Effects of forest management and time on herbaceous species dynamics in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The herbaceous layer is a dynamic layer in a forest ecosystem which often contains the highest species richness in northern temperate forests. Few long-term studies exist in northern hardwood forests with consistent management practices to observe herbaceous species dynamics. The Ford Forest (Michigan Technological University) reached its 50th year of management during the winter of 2008-2009. Herbaceous species were sampled during the summers pre- and post-harvest. Distinct herbaceous communities developed in the 13-cm diameter-limit treatment and the uncut control. After the harvest, the diameter-limit treatments had herbaceous communities more similar to the 13-cm diameter-limit treatment than the uncut control; the herbaceous layer contained more exotic and early successional species. Fifty years of continuous management changed the herbaceous community especially in the diameter-limit treatments. Sites used in the development of habitat classification systems based on the presence and absence of certain herbaceous species can also be used to monitor vegetation change over time. The Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Michigan was developed to aid forest managers in understanding the potential productivity of a stand, and often aid in the development of ecologically-based forest management practices. Subsets of plots used to create the Western Upper Peninsula Guide were resampled after 10 years. During the resampling, both spring and summer vegetation were sampled and earthworm populations were estimated through liquid extraction. Spring sampling observed important spring ephemerals missed during summer sampling. More exotic species were present during the summer 2010 sampling than the summer 2000 sampling. Invasive European earthworms were also observed at all sample locations in all habitat types; earthworm densities increased with increasing habitat richness. To ensure the accuracy of the guide book, plots should be monitored to see how herbaceous communities are changing. These plots also offer unique opportunities to monitor for invasive species and the effects of a changing climate.

The Effect of Heat Treatment of Forages on Degradation Kinetics and Escape Protein Concentration

An in situ study was conducted to evaluate the effects of heat treatments on the degradation kinetics and escape protein concentrations of forages (alfalfa and berseem clover). Alfalfa collected at 4 and 7 weeks post-harvest and berseem clover collected at 5 and 7 weeks postharvest were freeze-dried and then heated to 100, 125, and 150o C for 2 hours. Heat treatment effects were determined by placing two bags of sample (for each treatment, maturity, and forage species for a given incubation times) into the rumen of one fistulated steer fed alfalfa hay. Bags were incubated for periods of 0 to 48 hours. Increasing levels of heat treatments of forages increased concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) and non-degradable protein (NDP), potentially degradable protein proportion (PDP), and protein escaping rumen degradation (PEP) while decreasing water soluble protein (WSP) and the rates of crude protein (CP), except immature berseem clover and cell wall (CW) degradation. PEP was greater and rate of CP degradation was lower at 100 and 150o C compared to 125o C in immature berseem clover.

Duraznos O'Henry : impacto económico por pérdidas de calidad

El durazno O'Henry para consumo en fresco es una variedades apta para la exportación. Consecuentemente se propone un método sencillo para determinar las pérdidas de calidad que impiden obtener mejores precios en los mercados.. Las mismas se relacionan con una mala gestión en todos los niveles: producción, empaque y comercialización, y la deficiente capacitación del personal involucrado. En la temporada 1999/2000 el granizo fue la causa más frecuente en precosecha; sus marcas explican el 70 % de los frutos con falta de calidad. En cambio, el principal factor en cosecha fueron las picaduras de grafolita, dando 80 % de frutos sin calidad exportable. En galpón de empaque, el mal manejo poscosecha -revelado en machucones, marcas de uñas y rajaduras- originó el 30 % de las causas de no calidad; si se le agregan las picaduras de grafolita, el porcentaje se aproxima al 60 %. Ambas causas pueden minimizarse con buena planificación y capacitación. Con simulación económica se detectó -en la precitada temporada- 20 % de pérdida de calidad de una partida lo cual motiva una disminución superior al 13 % en los ingresos. Esta diferencia depende no sólo del peso relativo de las distintas calidades sino también del precio pactado.

