Almond Research Articles

Xylella fastidiosa Infection Reshapes Microbial Composition and Network Associations in the Xylem of Almond Trees.

Xylella fastidiosa represents a major threat to important crops worldwide including almond, citrus, grapevine, and olives. Nowadays, there are no efficient control measures for X. fastidiosa, and the use of preventive measures and host resistance represent the most practical disease management strategies. Research on vessel-associated microorganisms is gaining special interest as an innate natural defense of plants to cope against infection by xylem-inhabiting pathogens. The objective of this research has been to characterize, by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, the microbial communities residing in the xylem sap of almond trees affected by almond leaf scorch disease (ALSD) in a recent X. fastidiosa outbreak occurring in Alicante province, Spain. We also determined community composition changes and network associations occurring between xylem-inhabiting microbial communities and X. fastidiosa. For that, a total of 91 trees with or without ALSD symptoms were selected from a total of eight representative orchards located in five municipalities within the X. fastidiosa-demarcated area. X. fastidiosa infection in each tree was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, with 54% of the trees being tested X. fastidiosa-positive. Globally, Xylella (27.4%), Sphingomonas (13.9%), and Hymenobacter (12.7%) were the most abundant bacterial genera, whereas Diplodia (30.18%), a member of the family Didymellaceae (10.7%), and Aureobasidium (9.9%) were the most predominant fungal taxa. Furthermore, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) of Bray–Curtis and weighted UniFrac distances differentiated almond xylem bacterial communities mainly according to X. fastidiosa infection, in contrast to fungal community structure that was not closely related to the presence of the pathogen. Similar results were obtained when X. fastidiosa reads were removed from the bacterial data set although the effect was less pronounced. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed negative associations among four amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) assigned to X. fastidiosa with different bacterial ASVs belonging to 1174-901-12, Abditibacterium, Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium–Methylorubrum, Modestobacter, Xylophilus, and a non-identified member of the family Solirubrobacteraceae. Determination of the close-fitting associations between xylem-inhabiting microorganisms and X. fastidiosa may help to reveal specific microbial players associated with the suppression of ALSD under high X. fastidiosa inoculum pressure. These identified microorganisms would be good candidates to be tested in planta, to produce almond plants more resilient to X. fastidiosa infection when inoculated by endotherapy, contributing to suppress ALSD.

Comparative Profiling of Wood Canker Pathogens from Spore Traps and Symptomatic Plant Samples Within California Almond and Walnut Orchards.

Fungi causing wood canker diseases are major factors limiting productivity and longevity of almond and walnut orchards. The goal of this study was to compare pathogen profiles from spore traps with those of plant samples collected from symptomatic almond and walnut trees and assess if profiles could be influenced by orchard type and age, rainfall amount and frequency, and/or neighboring trees. Three almond orchards and one walnut orchard with different characteristics were selected for this study. Fungal inoculum was captured weekly from nine trees per orchard using a passive spore-trapping device, during a 30-week period in the rainy season (October to April) and for two consecutive years. Fungal taxa identified from spore traps were compared with a collection of fungal isolates obtained from 61 symptomatic wood samples collected from the orchards. Using a culture-dependent approach coupled with molecular identification, we identified 18 known pathogenic species from 10 fungal genera (Ceratocystis destructans, Collophorina hispanica, Cytospora eucalypti, Diaporthe ampelina, Diaporthe chamaeropis/rhusicola, Diaporthe eres, Diaporthe novem, Diplodia corticola, Diplodia mutila, Diplodia seriata, Dothiorella iberica, Dothiorella sarmentorum, Dothiorella viticola, Eutypa lata, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Pleurostoma richardsiae), plus two unidentified Cytospora and Diaporthe species. However, only four species were identified with both methods (Diplodia mutila, Diplodia seriata, Dothiorella Iberica, and E. lata), albeit not consistently across orchards. Our results demonstrate a clear disparity between the two diagnostic methods and caution against using passive spore traps to predict disease risks. In particular, the spore trap approach failed to capture: insect-vectored pathogens such as Ceratocystis destructans that were often recovered from almond trunk and scaffold; Diaporthe chamaeropis/rhusicola commonly isolated from wood samples likely because Diaporthe species have a spatially restricted dispersal mechanism, as spores are exuded in a cirrus; and pathogenic species with low incidence in wood samples such as P. richardsiae and Collophorina hispanica. We propose that orchard inoculum is composed of both endemic taxa that are characterized by frequent and repeated trapping events from the same trees and isolated from plant samples, as well as immigrant taxa characterized by rare trapping events. We hypothesize that host type, orchard age, precipitation, and alternative hosts at the periphery of orchards are factors that could affect pathogen profile. We discuss the limitations and benefits of our methodology and experimental design to develop guidelines and prediction tools for fungal wood canker diseases in California orchards.

