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• Polyamines affected the phenolic compounds of caper in callus culture. • Callus formation varied according to different types and doses of polyamines. • Plant regeneration was highest at 1.0 mg/l putrescine application in flower buds. • Rutin was highly affected with 0.5 mg/l putrescine in flower buds. This research investigates the impact of various concentrations and types of polyamines, as well as diverse explant sources including flower buds and fruits, on callus formation, plant regeneration, and phenolic compound content of the medicinally significant caper plant. Different types, concentrations of polyamines were used in MS culture medium. Experimental results showed that polyamine varieties and concentrations increased callus induction and regeneration and affected the accumulation of quercetin and rutin. The highest callus formation was observed in 0.5 mg/l spermine cultures in flower bud explants and 1.0 mg/l putrescine cultures in fruit explants. Plant regeneration was highest at 1.0 mg/l putrescine application in flower buds, 0.5 mg/l spermine and spermidine in fruits and was not seen in either of the control groups. Phytochemical analysis showed higher production of quercetin (flower buds; 1.3 μg/g and fruits; 0.6 μg/g) and rutin (flower buds; 1.9 μg/g and fruits; 0.9 μg/g), in callus cultures in the presence of 0.5 mg/l spermidine, 1.0 mg/l putrescine, 0.5 mg/l putrescine, 0.5 mg/l spermidine, respectively. This study reveals that polyamines can be effectively used for the enhancement of callus formation, plant regeneration and secondary metabolites in the callus culture of highly medicinal plant, caper. Hence, these discoveries have the potential to be applied in the industrial-scale cultivation of caper plants and the production of pharmacologically active metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic injury is a common presentation of chronic alcohol intake. Alcohol liver diseases lead to a spectrum of diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Currently, no ideal treatment is available for this condition. Natural products and their derivatives are considered promising hepatoprotective agents. Mushrooms are considered a delicacy and rich source of bioactive compounds. Hence, we examined the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous ethanolic extracts of an edible mushroom, Hypsizygus ulmarius and its cultured mycelia. Hepatic damages were induced by oral administration of ethanol (36%, 2 mL/ 100 g body weight) for 30 days. Silymarin (100 mg/Kg body weight) was used as a standard reference drug. Administration of ethanol significantly elevated serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with the bioactive extracts of fruiting bodies and cultured mycelia significantly down-regulated activities of liver injury maker enzymes and elevated activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in hepatic tissue. Histopathological observations of hepatic tissue, such as reduction in centrilobular necrosis, fatty infiltration and lymphocytic infiltration, also supported the protective effect of the extracts. The results thus indicated that bioactive extracts of H. ulmarius and its mycelia possessed a significant protective effect against alcohol-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. The findings suggested the potential therapeutic use of this edible mushroom for ameliorating alcohol-induced liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an apple fruit cell culture biomass as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and intended as an ingredient for food supplements in adults. The cells have been sourced from the callus grown on a piece of apple placed on a solid medium under sterile conditions. The de‐differentiated apple cells are then cultivated in liquid medium. The medium contains sucrose, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and the two synthetic plant hormone analogues, benzylaminopurine (< 0.1 mg/kg) and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (< 0.25 mg/kg). These plant hormones are regulated under the EU pesticide legislation and their residue levels in the NF are in compliance with the EU maximum residue levels. The main components of the NF are carbohydrates (including sugars and non‐digestible carbohydrates), ash, proteins and smaller amounts of fatty acids and organic acids. Except for the amount of total fat and the organic acids (succinic and l‐malic acid), the quantities of the compositional parameters of the NF and apple have little in common. The Panel considers that a provided subchronic toxicity study was not needed to establish the safety of this NF, when taking into account the source of the NF, i.e. apples, the production process, the low intended use level and the composition of the NF, despite the noted differences to apple. The Panel considers that the NF contains proteins, which were not detected in apple and which may be allergenic. The Panel concludes that the NF, an apple fruit cell culture biomass, is safe under the proposed conditions of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea, a causal agent of gray mold disease, is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens that leads to substantial global economic crop losses, especially for tomato plants. The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of two microbial culture filtrates (BCA filtrate alone and combined with salicylic acid) of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Pseudomonas sp. against the phytopathogenic fungus B. cinerea on tomato plants. The biochemical modifications, gray mold disease incidence, and fruit quality parameters of the tomatoes were determined according to tested treatments. The results showed that both fungi and bacteria were able to solubilize phosphate and produce IAA and HCN. T. longibrachiatum could produce hydrolytic enzymes (chitinase, protease, and glucanase). Otherwise, Pseudomonas sp. showed the capacity to produce catalase and amylase enzymes. Both microbial culture filtrates inhibited the hyphae growth of B. cinerea. The biocontrol efficacy, in vitro, was significant: up to 50% in terms of the growth inhibition rate at a concentration of 40%. The tomato seedlings' growth was promoted by the separate preventive treatments of each micro-organism culture filtrate. In addition, disease severity in the tomato seedlings and fruit was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the combined treatment of tomato fruit with culture filtrates and salicylic acid induced significant biochemical and physiological changes in fruit firmness, juice yield, total protein, and ROS enzyme activities. The culture filtrates of T. longibrachiatum and Pseudomonas sp. can be recommended as an effective microbial biofungicide to control gray mold disease under storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate is one of the popular fruits in Asian culture. Pomegranate has many pharmaceutical applications in folklore medicine. In the present study, the extract of the dried peel of pomegranate was used as a reducing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Various chemical methods such as FE‐SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR were used to characterize AgNPs. The results of XRD showed 45.55 nm for the crystal size of AgNPs. A spherical morphology was confirmed for the nanoparticles using FE‐SEM images with an average size of 63.15 nm the nanoparticles. