Entomofauna associated with the olive tree in southern Portugal

Since 2004 several studies have been carried out in order to identify the main insect species that usually inhabiting the olive ecosystem. The field trials have taken place in two olive groves, one situated in Olhão and the other one in Loulé, both in Algarve and also under Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The sampling techniques used differ according to their purpose (sticky traps, pheromone traps, pitfall traps and samples of aerial parts of the trees such as inflorescences, leaves, fruits and branches). Results showed that the main insect pests of olive tree in southern Portugal were the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the olive moth Prays oleae Bernard (Lepidoptera: Hyponeumetidae). Other insect pests were also found in our olive groves namely the olive psyllid Euphyllura olivina Costa (Homoptera: Psyllidae), the olive dark beetle Phloeotribus scarabaeoides Bernard (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the mediterranean black scale Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Homoptera: Coccidae) and the olive thrip Liothripes oleae Costa (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae). Concerning the auxiliary insects that were found in our olives groves they belong to the following orders and families: Diptera (Syrphidae), Coleoptera (Carabidae, Coccinelidae and Staphylinidae), Hemiptera (Anthocoridae and Miridae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Formicidae and Trichogrammatidae).

Evolution of matrix and bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid proteins in vertebrates

The evolution of calcified tissues is a defining feature in vertebrate evolution. Investigating the evolution of proteins involved in tissue calcification should help elucidate how calcified tissues have evolved. The purpose of this study was to collect and compare sequences of matrix and bone γ-carboxyglutamic acid proteins (MGP and BGP, respectively) to identify common features and determine the evolutionary relationship between MGP and BGP. Thirteen cDNAs and genes were cloned using standard methods or reconstructed through the use of comparative genomics and data mining. These sequences were compared with available annotated sequences (a total of 48 complete or nearly complete sequences, 28 BGPs and 20 MGPs) have been identified across 32 different species (representing most classes of vertebrates), and evolutionarily conserved features in both MGP and BGP were analyzed using bioinformatic tools and the Tree-Puzzle software. We propose that: 1) MGP and BGP genes originated from two genome duplications that occurred around 500 and 400 million years ago before jawless and jawed fish evolved, respectively; 2) MGP appeared first concomitantly with the emergence of cartilaginous structures, and BGP appeared thereafter along with bony structures; and 3) BGP derives from MGP. We also propose a highly specific pattern definition for the Gla domain of BGP and MGP. Previous Section Next Section BGP1 (bone Gla protein or osteocalcin) and MGP (matrix Gla protein) belong to the growing family of vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins, the members of which are involved in a broad range of biological functions such as skeletogenesis and bone maintenance (BGP and MGP), hemostasis (prothrombin, clotting factors VII, IX, and X, and proteins C, S, and Z), growth control (gas6), and potentially signal transduction (proline-rich Gla proteins 1 and 2). VKD proteins are characterized by the presence of several Gla residues resulting from the post-translational vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylation of specific glutamates, through which they can bind to calcium-containing mineral such as hydroxyapatite. To date, VKD proteins have only been clearly identified in vertebrates (1) although the presence of a γ-glutamyl carboxylase has been reported in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (2) and in marine snails belonging to the genus Conus (3). Gla residues have also been found in neuropeptides from Conus venoms (4), suggesting a wider prevalence of γ-carboxylation.

Evaluation of fruit and seed diversity and characterization of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) cultivars in Algarve region

The genetic diversity of 15 carob ( Ceratonia siliqua L.) cultivars located in an experimental field from Algarve (Portugal) was evaluated over 7 years using 12 fruit and seed phenotypic characters, in order to characterize carob cultivars. The values of morphological traits obtained by cultiv ar were compared with those from other countries of the Mediterranean basin. Statistically significant differences were found between cultivars for al l characters which were examined, what indicates a high genetic diversity. The relationship among these characters was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) resulting in the separation of these cultivars classed in four groups (clusters I–IV) and in four ungrouped cultivars. A three dimension of the model was found to be significant and explained 74.5% of the total variation, in which the first component accounting for 34.6% of the total variation is dominated by fruit characters, while the second component is dominated by seed characters. Cultivars plotted on the left-lower quadrant on the space determined by principal components 1 and 2 are characterized by fruits with high seed yield more appropriated for industrial rentability. The correlation analyses established by cultivar provided a specific understanding about the way how fruit and seed characteristics correlate within each cultivar. This approach can be useful for the development of a breeding programme, aiming to increase the seed yield, seed thickness, individual and total seed weight by fruit, characteristics that are determinant to improve the industrial exploitation of carob.

Effect of N-nutrition and irrigation on carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) fruit production

Carob is a traditional crop in Mediterranean areas. It exhibits drought resistance (Lo Gullo and Salleo 1988. Nunes et al. 1989) and tolerates different edaphic conditions (Martins-Loução and Brito de Carvalho 1990).

