Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
Not a member yet
621 research outputs found
Sort by
Challenges in germination of Neltuma caldenia in semi-arid regions: optimization of germination protocols, influence of saline stress and seed quality
Full text linkGlobal climate change presents challenges to arid and semi-arid ecosystems, impacting native species such as Neltuma caldenia, endemic to Argentina. This underscores the importance of understanding germination processes for both conservation programs and the restoration of degraded areas. We aimed to evaluate the germination rate of N. caldenia seeds from the south Espinal, using various scarification methods (chemical, mechanical and physical), and temperatures (25-30°C). Additionally, we investigate the effects of accelerated aging (0-96 h at 45°C and 100 relative humidity) and different saline solution concentrations during germination (0-0.6 M NaCl). Our results show that all scarification treatments effectively break seed dormancy while temperature significantly affects germination rates. Prolonged storage (0 to 96h) decreased seed viability. Moderate NaCl levels (0-0.2 M) did not affect germination, but higher concentrations inhibited it completely, with a threshold of -1.81 MPa osmotic potential. Understanding the impact of environmental stressors on seed germination can inform the development of effective conservation strategies among these climate change pressures.
Highlights:
Shorter duration chemical scarification method (10 minutes) and mechanical scarification were statistically more efficient than the other treatments.
Temperature significantly influences germination capacity, with optimal rates achieved at 30–35°C, aligning with the precipitation patterns of the region.
caldenia seeds may demonstrate greater resilience to high-temperature and humidity conditions, probably due to higher vigor.
Salinity tolerance during germination extends up to -0.90 MPa, highlighting adaptability to saline environments of caldenia compared to other Neltuma species.Global climate change presents challenges to arid and semi-arid ecosystems, impacting native species such as Neltuma caldenia, endemic to Argentina. This underscores the importance of understanding germination processes for both conservation programs and the restoration of degraded areas. We aimed to evaluate the germination rate of N. caldenia seeds from the south Espinal, using various scarification methods (chemical, mechanical and physical), and temperatures (25-30°C). Additionally, we investigate the effects of accelerated aging (0-96 h at 45°C and 100 relative humidity) and different saline solution concentrations during germination (0-0.6 M NaCl). Our results show that all scarification treatments effectively break seed dormancy while temperature significantly affects germination rates. Prolonged storage (0 to 96h) decreased seed viability. Moderate NaCl levels (0-0.2 M) did not affect germination, but higher concentrations inhibited it completely, with a threshold of -1.81 MPa osmotic potential. Understanding the impact of environmental stressors on seed germination can inform the development of effective conservation strategies among these climate change pressures.
Highlights:
Shorter duration chemical scarification method (10 minutes) and mechanical scarification were statistically more efficient than the other treatments.
Temperature significantly influences germination capacity, with optimal rates achieved at 30–35°C, aligning with the precipitation patterns of the region.
caldenia seeds may demonstrate greater resilience to high-temperature and humidity conditions, probably due to higher vigor.
Salinity tolerance during germination extends up to -0.90 MPa, highlighting adaptability to saline environments of caldenia compared to other Neltuma species
Net protein requirements for maintenance and weight gain in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of the Peru breed
Full text linkNet protein requirements for weight gain (NPg) and maintenance (NPm) in meat-producing guinea pigs are not yet established. The objective of this study was to estimate the requirements for NPm and NPg in male guinea pigs of the Peru breed using the comparative slaughter method. Sixty guinea pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 393 ±55 g were distributed in five groups of 12 animals. The animals were fed a pelleted diet. At the beginning of the experiment, a reference group with a BW 385.9 ± 44.5 g was slaughtered. Two groups were fed ad libitum, another group received 75% of the feed provided to the ad libitum groups, and a fifth group was kept at the maintenance level. One of the ad libitum-fed groups was slaughtered when its BW reached 846.6 ± 48 g. The other animals, distributed according to their feeding level, were slaughtered when the second ad libitum-fed group reached 1197 ± 84 g BW. The NPm requirement was 3.97 g/kg/EBW0.75 (empty body weight). And the requirement was NPg 2.5 g/kg EBW0.75. The protein use efficiency was 0.629.
