ReDivia - Repositorio Digital de l'Instit Valencià d'Investigacions Agràries
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Proteomic insights into the effect of Broad bean wilt virus-1 infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants
Full text linkBroad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1, genus Fabavirus, family Secoviridae) infects many plants species, including important horticultural crops. Since some tobacco plants such as Nicotiana benthamiana, are susceptible to many viruses, they are used as experimental hosts and therefore abundantinformation about these species is available in databases. Here, the protein differential expression in N. benthamiana plants infected with BBWV-1 wasstudied using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry in tandem analysis (LC–MS/MS). Also, we studied the role of viral VP37 protein which is a BBWV-1 determinant of pathogenicity in the accumulation of the host proteins. For this purpose, we agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana plants with two BBWV-1 cDNA infectious clones: pBBWV1-Wt wilt type and the pBBWV1-G492C mutant knocking out for the viral VP37 protein. Virus infection induced the differential expression of 44 host proteins: 22 were overexpressed and the other 22 were underexpressed.
These proteins were involved in important plant processes and located in different cell organelles, mainly in chloroplasts. Finally, 24 of these proteins were expressed differentially according to the presence of VP37 protein. Relation among host proteins that were
differentially expressed, plant symptoms, and subcellular alterations are discussed
An Individual-Based Spatial Epidemiological Model for the Spread of Plant Diseases
Full text linkIn the study of plant disease epidemics, the state of each individual in the population and their spatial location should be considered when modeling disease spread. We present a model to describe the spread of plant diseases, where the infection of a susceptible individual depends on the transmission rate of infected individuals and the spatial correlation. This latter is introduced through the Matérn correlation function, accounting for spatial dependence based on distance. Almond leaf scorch disease, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, was used as a case study to test the behavior of the model parameters and the variability due to the characteristics and location of initial disease introduction using a proposed simulation algorithm. The greatest variability in the results depended on the range parameter of the Matérn correlation, i.e., the distance at which two observations can be considered spatially uncorrelated, and the initial introduction. The spatial distribution of individuals also had a strong influence on disease spread, highlighting that areas without trees acted as barriers when their extent was greater than the range parameter. It should be stressed that this individual-based model can be applied to other plant diseases, adapting the parameter values to their particular epidemiological characteristics
Implementation and assessment of the classical biological control program against the huanglongbing vector, Trioza erytreae, in the Canary islands
Full text linkThe African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is one of the most threatening pests for Mediterranean citriculture. It vectors the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus liberibacter spp, the causal agent of huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Although HLB has yet to be recorded in Europe, T. erytreae has established in the Macaronesia Islands of Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain), and in mainland Europe. In 2017, a classical biological control program was implemented, and Tamarixia dryi (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was released in an experimental citrus orchard in the Canarian Island of Tenerife in the spring of 2018. This study aimed to analyze I) the distribution and spatio-temporal dispersion of T. dryi, II) the seasonal trend of T. erytreae and parasitism rates of T. dryi in the field and III) the effect of T. dryi on T. erytreae population densities in the Canary Islands three consecutive years after the release of the parasitoid. Our results showed that T. dryi successfully established in the island of Tenerife and dispersed in four out of five surrounding islands where T. erytreae was present. Two years after the release of T. dryi, the proportion of sites infested by the psyllid decreased from more than 80% to less than 5% in the three main islands: Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. Furthermore, the population density of T. erytreae was extremely low in the sites where it was present two and three years after the release of T. dryi. Parasitism rates remained higher than 40% throughout the sampling periods. Overall, our three-year study shows that the parasitoid T. dryi reduced and controlled the Candidatus liberibacter spp vector, the causal agent of HLB, T. erytreae in the Canary Islands
A Modified Version of RothC to Model the Direct and Indirect Effects of Rice Straw Mulching on Soil Carbon Dynamics, Calibrated in Two Valencian Citrus Orchards