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with AgNPs were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti‐human esophageal cancer properties on normal (HUVEC) and esophageal cancer cell lines i. e. KYSE‐30, KYSE‐50, KYSE‐70, KYSE‐110, KYSE‐270, OE33, ESO26 and FLO‐1. The IC50s of AgNPs were 487, 500, 435, 461, 285, 338, 253 and 288 μg/mL against KYSE‐30, KYSE‐50, KYSE‐70, KYSE‐110, KYSE‐270, OE33, ESO26 and FLO‐1 cell lines, respectively. The viability of malignant esophageal cell lines reduced dose‐dependently in the presence of AgNPs. It seems that the anti‐human esophageal cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based media have recently been of interest as potential natural media for microbial culture. This study was conducted to apply inexpensive and available fruits to culture Bacillus antagonizing three fungal phytopathogens including Phytophthora capsici GTC 2.6.1, Rhizoctonia solani GTC 2.7.1, and Sclerotium rolfsii GTC 2.9.1. The results showed that the juice media of dragon fruit, Cavendish banana, watermelon, pineapple, and MT1 seedless guava could all be used to culture two screened antagonistic Bacillus strains including B08 and B18. Surveys on the media from watermelon juice indicated that juice concentration (based on mass of fruit pulp), initial pH, concentration of traditional medium added to the juice medium had different effects on the growth of two strains of Bacillus sp. B08 and B18. These preliminary results demonstrated the potential application of the juice in biomass production of antagonistic Bacillus strains. This approach is certainly safe for the environment and has the potential to improve fruit consumption and reduce the cost of microbial fertilizer production, so it needs more research attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth characteristics of P. peltatum suspension cell culture and the accumulation dynamics of phenolic compounds at different stages of cultivation were studied to assess the possibility of obtaining podophyllotoxin required to produce etoposide. It was shown that the biomass of fruit culture increased daily by 25%; of leaf bud, 23%; and of root, 13%. The biomasses of fruit and leaf bud cultures doubled in 3 d; of root culture, in 5 d. Cells obtained from fruit, buds, and roots used 18, 24, and 22% of the substrate for biomass formation and 82, 76, and 78%, respectively, for respiration. The initial acidity of the liquid nutrient medium was 5.58 ± 0.05. The pH of the suspension culture decreased by 5 d to 3.51 – 4.13, then rose and reached approximately the acidity values of the pure growth medium without inoculum in the bud, fruit, and root cultures by 20, 25, and 40 d, respectively. Then, the pH increased in suspension cultures of bud and fruit and decreased in suspension culture of root. Flavonoid and gallic acid derivatives were identified in all extracts. It was shown that a 10 – 15-day cell culture of P. peltatum obtained at the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants could be considered an alternative source of podophyllotoxin and a source of a complex extract of phenolic compounds with antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mepanipyrim could cause retinal impairment of larvae. • Mepanipyrim could induce vision-guided behavioral alteration. • Mepanipyrim could affect the phototransduction cascade. • Grk1b gene was found as a potential AhR-regulated gene. • Mepanipyrim-induced visual developmental toxicity was related to the AhR signaling pathway. Mepanipyrim, an anilinopyrimidine fungicide, has been extensively used to prevent fungal diseases in fruit culture. Currently, research on mepanipyrim-induced toxicity in organisms is still very scarce, especially visual developmental toxicity. Here, zebrafish larvae were employed to investigate mepanipyrim-induced visual developmental toxicity. Intense light and monochromatic light stimuli-evoked escape experiments were used to investigate vision-guided behaviors. Meanwhile, transcriptomic sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR assays were applied to assess the potential mechanisms of mepanipyrim-induced visual developmental toxicity and vision-guided behavioral alteration. Our results showed that mepanipyrim exposure could induce retinal impairment and vision-guided behavioral alteration in larval zebrafish. In addition, the grk1b gene of the phototransduction signaling pathway was found to be a potential aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated gene. Mepanipyrim-induced visual developmental toxicity was potentially related to the AhR signaling pathway. Furthermore, mepanipyrim-induced behavioral alteration was guided by the visual function, and the effects of mepanipyrim on long and middle wavelength light-sensitive opsins may be the main cause of vision-guided behavioral alteration. Our results provide insights into understanding the relationship between visual development and vision-guided behaviors induced by mepanipyrim exposure. Graphical Abstract [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the compilation activities carried out by the Türk Dil Kurumu between 1930-1960, a 12 volume Derleme Sözlüğü was formed. With the Derleme Sözlüğü study, a rich vocabulary covering all areas of life in the daily spoken language of the people living in Anatolia has emerged. Fruit names also have a large place in this vocabulary. The people in Anatolia used certain criteria when naming these fruits, which they use in their daily speech. These criteria are consupmtion, color, shape and maturation period of fruits. In the introduction part of the study, the place of fruits in Turkish culture is mentioned. Later fruit names; It is classified under the headings according to its shape, color, consumption and maturation period. In the fruit names Eski Uygur Türkçesi Sözlüğü, Tarihi ve Etimolojik Türkiye Türkçesi Lugatı, Dede Korkut, Divanu Lûgat-it Türk, Türk Dilinin Etimoloji Sözlüğü, Çağdaş Türkçenin Etimoloji Sözlüğü, Güncel Türkçe Sözlük, Kutadgu Bilig, Abuşka Lûgatı, An Etymological Dictionary of Pre-Thirtenth-Century Turkish, Osmanlıca-Türkçe Ansiklopedik Lûgat It has also been determined whether they exist in works such as existing words are written with their meanings, while missing words are shown whith a (-) sign. In the study, it is aimed to show the rich vocabulary about fruits and fruit nomenclature in Turkish Culture and Derleme Sözlüğü and to contribute to the studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many pepper cultivars can be raised under artificial lighting in a plant factory. An easily measured parameter is needed to fast predict fruit loading in pepper cultivars. In this study, four pepper cultivars with contrasting manners in growth and fruiting were cultured under three light-emitting diode (LED) spectra in comparison with a sunlight control. It was found that the red-light spectrum (71.7% red-, 13.7% green-, 14.6% blue-lights) increased over 40% of dry mass in fruits, while the green-light spectrum (26.2% red-, 56.4% green-, 17.4% blue-lights) induced no fruiting compared to the control. Only two cultivars responded by fine root morphology, which was characterized as smaller surface-area and fewer tip-number in the blue-light spectrum (7.8% red-, 33.7% green-, 48.5% blue-lights) than in red LED light. Tip-number showed a negative correlation with fruit dry-mass in three cultivars, while fine root diameter increased with dry mass in fruits. In conclusion, fine root tip-number can be used as a predictor of fruit dry-mass in pepper cultivars high in fruit quality or yield. The red-colour light was recommended for raising pepper cultivars in a plant factory with the purpose of greater fruit productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the previous years characterized by summer-drought, black canker disease of apple and pear has become a problem in different parts of Germany. The aim of the current work was therefore to develop basic techniques for isolation of the inciting pathogens from apple trees and their characterization in the laboratory. The experiments included the standard isolation of putative pathogens by placing symptomatic tissue on agar media as well as a method described in the literature as „apple test". For the latter, symptomatic