Highlights:
The net protein requirement for weight gain in guinea pigs is 2.5 g/kg EBW75/day.
The net protein requirement for maintenance in guinea pigs is 3.7 g/kg EBW75/day.
The protein utilization efficiency is 0.629.
The endogenous and metabolic nitrogen losses in guinea pigs are 0.6359 g/kg EBW75/day.Net protein requirements for weight gain (NPg) and maintenance (NPm) in meat-producing guinea pigs are not yet established. The objective of this study was to estimate the requirements for NPm and NPg in male guinea pigs of the Peru breed using the comparative slaughter method. Sixty guinea pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 393 ±55 g were distributed in five groups of 12 animals. The animals were fed a pelleted diet. At the beginning of the experiment, a reference group with a BW 385.9 ± 44.5 g was slaughtered. Two groups were fed ad libitum, another group received 75% of the feed provided to the ad libitum groups, and a fifth group was kept at the maintenance level. One of the ad libitum-fed groups was slaughtered when its BW reached 846.6 ± 48 g. The other animals, distributed according to their feeding level, were slaughtered when the second ad libitum-fed group reached 1197 ± 84 g BW. The NPm requirement was 3.97 g/kg/EBW0.75 (empty body weight). And the requirement was NPg 2.5 g/kg EBW0.75. The protein use efficiency was 0.629.
Highlights:
The net protein requirement for weight gain in guinea pigs is 2.5 g/kg EBW75/day.
The net protein requirement for maintenance in guinea pigs is 3.7 g/kg EBW75/day.
The protein utilization efficiency is 0.629.
The endogenous and metabolic nitrogen losses in guinea pigs are 0.6359 g/kg EBW75/day
Epiphytic microorganisms associated with banana phyllosphere with potential antagonism to Black Sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) in Los Ríos, Ecuador
Full text linkBlack Sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) is the most important leaf spot disease of bananas worldwide, particularly affecting Cavendish banana, the most exported variety. Additionally, this pathogen has developed resistance to some effective fungicides, making its management increasingly difficult. Epiphytic microorganisms with potential antagonism to P. fijiensis were identified in conventional banana farms in the province of Los Ríos. Sampling areas were determined through zoning processes and selecting the cantons of Mocache, Valencia, Baba and Pueblo Viejo. Leaf tissue samples were collected from three farms per zone. Microorganisms were isolated and morphologically and molecularly characterised in nine farms in the cantons of Valencia (63 bacteria), Baba (39 bacteria), Pueblo Viejo (8 bacteria) and 8 genera of fungi including 15 species. The isolated bacteria presented macroscopic and microscopic characteristics with different shapes, elevations, edges, consistencies and pigmentations. Taxonomically, they belonged to the genera Bacillus and Cocos, 81% Gram-negative and 19% Gram-positive. The analysis conducted for sampling-site selection allowed the identification of different microbial behaviours.
Highlights:
Biological control offers a viable strategy to reduce reliance on agrochemicals in agricultural practices.
The isolation and characterization of microorganisms are essential for researching and developing biological solutions applicable to banana cultivation.
The data obtained provide crucial insights for formulating and developing bioinoculants.Black Sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) is the most important leaf spot disease of bananas worldwide, particularly affecting Cavendish banana, the most exported variety. Additionally, this pathogen has developed resistance to some effective fungicides, making its management increasingly difficult. Epiphytic microorganisms with potential antagonism to P. fijiensis were identified in conventional banana farms in the province of Los Ríos. Sampling areas were determined through zoning processes and selecting the cantons of Mocache, Valencia, Baba and Pueblo Viejo. Leaf tissue samples were collected from three farms per zone. Microorganisms were isolated and morphologically and molecularly characterised in nine farms in the cantons of Valencia (63 bacteria), Baba (39 bacteria), Pueblo Viejo (8 bacteria) and 8 genera of fungi including 15 species. The isolated bacteria presented macroscopic and microscopic characteristics with different shapes, elevations, edges, consistencies and pigmentations. Taxonomically, they belonged to the genera Bacillus and Cocos, 81% Gram-negative and 19% Gram-positive. The analysis conducted for sampling-site selection allowed the identification of different microbial behaviours.