Chromatographic analysis and comparison of chemical composition of the samples between olive oils in Europe and some chinese oils

Dissertação de mest., Qualidade em Análises, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Univ. do Algarve, 2013

Gastronomia Algarvia/Dieta Mediterrânica?

The Mediterranean Diet concept was formulated during the sixties, in association with the food consumption pattern of Mediterranean areas that produced olive oil and shared common health styles. These areas, besides their own cultural and religious differences, share common food habits, such as: - The use of olive oil (supplier of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants); - The abundant use of cereals, mainly under the form of excellent quality bread, flour and pasta (providing fibre and energy); - Large and variegate consumption of fruit (fresh and dried), nuts and vegetables (colourful, rich in fibre, antioxidants and other protective materials); - Abundant use of herbs and spices (rich in antioxidants and other protective materials); - Simple culinary methods, using short cooking times and low temperatures (which enhance the preservation of food nutritional and sensorial characteristics). The Mediterranean Diet reflects a set of characteristics that make it internationally recognized as a health promoter eating pattern, where the relation between monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids is highly advantageous for the former, fibre, vitamins and natural antioxidants intake is high, together with a low consumption of animal protein and salt. The obtained results show contents in protein, lipid and carbohydrates very adequate to the “DRI”; The relation between mono and saturated fatty acids (40:9) should be emphasised, together with the high fibre content. Protective nutrients show remarkable results, with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, in particular Vitamin A, complex B vitamins, biotin, vit. E, folic acid, iron, manganese and selenium, that are widely recognised as important antioxidants and responsible for the good function of the immune system. In conclusion, tomato soup, consumed traditionally as a poor meal, shows to be a health promoter nutritionally complete recipe.

Compostagem e caracterização de resíduos vegetais para utilização como substratos hortícolas

O objectivo deste trabalho foi estudar a utilização de 5 compostos de resíduos de origem vegetal, como componentes de substratos hortícolas. Estudaram-se os processos de compostagem de bagaço de azeitona, bagaço de uva, polpa de alfarroba, casca de eucalipto e casca de pinheiro, caracterizaram-se os compostos obtidos e testou-se a sua aptidão agronómica, como substratos para viveiro de tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) em placas alveoladas e cultura de pelargónio (Pelargonium x hortorum) em vaso. Após uma preparação prévia, que em alguns dos resíduos vegetais constou de moenda, suplemento de azoto e aumento do teor de humidade, efectuou-se a sua compostagem em caixas com 1200 L de capacidade, isoladas termicamente, com arejamento por volteio manual. Depois foram analisadas as suas características físicas e químicas e testados na sua aptidão como constituintes únicos de substratos e em misturas com turfa de sphagnum. A maioria dos processos de compostagem apresentou uma evolução habitual da temperatura, com a máxima aproximando-se ou ultrapassando 60 oC. Como excepções, verificou-se um período de compostagem muito longo em bagaço de azeitona; o atraso da fase termofílica em polpa de alfarroba e, na 1ª compostagem de casca de pinheiro, a temperatura não alcançou a zona termofílica. A maioria dos resíduos manifestaram uma acentuada resistência à degradação durante a compostagem, à excepção da polpa de alfarroba e da casca de eucalipto. Contudo, a nível físico-químico e químico registaram-se evoluções acentuadas, sobretudo nas variáveis relacionadas com alterações da superfície das partículas, como por exemplo, a capacidade de troca catiónica. Outras variáveis apresentaram uma evolução interessante para o acompanhamento do processo e o conhecimento do grau de estabilidade do composto final. Foi apreciável o efeito proporcionado pela adição de lamas de estação de tratamento de águas residuais urbanas, como suplemento azotado, a nível das propriedades físicas dos compostos, do aumento da velocidade do processo de compostagem e do enriquecimento dos compostos em macro e micronutrientes. A compostagem não conduziu à melhoria significativa das propriedades físicas dos materiais, excepto em casca de eucalipto. Os compostos caracterizaram-se fundamentalmente por uma reduzida capacidade de retenção de água e uma elevada capacidade de arejamento. Os compostos obtidos com incorporação de lamas apresentaram os valores mais baixos de capacidade de arejamento, mesmo assim dentro dos limites satisfatórios e, os valores mais altos de capacidade de retenção de água. Na cultura em placas alveoladas, o comportamento de muitas das misturas com compostos não se diferenciou do da testemunha, observando-se uma flutuação sazonal do comportamento das misturas nos dois viveiros de cada ano, associada às condições ambientais mais exigentes do ponto de vista da disponibilidade de água. Observou-se um maior número de correlações significativas entre as características dos substratos e as variáveis relativas ao crescimento das plantas nos viveiros efectuados mais tarde, sob condições de maior evapotranspiração. As plantas obtidas no segundo viveiro de tomate foram instaladas em cultura. As características das plantas do viveiro, apresentaram elevada correlação com as respectivas produções obtidas no campo, evidenciando a importância da qualidade das plantas de viveiro, na produção. Nos ensaios de pelargónio em vaso, também se observaram comportamentos idênticos ao da testemunha em muitas das misturas com compostos. Observou-se no 2º ensaio, um maior número de tratamentos com resultados idênticos aos da testemunha, resultante das condições de menor exigência hídrica, as quais fizeram sobressair menos as diferenças de propriedades físicas das misturas. Contudo, a diferença de crescimento obtido em algumas misturas, atribuiu-se também à interferência da continuidade capilar entre o vaso de papel com a estaca enraizada e a mistura em estudo. O trabalho presente mostrou que é possível obter compostos a partir de resíduos orgânicos, com boas características e a preço competitivo para utilização como substratos hortícolas. O processo de compostagem sendo um elemento chave, é fácil de controlar se houver uma regulação eficaz do arejamento e do teor de humidade durante o processo. Apesar de alguns resíduos, como a polpa de alfarroba, serem caros, se tomarmos em consideração o custo da sua eliminação, poderão conduzir a substratos comercialmente viáveis. Em condições ambientais que favoreçam uma maior evapotranspiração ou, em culturas com maior exigência hídrica, pode ser aconselhável a mistura dos compostos estudados com turfa de sphagnum pouco decomposta para melhorar a capacidade de retenção de água.

