Concentrations Of Mineral Salts Research Articles

Acclimation of Agave potatorum Zucc. micropropagated plants

Objective: Agave potatorum Zucc. is an intensively exploited wild plant species. We intend to evaluate how the concentration of mineral salts (MS), indole-butyric acid (IBA), and the incubation conditions affect in vitro-rooted A. potatorum during acclimation. Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted 18 treatments that resulted from combining three factors: 1) MS concentrations (50%, 75%, and 100%); 2) IBA concentrations (without auxin, 0.5 mg L-1, and 1 mg L-1); and 3) incubation environments (fluorescent lighting in a laboratory or exposure to solar radiation in a greenhouse). Thirteen plants from each treatment were transplanted into individual pots containing a 1:1 mixture of peat moss and perlite. These were placed in the acclimation greenhouse for 150 days, exposed to changes in solar radiation, starting from 600 µmol m-2 s-1 and conditions of high relative humidity (80-90%), and reaching outdoor conditions with full solar radiation,1400 ±200 µmol m-2 s-1. All in vitro culture plants, both in greenhouse and laboratory, underwent the same environmental and management conditions. Results: After 150 days of acclimation, plants micropropagated in a culture medium with 0.5 to 1 mg L-1 of IBA, 100% MS, and incubated in a greenhouse showed better growth. Study limitations/Implications: The in vitro culture protocol was (successfully) modified by providing solar radiation in a greenhouse during the rooting of A. potatorum sprouts. Findings/Conclusions: Solar radiation during in vitro incubation of A. potatorum favors its acclimation.

Fortified chocolate mousse with powder and extract from Moringa oleifera leaves for nutritional value improvement

This study focuses on the characterisation and incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOP) from Luanda (Angola) and its extract (MOE) in fortified chocolate mousse. Dark green (DG) leaves presented superior nutritional values compared to other leaves. DG contained a higher concentration of mineral salts (10 ± 1 mg/100 g of dry leaves), phenolic compounds (267 ± 4 mg GAE/g), vitamins (1.9 ± 0.2 mg/g of dry extract) and strong antioxidant capacity (IC50, 115 ± 8 µg/mL). Therefore, DG leaves were used to fortify the chocolate mousse. The leaves were prepared in three samples: control, 2 % MOP (w/w) and 2 % MOE (v/v). Textural and rheological analysis of chocolate mousse samples revealed a pseudoplastic profile for all samples, with decreased texture attributes and viscosity due to the incorporation. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that MOP and MOE samples presented 93 % and 88 % resemblance to the original product regarding general acceptance, respectively.

Regarding the prediction of fruit yield dynamics

Pomology serves as a source of essential food products and raw materials for industry. Fruits possess unique medicinal properties, offering undeniable nutritional and dietary benefits due to their content of fructose, glucose, organic acids, vitamins, pectins, and mineral salts. The function of the fruit is to preserve the seeds that contribute to the spread of flowering plants, i.e. the seeds are a way of propagating plants. Fruit is a valuable food containing an irreplaceable complex of vitamins, enzymes and other biologically active substances necessary for maintaining human health. This study covers the period of fruit growing in farms of all categories of autonomy for the years 1995-2018, i.e. the last 24 years. A brief analysis of production indicators shows that from 1995 to 2018, with an increase in yield by 119.4 c/ha, the cultivated area decreased by 58.4%, while the gross grain harvest increased by more than 3.7 times. The positive dynamics in fruit production are not only due to their social significance, which allows for assessing the country's food security, but also to their reasonably acceptable efficiency in the food market.

Generation of Plasma-Activated Fluids for Successful Disinfection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Liquid Environments and Determination of Microbial Damage

The application of the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma technology is a promising tool for microbial inactivation. During the activation process, many reactive substances and radicals arise associated with physicochemical changes in the fluid and massive pH drop. In this study, we analyzed and optimized plasma activation settings and conditions of water and liquids to obtain inactivation of the waterborne microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a liquid environment. The minimal electrical output was 60 Watt with 20 min activation time followed by 30 min contact time with 108 cells/mL. Using higher electrical power (>90 W) with a Lab Unit generating plasma-activated water, a shorter activation time (<10 min) was sufficient for bacterial inactivation. The organic and inorganic composition of the activated liquid with different mineral salt concentrations is of utmost importance for the yield of reactive species during the plasma activation process and consequently for the antimicrobial effect. Plasma-activated fluids with high organic and inorganic contents demonstrated lower inactivation efficiencies than low loaded fluids; yet antimicrobial efficacy could be achieved by increasing the electrical power and activation time. For sufficient inactivation of bacterial suspensions, at least half a volume unit of plasma-activated water had to be added after appropriately optimized activation. Further dilutions reduced the antimicrobial effect. PAW lost activity after being left standing for a prolonged time after activation, so for maximizing the antimicrobial effect a direct use after activation is recommendable. Bacterial inactivation was shown by the absence of colony forming units on culture media and, at the molecular level, damage to the membrane and inactivation of enzymes were observed. Plasma-activated fluids demonstrated a high potential in applications as microbiological disinfectant in liquids.

