different food matrices tested. The HRM assay proved its efficacy also for the identification of
juice blending with other sweet orange varieties (with a detection limit of 5 %). The identified unique SNPs
represent a valuable tool to trace the varietal correspondence of plants and fruit-derived products. Their
implementation with a scalable and robust HRM assay could be readily employed by growers and the food
processing industry to ensure traceability along the chain
Intravaginal GnRH Analogues in Rabbits: Fertirelin as the Most Effective Option for Ovulation Induction [Dataset]
This dataset contains the data to compare the potency of three GnRH analogues (fertirelin, buserelin, and deslorelin) when administered intravaginally, and to determine the minimum effective concentration required to elicit an efficient ovulatory response. The file consists of two sheets, each with six columns. The first sheet includes data for a concentration of 3.5 µg of GnRH per insemination dose, while the second sheet contains data corresponding to a concentration of 1 µg per dose.This dataset will be associated with the paper “Intravaginal GnRH Analogues in Rabbits: Fertirelin as the Most Effective Option for Ovulation Induction.” The study aimed to compare the potency of three GnRH analogues (fertirelin, buserelin, and deslorelin) when administered intravaginally, and to determine the minimum effective concentration required to elicit an efficient ovulatory response, thereby improving both animal welfare and zootechnical efficiency. The file consists of two sheets, each with six columns. The first sheet includes data for a concentration of 3.5 µg of GnRH per insemination dose, while the second sheet contains data corresponding to a concentration of 1 µg per dose
Chitosan-Based Semen Extenders: An Approach to Antibiotic-Free Artificial Insemination in Rabbit
The use of antibiotics in livestock contributes to antimicrobial
resistance, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. Among these, chelating
agents, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Chitosan, have shown potential in
reducing bacterial contamination in seminal doses used in artificial insemination (AI), while
preserving sperm quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of
EDTA and Chitosan as alternatives to antibiotics for the liquid storage of rabbit seminal AI
doses. Methods: EDTA (20 mM) and Chitosan (0.05%) were tested both individually and
in combination, by adding them to the semen extender, and their effects were compared
with extenders containing antibiotics or none. The extenders were evaluated for microbial
resistance and their ability to maintain sperm quality in vitro during refrigeration at
16 ± 1 ◦C for 72 h. To assess antimicrobial efficacy, Enterococcus faecalis was used. Seminal
doses stored for 24 h were used for insemination under commercial conditions, and fertility
rate and total kits born were evaluated. Results: Adding 0.05% Chitosan to the extender
resulted in sperm parameters and bacterial load comparable to those achieved with antibiotics
during refrigerated storage, yielding similar fertility rate and total kits born outcomes
24 h post-storage. In contrast, the use EDTA alone or in combination with Chitosan was
less effective at controlling Enterococcus faecalis than the antibiotic extenders, which also
resulted in a reduction of sperm total motility over storage period (0–72 h) and negatively
impacted fertility rate and total kits born. Conclusions: Chitosan’s protective effect on
sperm function, combined with its antimicrobial activity, makes it a promising alternative
antimicrobial agent for the liquid storage of rabbit seminal AI doses
Antifungal edible coatings to reduce postharvest decay and preserve the quality of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates
Pomegranate exhibits important postharvest quality losses that limit its storage potential, caused mainly by weight loss, chilling injury, and fungal diseases. In this work, the effect of antifungal edible coatings (AECs) formulated with different biopolymers (citrus pectin (PEC), λ-carrageenan (CARG), and their combination PEC-CARG), beeswax (BW) as hydrophobic component, and 0.5% essential oils [EOs, cinnamon (CN) or lemongrass (LG)] as antifungal ingredients were evaluated to control weight loss and natural fungal decay of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates during storage at ambient temperatures (20°C). Results showed that PEC-based AECs were the most effective in reducing pomegranate decay caused by latent infections by Botrytis cinerea and wound infections by Penicillium spp. During 8 weeks of storage, with no significant differences between coatings formulated with CN or LG EOs. Furthermore, PEC-based coatings also reduced weight loss without causing visible phytotoxicity, while CARG-based coatings were slightly detrimental to the fruit rind. Afterwards, selected AECs were assayed to control natural decay and preserve fruit quality of pomegranates stored at 5°C for 12 weeks plus 1 week of shelf life at 20°C. PEC-based coatings were confirmed as an effective means to reduce weight loss and prevent fruit shriveling of cold-stored pomegranates without negatively affecting the fruit's physicochemical and sensory quality. However, no significant differences in latent and wound external decay were found between control and coated fruits after cold storage and shelf life. In conclusion, PEC-based coatings containing CN or LG EOs at 0.5% could be a promising treatment to extend the postharvest life of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates, although further studies are required to improve their antifungal effect during cold storage
Alubias tradicionales mediterráneas
Los resultados de este estudio subrayan la importancia de conservar y promover el cultivo de variedades tradicionales de alubias mediterráneas. No solo ofrecen una mayor diversidad nutricional en comparación con las variedades comerciales, sino que también tienen el potencial de mejorar la seguridad alimentaria y la sostenibilidad agrícola en un contexto de cambio climático.
El conocimiento de la composición nutricional y nutracéutica de estas variedades locales podría ser clave para el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias de mejoramiento genético, orientadas a producir judías más nutritivas y resistentes. Además, su inclusión en la dieta cotidiana podría aportar beneficios significativos para la salud, reforzando el papel de las legumbres como alimentos funcionales dentro de la dieta mediterránea.