Highlights:
Biological control offers a viable strategy to reduce reliance on agrochemicals in agricultural practices.
The isolation and characterization of microorganisms are essential for researching and developing biological solutions applicable to banana cultivation.
The data obtained provide crucial insights for formulating and developing bioinoculants
Morphophysiological and biochemical responses of Schedonorus arundinaceus to Zinc (II) excess: insights from biomarkers and elemental accumulation
Full text linkExcessive levels of zinc have detrimental effects on plant physiology and morphology, hindering growth and development. This study aimed to elucidate the morphophysiological and biochemical mechanisms of Schedonorus arundinaceus in response to high concentrations of zinc exposure and to investigate the correlation between these parameters to identify potential stress biomarkers in this species. Plants were exposed to seven zinc concentrations (0-500-1000-1500-2000-2500-3000 μM) for 50 days. The results showed decreased dry weight, root area, photosynthetic pigments, root soluble proteins and stomatal conductance with increasing zinc concentrations. Conversely, proline, malondialdehyde and leaf-soluble protein content increased. Histological observations revealed altered stomata size and abnormalities in root tissue. Zinc accumulation exceeded phytotoxic thresholds (100-400 mg kg-1) even at lower concentrations, reaching a maximum of 3432 mg kg-1 in shoots. Visible Zn-P crystals were observed on leaf surfaces at the highest zinc treatment. These results suggest that S. arundinaceus possesses a notable capacity to bioaccumulate zinc, particularly in the roots. Furthermore, the strong correlation between proline levels and zinc biomass concentration suggests its potential use as a stress biomarker for zinc-induced stress in this species.
Highlights:
Schedonorus arundinaceus demonstrated high zinc bioaccumulation, reaching up to 3432 mg kg-1 in shoots, surpassing phytotoxic thresholds by approximately 9 times.
Exposure to high zinc concentrations led to reductions in dry weight, root area, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance and roots soluble proteins content, while increasing proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and leaves soluble protein content.
At the highest zinc concentration, visible Zn-P crystals were observed on leaf surfaces, highlighting a unique physiological response.
Histological observations revealed altered stomata size and, indicating significant morphological adaptations in response to zinc stress.
The strong correlation between proline levels and zinc bioaccumulation suggests proline as a potential biomarker for zinc-induced stress in Schedonorus arundinaceus.Excessive levels of zinc have detrimental effects on plant physiology and morphology, hindering growth and development. This study aimed to elucidate the morphophysiological and biochemical mechanisms of Schedonorus arundinaceus in response to high concentrations of zinc exposure and to investigate the correlation between these parameters to identify potential stress biomarkers in this species. Plants were exposed to seven zinc concentrations (0-500-1000-1500-2000-2500-3000 μM) for 50 days. The results showed decreased dry weight, root area, photosynthetic pigments, root soluble proteins and stomatal conductance with increasing zinc concentrations. Conversely, proline, malondialdehyde and leaf-soluble protein content increased. Histological observations revealed altered stomata size and abnormalities in root tissue. Zinc accumulation exceeded phytotoxic thresholds (100-400 mg kg-1) even at lower concentrations, reaching a maximum of 3432 mg kg-1 in shoots. Visible Zn-P crystals were observed on leaf surfaces at the highest zinc treatment. These results suggest that S. arundinaceus possesses a notable capacity to bioaccumulate zinc, particularly in the roots. Furthermore, the strong correlation between proline levels and zinc biomass concentration suggests its potential use as a stress biomarker for zinc-induced stress in this species.
Highlights:
Schedonorus arundinaceus demonstrated high zinc bioaccumulation, reaching up to 3432 mg kg-1 in shoots, surpassing phytotoxic thresholds by approximately 9 times.
Exposure to high zinc concentrations led to reductions in dry weight, root area, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance and roots soluble proteins content, while increasing proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and leaves soluble protein content.
At the highest zinc concentration, visible Zn-P crystals were observed on leaf surfaces, highlighting a unique physiological response.