bark pieces are inserted into apple fruits and colonization of the apple tissue is visible as rotting spots. Candidate pathogens can be easily isolated from the colonized apple tissue. After placement of tissue from the trunk of the top of an apple tree expressing wilt symptoms, Trametes versicolor, Diaporthe eres and Diplodia seriata (one of several agents known to cause black canker disease) were isolated. Together with Diplodia malorum, the latter species was also obtained after placement of symptomatic bark pieces on potato dextrose agar. Insertion of diseased bark into apple fruits led to the isolation of further isolates of D. malorum, three isolates of Diplodia bulgarica, Lambertella corni-maris, Penicillium sp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. After inoculation with pure cultures into apple fruits, the latter three, all Diplodia-isolates and Diaporthe eres were pathogenic and caused fruit rots. The Diplodia isolates were further characterised regarding speed of hyphal growth and spore morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted‐wing vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) is currently one of the most serious, invasive pest of berry crops worldwide. Most drosophilids are known to be attracted to fermentation volatiles produced by fruit epiphytic yeasts. Therefore, vinegar and wine baits are widely used in field trapping. However, these traps are not selective for spotted‐wing drosophila. We wished to exploit the previously discovered tight‐knit relationship between this vinegar fly and a fruit‐colonizing yeast, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and utilize this in the design of a selective lure. Field trapping experiments were carried out in a commercial cherry orchard to evaluate the attractiveness of bottle traps baited with liquid culture of four epiphytic yeast species on stone fruits and soft‐skinned fruits: H. uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia terricola and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as the mixed culture of the first two species. We also completed experiments using apple juice inoculated with H. uvarum. We compared the attractivity of yeast culture baits for D. suzukii and other drosophilids with that of apple cider vinegar. To explore the relationship between lure volatile emission and trap efficiency, solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) was used to measure the headspace of the freshly prepared and 3‐day‐old lures collected from the field. Headspace samples were analysed for their volatilome with gas chromatography coupled mass spectroscopy. The H. uvarum‐containing lures were more specific for D. suzukii than other yeast tested, and the attractivity was significantly higher if it was inoculated in apple juice. H. uvarum‐fermented apple juice lures were more specific for female D. suzukii than the traditional apple cider vinegar lures. Winter‐morph females showed an altered preference for yeast volatiles in the absence of fruit substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular laccase isozyme (FvLcc3) from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes was found to be undetectable under the culture condition for fruiting body formation. FvLcc3 was purified and determined to be an approximately 53-kDa monomeric protein. FvLcc3 showed the highest catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) toward 2,2-azino-bis )3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) followed by 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and guaiacol and did not oxidize 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique has been applied to effectively map alternative agriculture zones. • In this context, six factors with fifteen parameters are utilized to identify potential alternative agricultural zones. • Seven different alternative agricultural zones have been recognized, including plantation agriculture, integrated farming, fruit culture, folk rice culture, medicinal plant farming, mixed farming and horticulture. • The outcome, with a Kappa coefficient (k) of 95.34 and an overall accuracy of 96%, indicates a reasonably precise delineation of alternative agricultural zones. • The proposed method is found reasonably useful in drought-prone areas for alternative agricultural modeling. Delineation of potential alternative agriculture region is an essential tactics of the drought prone to mitigate the harmful effect of drought for maintaining food security and sustainable economy. These alternatives can be integrated into existing cropping systems for providing additional income to farmers. The present study deals with site suitability analysis of alternative agriculture in the drought-prone upper Dwarakeswer river basin considering 15 parameters using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The alternative agriculture zones are then delineated on the basis of 15 separate thematic layers such as Slope, landuse and landcover, soil depth, ground water, distance from roads, soil texture, distance from settlements, ruggedness index, drainage density, soil drainage, proximity to ponds, distance from vegetation, distance from streams, nitrogen and organic carbon. Finally, seven alternative agricultural zones are identified; these are plantation agriculture, integrated farming, fruit culture, folk rice culture, medicinal plant farming, mixed farming and horticulture covering an area of 96 km2, 234 km2, 295 km2, 341 km2, 298 km2, 199 km2 and 74 km2 respectively. This is also to note that the 'Not Suitable Zone' has been identified accounting 397 km2 area and covering 20.5% of total study area. A total of 350 alternative agricultural sites are identified for validation purpose and the computed kappa coefficient (k) of 95.34 denote a overall accuracy of 96%. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit growing in Brazil enhances regional development, as it generates income and absorbs local labor. The Brazilian Northeast presents ideal edaphoclimatic conditions for the development of several fruit trees, mainly in irrigated areas. The objective was to analyze the educational level and the relationship between the wages of men and women employed in the fruit sector, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The selected crops were those of coconut, mango and grape, between the years 2001 to 2018; literacy rate and level of education in Brazil and the northeast region, the relationship between male and female genders, percentage of women in formal jobs in the years 2004 to 2015 and average monthly income in Brazil and the Northeast region and male and female genders in the years 2012 to 2015. There was a reduction in the area cultivated with coconut, however there was no increase in the area for mango and grape crops. Regarding the harvested area, the coconut crop showed a larger cultivated area, however, this area has been gradually reduced. In mango and grape crops, no variations were detected in the harvested areas. As for the average production, the grape crop has higher productivity. In the percentage of formal jobs, literacy and level of education of women, both nationally and regionally, there was a linear growth and higher than those of men. It is concluded that between men and women in the Northeast region, the salary difference was R$ 354.00, even with women with a higher educational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the contamination rate and improve the propagation efficiency during the Aitinidia chinensis tissue rapid propagation, the young stem segments of Aitinidia chinensis were used as explants, using the two-step culture method. The response surface design software had been used to optimize the condition or influencing factor for callus inducing and its differentiation in this experiment. The condition was designed at three levels for the concentration of NAA and 6-BA, and hypotonic treatment time, respectively. Meanwhile, the origin of callus and the way of seedling formation were determined by tissue section. The results were as follows:(1)The periderm of young stem was removed using tweezers under aseptic conditions can reduce the contamination rate, and the stems without periderm were treated with 200-400 mg·L-1 PVP to prevent stem browning.