Efecto del momento de aplicación, utilización de coadyuvantes y volumen de tratamiento en la efectividad de tebufenocida para el control de Cydia Pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

En ensayos realizados en plantaciones de manzanos en 1994 en Hood River, Oregon, se evaluó el porcentaje de daño obtenido cuando se trataron la primera y segunda generación de Cydia pomonella L con tebufenocida (RH 5992). variando tan sólo la fecha del primer tratamiento para la primera generación. Se evaluaron la persistencia, porcentaje de recubrimiento e influencia en la efectividad de tebufenocida dependiendo del volumen de caldo aplicado por hectárea y del coadyuvante utilizado. No se obtuvieron diferencias significativas entre los distintos momentos de aplicación de tebufenocida, ni tampoco entre el tipo de coadyuvante utilizado, pero sí se obtuvieron entre volúmenes. En árboles de tamaño medio, el porcentaje de mortalidad larvaria fue del 60,89r cuando se aplicó tebufenocida a un volumen de 935 1/ha. y del 81,1% cuando se aplicó a un volumen de 3.745 1/ha, porcentaje que no decreció hasta 32 días después del tratamiento. Se obtuvo una buena correlación entre porcentaje de cobertura y porcentaje de mortalidad cuando se trató con 935 1/ha.

Fauna parasitoide de Phyllonorycter spp. en plantaciones de manzano de Lleida

Se ha estudiado en 1992, 1993 y 1996 la fauna parasitaria de Phyllonorycter corylifoliella (Hübner) y de Phyllonorycter mespilella (Hübner) existente en 4 parcelas de manzano situadas en la zona frutícola de Lleida. La incidencia de estas especies fue baja en todas las parcelas estudiadas. La tasa de parasitismo alcanzó valores del 35% cuando la población larvaria de las minadoras estuvo compuesta fundamentalmente por larvas del cuarto y del quinto estadios. En general, se observó una marcada preferencia por las larvas histófagas y una proporción de sexos siempre favorable a los machos. Básicamente, se encontraron las mismas especies en los distintos años y parcelas, aunque su abundancia relativa fue diferente. Las especies más abundantes y frecuentes fueron Sympiesis gordius Walker, Sympiesis sericeicornis Nees, Sympiesis acalle Walker (Eulophidae) y Pholetesor bicolor (Nees) (Braconidae).

Engineered Trx2p industrial yeast strain protects glycolysis and fermentation proteins from oxidative carbonylation during biomass propagation

Background: In the yeast biomass production process, protein carbonylation has severe adverse effects since it diminishes biomass yield and profitability of industrial production plants. However, this significant detriment of yeast performance can be alleviated by increasing thioredoxins levels. Thioredoxins are important antioxidant defenses implicated in many functions in cells, and their primordial functions include scavenging of reactive oxygen species that produce dramatic and irreversible alterations such as protein carbonylation. Results: In this work we have found several proteins specifically protected by yeast Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2p). Bidimensional electrophoresis and carbonylated protein identification from TRX-deficient and TRX-overexpressing cells revealed that glycolysis and fermentation-related proteins are specific targets of Trx2p protection. Indeed, the TRX2 overexpressing strain presented increased activity of the central carbon metabolism enzymes. Interestingly, Trx2p specifically preserved alcohol dehydrogenase I (Adh1p) from carbonylation, decreased oligomer aggregates and increased its enzymatic activity. Conclusions: The identified proteins suggest that the fermentative capacity detriment observed under industrial conditions in T73 wine commercial strain results from the oxidative carbonylation of specific glycolytic and fermentation enzymes. Indeed, increased thioredoxin levels enhance the performance of key fermentation enzymes such as Adh1p, which consequently increases fermentative capacity.