Full text linkThe mulching of agricultural soils has been identified as a viable solution to sequester carbon into the soil, increase soil health, and fight desertification. This is why it is a promising solution for carbon farming in Mediterranean areas. Models are used to project the effects of agricultural practices on soil organic carbon in the future for various soil and climatic conditions, and to help policy makers and farmers assess the best way to implement carbon farming strategies. Here, we modified the widely used RothC model to include mulching practices and their direct and indirect effects on soil organic matter input, soil temperature changes, and soil hydraulic balance. We then calibrated and tested our modified RothC (RothC_MM) using the dataset collected in two field mulching experiments, and we used the tested RothC_MM to estimate the expected soil carbon sequestration due to mulching by the year 2050 for the Valencian Community (Spain). Our results show that RothC_MM improved the fit with the experimental data with respect to basic RothC; RothC_MM was able to model the effects of mulch on soil temperature and soil water content and to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) and CO2 observations taken in the field
Effect of Milk-Feeding Frequency and Calcium Gluconate Supplementation on Growth, Health, and Reproductive and Metabolic Features of Holstein Heifers at a Rearing Farm
Full text linkWe compared the effects of milk-feeding in 288 Holstein calves (72 per group) which were fed twice (2F) or thrice (3F) daily, with or without the addition of hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (G) supplemented in the starter food and in the daily diet up to the age of 9 months, on the calves’ metabolism, growth, health, and reproductive efficiency up to first pregnancy. The calves received 6 L of milk replacer (130 g/L) and had ad libitum access to water and textured calf starter with or without gluconate. Gluconate supplementation promoted a “catch-up” in growth in supplemented calves compared to their counterparts that did not receive gluconate. Gluconate appeared to reduce animal metabolic stress during key events, such as weaning and transfer into open-door pens, reducing fructosamine (352.61 vs. 303.06 in 3FG and 3F, respectively; p = 0.028) and urea (3F revealed the highest values compared with the other three groups: 19.06 for 3F vs. 13.9 (2F), 13.7 (2FG), and 14.3 (3FG), respectively, p = 0.002) from weaning onwards. The feeding of dairy calves with milk replacer three rather than two times per day tended to be associated with better health from weaning to 4 months old; parameters such as ultrasound lung score and calf health score improved over time (p < 0.001). Thrice-daily feeding with milk replacer tended to reduce the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy in heifers by 0.2 points (p = 0.092). We confirmed significant correlations between early health and growth parameters and reproductive efficiency and a positive correlation between body weight and average daily weight gain and the thickness of the back fat layer in young heifers (r = 0.245; p < 0.0001; r = 0.214; p < 0.0001 respectively). Our study was conducted on a commercial farm with reasonably effective animal management, so baseline welfare was likely satisfactory
Sostenibilidad hídrica en horticultura y poscosecha: Riego, fertirrigación, tratamientos fitosanitarios, material vegetal, acondicionamiento y procesado de frutas y hortalizas
No full textLa tecnología en la agricultura es una vieja herramienta. Estamos muy familiarizados con ella y la sabemos aplicar con rigor y resultados en todos y cada una de las diferentes áreas en las que interviene primero el agricultor y luego nuestra industria agroalimentaria.
En el caso de la horticultura, contamos con sistemas de riego por goteo y por aspersión. Con estas tecnologías se puede programar la cantidad exacta de agua que requieren los cultivos, lograr un ahorro de agua hasta el 30% y aumentar hasta un 15% el rendimiento de los cultivos. La rotación de cultivos contribuye a obtener hortalizas más sanas que requieren menos cantidad de fertilizantes y nutrientes externos y menos agua para su crecimiento.
En la poscosecha hemos hecho avances significativos para sacar el máximo rendimiento a un uso eficiente del agua y a reducir sus pérdidas en este proceso. Entre las soluciones que se han puesto en marcha hay que destacar el almacenamiento de agua procedente de la lluvia, disminuyendo la utilización de aguas subterráneas o superficiales. Un complemento a esta solución es tener no solo un correcto sistema de almacenamiento, sino también del transporte de agua, para evitar pérdidas.
Otros recursos para ahorrar agua son el riego por goteo o la microirrigación; el tratamiento y la reutilización de las aguas residuales de las operaciones poscosecha, útil asimismo en la prevención de la contaminación del agua por los vertidos agrícolas, la monitorización regular del uso y calidad del agua en estas actividades o la utilización de material acolchado biodegradable en el suelo, que en algunos estudios han conseguido un 12% de reducción de agua al aumentar la humedad.