(2)The optimum condition for callus induction was 28.3 h for hypotonic treatment time, NAA and 6-BA concentration was 4.45 mg·L-1 and 0.28 mg·L-1, respectively. On the other hand, the optimum condition for callus differentiation or seedling formation was 26.4 h for hypotonic treatment time, NAA and 6-BA concentration was 4.84 mg·L-1 and 0.42 mg·L-1, respectively. That suggested that the formation of callus induction required a longer hypotonic treatment time and a higher content of auxin, and a higher content of auxin and kinetin and shorter hypotonic treatment time was required for plantlets inducing.(3)Furthermore, the slice observation during culture indicated that the inducing callus would be derived from division of cambium stem cell and the plantlets would be originated from embryoid development. To sum up, lower contaminated rate, higher propagation coefficient and somatic embryogenesis which had been obtained in this experiment would be based the foundation for the stable propagation system for kiwi fruit industrial culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems of cities and regions correspond to a scale of analysis that allows the understanding of demographic and functional processes of territories. This article seeks to understand the trajectories and speeds experienced by cities in the regional system of cities of the Maule Region of Chile in demographic and employment terms, which has had a high but differentiated dynamism in primary activities. The results express that the city of Curicó shows accelerated growth rhythms, explained by a "boom" of fruit-culture linked to the primary sector. The city of Talca, on the other hand, despite being the regional capital, shows a lesser dynamic, while Linares, would be lagging behind and with a noticeable lethargy. Additionally, there is a set of small and medium cities that are showing accelerated dynamics due to primary activities or due to their proximity to larger cities. All these dynamics are framed in a process of coevolution and outsourcing of employment towards branches with low added value in services. These elements are relevant for questioning the sustainability of the prevailing development model and contribute to the diagnosis for the implementation of territorial public policies, given the new attributions that regional governments will have in the Chilean political-administrative framework which will take effect soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering new strains with useful industrial and pharmaceutical capabilities and avoiding the import of microbial strains from three economic perspectives, passive defense and conservation of the country's microbial genetic resources are of great importance. The presence and activity of appropriate microbes is an essential factor in the success of fermentation processes. Fermented foods and beverages are among the most important and best natural sources for discovering useful strains. In this study, samples of traditional date vinegar were obtained from Kerman market and their physicochemical (pH, acidity, total soluble solid, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity) and rheological properties (consistency coefficient and flow behavior index) were investigated, also their microbial population were assessed by molecular methods (ARDRA and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) for the presence of acetic acid bacteria. The result of this study was to identify two species of acetic acid bacteria, namely Acetobacter pasteurianus and Komagataeibacter europaeus. In addition, Lactobacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp. and Staphylococcus epidermidis were detected in vinegar samples. On the other hand, vinegar sample were different in terms of microbial load and the type of available microbes. Date cultivar, production method and vinegar age are the possible causes of this variations. Finally, the application of acetic acid bacteria identified in this study as starter culture for fruit vinegar production is suggested. These bacteria were stored with FCC-10971 and FCC-10973 codes in the Food Culture Collection of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman and can be ordered by other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the non-compliance with preventive measures of contagion of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, by residents in the municipality of Tabatinga, in the interior of the state of Amazonas. The results show that, taking into account the different existing factors, the social and cultural behavior rooted in the people who live and transit here, fruit of the local culture, may be responsible for the lack of respect for the rules and determinations of the authorities. In addition, the free movement of people between the border cities of Santa Rosa (Peru) and Leticia (Colombia) coupled with an inefficient inspection contribute to the worsening of the problem. As a result, the social isolation measures proposed by federal, state and municipal decrees have had low effectiveness in the city of Tabatinga - AM, since the population maintained the habit of moving freely through the city even at prohibited times and places, causing agglomerations and contributing to the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the city. Therefore, the understanding about the social behavior of citizens living in the city of Tabatinga becomes important so that the public power can take effective measures that effectively contribute to retaining the number of infected people, avoiding overcrowding in the public health network, in particular. the beds of the Intensive Care Units - ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of passion fruit occupies an important place in Brazilian fruit culture; however, there have been successive declines in production. The main cause of this retraction in production is an increase in the incidence of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus. This virus can cause severe deformation of the fruit and make passion fruit production inviable. Due to a lack of cultivars resistant to this virus, the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro passion fruit breeding program has sought to develop resistant cultivars. The objective of this work was to evaluate the resistance to CABMV of a passion fruit second generation backcross (BC2) segregating population via the REML/BLUP procedure aiming at selecting resistant genotypes with agronomic characteristics to start a recurrent selection program and possibly produce a new passion fruit cultivar. Virus resistance was measured by the average area under the disease progress curve using a score scale, evaluating the percentage of symptoms in the plant and young leaves. The total fruit mass produced per plant was used to assess fruit production. Based on this information, the components of variance and genetic value were estimated via REML/BLUP. The highest values estimated for genetic parameters, for the two characteristics evaluated, were based on the average of each family. The BC2 - 17 family showed the best additive genetic gain concerning resistance to CABMV and the worst for fruit production. The BC2 - 293 family, had the highest estimated value of genetic gain for fruit production. The genetic variability found in the BC2 segregating population allows us to select superior genotypes. Twenty-nine genotypes were selected to start the recurrent selection program aimed at resistance to CABMV. The - Two genotypes (BC2 - 89 and BC2 - 323) showed potential to be launched as CABMV resistant passion fruit cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for alternatives to cultivate fruit species is becoming increasingly opportune in order to reduce costs using materials that provide nutritional conditions for their growth. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the production of seedlings in substrates based on carnauba bagana and rice husk in different proportions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse between December 2018 and February 2019 with 70% light control. It was adopted a completely randomized design (DIC), containing 6 replications, distributed in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, referring to two substrates and three proportions 0%, 50% and 100% plus soil for the respective substrates, with 6 treatments, totaling 180 experimental seedlings. At 60 days, the following variables were analyzed: number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root volume, fresh mass of shoot and root system, dry mass of shoot and root system and quality of life index. Dickson Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability level. The best results were obtained under the control and the use of carnauba bagana in 50% interaction. Therefore, the production of tamarind seedlings is viable in soil and carnauba bagana substrate under the proportion 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are coefficients that improve the water requirement of the plant in order to properly manage irrigation. In this context, this work aimed to verify the citrus water consumption estimated by different evapotranspiration reduction coefficient methodologies. The study was carried out in a commercial citrus (orange and tangerine) property in Itaberaí- GO, in 7x4 m spacing, with different ages. The evapotranspiration reduction coefficient (Kr) was estimated by seven different methodologies. The difference in water volume to be applied, estimated by different methodologies, varied up to 28% in fourteen year old orange plants, 30% in eleven year old orange plants, 31% in nine year old orange plants, 36% in nine-year-old tangerine plants, 47% in three-year orange plants and 92% in one-year orange plants. Depending on the reduction coefficient applied in irrigation management 14-year-old orange plants require between 96 and 124 L.day-1 of water, 11-year-old plants consume from 93 to 133 L.day-1, 9 years between 63 and 98 L.day-1 and 3 years 52 to 85 L.day-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the results and conclusions obtained from vineyard zoning in Mendoza by using three vegetation indexes (NDVI, EVI and SAVI). Such indexes were calculated from spectral signals received by the Sentinel-2A satellite in the days close to the 2017 harvest. With this information, maps from the plot of land with the zoning given by each index were obtained. Based on the NDVI zoning, a stratified sampling was carried out. On each stratum, 14 plants were marked and the production variables total weight of grape per plant, number of grape bunchs per plant and the weight of 50 berries were measured. The results showed that NDVI and SAVI led to similar classifications in terms of vineyard zones (strata), while EVI captures high vigor levels with less sensitivity. There was a correspondence between the production variables and the strata of high, medium and low vigor. The three indexes clearly showed two different vineyard areas in terms of production. Consequently, these indexes may contribute to rationalize viticulture practices, adjusting the intensity of such practices to the characteristics and needs of each of these vineyard areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of a modern fruit culture in developing countries requests an accurate evaluation of the preexisting germplasm and its health status. This to prevent the possibility to introduce new germplasm which can be easily prey of the endemic diseases carried by asymptomatic host plants. Therefore, after the identification of cases of citrus plants affected by Tristeza virus, a survey of the germplasm cultivated in the Nangarhar valley and some nearby regions was run. The survey was focused on the identification of the main Citrus species widely cultivated using barcoding analysis of conserved sequences located in the plastid DNA. The sequence of matK and rbcl genes did not show any discriminatory ability while the analysis of the the non-coding psbA-trnH intergenic spacer (psbA-trnH) showed a robust single nucleotide polymorphism (sNP) discriminating C. aurantium from C. sinensis in all analysed samples. These non-coding regions have no known function; thus, much of the variation may result from the spread of mutations unconstrained by selection. Because nucleotide variation in the psbA-trnH spacer region is high, mutational hot spots maybe useful to detect species-level variations. According to our study, the afghan citrus germplasm belong to the C. aurantium species which is commonly used in citrus culture as a rootstock. In Afghanistan it is widely cultivated for fresh consumption, without topworking with selected varieties and this may be the reason why symptoms are often mild and cultivation can be anyhow carried on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assortment of ready-to-eat extruded products and the chemical composition of their ingredients according to the complex of basic and biologically active substances have been analyzed. The feasibility of developing new formulations of extruded breakfast cereals using non-traditional nut-bearing raw materials by means of adjusting the composition and types of leguminous and fruit components has been substantiated. The technology of multicomponent breakfast cereals based on wild nutbearing raw materials of Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine, as well as cultivated types of plant crops, has been developed. The process of extrusion is improved through the use of CO2 with partial extraction of the lipid components of the raw materials. The composition of the six introduced formulations of breakfast cereals is substantiated by predictive forecasting of biological activity and preservation ability of the main food components after technological processing and storage of the extrudates. An increased nutritional value and a decrease in amino acids limiting the biological value of their proteins in formulations with leguminous, nutbearing and fruit-grain components are established (formulations 1–3 − reduction in lysine deficiency by 18–26%, for methionine and cystine by 12–21%; formulations 4–6 − for lysine by 22–29%, leucine and valine by 17–36%). The absence of toxic effects and the increase in the integral biological activity of the Stylonichia mytilus test-culture in terms of its survivability by 18–31% for the developed formulations, compared with traditional extrudates, are shown. The antioxidant activity of the samples, determined volumetrically by the intensity of the isopropylbenzene oxidation, made it possible to establish the oxidation induction period and the concentration of antioxidants. According to the obtained results, the guaranteed shelf life of the developed types of dry breakfast cereals that meet safety requirements can be prolonged by 24–39% compared with the control, and the introduction of secondary raw materials to the formulations can improve technical-and-economic indicators. The nutritional and biological value, organoleptic and structural-mechanical properties, as well as the biological activity of the products developed, allow to recommend introducing them into production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst. has been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of dyspepsia, cancer, and diabetes. Numerous studies have confirmed the antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and