Desenvolvimento de 31 cultivares de marmeleiro enxertadas no porta-enxerto 'Japonês'

Os marmeleiros sempre foram propagados comercialmente através de enraizamento de estacas. Devido à falta de vigor das mudas, principalmente nos primeiros anos após o plantio, uma série de trabalhos foram desenvolvidos no Brasil a fim de viabilizar a utilização do marmeleiro 'Japonês' (Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne) como porta-enxerto para marmelos. Frente à falta de informações, desenvolveu-se este experimento com o objetivo de verificar o desenvolvimento de diferentes cultivares de marmeleiros enxertadas sobre esse porta-enxerto. Os marmeleiros 'Japonês', 'MC', 'Adams', 'Van Deman', 'Provence', 'Cheldow', 'Smyrna', 'Rea's Mamouth', 'De Patras', 'De Vranja', 'Lajeado', 'Champion', 'Mendoza Inta-37', 'Alongado', 'Meech Prolific', 'Bereckzy', 'Alaranjado', 'Kiakami', 'Du Lot', 'Radaelli', 'CTS 207', 'D'Angers', 'Zuquerinetta', 'BA 29', 'Constantinopla', 'Marmelo Pêra', 'Apple', 'Portugal', 'Füller', 'Meliforme' e 'Pineapple' foram enxertados através de garfagem em mudas de 'Japonês', pelo método em fenda cheia. Foram utilizados garfos com três gemas, coletados de plantas-matrizes. As mudas foram mantidas em viveiro, sendo avaliadas, após 60 dias, a porcentagem de garfos brotados. O comprimento e diâmetro médio do enxerto foram avaliados aos 60; 90; 120 e 150 dias após a realização da enxertia. Concluiu-se que os marmeleiros apresentaram boa afinidade com o porta-enxerto 'Japonês'. As cultivares 'Van Deman', 'Japonês', 'Smyrna', 'De Vranja', 'Lajeado', 'Mendoza Inta-37', 'Alongado', 'Meech Prolific', 'Meliforme', 'Cheldow', 'Champion', 'Bereckzy' e 'De Patras' foram as que tiveram o maior vigor na fase de viveiro.

Analysis of vineyard differential management zones and relation to vine development, grape maturity and quality

The objective of research was to analyse the potential of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps from satellite images, yield maps and grapevine fertility and load variables to delineate zones with different wine grape properties for selective harvesting. Two vineyard blocks located in NE Spain (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) were analysed. The NDVI was computed from a Quickbird-2 multi-spectral image at veraison (July 2005). Yield data was acquired by means of a yield monitor during September 2005. Other variables, such as the number of buds, number of shoots, number of wine grape clusters and weight of 100 berries were sampled in a 10 rows × 5 vines pattern and used as input variables, in combination with the NDVI, to define the clusters as alternative to yield maps. Two days prior to the harvesting, grape samples were taken. The analysed variables were probable alcoholic degree, pH of the juice, total acidity, total phenolics, colour, anthocyanins and tannins. The input variables, alone or in combination, were clustered (2 and 3 Clusters) by using the ISODATA algorithm, and an analysis of variance and a multiple rang test were performed. The results show that the zones derived from the NDVI maps are more effective to differentiate grape maturity and quality variables than the zones derived from the yield maps. The inclusion of other grapevine fertility and load variables did not improve the results.

Viticultura de precisión: predicción de cosecha a partir de variables del cultivo e índices de vegetación

El presente trabajo muestra los resultados provisionales de un proyecto de viticultura de precisión, llevado a cabo entre la Universidad de Lleida y la empresa Codorníu, S.A., con el objeto de predecir el rendimiento, de forma localizada, de diferentes variedades de viña para la producción de vinos y cavas de calidad. Las variables de cultivo muestreadas de forma detallada han sido: número de yemas, número de brotes, número de racimos, peso de la poda, vigor del cultivo y cosecha del año anterior (2003). El vigor del cultivo se ha extraído de una imagen multiespectral Quickbird 2. Estas variables se han analizado en un modelo de regresión múltiple con la cosecha del año 2004 (variable dependiente), ofreciendo diferentes ajustes según la variedad considerada y variables incorporadas en el análisis.

