African Peach Research Articles

Sercocephalous latifolius fruit attenuates aluminum chloride-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster via Drn1 regulation of the IMD signaling pathway

IntroductionAlzheimer disease (AD) is a form of dementia that is a heterogeneous dysfunction of various pathophysiological features. Its morphological characteristics consist of tau aggregates and amyloid plaques. The need for novel therapy in the treatment of AD is required. Hence use of antioxidant, natural products are widely employed for the management and treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still a lot of limitations. Sercocephalous latifolius fruit (SLF) is also known as the African peach and has numerous well-being-endorsing advantages. The Chinese name of SLF is Feizhou hong tao, while the Nigeria (Yoruba) name is Eso Gberesi. It can be grown all over the world. SLF has anti-neurodegenerative properties, however, there is a lack of evidence on their probable molecular mechanism for novel therapeutic properties. Investigations have been conducted on the SFL which shows its medicinal capability, but its ability to attenuate neurodegenerative diseases such as AD is yet to be fully elucidated, and the molecular signally pathways whichmay serve as a therapeutic target. MethodsThe modulatory effect of SLF on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster via Defense repressor-1 (Drn1) regulation of immune deficiency (Imd) signaling pathway which may be a useful therapeutic target. D. melanogaster was divided into nine groups. Group 1 served as the basal control as they were fed with a normal basal diet, group 2 served as the negative control as they were fed with Basal Diet and 0.5 ml of aluminum/100 ml distilled water, group 3 served as the positive control as they were fed with basal diet 0.5 ml aluminum chloride/100 ml distilled water and Garlic acid, group 4 and 5 were fed with basal diet and 0.1 and 1 % SLF respectively, group 6 and 7 were fed with basal diet, aluminum chloride and 0.1 and 1.0 % respectively, group 8 and 9 were fed with basal diet, garlic acid, aluminum chloride and 0.1 and 1.0 % SLF respectively. All the groups were left for seven days. The experiment was conducted for 3 months, and the fruit flies were changed every 5 days. ResultsSuperoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide enzymatic enzymes were assayed. However, the relative expression of Defense repressor-1 was also determined both in vitro and on aluminum-induced neurodegenerative D. melanogaster tissue. A significant increase was observed in the catalase when 0.1 % and 1 % were compared, it could be inferred that the extract proved effective at low concentrations, since its highest antioxidant potential was observed at low concentrations. The results revealed decrease in the activity of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide biological enzymes in the test groups. There was upregulation of Defense repressor -1 in groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, when compared with the positive and negative control, respectively. DiscussionThe result provides evidence that SLF has the potential of upregulating defense repressor genes and modulating biological antioxidant enzymes, which could be further exploited to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the attenuation of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The results suggest that SLF may be useful as a therapeutic target in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases

Nutritional, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Characterizations of Wild Food and Medicinal Fruits Indigenous to Sudan: Sarcocephalus latifolius and Vitex doniana

ABSTRACT Sudan is a rich country in wild plants that play significant roles in securing food and medicine in rural areas, especially. This study explored Sarcocephalus latifolius (African peach) and Vitex doniana (black plum) for their fruits’ proximate composition, minerals, total soluble phenols, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, lutein, β–carotene, α–tocopherol, δ–tocopherol and total antioxidant capacity. African peach fruit and black plum pulp showed total soluble phenols amounting to 16.89 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of Dry Weight (DW) and 7.56 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The paramount phenolic acids were cinnamic acid (895 mg/kg DW) in African peach fruit and protocatechuic acid (1200 mg/kg DW) in black plum pulp. Total antioxidant capacities reached 268 µmoles trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW in African peach and 214 µmoles TE/g DW in black plum, when measured from hydrophilic extracts (HPE) using 2, 2-DiPhenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The contents of total carotenoid were 47 mg/kg DW and 22.6 mg/kg DW, lutein reached 18.50 mg/kg DW and 15 mg/kg DW whereas β–carotene showed 0.31 mg/kg DW and 0.23 mg/kg DW in African peach and black plum, respectively. African peach showed α–tocopherol (167 mg/kg DW) whereas black plum showed δ–tocopherol (398 mg/kg DW). From this study, we concluded that African peach fruit and black plum pulp could be good sources of nutrition and antioxidants and have high potential for human health.