cytotoxic biological activities of extracts from this species. The purpose of this study was a comparative analysis of the antioxidant and the antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts from fruit and liquid-cultured mycelia. Four compounds (N-butylbenzenesulfonamide, lauramidopropyl betaine, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and uplandicine), determined by hybrid HRMS, were found only in mycelia culture extracts. Free radical scavenging, measured by DPPH assay on methanol extracts, showed an activity of about 17.2% and 22.1% of Trolox in fruiting bodies and mycelia, respectively. The I. hispidus methanol extracts from fruit and mycelia culture were found to have varying degrees of antibacterial and antifungal effects against the pathogenic microorganisms tested (minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.17 to 2.56 μg mL−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous use of copper-based fungicides in viticulture to contrast fungal diseases may result into an accumulation of Cu in the topsoil, reaching toxicity levels for plants and soil biota. A possible strategy to mitigate the negative effects of excess of Cu could involve the formation of insoluble molecules by the application of P to the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness P soil application as a strategy to alleviate the toxic effect of excess of Cu on potted grapevines plants, with particular emphasis on the physiological response of plants. Micropropagated plants of 1103 Paulsen rootstock were grown according to a factorial experimental design with two factors: Cu (4 levels: 0, 100, 200, 300 mg kg −1  dw) and P (2 levels: 0 and 100 mg kg −1  dw) and three replicates. Net photosynthesis, efficiency of PSII photochemistry and linear electron transport rate decreased as soil Cu concentration increased. The addition of P increased net photosynthesis, improved the efficiency of PSII photochemistry and linear electron transport rate, but decreased stomatal conductance. As a consequence, shoot and root biomass declined with the increase of Cu concentration in soil, while the increment of P tackled this decline and improved nutritional status. CuEDTA extractable fraction in soil was increased by both the supply of Cu and P; this because the addition of P in combination with the highest Cu soil concentration determined a decrease of soil pH. In conclusion, the addition of P to the soil mitigated Cu excess toxicity symptoms in grape through a preservation of photosynthetic apparatus efficiency and an improvement of nutrient uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly species in Oman were investigated via sampling of fruits from cultivated and wild plants and hanging traps. A total of 13 species of tephritids were identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Three unidentified species could be new to science. Moreover, 2-3 species of braconid parasitoids and one figitid species, mostly associated with fruit fly infested Ziziphus fruits, were collected. A new lure for female fruit flies, consisting of a combination of urea and watermelon seeds, exhibited effectiveness on par with commercial lures such as torula yeast and Ceratrap. In terms of physical barriers, row covers significantly reduced zucchini fruit damage even when applied as a wall around the planting line. An experiment, involving combining growing melon in the greenhouse with a honeybee hive for flower pollination, proved successful in producing a large number of undamaged fruits. In terms of biological control, we managed to set up a system for rearing of major pestiferous fruit fly species and their parasitoids. We currently have two active cultures of Bactrocera zonata and B. dorsalis, and one active culture of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (DL), a braconid parasitoid imported from Kenya. We hope in the future to produce large numbers of DL wasps for augmentative release in Oman. Fruit fly cultures have served as stock for testing plant extracts as repellents against female B. zonata and B. dorsalis and for testing Beauveria bassiana formulations for control of adults and larvae of B. zonata. Studies of Fruit fly population dynamics and height of flight have shown that yellow sticky traps, set at different heights from 0.5 to 3.5 m, captured significantly more males than females. Additionally, most fruit flies were captured at 2m and lower. The population of male B. dorsalis in ME traps was highest from April to June, and lowest from November to January. Conversely, the population of male B. zonata in ME traps peaked from September to December, and dropped to its lowest levels from April to July. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing interest in the use of immature fruit for its health benefits; however, little is known about changes in the molecular composition of functional compounds during the stages of fruit maturation and over their postharvest ripening process. This study investigates the changing content levels of key functional molecules in the golden kiwifruit cultivar harvested between 70 and 160 days after full blooming (DAFB) and stored at 4 °C for 9 weeks. We found that mature fruit contained higher levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and vitamin C, while having lower levels of pigments such as lutein, β-carotene, 9’- cis -neoxanthin, and pheophytins. Lutein and β-carotene content was maintained during postharvest storage regardless maturity at harvest, with the notable exception of β-carotene which increased dramatically between 3 and 6 weeks of storage in fruit harvested 160 DAFB. Other pigments tended to decrease during ripening and maturation. Overall these results suggest that less mature kiwifruits are likely to be a better source health-beneficial pigment molecules like lutein and β-carotene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey is the homeland of many nuts, such pistachio and walnut, as hazelnut, chestnut, and almond. Because Anatolia is the gene center of pistachio, the richness of our country on genetic variation of this species provides facility for achievement in breeding studies in a short period of time. Because this fruit is cultivated on some regions of Anatolia, it is extremely important to develop cultivars proper for some regions. The world has 1,023.000 tons of total pistachio production. According to 2015 statistics, Turkey has 144.000 tons of total pistachio production. Considering the total pistachio production by the regions in Turkey, Southeast Anatolia and Aegean regions rank first and second with 134.481 and 4.197 tons respectively as West Blacksea Region is the last with a production of 73 tons. In this context, Southeast Anatolia region has 93.39% of Turkey's pistachio production. Considering the provinces in Southeastern region, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa rank first and second with 53.109 and 47.848 tons of pistachio productions respectively as Şırnak province comes last with a production of only 43 tons. In this study, through presenting the existing status of the pistachio production of Southeastern Turkey, it was aimed to increase the awareness and set light to decision makers for making use of and directing the existing potential in future plans in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialty fruit crops represent a substantial portion of the value of agricultural production in the Pacific Northwest. Climate change may threaten water sources, lengthen the dry season, raise temperatures during both the winter chilling period and the growing season, and facilitate the spread of fungal diseases and insects. Such changes have the potential to substantially reduce net returns due to increased input costs and altered yields and product quality. Many management strategies that are already being used to prolong