Preharvest calcium sprays were not always needed to improve quality of 'gala' apples in Brazil

Calcium sprays have normally improved both the quality and the storage life of apples throughout the world because Ca helps to prevent many fruit disorders and that taken up from the soil does not often reach the fruit in adequate amounts. Since the efficacy of Ca sprays varies according to soil, apple cultivar, and weather conditions, this study was carried out from 1998 to 2004, in the Southern of Brazil, in order to assess the effect of Ca sprays on the quality and storability of 'Gala' fruits. The experiment was set up in an orchard planted in 1988, on a density of 1234 trees/ha. Treatments consisted of 0, 4, 8, and 12 annual sprays of 0.5% CaCl2 regularly distributed 30 days after petal fall until one week before harvest. Fruits of the same size and maturity level were annually analyzed at harvest and after five months of conventional cold storage (-1ºC and 90-95% of RH). In five out of six seasons, fruits from all treatments were free of any physiological disorder, and Ca sprays had no effect on leaf composition and on any fruit attribute (soluble solids, titratable acidity, starch pattern index, flesh firmness, and concentrations of N, K, Ca and Mg). In the season of 2000/2001, however, when yield was 18 t ha-1 and fruits had an average weight of 175 g, the incidence of bitter pit plus lenticel blotch pit on stored fruits was 24% in the treatment with no calcium sprays and it decreased up to 2% in that with 12 sprays. Two seasons later, yield was also low (25 t ha-1) and fruits were large (168 g each), but they did not show any physiological disorder regardless of the number of Ca sprays. It seems that the incidence of Ca related disorders in 'Gala' apples grown on limed soils in Brazil with no excess of any nutrient only occurs on seasons with low crop yield, as a result of large fruits and a high leaf/fruit ratio, associated with some unknown environmental conditions.

Addition of nitrogen had no effect on yield and quality of apples in an high density orchard carrying a dwarf rootstock

The effect of N addition on apple yield and quality may vary according to the tree vigor. Apple trees developed over vigorous rootstocks had shown no response to N application in Brazil. In this study it was evaluated the effect of N addition to the soil on yield and quality of ´Royal Gala´ apples grafted on a dwarf rootstock (M.9). The orchard was planted in 1995 (2,857 trees ha-1) on an Oxisol containing 40 g kg-1 of organic matter and pH 6.0. The experiment was carried out from 1998 up to 2005. Treatments consisted of rates of N (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 year-1 from 1998 to 2001, and respectively 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 afterwards), all broadcasted within the tree row in two equal splits, at bud break and after harvest, as ammonium sulfate. Addition of N to the soil had no effect on fruit yield over the six years regardless of the applied rate. Averaged across treatments and years, fruit yield was 52.3 t ha-1. Nitrogen in the leaves (average of 24 g kg-1) or in the fruits (average of 346 mg kg-1) as well as some attributes related to fruit quality (color, firmness, acidity, soluble solids, physiological disorders) were unaffected by N addition. Some plant parameters related to tree vigor, however, grew higher with the increase on N rate. Thus, it is not necessary to apply N to deep Brazilian soils containing high organic matter in order to assure good fruit quality and yield on high-density orchards carrying dwarf rootstocks probably because the N required for tree growth and fruit production is supplied from soil organic matter decay.

Rentabilidad económica del regadío de los canales de Urgell (Lleida, España)

En este trabajo se presentan resultados de indicadores de eficiencia productiva y económica en el uso del agua de riego en el área regable de los Canales de Urgell (Lleida). Se ha realizado un estudio de costes, ingresos, márgenes brutos y beneficios de los principales cultivos de la zona: trigo, maíz, alfalfa, manzana var. Golden, pera var. Conference y pera var. Blanquilla, todos ellos mediante riego por superficie. La recogida de datos proviene de la realización de entrevistas a 24 agricultores de la zona de estudio. Los resultados muestran que los frutales presentan mayores índices de eficiencia productiva, entre 1,9 y 6,6 kg/m3 de agua aplicada, respecto a los cultivos extensivos, que presentan un índice entre 0,7 y 1,8 kg/m3. En cuanto a los índices de eficiencia económica, también se han obtenido valores más elevados en el caso de los frutales, entre 0,4 y 1,7 €/m3, frente a 0,06 – 0,20 €/m3 en extensivos para el ratio Margen bruto / agua aplicada, y entre 0,3 y 1,3 €/m3 para el ratio Beneficio / agua aplicada en frutales, frente a 0,04 – 0,16 de los extensivos.