Nauclea latifolia Stem Bark Extracts: Potentially Effective Source of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

The stem bark of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) plant is used as traditional remedy for diabetes and inflammatory diseases, however, authenticated information on this use is scare. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the traditional folklore of the trado-medical remedy of the stem bark of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) plant for diabetes and inflammatory diseases using appropriate standard methods. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarin, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, quinones, anthocyanin, anthraquinone, and phenol in the extracts. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest quantities of phenolics (19.69±0.12 mgGAE/g), flavonoids (46.84±0.12 mgQE/g), alkaloids (8.76±0.10 mg/g), tannins (7.25±0.10 mgTAE/g), and saponins (4.53±0.13 mg/g). Both ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed potent antibacterial and significant antifungal potential against the chosen pathogenic species. The ethyl acetate extract showed superior antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities compared to the ethanol extract. However, the ethanol extract outperformed in terms of anti-inflammatory efficacy, although still below standard Ibuprofen. This study propounds that N. latifolia stem bark is an attainable diabetic medication due to its interactions with enzymes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory capabilities and its potential for isolating medicinal compounds.

Object recognition memory and anti-anxiety potentials of stem-bark extract of Nauclea latifolia (African peach), taurine and vitamin E on Albino rats exposed to water immobilisation stress

Memory loss is a typical symptom of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that affects millions of individuals. Memory loss with anxiety can be quite distressing, but if you can find strategies to address the anxiety, your memory may improve as well. In this study, the effects of Nauclea latifolia extract, taurine and vitamin E supplementation on object identification and stress-induced anxiety in Albino rats exposed to water immobilisation stress were investigated. 24 rats weighing between 100 and 120 grams were employed. The control group (A), received 1ml/kg pure water. Vitamin E was given to Group B at a dosage of 0.2 ml/kg. Group C received 200mg/kg taurine, while Group D received 200mg/kg Nauclea latifolia extract. For three weeks, the administration was completed. The rats were famished for 24 hours before the stress process began. The rats were sedated with chloroform vapour, and then restrained using a hardwood board (25 by 18 cm) with the four limbs fixed sideways, then dipped for two hours in water up to the xiphoid level. During the training phase, the taurine group examined the novel object the most (64.9 percent), followed by the Vitamin E group (63.90 percent), when compared to the Nauclea latifolia (52.75 percent) and the control groups (54.76 percent). The consolidation phase similarly, revealed that, taurine and Vitamin E groups explored the novel object the most (71.52 percent) and (70.05 percent) accordingly. In the anxiety model, Nauclea latifolia, taurine and vitamin E groups showed significant increase in time spent on closed arms. This study has shown that, when rats are treated to water immersion restraint stress, administration of Nauclea latifolia extract, taurine, and vitamin E, may decrease stress-induced anxiety-like behaviours. The significance of this study is that, administration of taurine, vitamin E and Nauclea latifolia extract may prevent stress-induced memory impairment.

GC-MS Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Partially Purified Ethanol Extract of Nauclea latifolia (African Peach) Stem Bark

GC-MS Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Partially Purified Ethanol Extract of Nauclea latifolia (African Peach) Stem Bark

Cytotoxic activity of crude extracts and fractions of African peach (nauclea latifolia smith) stem bark on two cancer cell lines