growing seasons in marginal production areas and to improve production and quality in established production regions may also be useful as adaptation strategies under a changing climate. These strategies mostly involve moderating temperatures and controlling or compensating for mismatches between phenology and seasonal weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits with thick rind have been reported to interfere with the measurement of internal quality of non-destructive near infrared spectroscopy. This review provides an overview of issues related to the use of near infrared spectroscopy for measuring internal and external quality attributes of horticultural produce with thick rinds. The use of other non-destructive techniques for assessing internal and external quality thick rind fruit, such as hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems, X-ray micro-computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy are also discussed. A concise summary of research and potential commercial application for each of the techniques is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of pineapple is an alternative profit earning within the agriculture status of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Commercial planting as a strategy for agricultural diversification is possible in subtropical conditions with low frostcaused losses. Current paper analyzed the concentration degree of the Gross Production Value (GPV ) of the pineapple in the state of Paraná between 1995 and 2010 through data from the Instituto Paranaense de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (Ipardes). Concentration degree was calculated by the Concentration ratio [CR(k)], Gini´s Index (G) and Hall-Tideman Index (HTI). Results reveal that GPR of pineapple in the state of Paraná had a mean growth of 20% per annum during the period analyzed. Concentration ratio of four [CR(4)] and eight highest [CR(8)] of GPR of pineapple was slightly high for the municipalities and between high and very high for micro-regions. G showed shifts in regional concentration, at municipal, microregional and meso-regional levels, indicating a strong to very strong inequality for GPR of pineapple in the state of Paraná. HTI revealed similar shifts to concentration ratio with the four greatest participations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the condition, the development dynamics and the main problems of the viticulture and winemaking industry in Ukraine and in the world. The particular attention is paid to the causes of the emerging situation in the industry and the ways to overcome them. The basic mechanisms that should be used to solve all problems of the industry have been revealed. The advanced innovative directions have been suggested, which will help to improve the industry condition and to return it the status as one of the most effective branches of agro industrial complex of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year experiment comprising severe leaf removal (LR) was carried out on Tempranillo grapes in Logroño, North-central Spain. For the LR treatment, six basal leaves, along with the basal lateral shoots, were removed two weeks after fruit set. Berry total soluble solids (TSS) were examined when the colour began to appear. Grapes from both the LR and control (C) vines were analysed at the same TSS level (≈ 22°Brix). LR advanced the onset of anthocyanin synthesis slightly but significantly. Yield components were not affected by LR and no symptoms of sunburn were observed. Both treatments showed similar juice pH and titratable acidity, although tartaric acid increased with LR while malic acid decreased with it. In spite of failing to increase the final anthocyanin concentration of the grape juice, LR enhanced the colour and body of the wine. These results indicate that a relatively early LR could be a viable way to improve the quality of grapes and wine under the climatic conditions of the Rioja wine region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out during the two successive seasons of 2015 and 2016 at the Experimental Orchard Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, to investigate the effect of cluster or berry thinning on fruiting of Ruby Seedless grapevines. Thinning treatments were performed after berry set. The experiment was arranged in randomized set up as complete block with eight treatments and three replicates one vine per each. - Fruit thinning by removing either 20 or 30% of cluster number/vine, as well as removing 30% of cluster shoulders considerably decreased the yield. Yield was unaffected carrying out by other thinning treatments compared to unthinned ones (control). - Removing 20 or 30% of cluster number was responsive for increasing the cluster weight. Contrarly removed 30% of cluster shoulders materially deceased cluster weight, whereas cluster weight was unaffected by other thinning treatment compared to control. - The best cluster compactness coefficient and form was obtained due berry thinning as removing 15% of its shoulders combined by 15% of cluster apical removal. - All berry thinning improved the grapes quality in terms of increasing berry weight, berry coloration, total soluble solid and sugar contents and decreasing titratable acidity compared to control. From this study, it is clear that to get the high yield with good clusters and berry traits it is preferable for carrying out berry thinning by removing 15% of cluster shoulders along with cutting back 15% from the apical cluster or cutting back about 30% of the apical portion of the cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global viticulture and wine export competition is growing exponentially, manifested by the spread of new advanced technologies. These technologies have resulted in improved control over production processes and in the quality improvement of even cheap wines, in the massive entry of exporters from the "New World", whose sales have tripled since 1992. That's why, the emergence of new import and export markets requires original and well-targeted strategies and approaches. Today the wine and viticulture sector in the Republic of Moldova depends on exports. Wine is one of the country's main export products. Over 90 percent of the produced wine production is exported. The wine industry has traditionally been the most powerful sector of the national economy of Moldova. In the past, our country was the largest wine exporter on the USSR market, because every second bottle of wine and every third bottle of sparkling wine was produced in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango culture in Brazil has gone through an expansion process when growth regulators, hydric stress and florescence management were employed. Another relevant factor involved changes in the produced varieties. However, the choice of mango varieties may be affected by production-linked factors, the fruit's physiology and consumers. Current paper identifies the factors that caused changes in mango production and consumption patterns in Brazil, specifically with regard to fruit variety, coupled to the market's future trends. A board of experts was employed as a methodology. Commercially-based changes in mango culture were motivated by the possibility of exporting the fruit. The producers adapted themselves to the requirements of the international market and opted for such varieties as the Tommy Atkins variety, with specific export characteristics, such as tolerance in handling and transport. Future trends indicate the stabilization of varieties, except the mango Palmer with high supply increase. Varieties Espada and Rosa are still demanded but they are restricted by cultural features and market niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agribusiness is perhaps one of the few segments with high relevant economic representativeness. Fruit culture has become