Conservar y valorar la biodiversidad agrícola no solo es una cuestión de tradición, sino también una estrategia inteligente para el futuro de la alimentación y la salud
Identifying key parameters for reliable assessment of entomopathogenic nematodes viability as affected by spray application stress-related factors
BACKGROUND: Conventional pesticide application equipment (PAE) is used to apply entomopathogenic nematode (EPN)-
based bioinsecticides, but their closed hydraulic systems could raise the temperature of the spray mixture up to 40 °C, potentially
harming EPN, since temperatures above 30 °C can immobilize nematodes, reducing their infective capacity. This study
aimed to identify the most suitable method to evaluate EPN viability under the effects of PAE technology
The Effects of Extender Energetic Substrate Type on Goat Sperm Stored at 17 ◦C
Artificial insemination in goats commonly relies on refrigerated semen doses, yet the optimal energetic substrate to support sperm metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different energetic substrates on goat buck sperm metabolism and motility when refrigerated at 17 °C. Semen from six Murciano-Granadina male goats were collected and diluted in PBS supplemented with 35 mM of either glucose, fructose, pyruvate, or lactate in the first experiment. In the second experiment, the effects of varying concentrations of pyruvate and/or glucose, NaCl supplementation, and the osmolarity on sperm quality parameters were assessed. Semen was stored at 17 °C for 48 h and evaluated for motility using the CASA system, as well as for viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial ROS by flow cytometry. The results show that pyruvate and lactate extenders outperformed the others, preserving higher total motility, progressivity, and viability of spermatozoa over 48 h, even at a concentration lower than 35 mM, as in the case of pyruvate. In contrast, glucose had a detrimental effect on sperm quality, reducing viability and healthy population rates while increasing motility, especially at higher concentrations. NaCl supplementation and osmolarity had no significant effect on any of the sperm quality parameters. In conclusion, pyruvate maintains a higher quality and motility of sperm stored at 17 °C in PBS in comparison with a glucose-supplemented extender
Moisture-dependent pupation of the invasive thrips Chaetanaphothrips orchidii: implications for its management
BACKGROUND: Chaetanaphothrips orchidii is an invasive thrips of tropical origin that was detected in 2016 in Spanish citrus,
where it can damage up to 70% of the fruit. Pupation site and emergence rates are key biological traits for thrips management
that are unknown for C. orchidii. Here, we determined the pupation site and period of C. orchidii in citrus and evaluated the
effect of soil moisture on adult emergence.
RESULTS: A two-year field study showed that C. orchidii pupated in the soil from May to December in commercial citrus
orchards. Chaetanaphothrips orchidii emergence was very low compared to other harmful thrips species in citrus. Using D/E
traps, we demonstrated that the thrips emerged mainly from wet areas near drip irrigation emitters during the summer, and
its emergence was strongly related to the soil water content. A laboratory experiment confirmed that C. orchidii did not emerge
at RH below 70%, and its emergence peaked at 97% RH.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results have important implications for the sustainable management of C. orchidii because soil moisture is
very low in Mediterranean citrus during summer, except in areas near drip irrigation emitters. Therefore, these and other potential
high-humidity areas should be considered crucial targets to manage this pest in citrus during summer, reducing cost and
labor
Response of Amblyseius swirskii to deltamethrin
BACKGROUND
The rising demand for environmentally friendly pest control highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between natural enemies and pesticides. Amblyseius swirskii, a predatory mite extensively used in biocontrol, plays a crucial role in managing pest populations in agricultural systems. Integrating this mite with selective pesticide use within integrated pest management (IPM) would significantly advance pest control and may reduce pesticide residues in the environment and agricultural produce.
This study characterized the susceptibility of two Amblyseius swirskii colonies to deltamethrin, a widely used pesticide, to assess their potential integration into IPM strategies.
RESULTS
Both colonies exhibited significant tolerance to deltamethrin at concentrations higher than the maximum recommended field rate. Our analysis identified mutations in the target site in both populations. The commercial population also showed a contribution of cytochromes P450 to the resistant phenotype. Despite these results, semi-field trials revealed a significant reduction in mite counts post-treatment with deltamethrin; various experiments were conducted to understand this discrepancy.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the need for comprehensive evaluations of pesticide impacts on biological control agents to optimize IPM strategies. Understanding pesticide resistance and field performance dynamics is crucial for developing sustainable pest management practices that ensure environmental resilience and agricultural productivity
Role of the coat (CP), movement (MP) and 2b proteins of parietaria motte virus (PMoV) as pathogen determinants in Nicotiana benthamiana plants
Parietaria mottle virus (genus Ilarvirus,
family Bromoviridae) is an emerging virus infecting
tomato and pepper crops in the Mediterranean basin.
PMoV has a segmented single-stranded positivesense
RNA genome encoding two replicase subunits
(p1 and p2), the 2b, the movement (MP) and coat
(CP) proteins. Mechanisms underlying the disease
development are poorly understood in most virusplant
pathosystems. For this purpose, we have investigated
the role played by the PMoV CP, MP, and 2b
as pathogen determinants in the experimental host
Nicotiana benthamiana. Transient expression of the
PMoV proteins by using the PVX cDNA viral vector
pGR107 showed that all of them enhanced the PVXinduced
symptoms in N. benthamiana agroinfiltrated
plants, but with different degrees. CP was associated
with strong symptoms of systemic necrosis typical of
hypersensitive host response (HR), mosaic leaf deformation,
and plant stunting. 2b and MP were associated
with mild mosaic and leaf deformation. However,
movement complementation assays of a viral vector
based on turnip crinkle virus sequence expressing
GFP (pTCV-GFP) revealed that none of these PMoV
proteins could suppress the post-transcriptional gene
silencing (PTGS) host defense mechanism. Additional
assays of systemic RNA silencing in transgenic
N. benthamiana 16c plants expressing the green
fluorescent protein (GFP) confirmed that PMoV 2b,
unlike other ilarviruses, was not a PTGS suppressor.
Results obtained here are discussed and compared
with those of other virus-plant pathosystem