Histological observations revealed altered stomata size and, indicating significant morphological adaptations in response to zinc stress.
The strong correlation between proline levels and zinc bioaccumulation suggests proline as a potential biomarker for zinc-induced stress in Schedonorus arundinaceus
Selection of fungal isolates from Buenos Aires, Argentina, as biological control agents of Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Full text linkThis work aimed to select promising microorganisms as biological control agents (BCA). Forty-one soil samples were obtained from florihorticultural farms located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Insect trap techniques and soil serial dilutions were used to obtain isolates of entomopathogenic fungi and fungi of genera Trichoderma, respectively. A total of 20 isolates included five Metarhizium and 15 Trichoderma. The isolates were lyophilized and deposited as reference cultures in the Mycological Collection of the Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE). We performed dual culture studies of the isolates collected against the pathogens Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1797) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884). Eleven isolates were selected for growth promotion studies in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The isolates of Metarhizium taii Liang & Liu (1991) CEP-722, CEP-723 Trichoderma afroharzianum Chaverri, Rocha, Degenkolb & Druzhinina (2015) CEP-753 and CEP-754, molecularly identified by amplification of the ITS and TEF1α zones, presented the best results in the dual culture and growth promotion tests. Subsequent studies will evaluate virulence of fungal strains in insects.
Highlights:
Entomopathogenic fungi are common fungi present in the soil of many environments.
Molecular identification is the only way to identify ascomycete fungi at the species level with a high percentage of reliability.
Plant growth promotion produced from the inoculation of tomato plants with entomopathogenic fungi has great potential for agriculture.This work aimed to select promising microorganisms as biological control agents (BCA). Forty-one soil samples were obtained from florihorticultural farms located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Insect trap techniques and soil serial dilutions were used to obtain isolates of entomopathogenic fungi and fungi of genera Trichoderma, respectively. A total of 20 isolates included five Metarhizium and 15 Trichoderma. The isolates were lyophilized and deposited as reference cultures in the Mycological Collection of the Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE). We performed dual culture studies of the isolates collected against the pathogens Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1797) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884). Eleven isolates were selected for growth promotion studies in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The isolates of Metarhizium taii Liang & Liu (1991) CEP-722, CEP-723 Trichoderma afroharzianum Chaverri, Rocha, Degenkolb & Druzhinina (2015) CEP-753 and CEP-754, molecularly identified by amplification of the ITS and TEF1α zones, presented the best results in the dual culture and growth promotion tests. Subsequent studies will evaluate virulence of fungal strains in insects.
Highlights:
Entomopathogenic fungi are common fungi present in the soil of many environments.
Molecular identification is the only way to identify ascomycete fungi at the species level with a high percentage of reliability.
Plant growth promotion produced from the inoculation of tomato plants with entomopathogenic fungi has great potential for agriculture
Green solvents for the recovery of phenolic compounds from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) and apple (Malus domestica) agro-industrial bio-wastes
Full text linkWe aimed to study the obtention of valuable phenolic compounds from tissue by-products of agro-industrial processing of apple (GS) and strawberry (RF) using green solvents and Soxhlet extraction methodology. The effects of solvent type [water (W); 80% ethanol, (EtOH)] and extraction ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30, and 1:40 p/v) were determined on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH), and the profile of phenolic compounds of the GS and RF extracts. The solvent type and the extraction ratio significantly affected TPC and DPPH of GS and RF extracts. Extraction with EtOH and 1:40 ratio produced the highest yields, obtaining an RF extract with 15.8 g GAE/Kg (TPC) and 19 mmol TE/Kg (DPPH). The tetra-galloyl glucose isomer and agrimoniin (0.8-0.4 g/Kg) were the main RF phenolic compounds of the eight identified. GS extract, obtained with EtOH and 1:40 ratio, had 11.9 g GAE/Kg (TPC) and 20.5 mmol TE/Kg (DPPH), having quercetin -3-o-glucuronide (0.43 g/Kg) the highest concentration among the eight phenolic compounds identified. The results highlight the potential of green solvents to obtain valuable compounds from low-cost raw materials, like the high-antioxidant capacity phenolic compound extracts obtained herein.