Sensitivity of METRIC-based tree crop evapotranspiration estimation to meteorology, land surface parameters and domain size

Evapotranspiration (ET), a key component of crop water balance, is essential for growers to manage agricultural irrigation. METRIC model is increasingly used to estimate and map ET with satellite observations, especially at daily and field scales. However, the analysis of its uncertainties on tree crop ET estimation is very limited. We used METRIC model to estimate daily ET over the almond and pistachio orchards throughout the entire growing season in the San Joaquin Valley, California, and evaluated the impacts of variations in meteorological variables, land surface parameters and different study sizes on ET estimation. The results showed that the METRIC-based daily ET estimates of the almond and pistachio trees were most sensitive to net radiation (Rn), followed by instantaneous reference ET (ETo), land surface temperature (LST), and near-surface temperature difference (dT). When a 5% error was added to Rn, the uncertainty in daily ET estimates was up to 8.44 ± 1.24%, corresponding to a mean increase of 0.45 ± 0.02 mm/day throughout the entire growing season. A 5% or 0.5 K error in instantaneous ETo, LST, and dT also caused changes in daily ET estimates by 4.15 ± 3.75%, 2.97 ± 0.14%, and 2.31 ± 1.20%, respectively. ET estimates with METRIC were relatively much less sensitive to other variables. The results from different study sizes indicated that daily ET estimates in Size-2 were 0.33 ± 0.08 mm/day overestimation compared with those from Size-1 in the almond site. Similarly, a mean overestimation of 0.30 ± 0.14 mm/day was found between Size-1 and Size-3 in the pistachio sites throughout the entire growing season. This study demonstrates the potential to further improve the accuracy of remote sensing based ET estimation for complex tree crops with METRIC model, by optimizing key parameters and choosing a proper domain size for study area.

Physicochemical Characteristics Study of Oil Extracted from Almond Seed

The physicochemical properties of the extracted oil from almond seed were investigated. Physical properties such as cloud point, pour point, fire point, smoke point, specific gravity, refractive index, and viscosity; and the chemical properties such as acid value, free fatty acid, saponification value, iodine value, ester value, and peroxide value were investigated for both raw almond oil and transesterified almond oil. The various properties were investigated using ASTM standard methods and calculations. Results obtained for physical properties: cloud point, pour point, fire point, smoke point, specific gravity, refractive index, and kinematic viscosity were 〖-3〗^o C, 〖-9〗^o C, 〖220〗^o C, 〖130〗^o C, 0.928, 1.462, 21.84 〖mm〗^2/sec respectively for the transesterified almond oil. Result obtained for the chemical properties of the transesterified almond oil: acid value, free fatty acid, saponification value, iodine value 〖mgI〗_2/g, and ester value, values were determined to be: 2.05, 1.03, 79.71, 34.33, and 77.66. It was concluded that transesterified Almond oil have a great potential for use as fuel alternative and substitute for internal combustion engine with its high purity, low corrosion ability and ease of ignition.

Linking almond trees’ transpiration to irrigation’s mineral composition by physiological indices and machine learning

Linking almond trees’ transpiration to irrigation’s mineral composition by physiological indices and machine learning

Characterization of the WRKY gene family reveals its contribution to the adaptability of almond (Prunus dulcis).