Anàlisi de l'activitat enoturística dels cellers de la D.O. Empordà

Anàlisi sobre l’activitat enoturística dels cellers adscrits a la Denominació d’Origen Empordà. Es pretén saber quina és la realitat dels cellers de l’Empordà que pertanyen a aquesta denominació d’origen, en quant al seu nivell i model de desenvolupament en matèria turística

Diagnosis of the nutrient compositional space of fruit crops

Tissue analysis is a useful tool for the nutrient management of fruit orchards. The mineral composition of diagnostic tissues expressed as nutrient concentration on a dry weight basis has long been used to assess the status of 'pure' nutrients. When nutrients are mixed and interact in plant tissues, their proportions or concentrations change relatively to each other as a result of synergism, antagonism, or neutrality, hence producing resonance within the closed space of tissue composition. Ternary diagrams and nutrient ratios are early representations of interacting nutrients in the compositional space. Dual and multiple interactions were integrated by the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) into nutrient indexes and by Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis into centered log ratios (CND-clr). DRIS has some computational flaws such as using a dry matter index that is not a part as well as nutrient products (e.g. NxCa) instead of ratios. DRIS and CND-clr integrate all possible nutrient interactions without defining an ad hoc interactive model. They diagnose D components while D-1 could be diagnosed in the D-compositional Hilbert space. The isometric log ratio (ilr) coordinates overcome these problems using orthonormal binary nutrient partitions instead of dual ratios. In this study, it is presented a nutrient interactive model as well as computation methods for DRIS and CND-clr and CND-ilr coordinates (CND-ilr) using leaf analytical data from an experimental apple orchard in Southwestern Quebec, Canada. It was computed the Aitchison and Mahalanobis distances across ilr coordinates as measures of nutrient imbalance. The effect of changing nutrient concentrations on ilr coordinates are simulated to identify the ones contributing the most to nutrient imbalance.

Polyphenol-rich foods in the Mediterranean diet are associated with better cognitive function in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk

Brain oxidative processes play a major role in age-related cognitive decline, thus consumption of antioxidant-rich foods might help preserve cognition. Our aim was to assess whether consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in the Mediterranean diet relates to cognitive function in the elderly. In asymptomatic subjects at high cardiovascular risk (n = 447; 52% women; age 55-80 y) enrolled in the PREDIMED study, a primary prevention dietary-intervention trial, we assessed food intake and cardiovascular risk profile, determined apolipoprotein E genotype, and used neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive function.We also measured urinary polyphenols as an objective biomarker of intake. Associations between energy-adjusted food consumption, urinary polyphenols, and cognitive scores were assessed by multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Consumption of some foods was independently related to better cognitive function. The specific associations [regression coefficients (95% confidence intervals)] were: total olive oil with immediate verbal memory [0.755 (0.151-1.358)]; virgin olive oil and coffee with delayed verbal memory [0.163 (0.010-0.316) and 0.294 (0.055-0.534), respectively];walnuts with working memory [1.191 (0.061-2.322)]; and wine with Mini-Mental State Examination scores [0.252 (0.006-0.496)]. Urinary polyphenols were associated with better scores in immediate verbal memory [1.208 (0.236-2.180)]. Increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in general and of polyphenols in particular is associated with better cognitive performance in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk. The results reinforce the notion that Mediterranean diet components might counteract age-related cognitive decline.

Concentrations of resveratrol and derivatives in foods and estimation of dietary intake in a Spanish population: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort

Resveratrol has been shown to have beneficial effects on diseases related to oxidant and/or inflammatory processes and extends the lifespan of simple organisms including rodents. The objective of the present study was to estimate the dietary intake of resveratrol and piceid (R&P) present in foods, and to identify the principal dietary sources of these compounds in the Spanish adult population. For this purpose, a food composition database (FCDB) of R&P in Spanish foods was compiled. The study included 40 685 subjects aged 35-64 years from northern and southern regions of Spain who were included in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort. Usual food intake was assessed by personal interviews using a computerised version of a validated diet history method. An FCDB with 160 items was compiled. The estimated median and mean of R&P intake were 100 and 933 mg/d respectively. Approximately, 32% of the population did not consume RΠ The most abundant of the four stilbenes studied was trans-piceid (53·6 %), followed by trans-resveratrol (20·9 %), cis-piceid (19·3 %) and cis-resveratrol (6·2 %). The most important source of R&P was wines (98·4 %) and grape and grape juices (1·6 %), whereas peanuts, pistachios and berries contributed to less than 0·01 %. For this reason the pattern of intake of R&P was similar to the wine pattern. This is the first time that R&P intake has been estimated in a Mediterranean country.