Highlights:
Valuable bioactive compounds can be extracted from strawberry and apple agro-industrial waste.
Extraction parameters affected phenolic compound profile and antioxidant capacity.
Apple and strawberry by-products are low-cost sources of hydrolysable tannins and flavonols.
Green solvents used for biowaste valorisation can help in circular economy transformation.We aimed to study the obtention of valuable phenolic compounds from tissue by-products of agro-industrial processing of apple (GS) and strawberry (RF) using green solvents and Soxhlet extraction methodology. The effects of solvent type [water (W); 80% ethanol, (EtOH)] and extraction ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30, and 1:40 p/v) were determined on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH), and the profile of phenolic compounds of the GS and RF extracts. The solvent type and the extraction ratio significantly affected TPC and DPPH of GS and RF extracts. Extraction with EtOH and 1:40 ratio produced the highest yields, obtaining an RF extract with 15.8 g GAE/Kg (TPC) and 19 mmol TE/Kg (DPPH). The tetra-galloyl glucose isomer and agrimoniin (0.8-0.4 g/Kg) were the main RF phenolic compounds of the eight identified. GS extract, obtained with EtOH and 1:40 ratio, had 11.9 g GAE/Kg (TPC) and 20.5 mmol TE/Kg (DPPH), having quercetin -3-o-glucuronide (0.43 g/Kg) the highest concentration among the eight phenolic compounds identified. The results highlight the potential of green solvents to obtain valuable compounds from low-cost raw materials, like the high-antioxidant capacity phenolic compound extracts obtained herein.
Highlights:
Valuable bioactive compounds can be extracted from strawberry and apple agro-industrial waste.
Extraction parameters affected phenolic compound profile and antioxidant capacity.
Apple and strawberry by-products are low-cost sources of hydrolysable tannins and flavonols.
Green solvents used for biowaste valorisation can help in circular economy transformation
Agrochemical characterization of Vitis labrusca grape pomace and its effect on a soil-plant system
Full text linkThis study characterized the agrochemical properties of V. labrusca grape pomace (GP) and evaluated the effect on the rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasiliense and horticulturalcrops, determining safety as fertilizer and/or mulching. Two first bioassays were performed with the GP at different concentrations evaluating toxicity on A. brasiliense, and on tomato and lettuce seeds. A third bioassay evaluated GP mulching effects on tomato and lettuce plants growing with amounts varying between 20 and 80 t ha-1. Agrochemical characterization showed that GP is rich in potassium and phosphorus, with a low content of Na+ salts (SAR < 15). The GP at 2.5% (w v-1) significantly increased survival rates of N2-fixing rhizobacteria. Results on seed germination revealed lettuce was more susceptible to increasing GP concentrations. The application of 20 t ha-1 of GP in greenhouse experiments increased lettuce and tomato root biomass. Furthermore, the aerial part of tomato showed no toxicity symptoms. These results open the possibility of considering V. labrusca GP as mulching without prior treatment in tomato crops.
Highlights:
Physico-chemical properties of labrusca GP were determined for the first time.
labrusca GP is rich in K and P.
labrusca GP at low doses promotes A. brasiliensis growth.
labrusca GP at the lowest doses favored root growth in tomato plants.
GP could be considered as mulching.This study characterized the agrochemical properties of V. labrusca grape pomace (GP) and evaluated the effect on the rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasiliense and horticulturalcrops, determining safety as fertilizer and/or mulching. Two first bioassays were performed with the GP at different concentrations evaluating toxicity on A. brasiliense, and on tomato and lettuce seeds. A third bioassay evaluated GP mulching effects on tomato and lettuce plants growing with amounts varying between 20 and 80 t ha-1. Agrochemical characterization showed that GP is rich in potassium and phosphorus, with a low content of Na+ salts (SAR < 15). The GP at 2.5% (w v-1) significantly increased survival rates of N2-fixing rhizobacteria. Results on seed germination revealed lettuce was more susceptible to increasing GP concentrations. The application of 20 t ha-1 of GP in greenhouse experiments increased lettuce and tomato root biomass. Furthermore, the aerial part of tomato showed no toxicity symptoms. These results open the possibility of considering V. labrusca GP as mulching without prior treatment in tomato crops.