BackgroundWRKY (WRKY DNA-binding domain) transcription factors an important gene family that widely regulates plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt and ion stresses. However, research on the WRKY family in almond has not yet been reported. Almond is an economically important fruit tree in Xinjiang that have strong resistance to various stresses.ResultsA total of 62 PdWRKY genes were identified (including six pairs of homologous genes), and the phylogenetic tree was divided into three groups according to the WRKY domain and zinc finger motifs. The members of each group had a significant number of conserved motifs and exons/introns distributed unevenly across eight chromosomes, as well as 24 pairs of fragment duplicates and nine pairs of tandem duplicates. Moreover, the synteny and Ka/Ks analyses of the WRKY genes among almond and distinct species provided more detailed evidence for PdWRKY genes evolution. The examination of different tissue expression patterns showed that PdWRKY genes have tissue-specific expression characteristics. The qRT–PCR results showed that PdWRKY genes participate in the resistance of almond to the effects of low-temperature, drought and salt stress and that the expression levels of these genes change over time, exhibiting spatiotemporal expression characteristics. It is worth noting that many genes play a significant role in low-temperature stress resistance. In addition, based on the conserved WRKY motif, 321 candidate target genes were identified as having functions in multiple pathways.ConclusionsWe conducted systematic bioinformatics analysis and abiotic stress research on the WRKY gene family in almond, laying the foundation for future PdWRKY genes research and improvements to almond production and breeding.

Is Taeniothrips inconsequens (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) a pest of stone and pip fruit trees in Argentina?

The presence of the “pear thrips” Taeniothrips inconsequens has been cited in Argentina in 1921 by Teresa Joan. This has affected exports of fruit tree propagation materials. However currently there is a concern about that citation because it was probably an incorrect identification of the thrips species. The objective of this work was to confirm the presence of Taeniothrips inconsequens in fruit orchards in Argentina. Fruit orchards were sampled in the main producing areas of Argentina. A total of 10,696 specimens from 393 samples were examined and no T. inconsequens were found. The citation of this species for Argentina could be the result of misidentifications. Ninety percent of the collected specimens corresponded to four species of thrips: 37% Frankliniella australis, 29% Thrips tabaci, 14% Frankliniella occidentalis and 10% Frankliniella gemina. Of the remaining 10%, 2% were larvae and 8% corresponded to the species Aneristothrips rostratus, Frankliniella frumenti, Frankliniella schultzei, Frankliniella inesae, Frankliniella juancarlosi, Frankliniella spp, Leptothrips mali, Aeolothrips fasciatipennis, Arorathrips texanus, Tenothrips frici, Haplothrips spp, Haplothrips fiebrigi, Haplothrips trellesi, Thrips australis, Karnyothrips spp., and Caliothrips phaseoli. Highlights Taeniothrips inconsequens was not found in Argentina. No slides of specimens collected in Argentina of inconsequens were found at the Museo de La Plata. Frankliniella gemina was dominant in Buenos Aires, Thrips tabaci in Mendoza, Haplothrips in Río Negro and Neuquén, Frankliniella occidentalis in Chubut and Santa Cruz, and Farnkliniella australis Morgan in San Juan. Frankliniella australis was dominant in almond and peach trees, while Thrips tabaci was dominant in pear and quince trees.

Development of PCR-Based Assays for Rapid and Reliable Detection and Identification of Canker-Causing Pathogens from Symptomatic Almond Trees.