The potential of different fruit species as food for Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Harmonia axyridis was detected for the first time in Brazil in 2002. Since then, it has been recorded from the South to the Midwest of the country. Until now, almost all the registered cases were associated with the presence of aphids, its preferred source of food. Due to the occurrence of this species in areas of fruit growing in the South and Southeast of Brazil, the aim of this study was to analyze the preference and use of three different cultivars of fruit. The tests were set at 25ºC ± 1ºC, RH 70% ± 10%, and in a photophase of 12 h and with apples (Gala and Fuji), grapes (Niágara and Rubi), and pears (Williams and Asian). In the undamaged fruit experiment, the insects did not cause any noticeable damage. In the damaged and undamaged fruit experiment, a higher and statistically significant percentage of H. axyridis adults were found in the three damaged fruits. In the different cultivar experiment the Niágara grape, the Gala apple, and the Williams pear were significantly preferred by H. axyridis adults. These results may help in the management of this insect, preventing damage, which have been observed in other places where H. axyridis was introduced.

Estabelecimento de meio de cultura e quantificação da germinação de grãos de pólen de cultivares de marmeleiros

Visando a dar suporte aos trabalhos de melhoramento genético do marmeleiro (Cydoniaoblonga Mill.), voltados para a seleção de cultivares altamente produtivas, aptas a serem cultivadas em regiões subtropicais e produtoras de doces de qualidade superior, objetivou-se ajustar o meio de cultura básico para a germinação de grãos de pólen de diferentes cultivares dessa espécie e quantificar o número de estames, número de grãos de pólen por antera e por flor. O pólen utilizado foi da cultivar Portugal, obtido de anteras provenientes de flores em estádio de balão. Em seguida, com auxílio de um pincel, os grãos de pólen foram espalhados sobre a superfície de placas de Petri, contendo 20 mL de meio de cultura, de acordo com os seguintes experimentos: 1) concentrações de ágar (4; 6; 8 e 10 g L-1) e valores de pH (3,5; 4,5; 5,5 e 6,5); 2) concentrações de sacarose (0; 30; 60 e 90 g L-1); 3) concentrações de nitrato de cálcio (0; 200; 400 e 800 mg L-1); 4) concentrações de ácido bórico (0; 400; 800 e 1.200 mg L-1); e 5) tempo de emissão do tubo polínico (0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5 e 6 horas após a inoculação), os quais foram montados de forma sequencial. Após, avaliou-se a taxa de germinação dos grãos de pólen das 27 cultivares (Alaranjado, Alongado, Apple, BA29, Bereckzy, Champion, Cheldow, Constantinopla, CTS 207, Dangers, De Patras, De Vranja, Dulot, Fuller, Mendoza INTA 37, Kiakami, Lajeado, Meeck Profilic, Meliforme, Pineapple, Portugal, Provence, Radaelli, Rea's Mamouth, Smyrna, Van Deman e Zuquerineta), além do número de estames, número de grãos de pólen por antera e por flor. Realizando-se as leituras da porcentagem de germinação após cinco horas de incubação, conclui-se que o meio de cultura para a germinação de grãos de pólen do marmeleiro deve ser acrescido de 68 g L-1 de sacarose e 366 mg L-1 de ácido bórico, sendo o pH aferido para 5,8 e o meio solidificado com 10 g L-1 de ágar. Foram constatadas diferenças entre as cultivares quanto à quantidade de grãos de pólen e à capacidade germinativa dos mesmos, que variou de 37,83% a 82,23% entre as cultivares. Os grãos de pólen da cultivar Alaranjado apresentaram maior porcentagem de germinação, além da maior quantidade de grãos de pólen por flor.