Highlights:
Physico-chemical properties of labrusca GP were determined for the first time.
labrusca GP is rich in K and P.
labrusca GP at low doses promotes A. brasiliensis growth.
labrusca GP at the lowest doses favored root growth in tomato plants.
GP could be considered as mulching
Rural abandonment and its drivers in an irrigated area of Mendoza (Argentina)
Full text linkRural abandonment is a global phenomenon promoted by biophysical, socio-economic, and socio-productive causes, leading to the disappearance of traditional agricultural practices and serious impacts on food security and local livelihoods. This phenomenon is more complex in drylands since the lost of productive land is unlikely to be recovered due to the limited availability of water resources. This study aimed to identify abandoned agricultural lands in a sector located east of the northern oasis of Mendoza (Argentina) and determine the main driving forces leading this process. The interdisciplinary perspective employed included the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference technique implemented on Landsat images, the boosted regression trees analysis of spatially explicit drivers, and a digital survey providing perception assessments from local producers and their technical advisors. Abandoned agricultural land has increased by 92% between 2002 and 2020, being accessibility, crop type, vulnerable living conditions of the local population, availability of irrigation water and labor, and the lack of profitability, the main drivers identified by both sources of information (spatial model and social perception). The proposed approach contributes to monitore productive resources and land-use planning with a holistic and long-term vision.
Highlights:
Rural abandonment was addressed as an environmental problem from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Abandoned land was detected using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference technique.
The spatial analysis and the perception study indicated mostly the same land-use change drivers.
Abandoned agricultural land increased by 92% between 2002 and 2020 in San Martín (Mendoza).
The main drivers of abandonment were accessibility, crop type, vulnerable living conditions of the local population, availability of irrigation water and labor, and the lack of profitability.Rural abandonment is a global phenomenon promoted by biophysical, socio-economic, and socio-productive causes, leading to the disappearance of traditional agricultural practices and serious impacts on food security and local livelihoods. This phenomenon is more complex in drylands since the lost of productive land is unlikely to be recovered due to the limited availability of water resources. This study aimed to identify abandoned agricultural lands in a sector located east of the northern oasis of Mendoza (Argentina) and determine the main driving forces leading this process. The interdisciplinary perspective employed included the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference technique implemented on Landsat images, the boosted regression trees analysis of spatially explicit drivers, and a digital survey providing perception assessments from local producers and their technical advisors. Abandoned agricultural land has increased by 92% between 2002 and 2020, being accessibility, crop type, vulnerable living conditions of the local population, availability of irrigation water and labor, and the lack of profitability, the main drivers identified by both sources of information (spatial model and social perception). The proposed approach contributes to monitore productive resources and land-use planning with a holistic and long-term vision.
Highlights:
Rural abandonment was addressed as an environmental problem from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Abandoned land was detected using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference technique.
The spatial analysis and the perception study indicated mostly the same land-use change drivers.
Abandoned agricultural land increased by 92% between 2002 and 2020 in San Martín (Mendoza).
The main drivers of abandonment were accessibility, crop type, vulnerable living conditions of the local population, availability of irrigation water and labor, and the lack of profitability
Incidence of Fusarium graminearum and DON in malting barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Full text linkFusarium graminearum is a fungal species affecting the quality and safety of malting barley grains, one of the most important cereals worldwide. Fungal growth and mycotoxin production vary among growing seasons and sowing locations, mainly due to weather conditions. This work aimed to assess the incidence of F. graminearum and the contamination with Deoxynivalenol (DON) in 40 barley grain samples from different Buenos Aires, Argentina localities during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. F. graminearum was identified in 80% of the samples. It was isolated in eight of eleven localities in the first and ten in the second growing seasons, with a similar maximum incidence (20% and 17%, respectively). On the other hand, all samples were contaminated with DON, and 75% exceeded the maximum limits established by The European Union (EC 1126/2007). The level of DON contamination was significantly higher in the second growing season, which was rainier and had a higher mean temperature (an average of 2.5 ppm in 2017 and 3.75 ppm in 2018). The results obtained in the present study show the need to establish regulations in Argentina on maximum limits of Fusarium mycotoxins in barley.