Trunk and scaffold canker diseases (TSCDs) of almond cause significant yield and tree losses and reduce the lifespan of orchards. In California, several pathogens cause TSCDs, including Botryosphaeriaceae, Ceratocystis destructans, Eutypa lata, Collophorina hispanica, Pallidophorina paarla, Cytospora, Diaporthe, and Phytophthora spp. Field diagnosis of TSCDs is challenging because symptom delineation among the diseases is not clear. Accurate diagnosis of the causal species requires detailed examination of symptoms and subsequent isolation on medium and identification using morphological criteria and subsequent confirmation using molecular tools. The process is time-consuming and difficult, particularly as morphological characteristics are variable and overlap among species. To facilitate diagnosis of TSCD, we developed PCR assays using 23 species-specific primers designed by exploiting sequence differences in the translation elongation factor, β-tubulin, or internal transcribed spacer gene. Using genomic DNA from pure cultures of each fungal and oomycete species, each primer pair successfully amplified a single DNA fragment from the target pathogen but not from selected nontarget pathogens or common endophytes. Although 10-fold serial dilution of fungal DNA extracted from either pure cultures or infected wood samples detected as little as 0.1 pg of DNA sample, consistent detection required 10 ng of pathogen DNA from mycelial samples or from wood chips or drill shavings from artificially or naturally infected almond wood samples with visible symptoms. The new PCR assay represents an improved tool for diagnostic laboratories and will be critical to implement effective disease surveillance and control measures.

Screening of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for their effect on Daucus carota pathogen and molecular docking.

Herein, we investigate the phytogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) by using aqueous extract of seed coat of almond as a novel resource which can acts as a stabilizing and reducing agents. Successful biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs was observed by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) showing peak at ~272 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques confirm the circular shape with an average size of ~20 nm. Applications of ZnO-NPs were observed on carrot (Daucus carota) plant infected with pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Spray with 50 ppm and 100 ppm ZnO-NPs caused significant increase in plant growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments of carrot plants. It has been reported that the synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrated an inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic fungus R. solani and reduces disease in carrot plants. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy indicated adverse effect of ZnO-NPs on pathogens. Antifungal efficiency of ZnO-NPs was further explained with help of molecular docking analysis. Conformation with highest negative binding energy was used to predict binding site of receptor with NPs to know mechanistic approach. ZnO-NPs are likely to interact with the pathogens by mechanical enfolding which may be one of the major toxicity actions against R. solani by ZnO-NPs. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using waste material from the coat of almond seeds. Images from SEM, TEM, and related techniques like EDS and SAED revealed the irregularity of the ZnO NPs as well as their atom composition. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation and the presence of crystalline ZnO NPs in nature. Biogenic ZnONPs were found to be effective against the plant pathogenic fungus R. solani. A spray of 50 ppm and 100 ppm ZnO-NPs significantly increased carrot plant growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments.

Recognition in the biography of Hussein Barghouthi " Among the Almond Trees"

Recognition has constituted an important theme in contemporary philosophical studies, and whose influence extended to literary texts because of the ability of the latter in revealing its manifestations at various levels. Building personalities, collective self, resistance, and conflict at the level of language and space. Hussein Barghouthi’s biography “Among the Almond Trees” was one of the most important texts that presented the memory and family, their relationship to place, how myths tolerate and exchange recognition in spite of their different cultures in the same collective human being, and how icons struggle at the level of language, self, and place, not to mention the daily reality in which the Israeli attends with his language, weapons, icons, and memories; where the Palestinian/Israeli dichotomy creates a real space for dealing with the theme of recognition.

Assessment of Some Selected Cultivars of Almond on GF677 Rootstock in Drought Stress Conditions

Drought stress is the most important factor limiting the successful production of agricultural crops worldwide. The response of some almond cultivars grafted on GF677 rootstock was studied to drought stress at a research greenhouse in the Horticultural Science Research Institute of Karaj, Iran, in the 2016-2017 growing season. The plant materials included 12 almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) genotypes/cultivars, including ‘Sh10’, ‘Saba’, ‘A1-16’, ‘Shokofeh’, ‘Kh1’, ‘A230’, ‘Mamaie’, ‘A13-40’, ‘A9-7’, ‘A8-24’, ‘Fragiolu’, and ‘Sh17’, which were grafted onto Gf677 rootstock. The results showed that the treated almonds differed significantly. When all studied traits are considered, it can be concluded that genotypes ‘Kh1’ and ‘A13-40’ outperformed all other genotypes and cultivars in terms of the studied morphological and physiological traits and exhibited far more tolerance to drought stress. In normal conditions, cultivars Kh1 and Mamaei had maximum proline (2.35 µmole/g), but A8-24 still showed the lowest content of proline (1.20 µmole/g). The highest K content under drought stress was obtained in A1-16 (2.8 %) and Mamaei (2.71 %) cultivars.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies of the Treatment of Biseni Crude Oil Polluted Water with Almond Seed Shell Activated Carbon