BackgroundThe purpose of this research work is to investigate and establish the anticancer (cytotoxic) properties of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) stem bark extract and fractions on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7), skeletal muscle cancer (RD) cell lines and to determine the selectivity index (SI) on normal African green monkey kidney cell lines (Vero). Materials and MethodsCrude extract and fractions obtained from acid-base fractionation and vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using graded concentrations of hexane, methanol, ethyl-acetate to obtain sample A to G. These samples were tested against standard cancer cell lines (MCF-7 –breast cancer; RD cells- skeletal muscle cancer) and normal Vero cell lines to determine the cytotoxicity based on the IC50 generated. The anticancer activity was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay against two cancer cell lines at six different concentrations from 0.01 to 1000 µg/mL. The data generated were analyzed with Graph Pad prism 5 to obtain the IC50. ResultsSample C- neutral fraction gave IC50 values of 3.23 µg/mL and 13.15 µg/mL for MCF-7 and RD respectively. Sample D- Hexane/ethyl acetate fraction 50:50 gave IC50 values of 16.70 µg/mL and 8.97 µg/mL for MCF-7 and RD respectively. Sample B- basic fraction had IC50 of 20.51 µg/mL and 16.96 µg/mL for MCF-7 and RD respectively. Sample G- Methanol fraction had IC50 of 28.56 µg/mL and 22.52 µg/mL for MCF-7 and RD respectively. These four samples exhibited significant anticancer activities on the MCF-7 and RD cancer cell lines. These values are comparable to that of vincristine used as standard anticancer drug with IC50 of 0. 82 µg/mL and 6.31 µg/mL for MCF-7 and RD cell lines respectively. The selectivity index (SI) of three samples was carried out using Vero cell line and sample C - neutral fraction had the best selectivity against the cancer cell lines under investigation. ConclusionsNauclea latifolia fractions have profound cytotoxic activities when tested in vitro on standard cancer cell lines and could be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.

The Influence of Product Quality on Export Performance: Eco-Efficient Value in South African Peach and Nectarine Fresh Exports

This study evaluates the role of quality in influencing export earnings. It argues that different types of product attributes confer different quality features and these features provide diverse consumer value which influence the export product’s market performance. The gravity model is used to regress export earnings against indices measuring product value propositions, as well as economic, demographic, demand and trade regulation indicators. It uses data from South Africa’s fresh peach and nectarine exports and 21 trading partners for the period between 2001 and 2017. The study’s results show that improvements in the delivery of esthetic quality were associated with increases in export earnings. On the other hand, improvements in eco-efficiency (sustainable production and consumption) and the delivery off-season fruit were associated with lower export earnings. The results reiterate the importance of providing consumer value, the provision of communication for any additional environmental quality-upgrades and consensus in quality definitions with importing countries.

Effects of Nauclea latifolia and Uvaria afzelii stem bark extracts on nitric oxide and biomolecules in platelets of complete Freund adjuvant-induced arthritic female rats

This study investigated the effect of African peach (AP) and Uvaria afzelii (UA) extracts on arginase, nitric oxide (NO), angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE), and cholinergic and purinergic enzymes in platelets of complete Freund adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rat model to explain a possible anti-arthritic mechanism of extracts. Sixty adult Wistar female rats (140–280 g) were divided into twelve groups (n = 5). Group I received oral administration of 0.9% NaCl; group II received 10 mg/kg of indomethacin; group III and IV rats received oral administration of 150 and 300 mg/kg of AP extract, respectively; and group V and VI rats received oral administration of 150 and 300 mg/kg of UA extract, respectively. While group VII rats were injected with 0.2 ml CFA (arthritic control rat group), in group VIII, IX, and X, arthritic rats received 10 mg/kg indomethacin, 150 and 300 mg/kg of AP extract orally, respectively, while group XI and XII arthritic rats received 150 and 300 mg/kg of UA extract, respectively. The animals were treated for 21 days. The results revealed decreased NO level, activities of arginase and ACE, and adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate hydrolyses were significantly decreased while adenosine deaminase activity was significantly decreased in arthritic rat groups administered with different doses of AP and UA extracts. Therefore, AP and UA could be a natural complement and alternative promising anti-arthritic agent.

Antimicrobial properties of alcoholic extract of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) leaves

This study presents results of the antimicrobial properties of Nauclea latifolia leaves commonly called African Peach. The ethanolic extract of the leaves at different concentrations was tested on some seven pathogenic bacteria; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus iniae, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Samonella typhi and Aeromonas hydrophila using agar well diffusion assay. Results reveal that ethanolic extracts of N. latifolia had better antibacterial potentials than the methanolic extracts. Nauclea latifolia leaves showed the highest antibacterial activity in the ethanolic extracts on Bacillus subtilis with a zone of inhibition of 27.5 ± 0.25 mm while the lowest antibacterial activity was recorded on Escherichia coli with a zone of inhibition of 9.18 ± 0.04 mm. No antibacterial activity was recorded in the control (distilled water). The results signify that the alcoholic extracts of N. latifolia leaves can serve as a cheap source of raw material in the production biomedical products.