Entre puertos, campos y acopios : Trabajo y transporte de granos en torno al Sudeste bonaerense

En este artículo, se analiza el proceso de trabajo en el transporte automotor de granos en torno al sudeste bonaerense. Desde un abordaje cualitativo, se describen y analizan las prácticas durante la cosecha y pos-cosecha, y los trayectos campo-acopio, acopio-puerto. También se analizan las relaciones laborales a partir de una perspectiva ampliada de las relaciones laborales clásicas (asalariadas, estables, protegidas).Los rasgos que asume el trabajo en el transporte de granos están asociados a los cambios técnicos y tecnológicos de la producción de granos, así como a procesos de flexibilización laboral, vinculados a la disponibilidad permanente para fletar, la extensión de la jornada laboral y la intensidad del trabajo camionero

Entre puertos, campos y acopios : Trabajo y transporte de granos en torno al Sudeste bonaerense

En este artículo, se analiza el proceso de trabajo en el transporte automotor de granos en torno al sudeste bonaerense. Desde un abordaje cualitativo, se describen y analizan las prácticas durante la cosecha y pos-cosecha, y los trayectos campo-acopio, acopio-puerto. También se analizan las relaciones laborales a partir de una perspectiva ampliada de las relaciones laborales clásicas (asalariadas, estables, protegidas).Los rasgos que asume el trabajo en el transporte de granos están asociados a los cambios técnicos y tecnológicos de la producción de granos, así como a procesos de flexibilización laboral, vinculados a la disponibilidad permanente para fletar, la extensión de la jornada laboral y la intensidad del trabajo camionero

Entre puertos, campos y acopios : Trabajo y transporte de granos en torno al Sudeste bonaerense

En este artículo, se analiza el proceso de trabajo en el transporte automotor de granos en torno al sudeste bonaerense. Desde un abordaje cualitativo, se describen y analizan las prácticas durante la cosecha y pos-cosecha, y los trayectos campo-acopio, acopio-puerto. También se analizan las relaciones laborales a partir de una perspectiva ampliada de las relaciones laborales clásicas (asalariadas, estables, protegidas).Los rasgos que asume el trabajo en el transporte de granos están asociados a los cambios técnicos y tecnológicos de la producción de granos, así como a procesos de flexibilización laboral, vinculados a la disponibilidad permanente para fletar, la extensión de la jornada laboral y la intensidad del trabajo camionero

Entre puertos, campos y acopios : Trabajo y transporte de granos en torno al Sudeste bonaerense

En este artículo, se analiza el proceso de trabajo en el transporte automotor de granos en torno al sudeste bonaerense. Desde un abordaje cualitativo, se describen y analizan las prácticas durante la cosecha y pos-cosecha, y los trayectos campo-acopio, acopio-puerto. También se analizan las relaciones laborales a partir de una perspectiva ampliada de las relaciones laborales clásicas (asalariadas, estables, protegidas).Los rasgos que asume el trabajo en el transporte de granos están asociados a los cambios técnicos y tecnológicos de la producción de granos, así como a procesos de flexibilización laboral, vinculados a la disponibilidad permanente para fletar, la extensión de la jornada laboral y la intensidad del trabajo camionero

Tomatoes for processing in the 90's: Postharvest handling.

Processing tomato industry has a high potential in Spain. Variety testing and mechanization studies and applications have been performed during the last 15 years. Many factors affect the quality and product losses during post-harvest handling which may be classified as: main or external factors: those related to the systems, procedures and devices; and fruit factors: those related to fruit properties. A research project is being carried on in the area of Vegas del Guadiana (Badajoz, Spain) to study these factors and to estimate costs, and to develop improved post-harvest handling practices.

Physical parameters in relation to physiological changes of avocado during ripening (20ºc) and cold storage (6ºc) in different conditions.

The application of the response of fruits to low energy for mechanical impacts is described, for evaluation of post-harvest ripening of avocadoes of the variety "Hass". An impactor of 50g of weight, provided with an accelerometer, and free-falling from a height of 4 cm, is used; it is interfaced to a computer and uses a special software for retrieving and analyzing the deceleration data. Impact response parameters of individual fruits were compared to firmness of the pulp, measured by the most used method of double-plate puncture, as well as to other physical and physiological parameters: color, skin puncture ethylene production rate and others. Two groups of fruits were carefully selected, stored at 6º C (60 days) and ripened at 20ºC (11 days), and tested during the storage period. It is shown that, as in other types of fruits, impact response can be a good predictor of firmness in avocadoes, obtaining the same accuracy as with destructive firmness measurements. Mathematical and multiple regression models are calculated and compared to measured data, with which a prediction of storage period can be made for these fruits.

Sensing physical stage of fruits by their response to non destructive impacts.

Fruits of two varieties of both apples and pears were tested in the laboratory to measure their response to a small energy impact applied by an impact tester. Samples of fruits of increasing maturity were tested during several weeks. Non-destructive impacts and other destructive and non-destructive measurements of post-harvest ripeness were applied. A new software was created to control the impact test, calculate the eleven parameters, and sort out the fruit. This software needs a data base and may create new ones. The implementation of an on-line impact device for automatic detection of texture is being designed (patent pending).