En definitiva, nos enfrentamos a desafíos y retos que nos estimulan para seguir avanzando por esta senda. Vamos a continuar dando pasos en el ahorro de agua mediante la modernización de los regadíos con un modelo de agricultura sostenible y unos principios fundamentales: competitividad, autosuficiencia económica y respeto hacia el medio ambiente. Solo así conseguiremos la rentabilidad económica, social, medioambiental y territorial a la que aspiramos.
Solo así conseguiremos dejar un mundo mejor a nuestros hijos y a las siguientes generaciones
Plum pox virus: An overview of the potyvirus behind sharka, a harmful stone fruit disease
Full text linkThe study of Potyvirus plumpoxi (plum pox virus, PPV) has a long history, beginning with its foundational description by Atanassof in 1932 in Bulgaria. Interest in the virus has significantly increased over the past decades, as evidenced by a rise in published articles, highlighting its importance in plant pathology. Research on PPV offers broader insights into the biology and pathology of the extensive Potyviridae virus family to which it belongs. The virus's large strain diversity and wide host range make it a key subject for research into plant–virus interactions, host adaptation and virus evolution. PPV causes sharka, the most damaging disease affecting stone fruit trees. Economic losses from sharka disease have recently been estimated at over €2.4 thousand million for the last 28 years. The significance of this disease is further amplified by the ease of aphid-mediated transmission from infected plant material and the virus's ability to establish and spread to new regions, making it a global agricultural challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various biological traits of PPV and will form the basis of an updated version on the Association of Applied Biologists Description of Plant Viruses for PPV
Assessment and Solutions to Food Waste at Congress Events: A Perspective of the MagNuS Project
Full text linkAddressing global food waste is a formidable challenge, requiring comprehensive efforts across the food supply chain, particularly in sectors prone to waste like HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering). In MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, where gastronomy is a major attraction, overlooked meal services during working meetings contribute significantly to food waste. The MagNuS (Magnitude, Nutritional value, and Sustainability) project aims to assess and address food waste during conference events at the Valencia Conference Center in Spain. This study quantifies waste, categorizes it by food groups, estimates the potential number of individuals that could be fed with discarded food, and assesses energy and nutritional values. Across three events, 104.4 kg of food waste was documented, with cereals having the highest wastage, followed by legumes, fish, and others. Acknowledging potential underestimation due to reliance on cooked values, this study suggests using residues for vermicomposting or composting as sustainable waste management alternatives. These findings have implications for future initiatives, advocating diverse strategies to minimize food waste during congress events, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. The MagNuS project contributes valuable insights to sustainable practices in MICE tourism, informing policies and operational decisions to reduce the environmental impact of food waste
Advancing tomato crop protection: Green leaf volatile-mediated defense mechanisms against Nesidiocoris tenuis plant damage
Full text linkAlthough Nesidiocoris tenuis is highly effective as a biological control agent, it can also damage tomato plants due
to its zoophytophagous behavior. When N. tenuis pierces the stems and petioles of tomato plants with its stylets, it
triggers callose deposition and subsequent cell death, resulting in blocked nutrient transport, floral abortions, or
wilting of tender shoots. Recently, it has been shown that exposure of tomato plants to the green leaf volatile (Z)-
3-hexenyl propanoate [(Z)-3-HP] activates defensive mechanisms, including the regulation of genes involved in
the synthesis and degradation of callose. In this study, conducted under greenhouse conditions, we tested the
hypothesis that damage caused by N. tenuis could be reduced by exposing tomato plants to (Z)-3-HP through
polymeric dispensers. Tomato plants exposed to (Z)-3-HP and non-exposed control plants were inoculated with
N. tenuis. Nesidiocoris tenuis established in both groups with no significant differences between the two treatments.
However, as hypothesized, the damage caused by N. tenuis was significantly lower in the plants exposed to
(Z)-3-HP. Gene expression analysis of salicylic, jasmonic, and abscisic acids, along with histochemical staining
methods, was used to compare the defensive responses of tomato plants infested solely with N. tenuis versus those
infested with N. tenuis and exposed to (Z)-3-HP. Our findings confirm the influence of (Z)-3-HP exposure on
differential defensive activation between treatments and reduced callose deposition in (Z)-3-HP-exposed plants.
These results pave the way for improved management of N. tenuis by enhancing the plant’s defenses based on inter-plant communication