Green synthesis and cream formulations of silver nanoparticles of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) fruit extracts and evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

The phytochemical, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanol fruit extracts of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) and its application in biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and its cold cream formulations were investigated.The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanolic fruit extract of N. latifolia were investigated. The extracts were used in bio-reduction of silver nitrate to nanoparticles. Formation of nanoparticles was confirmed and characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. FTIR, Energy dispersive X-Ray and Scanning Electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were used in cream formulation and the antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles and formulated creams were evaluated using agar well diffusion method.The phytochemical evaluation of Nauclea latifolia crude extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, anthraquinones and steroids, tannins and glycosides. N. Latifolia methanol fruit extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The Surface Plasmon Resonance peak was 350 nm and functional group such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, alkyl halides, phenols, amines, carbonyl and amide groups were present which was important for the bio-reduction and capping of the silver ions into nanoparticles. EDX analysis showed silver as the main element present and the nanoparticles were irregular in shape and 12 nm in size. The formulated creams were stable, cosmetically appealing with satisfactory pH, viscosity and spreadability.The Nauclea latifolia aqueous extract-silver nanoparticles and its cream formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This work reports a simple, eco-friendly, and economic means to synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia (African peach).

Assessment of eleven South African peach cultivars for susceptibility to brown rot and blue mould

Species of Penicillium (blue mould) and Monilinia (brown rot) are major causes of postharvest loss of stone fruit. Breeding for resistance to these pathogens is a sustainable option that could reduce over reliance on postharvest chemical interventions to control the diseases. This study was aimed at selecting peach cultivars that are resistant to blue mould and brown rot pathogens through in vivo assays against the causative agents. Red and yellow skinned peach cultivars were artificially infected with Monilinia laxa and Penicillium expansum whilst the same cultivars were also assessed as naturally infected fruit. Fruit were stored at 0 °C for 14 and 21 days, and thereafter kept at 15 °C for 3 days to simulate market shelf condition. Physicochemical traits, such as fruit pH, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, and total phenols were measured at harvest, and after 14 days and 21 days of storage. The blue mould pathogen was more virulent than the brown rot pathogen in the fruit. The red cultivars showed less brown rot incidence (20%–35%) compared to the yellow cultivars (35%–65%). Artificial infections stimulated a higher biochemical activity in the fruit compared to natural infections. In general peach cultivars with high contents of antioxidant compounds had lower pathogen incidence. ‘Temptation’, (a red cultivar) showed highest resistance compared to the other peach cultivars used in this experiment and this was correlated to the high phenylalanine lyase activity, phenolic compounds, and concentrations of chlorogenic, caffeic acid and anthocyanin exhibited by the cultivar. Breeders can use these tests as indicative for blue and brown mould resistance.

Does research and development (R&D) investment lead to economic growth? Evidence from the South African peach and nectarine industry

Agricultural research programmes in Africa have experienced waning state financial allocations. Efforts to change these funding trends have been fettered by the limited evidence of research investment benefits and the long lags associated with these returns. In a bid to provide such information, this article seeks to calculate the benefits of investments in the Agricultural Research Council’s peach and nectarine research programme – one of Africa’s successful and oldest research programmes. It uses the supply response function to model South Africa’s peach and nectarine industry and estimates the effect of deciduous fruit prices, production costs, research investment and weather on production. A lag distribution of research and development (R&D) investment is estimated using the polynomial distribution function and the derived elasticities are used to calculate the marginal internal rate of return. The study’s results reveal that investment in the peach and nectarine programme is associated with a marginal internal rate of return of 55.9%. This means that every R100 invested yields a R55.9 increase in value in the peach and nectarine industry. In light of these findings, it is concluded that R&D investment is worthwhile and recommends that the funding allocated to this programme be increased.