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies of the Treatment of Biseni Crude Oil Polluted Water with Almond Seed Shell Activated Carbon

Evaluation of Marketed Almond Oils [<i>Prunus dulcis</i> (Mill.) D.A. Webb] in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria

Almond oil marketed for health benefits and cosmetic purposes should be in compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) criteria. Therefore, in this study, 17 almond oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal shops, online, and cosmetics stores were analyzed in terms of "almond oil" monograph criteria, which have been mentioned in EP 7.0.In this study, 17 almond oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal, online, and cosmetics stores were analyzed in terms of "almond oil" monograph criteria, which have been mentioned in EP 7.0. Appearance, acidity value, and peroxide value of each sample were determined and the ingredients were identified by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatographic method using flame ionization detector.It was determined that two of the 17 samples complied with EP 7.0 criteria.Almond oil, which is currently marketed according to the manufacturer's own marketing and quality criteria, is excluded from the Turkish Food Codex Standards. Our research has shown that most of the products do not comply with the EP standards. For this reason, it should be ensured that almond oil is listed in this codex and urgent arrangements should be made for quality control analysis.

World experience and prospects of hazelnut and almond breeding in Ukraine

Hazelnuts and almonds are promising industrial crops that can differentiate the risks posed by climate change. Domestic almond varieties adapted to local conditions have been created in Ukraine, which require rapid propagation. Creating highly productive and disease-resistant varieties of hazelnuts also requires the reproduction of this crop in signifcant quantities. Of all the methods of vegetative propagation microclonal is the most promising one. Prior to introduction into aseptic culture, mother plants are grown in conditions that minimize endogenous accumulation in tissues of contaminants and phenolic substances. Sodium hypochlorite and Blanidas 300 are used for decontamination of explants. The addition of PPM biocide to the nutrient medium is promising to improve the sterilization of hazelnut explants. The decrease in contamination of almond explants decreases with increasing concentration of Cu, Ag ions in the environment. Mineral nutrients and phytohormones are hte main determinants of in vitro ontogeny. Along with the classic media (DKW, QL, MS, WPM) NRM environment is promising for hazelnuts, and NAM environment – for almonds. Excess in the environment of some elements reduces the assimilation of others, which is manifested visually. Thus, an excess of nitrogen causes symptoms of insufcient absorption of calcium, copper. This process is intensifed as the temperature increases. In addition, regenerating shoots are shortened, thickened and have excessive tissue hydration. Turkish scientists have proposed an original method of creating recipes for almonds and hazelnuts on the quantitative content of elements in the seeds of these plants. Cytokine are the most common phytohormones at the multiplication stage. For both cultures, most researchers prefer benzylaminopurine. Indolylbutyric acid is most often used to induce rhizogenesis. A perlite-based substrate is effective for the regenerants adaptation. It is suggested to inoculate regenerants on bitter almond seedlings as a type of adaptation. A method of photoautrophic microclonal propagation has been developed in Ukraine. These technological methods, which, along with vegetative propagation, allow the adaptation of regenerants in a short time. The efciency is achieved by activating the processes of photosynthesis due to increased carbon dioxide content and light intensity. Key words: hazelnuts, almonds, climate change, microclonal reproduction, determinants, nutrient media, phytohormones.