Neural bruise prediction models for fruit handling and machinery evaluation.

Some neural bruise prediction models have been implemented in the laboratory, for the most traded fruit species and varieties, allowing the prediction of the acceptability or rejectability for damages, with respect to the EC Standards. Different models have been built for both quasi-static (compression) and dynamic (impact) loads covering the whole commercial ripening period of fruits. A simulation process has been developed gathering the information on laboratory bruise models and load sensor calibrations for different electronic devices (IS-100 and DEA-1, for impact and compression loads respectively). Some evaluation methodology has been designed gathering the information on the mechanical properties of fruits and the loading records of electronic devices. The evaluation system allows to determine the current stage of fruit handling process and machinery.

Controlling moisture loss as a tool to reduce bruise susceptibility.

A method to reduce the bruise susceptibility of apples by controlling the moisture loss of the fruit was evaluated. Previous research indicates that reduction of the relative humidity of the storage air leads to an immediate effect on the weight loss and on skin properties and to a lower bruise susceptibility of apples. The diffusion equation is used to determine the waterpotential profile inside the fruit during storage. Characteristics of the waterpotential distribution in the fruit are related to measured bruise volumes. The results indicate how /this model can be used to control bruise susceptibility.

Study of packing lines for stone fruits and citrus using two instrumented spheres in some cooperatives in the region of Murcia (Spain).

Two instrumented spheres IS 100 were used to evaluate the quality of post-harvest operations. Results obtained from measurements made with both IS (8.8 cm 0 and 6.2 cm 0) show significant differences. Both IS measure the same values of the same variables for soft materials, but not for hard surfaces. Four packing lines belonging to different cooperatives of the region of Murcia (two for stone fruits and two for citrus) were tested. IS values obtained in transfers belonging to the tested lines lay well above 50 g's in most of them Much higher impact intensities are registered in citrus lines than in stone fruit packing lines. To study the incidence of a certain packing line on different products an interaction fruit-packing line test was perf01med. In all cases, more than 50% of fruits belonging to the post-handling sample showed some kind of damage. Bruises evolve after 48 hours storage at room temperature.

Quality assurance systems in the production and marketing of fresh peaches.

Due to the fast rate of peach post-harvest ripening, damage due to mechanical handling, externally appreciated as bruises and soft areas, is a real problem that leads to an early harvesting and poor quality of the fruits, as perceived by the consumers. More and more, the European consumer asks for good taste and freshness of fruits and vegetables, and these quality factors are not included in standards, nor in most of the producers' practices. Fruit processing and marketing centres (co-operatives) are increasingly interested in adopting quality controls in their processes. ISO 9000 procedures are being applied in some food areas, primarily milk and meat processors, but no generalised procedures have been developed until the present time to be applied to fresh product processes. All different peach and nectarine varieties that are harvested and handled in Murcia cooperatives and sold in a large supermarket in Madrid were analysed during the whole 1997 season (early May to late August). A total number of 78 samples of 25 fruits (co-operative) or 10 fruits (market), were tested in the laboratory for mechanical, optical, chemical and tasting quality. The variability and relationships between all these quality parameters are presented and discussed, and sampling unit sizes which would be advisable for quality control are calculated.

Testing equipment for the improvement of mechanical devices to minimize damage to fruit in commercial packing lines.

Damages -reduced in fruit packing lines is a major cause of grace reduction and quality loos in fresh marks: fruit. Fruit must be treated gently during in sir handling to improve their qualityin order to get a good price in a competitive market. The correct post-hardvest handling in fruit packing lines is a prerequisite to cut down the heavy post-harvest losses. Fruit packing lines must be evaluated, studying their design, the impacts applied to the fruits, the characteristics of the materials, etc. This study establishes the possibility of carrying out modifications and tests in a packing line during a long period of time. For this purpose, an experimental fruit packing line has been designed and located in the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Polythecnic University of Madrid with the aim of improving mechanical devices and fruit handling conditions to minimize damage to fruit. The experimental line consists of several transporting belts, one rollers transporter, one sizer, one elevator, one singularizer, and three trays to receive the calibrated fruit. The line has a length of 6.15 m and a width cf 1.9 m. Movement of the different components is regulated by electric motors with variable velocity electronically controlled. The height of the transfer points is variable and can be easily modified. The experimental line has been calibrated using two instrumented spheres IS 100 (8.8 cm Ø and6.2cm Ø). Average acceleration values obtained in all the transfers of the experimental line lay under 80 g's, although there is big variation for some of them being some values above 100 g's.