The effect of alginate-based edible coatings enriched with essential oils constituents on Arbutus unedo L. fresh fruit storage

The effect of coating Arbutus unedo fresh fruit with alginate-based edible coatings enriched with the essential oils compounds (EOC) eugenol (Eug) and citral (Cit) was studied. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against the main postharvest pathogens were determined for Eug and Cit giving values of 0.10 and 0.15 (w/v), respectively. Twelve formulations of edible coatings were used: sodium alginate (AL) was tested at 1 and 2% (w/v) with incorporation of Eug and Cit at MIC and double MIC or their combination at MIC. Arbutus berries were dipped in those solutions for 2 min, and then stored at 0.5 degrees C. Control consisted of uncoated fruit. On days 0, 14 and 28, samples were taken to perform physicochemical and biochemical analysis [color CIE (L*, h degrees), firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), weight Loss, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), microbial growth and taste panels]. Results showed that edible coatings of 1% AL were the best to maintain most quality attributes of the commodity through storage at 0.5 degrees C. The incorporation of Cit and Eug into the alginate edible coatings improved the coatings in most cases, AL 1% + Eug 0.20% and AL 1% + Cit 0.15% + Eug 0.10% being those that better preserved sensory and nutritional attributes and reduced microbial spoilage. Thus, these coatings may be useful for improving postharvest quality and storage life of fresh arbutus fruit. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Socio-economic characterization of olive groves in a region in the south of Portugal

Serpa and Moura region, in the South of Portugal, have important agricultural potential as well as important agricultural resources that can and should be used and developed, in spite of economic and social depression signs reinforced by demographic difficulties that can lead to desertification in some areas. The main farms' Technical-Economic Orientation (TEO) is olives production, to produce olive oil, since this region has excellent conditions for the activity development. Some mobilizations traditionally made in olive groves lead to soil erosion and make the farm vehicles mobility much more difficult, namely those used in cultural operations. The maintenance of a soil cover in the olive grove space between lines is good, both because it favours the vehicles mobility, it promotes the rain water infiltration and, last but not the least, the soil airing. The objective of this work has been to make a socio-economic characterization of a zone of Serpa and Moura Councils in which a project of soil covers under olive trees is being developed. At the same time cultural accounts were made for the different situations under the study - irrigated olive grove with spontaneous vegetation in the space between lines, irrigated olive grove with seeded vegetation in the space between lines, irrigated olive grove with herbicide application in the space between lines, dry olive grove with spontaneous vegetation in the space between lines, dry olive grove with seeded vegetation in the space between lines and dry olive grove with herbicide application in the space between lines. The survey shows farmers in this area are younger then usual, although they don't have a high level of formal education, general or specific in agriculture. Farm areas are usually high, which can be determinant for the proposed technology adoption. Installation and operation costs for the olive grove are higher on the irrigated olive grove, but of course expected productions are also higher. For this production technology profits coming from olives production are higher then the operation costs. However, in the dry olive grove technology costs are always higher then the profits, being profitability only due to subsidies. The importance of soil cover maintenance, in this region, beside the benefits in what concerns erosion, infiltration and soil airing, is also due to its capacity to minimize the risk farmer's face.