Comparison of the Effects of Abdominal Massage and Oral Administration of Sweet Almond Oil on Constipation and Quality of Life among Elderly Individuals: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background Constipation is a common digestive disorder in the elderly population, which has a considerable impact on various aspects of their lives. Traditional and complementary medicines are two common treatments for constipation. This study was aimed at comparing the effects of abdominal massage and oral administration of sweet almond oil on constipation and quality of life among elderly people. Methods In this single-blind study, 90 eligible elderly people were randomly selected according to ROME IV diagnostic criteria from October 2020 to May 2021 and were divided into three groups using block randomization (n = 30). In the oral consumption group, 126 ml sweet almond oil was administered during seven sessions held over two weeks (18 ml every other day). The abdominal massage group was provided with abdominal massage with the same amount of sweet almond oil during seven sessions in two weeks. Finally, the third group (i.e., the control group) received no interventions. Constipation was measured using the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) at baseline and on the 15th day of the intervention. Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) was also applied before and after the intervention (day 15). The data were entered in to the SPSS 22 software and were analyzed using chi-square t-test, paired t-test, independent t-test, and ANOVA. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results revealed a significant decrease in the CAS score in the oral consumption group (i.e., oral administration of sweet almond oil; from 7.81 ± 2.62 to 1.15 ± 1.08, p < 0.0003) compared to the abdominal massage group (i.e., abdominal massage; from 8 ± 2.57 to 2.26 ± 1.81, p < 0.0002) and the control group (from 7.73 ± 2.53 to 6 ± 2.74, p < 0.0002). Additionally, the stool consistency score in BSFS was significantly higher in the oral consumption group in comparison to the two other groups (p < 0.0003) before and after the intervention. Furthermore, the quality of life score decreased more significantly in the oral consumption group (from 75.04 ± 7.66 to 28.15 ± 3.30, p < 0.0003) than in the abdominal massage group (from 81.15 ± 5.15 to 43.26 ± 4.13, p < 0.0001) and the control group (from 79.62 ± 4.76 to 62.31 ± 6.40, p < 0.0008). Conclusion Since the oral administration of sweet almond oil and abdominal massage was highly influential in the participants' constipation scores and quality of life, these cost-effective methods with low complication rates are recommended to be used alongside other treatments in managing constipation among older adults.

Study on the Metabonomics Mechanism of Mongolian Medical Andai Therapy on Healthy People.

Andai therapy is a traditional therapy combining body, mind, and language with Mongolian characteristics. In the form of singing and dancing, it is widely popular among people of all ages in Mongolian areas of Inner Mongolia. According to Mongolian medicine, Heyi is one of the three elements of human body, and it can maintain life activities, promote blood circulation, and improve the functions of the sensory and mental consciousness. Andai therapy stimulates the whole body nerves and Heyi through music and dance, improves Heyi and blood operation, strengthens physique, improves immunity, effectively promotes physical and mental health, and plays a role in preventing and treating diseases. Objective. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to explore the mechanism of Andai therapy, so as to provide a new research direction for taking targeted prevention and treatment measures for diseases. Methods. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) on all its cases baseline plasma to the targeted metabonomics testing, the differential metabolites of the experimental group (receiving Andai therapy) and control group (without receiving Andai therapy), analysis-related metabolite function, and screening of metabolites and related pathways through adjusting mechanism to explore the related factors are compared, to study the mechanism of the influence of Mongolian medical Andai therapy on the metabolism of different healthy people. Results. The differences in metabolic numbers between the experimental group and the control group are 114, such as cyclohexylamine chlorinated acid, 2,4-2 aminobutyric acid bitter almond alcohol, l-methyl inosine, 2-picolinate, and 2-hydroxy-2-glutaric acid metabolite content of the control group that are significantly higher than the experimental group, experimental group's other substance content is significantly higher than that of the control group, and two groups' metabolite content was obviously different. The number of differential metabolites between the female experimental group and the female control group was 119, and the number of differential metabolites between the male experimental group and the male control group was 48.