Highlights:
Barley is the main raw material in the brewing industry and is often associated with F. graminearum infection.
Fusarium graminearum was isolated from 80 % of the barley samples analyzed whereas all samples were contaminated with DON.
DON level in most of the barley samples exceded the maximun limits of 1.25 ppm established by The European Union.
The level of DON varied among growing season been higher in the rainiest growing season.
The protein content and the incidence of F. graminearum showed a low correlation (r = 0.226, p >0.05).Fusarium graminearum is a fungal species affecting the quality and safety of malting barley grains, one of the most important cereals worldwide. Fungal growth and mycotoxin production vary among growing seasons and sowing locations, mainly due to weather conditions. This work aimed to assess the incidence of F. graminearum and the contamination with Deoxynivalenol (DON) in 40 barley grain samples from different Buenos Aires, Argentina localities during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. F. graminearum was identified in 80% of the samples. It was isolated in eight of eleven localities in the first and ten in the second growing seasons, with a similar maximum incidence (20% and 17%, respectively). On the other hand, all samples were contaminated with DON, and 75% exceeded the maximum limits established by The European Union (EC 1126/2007). The level of DON contamination was significantly higher in the second growing season, which was rainier and had a higher mean temperature (an average of 2.5 ppm in 2017 and 3.75 ppm in 2018). The results obtained in the present study show the need to establish regulations in Argentina on maximum limits of Fusarium mycotoxins in barley.
Highlights:
Barley is the main raw material in the brewing industry and is often associated with F. graminearum infection.
Fusarium graminearum was isolated from 80 % of the barley samples analyzed whereas all samples were contaminated with DON.
DON level in most of the barley samples exceded the maximun limits of 1.25 ppm established by The European Union.
The level of DON varied among growing season been higher in the rainiest growing season.
The protein content and the incidence of F. graminearum showed a low correlation (r = 0.226, p >0.05)
In vitro efficacy testing of citronella grass oil against Tritrichomonas foetus trophozoites
Full text linkTritrichomonas foetus, a sexually transmitted parasitic protozoan, causes abortion in cattle. Nitroimidazoles, such as metronidazole, treat bovine trichomonosis, but their use is precluded. Plant extracts might have antiparasitic effects. This study aimed to assess Cymbopogon nardus oil activity against T. foetus as an alternative to metronidazole. T. foetus trophozoites were incubated in culture medium containing serial dilutions of C. nardus oil. Cytotoxicity was assessed 24 hours later. C. nardus oil killed T. foetus cells. Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was 0.4 μg/mL. These findings suggest that C. nardus oil could be exploited for discovery and compound isolation of plant derived phytopharmaceuticals for bovine trichomoniasis and other protozoan diseases.
Highlights:
Tritrichomonas foetus causes abortion in cattle.
Effective drugs are available but treatment is precluded.
Cymbopogon nardus oil kills foetus trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner.
Plant derived material could be used for bovine trichomonosis and other protozoan diseases.Tritrichomonas foetus, a sexually transmitted parasitic protozoan, causes abortion in cattle. Nitroimidazoles, such as metronidazole, treat bovine trichomonosis, but their use is precluded. Plant extracts might have antiparasitic effects. This study aimed to assess Cymbopogon nardus oil activity against T. foetus as an alternative to metronidazole. T. foetus trophozoites were incubated in culture medium containing serial dilutions of C. nardus oil. Cytotoxicity was assessed 24 hours later. C. nardus oil killed T. foetus cells. Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was 0.4 μg/mL. These findings suggest that C. nardus oil could be exploited for discovery and compound isolation of plant derived phytopharmaceuticals for bovine trichomoniasis and other protozoan diseases.
Highlights:
Tritrichomonas foetus causes abortion in cattle.
Effective drugs are available but treatment is precluded.
Cymbopogon nardus oil kills foetus trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner.
Plant derived material could be used for bovine trichomonosis and other protozoan diseases