Evaluation of the hepato-protective potential of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf methanol extracts in paracetamol-induced liver damage of mice

Sarcocephalus latifolius, the African peach, is one greatly cherished, eaten and widely distributed shrubs mainly in the closed woodland savannah, and has been used to treat diverse diseases in some African and Asia populations. In Southern Nigeria, ‘herbal doctors’ include its leaves in decoctions given to patients of varying degrees of suspected liver damage. However, there is no scientific substantiation of their claim and use in literature. To evaluate the possible hepato-protective activity of S. latifolius leaves extract in paracetamol-induced hepato-compromised animal model as information is lacking. Adult mice were for 3 consecutive days orally administered methanol extracts of S. latifolius (SLM) at doses below any that is toxic, or Silymarin reference standard (100 mg/kg) prior to a high oral dose of paracetamol (2000 mg/kg) to damage the liver. Sacrificed animals 12 h after paracetamol treatment were bled. Serum obtained from clotted blood was used to biochemically quantify liver function enzymes, total protein and bilirubin levels as well as perform in vivo antioxidant studies. No acutely toxic signs or deaths were seen following oral administration of SLM extract. Orally given SLM extract at low doses produced a significant reduction in liver enzyme markers against the reference, as well as dose-dependent decreases in antioxidant parameters and total protein levels (p < 0.05). Our results portend that SLM extract possesses hepato-protective and antioxidant activity in paracetamol-induced hepato-compromised mice without any obvious untoward kidney damages suggesting that its use in the management of the liver diseases may be appropriate.

Species composition and host range of fruit-infesting flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in northern Ghana

An important aspect of fruit fly management is accurate information on the species and their host spectrum. Studies were conducted between October 2011 and September 2013 to determine the host range and species diversity of pest fruit flies in the northern savannah ecology of Ghana. Fruit samples from 80 potential host plants (wild and cultivated) were collected and incubated for fly emergence; 65 (81.5%) of the plant species were positive to fruit flies. From records in Africa, 11 plant species were reported to be new hosts to the African invader fly,Bactrocera invadens(Drew, Tsuruta and White, 2005). This study documented the first records ofDacus ciliatus(Loew) andTrirhithrum nigerrimum(Bezzi) in northern Ghana although both species have been previously reported in other parts of the country. Infestation byB. invadenswas higher in the cultivated fruits;Ceratitis cosyradominated in most wild fruits. Cucurbitaceae were mainly infested by three species ofDacusandBactroceracucurbitae, a specialized cucurbit feeder. Among the commercial fruit species, the highest infestations were observed in mango, tomato, sweet pepper and watermelon, whereas marula plum, soursop, tropical almond, sycamore fig, African peach, shea nut, persimmon, icacina and albarillo dominated the wild host flora. The widespread availability of host plants and the incidence of diverse fly species in the ecology call for particular attention to their impact on commercial fruits and the development of sustainable management strategies against these economically important pests in Ghana.

Bioaccumulation Factors and Pollution Indices of Heavy Metals in Selected Fruits and Vegetables From a Derelict Mine and Their Associated Health Implications

Concentration of heavy metals in the top and sub soils and in selected vegetables and fruits grown in Enyigba lead-zinc mine derelict was investigated using the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometric method. Samples of fruits and leaves of the studied plants, over a period of two years (2008-2010), were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) contents, and their corresponding Pollution Indices (PI) and Bioaccumulation Factors (BAF) were evaluated. The mean pH of the soil was found to be 6.5 and the mean concentrations (mg/Kg) of metals in the studied plants were of the range: Pb (0.22 – 6.72); As (0.10 – 10.6); Cd (0.10 – 12.4); Cu (12.6 – 82.1); Cr (0.01 – 1.02); Zn (34.2 – 162.1); Mn (412.1 – 42.6); and Ni (12.8 – 72.8). High Pollution Indices of 22.4, 12.37, 8.67, 7.27, and 6.13 were observed in Nauclea latifolia (African Peach), Sesamum indicum (Beni seed), Lactuca Sativa (Lettuce), Psidium Guajava (Guava), and C. Annum (Pepper) respectively; and as a result, they were not considered fit for human consumption. Bioaccumulation Factors (BAF > 1) were observed in some of the studied plants which suggested that they could be good phytoremediation agents. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p< 0.05 showed variations in the heavy metal levels between and within groups while Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) Correlation analysis identified a strong relationship between the investigated plant and soil samples.