an interesting study object due to national and international demands. The Fruit Valley and especially mango cultivation have an important role due to their performance in agricultural products. The underlying question that motivated current analysis is: How do scientists study the culture of mangoes in Production Engineering, within the context of the Fruit Valley? Current analysis concentrated methodological efforts on the state-of-the-art. Research sources comprised journals in Qualis/Capes 2014 in the area of Production Engineering listed B5 or higher, and the ENEGEP annals. Results reveal that Brazilian scientific production on the culture of mangoes in the Fruit Valley, within the context of Production Engineering, is highly specific and in some case surprisingly non-existing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyse, for the first time, raspberry and strawberry value chain information in Kosovo. The study aims to address a series of research objectives and questions related to the value chain organization and than using series of datasets (both secondary sources and primary data), instruments, methods and set of indicators to provide analytical information about the selected value chain trends. The primary data consists of a structured farm survey (sample = 200) conducted during December 2015 - January 2016, and semi-structured interviews carried out with value chain stakeholders. The paper analysis the value chains structure and actors' profile and it describes the main channels of distributions. It analyses nature of relations between actors, governance in the agro-food value chain, particularly, implications for market access. The paper combines quantitative analysis (eg. statistical analysis of the structured farm survey using SPSS) with qualitative analysis (eg. findings from semi-structured interviews). We analyse opportunities, constraints and challenges that characterise this value chain, and provide recommendations how they can be tackled by policy-makers and private sector actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fig tree (Ficus caricaL.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region under warm climates. Fig yield is governed by the previous crop load and is strongly dependent on shoot length. Special cultural practices are required to stimulate new vegetative growth that will ensure regular and high productivity. The present study focused on the use of the rest breaking agent hydrogen cyanamide (HC) as Dormex to enhance vegetative growth, which influences the yield. A field trial was held in northern Tunisia (36° 49′ N; 9° 48′ E) on mature fig trees cv. Zidi. In reference to untreated trees as control, two hydrogen cyanamide treatments at 1% and 1.5% HC were considered. Bud break rate, vegetative growth, starch content of shoots, yield, and fruit characteristics were assessed. Results indicated that 1.5% HC significantly increased shoot length, fruit number per shoot, and yield. It advanced bud break by 10 days and fruit ripening by 7 days compared to the control. However, leaf number, leaf area, and starch content seem to be unaffected by hydrogen cyanamide treatments. Regarding fruit quality, a 1.5% HC dose significantly increased dry matter content, while fruit diameter and total soluble solids remain unaffected. In conclusion, hydrogen cyanamide could be used under warm conditions to improve vegetative growth of fig trees cv. Zidi and consequently fig productivity. Application of 1.5% HC 40 days before bud break was the most effective in increasing shoot length and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Various elderberry (Sambucus sp.) cultivars, including Bob Gordon, Marge, Ocoee, Ozark, Wyldewood, and York, have been selected primarily for plant productivity in North America and are most often processed into juice-based products. This study was conducted to quantify juice characteristics and to evaluate sensory attributes of juice from six elderberry cultivars using descriptive analysis. Hue angle values of 'Bob Gordon' and 'York' juices were low as compared with others tested. Soluble solids and titratable acidity of juices from 'Wyldewood' and 'York' were lower than those from other cultivars. Trained panelists identified 24 terms for descriptive analysis of elderberry juices. Of these 24 attributes, juices were highly characterized by a processed aroma, and several flavors, including processed, elderberry, fruity, and sweet. Unique juice descriptors for North American-grown elderberry cultivars included apple, beet, caramelized, fermented, processed, and pomegranate flavors, as well as astringent mouthfeel. Juices from elderberry cultivars differed in intensity ratings of nine attributes, including fruity, floral, sweet aromatics, bitter, sour, and sweet flavors, bitter and sweet aftertastes, and astringent mouthfeel. 'York' juice generally had high intensity ratings for sweet aromatics and sweet flavors, and relatively lower ratings for bitter aftertaste and astringent mouthfeel as compared with juices from other cultivars. This study provided key elements for future elderberry sensory research in the development of a formal lexicon for juice with defined attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Afghan economy is based essentially on the primary sector and, namely, on fruit production. A cross road of trade along the "Silk route", local traditional fruitculture based on the bagh (home garden) is widely variegated in terms of species and varieties. Afghan fresh and dried fruits (namely raisins) and nuts, sweet and rich in flavors, are demanded by domestic and foreign consumers. The lack of traceability and quality of the propagation material has been considered one of the basic bottle necks hindering development of an advanced horticulture. During the period 2006- 2015 the Perennial Horticulture Development Project (PHDP), funded by the EC-EuropeAid Program, has been supporting the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan through a process of collection and selection of local fruit varieties in order to improve the private nursery system, as well as perennial horticulture. About 850 accessions of different fruit tree species have been collected and entered into the National Collections at six PHD Centres, where they undergo a standardised characterisation and identification procedure in order to be formally registered in a national list, hence contributing to their safeguard and protection. The best accessions were used as source for a traced propagation system after phytosanitary indexing and also in numerous adaptive experimentations. The PHDP contributed in capacity building at technical and institutional level, fostering the establishment of nursery sector associations, providing expertise and developing the Afghanistan National Nursery Growers Organization (ANNGO) and the apex Afghanistan National Horticulture Development Organization (ANHDO), mainly concerned with value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress in protoplast technology and its application in fruit breeding were summarized, and the existing problems and application prospect were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is an economically important fruit for farmers of the inter-Andean valleys of Ecuador, South America. Insectinfested fruits were sampled in the locality of Perucho (Pichincha Province). The larvae obtained from the interior of the fruit were cultured in insect cages to obtain adults. Morphological observations of characteristics of the larval stage, and male and female genitalia at the adult stage confirmed the taxonomic description of the species Gynmandrosoma aurantianum (Lima) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). According to our knowledge, this is the first report of mandarin being infested by G. aurantianum in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]