Shelf-life extension of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using an edible coating of bitter almond gum-fish gelatin conjugates

Edible coatings can potentially reduce postharvest losses of tomatoes and preserve their health-benefit nutrients. We proposed that fish gelatin (FG) conjugated with bitter almond gum (BAG) may be suitable material for edible coating. Accordingly, coating dispersions were prepared with BAG, FG, or conjugates (1:2, 1:1, 2:1), and their effects were then investigated on the physicochemical and quality parameters of tomatoes during 28 days of storage at 20 °C. The occurrence of conjugation was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and rheological tests. The apparent viscosity and viscoelastic parameters improved proportionally to the BAG ratio in the conjugates. The conjugate-based coating maintained most tomato physicochemical parameters better than simple coating. Also, the conjugates preserved better sensory attributes and overall acceptability. However, the coating type did not affect pH, titrable acidity, and color indices apart from hue angle. Overall, BAG:FG (2:1) conjugate significantly delayed changes in firmness, lycopene content, titratable acidity, and limited weight loss and decay percentage to exhibit a protective performance for preserving tomatoes. Therefore, the conjugation FG with a higher BAG ratio can be promising to produce coating dispersion and maintain fruit quality during storability.

Trunk growth rate frequencies as water stress indicator in almond trees

The continuous monitoring of water stress will increase the accuracy of the deficit irrigation scheduling. Almonds are very sensitive to water stress conditions and an important water consumer. Recently, a novel approach to the use of trunk growth rate (TGR) data has been proposed for olive trees. These works suggested the use of TGR frequencies to evaluate water status of the trees. The aim of the current work was to compare the seasonal pattern of three different indicators derived from the daily curves of trunk diameter fluctuations with midday stem water potential. During three consecutive seasons (2017–2019), an irrigation experiment was carried out in a mature almond orchard (cv Vairo) at Dos Hermanas (Seville, Spain). Four irrigation treatments replicated in four blocks were evaluated using the daily curves of midday stem water potential and trunk diameter fluctuations. The different irrigation treatments were: Control, full irrigated conditions; RDI-1 (irrigation scheduling based on midday stem water potential with a deficit irrigation during kernel filling [values around −1.2 MPa]); RDI-2(similar to RDI-1 but with a more severe water stress [−2 MPa]) and incomplete recovery after harvest due to limitation of the seasonal amount of water (around 100 mm); SDI, sustained deficit irrigation with a seasonal applied water equal to RDI-2. Trunk diameter fluctuations were measured with a wireless band dendrometer. The daily curves were processed to obtain three different indicators. Maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) was the difference between the daily maximum and minimum. Trunk growth rate (TGR) was the difference between two consecutive daily maximums. The frequencies of several ranges of TGR were compared with the midday stem water potential. Weekly frequencies of values greater than 0.3 mm day−1 decreased with the reduction of midday stem water potential, but the pattern changed greatly in different seasons. The weekly frequency of values between − 0.1 and 0 and between 0 and 0.1 mm day−1 were steadier in different seasons. Differences between seasons were related to growth pattern and yield.

Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of almond trees treated with plant biostimulants or boron-based fertilizers

Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of almond trees treated with plant biostimulants or boron-based fertilizers

Role and mechanism of aromatherapy on hemodynamic parameters for patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review

Background and aims: Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of aromatherapy on hemodynamic parameters in patients with CVDs. Methods: This review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Using relevant keywords, an extensive search was done in 1.30.2022 in most important databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A form was designed for recording data related to randomized clinical trials (RCTs), hemodynamic changes (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure), and information about possible mechanisms in non-RCT works was also extracted. Findings: In RCTs, aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil, orange (Citrus sinensis) oil, lemon (Citrus limon), rose (Rosa damascena), and almond (Prunus dulcis) oil regulates pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure in patients with CVD. Aromatherapy can affect the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems through inducing local effects on veins, resulting in vasodilation, increased blood flow, and decreased peripheral resistance. Conclusion: Aromatherapy can be used as a complementary agent for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate in patients with CVD. However, certain precautions such as allergic reactions in patients should be taken before administration.