Extraction and Utilization of Natural Dyestuffs from the Bark of Whistling Pine and the Root of African Peach

Aims: This work is aimed at assessing the dye and colouring potentials of the extracts from the bark of whistling pine and the root of African peach. It is intended to apply these extracts for textile dyeings, drink and food colourings. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, between October, 2012 and March, 2013. Methodology: The bark of the plant, whistling pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) and the root of African Peach (Nauclea latifolia) were collected, chopped, dried and pulverized. The dye extracts were obtained using ethanol (absolute) as extracting solvent. The crude dye extracts were recrystallized in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for purification. The percentage yields, melting points, pH and Rf values, UV/visible absorptions and IR spectra were determined. Textile (cotton) dyeings, wash and light fastness tests, drink (local gin) and food (pap) colourings were performed. Results: Whistling pine bark yielded reddish brown colour while the root of African peach yielded brown colour. They gave respectively 13.67% and 9.26% yield, pH values of 5.93 and 5.67, M.pt. of 194oC and 210oC, Rf values of 0.84 and 0.64. The dyeings showed varied colour shades, poor wash and light fastness on cotton fabrics. Conclusion: The two dye plants produced fine colours on textile, food and drink. The poor wash and light fastness of dyed fabrics improved with mordanting. Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(20): 2921-2930, 2014 2922

ADVANCES IN PEACH AND NECTARINE BREEDING AT THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Breeding and Evaluation unit of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij uses conventional methods such as controlled crosses and recurrent mass selection to address the needs of the dessert and processing industries. The long-term objective is to breed a full range of high quality peach and nectarine cultivars ripening from very early (harvesting week 43) to very late (harvesting week 10) with the following attributes: a) Cold storage ability b) Desirable pomological attributes c) Adapted to diversity of SA climatic conditions d) Innovative cultivars During the period 2000 until 2007, 52 new yellow- and 21 white flesh peach selections, without blush for processing and 53 yellow flesh and 2 white flesh selections with full red skin colour aimed at the dessert industry, were identified. During the same period 124 full red and 23 yellow skin nectarine selections were identified. All these selections were promoted to the second phase of evaluation where budded trees are evaluated on different sites representative of the diversity of climatic conditions of the different fruit producing areas of South Africa. During this stage of evaluation fruit samples are evaluated for cold storage ability and/or processing potential. Five new peach cultivars and nine new nectarine cultivars have been released to the industry from 2000 until 2007. Three of the newly released nectarine cultivars have yellow skinned fruit with excellent drying characteristics and are marketed under the ColorburstTM trademark. During the 2006/2007 season 70.5% of the total peach cartons and 46% of the total nectarine cartons exported from South Africa were of cultivars developed by the ARC breeding program. It can be concluded that the breeding program has a substantial impact on the South African peach and nectarine industry in generating foreign income and keeping the industry competitive on the international markets.

Infectivity and reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood on African yam bean, Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst Ex. A. Rich) Harms accessions as influenced by botanical soil amendments

A screen house experiment was conducted to study the effects of amendment of soil with leaf powders of some plants at different levels (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 t/ha) on the infectivity and reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood on African yam bean, Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst Ex . A. Rich) Harms. The plants were neem, drumstick, lemon grass, African peach and rattle weed. Results showed that botanical soil amendments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved growth of plants and reduced reproduction of M. incognita on African yam bean in varying degrees. The effects of botanicals on growth of plants and nematode reproduction increased with increase in concentrations/ amendment levels, and were highest at 25 t/ha. Cymbopogon citratus produced the highest manurial properties as it supported greater vegetative growth of plants while Moringa oleifera was most effective in the reduction of reproduction and development of M. incognita in the roots. M. oleifera produced the least gall index and egg mass index of 1.0, though Crotolaria retusa also recorded egg mass index of 1.0. Results from this study are indicative of the fact that local farmers could apply these botanicals as fertilizers during cultivation to counteract the effect of root-knot nematode, and also to improve growth of crop plants but field trials are necessary before final recommendation. Keywords: Infectivity, reproduction, African yam bean, Meloidogyne incognita , amendment