Cultivation of Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in Open Reactor for Bioethanol Production

Microalgae have a high growth rate, high CO2 absorption capacity, and high content of chlorophyll, proteins, vitamins, mineral salts, carbohydrates, antioxidant substances, and fatty acids. In recent years, Chlorella vulgaris has been widely used as a feedstock for producing third-generation biofuels, such as bioethanol. Thus, this work aims to develop a strategy to increase the production scale of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris grown in distilled reused water, supplemented with a modified BG-11 medium, to use biomass in the production of bioethanol. The total cultivation of 72 L presented a concentration of 0.415 g·L−1·d−1, with 61.32 g of final biomass. To improve carbohydrate extraction, the biomass was pre-treated with sulfuric acid at different concentrations (1.5% and 3% v/v). The hydrolyzed solution was supplemented with YPD (yeast extract peptone dextrose) medium and inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisae yeast, initiating fermentation. In each sample, the Brix degree, cell concentration, reducing sugar concentration, and alcohol content were analyzed. The sample pre-treated with sulfuric acid 1.5% v/v was the one that presented the best result, with alcohol content after distillation of 68 °GL (Gay-Lussac). It appears that the cultivation of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in scale-up, with reused water, has high potential in the production of third-generation biofuel.

New evidence for in vitro conservation of nodal segments of the passion fruit ‘UENF Rio Dourado’ (Passiflora edulis Sims)

The germplasm of Passiflora L. is conserved through seed banks and field collections. Dormant seeds, seeds with low viability, and high-cost field collections make it difficult to maintain germplasm banks, and in vitro conservation can be a complementary alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of nodal segments of Passiflora edulis Sims ‘UENF Rio Dourado’ over 180 days of slow growth in vitro by reducing the mineral salt and sucrose concentrations and changing the incubation conditions (temperature and light intensity). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of two temperatures (20 ± 2°C and 27 ± 2°C), three concentrations of MSM mineral salts (100% MSM, 50% MSM, and 25% MSM), and three sucrose concentrations (10, 20, and 30 g L-1). Evaluations were performed at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days for survival, number of leaves, and plant color (using a color scale where 1 = dark green, 2 = light green, and 3 = yellow). After 180 days of culture, mineral salt, sucrose concentration, and incubation temperature affected plant survival, regeneration, and acclimatization. During the 180 days, it was possible to slow the growth of nodal segments of passion fruit ‘UENF Rio Dourado’ in culture medium with 25% MSM mineral salts plus 10 g L-1 sucrose, at an average temperature of 20°C without compromising plant survival, regeneration, and acclimatization.

Chia sprouts and microgreens as a new nutraceutical raw materials and their health-promoting impact in modern dietetics

Abstract Today, plant sprouts are one of the most important forms of functional foods (FOSHU – Food For Specified Health Use), in nutraceutical diets based on so-called “healthy food”. The health-promoting effects of sprouts are due to their rich chemical composition and high nutritional quality compared to standard crop raw materials. Recently, many scientific studies have pointed to the medicinal and therapeutic effects of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), but there is still a lack of research on the composition and biological properties of chia sprouts. In addition to chia sprouts, chia microgreens (microleaves) are becoming prominent in the food industry. This paper reviews the literature data on research on chia sprouts and microgreens. In the work, the process of sprouting chia seeds to boost their nutraceutical properties by increasing their content of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and mineral salts, is revealed. The review underlines the fact that sprouting contributes to the enhancement of antioxidant potential by increasing the production of polyphenolic compounds from the phenolic acid group and flavonoids. What is more, single studies noted in the study indicate the antimicrobial properties of chia sprout extracts against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains. The paper is the first comprehensive review of the latest scientific information on the comparison of chia: dry seeds, sprouted seeds, sprouts and microgreens.

Denaturation of proteins under the influence of ultrasound. Hypothesis

In the food industry, the use of ultrasound as a non-thermal treatment is expanding. Ultrasound is often used at the final stage of food production to improve rheological characteristics and prolong shelf life. However, an increase in temperature during ultrasonic treatment can negatively affect the quality of the final product. An increase in temperature during food processing causes the denaturation of enzymes. For most enzymes of animal origin, the denaturation temperature is 40-50 °C, and for enzymes of plant origin it is 50-60 °C. At the same time, at a temperature of 80 °C and above, all enzymes are destroyed. In this regard, it was very important to investigate possible temperature changes during ultrasonic treatment. The essence of the hypothesis put forward by “Shoman” is the study of the fact that during ultrasonic treatment, thermal effects occur, at which protein denaturation begins. An increase in the temperature values during ultrasonic treatment above the denaturation temperature of proteins confirms our hypothesis. It is established that: 1) with ultrasonic exposure to a two-component oil/ water emulsion, the temperature rises to 83 °C with a duration of exposure of 28 minutes; 2) an increase in the proportion of oil relative to water contributes to an increase in temperature from 74 to 83 °C; 3) with equal oil/water ratios, the content of mineral salts and organic substances in drinking water contributes to an increase in temperature under ultrasonic exposure compared to distilled water. The results obtained are valid for a two-component water-oil emulsion. It is of interest to study the influence of other food components on the dynamics of temperature changes during ultrasonic treatment. I would like to know the opinion of other researchers on the “Shoman” hypothesis.

ASSESSMENT OF CORROSION DAMAGE TO OIL-WELL TUBING IN MINERAL ENVIRONMENTS

The state of oil production technology and engineering, especially in the conditions of well operation with complex aggressive environment, requires solutions that allow to improve productivity processes without maximising costs. One of the reasons reducing effective well performance can be attributed to the formation of a corrosion layer formed on the surface of oilfield equipment. Mineral salts in formation waters together with other non-carbons form electrochemical corrosion activity on the surface structure of metal. As a result, there is a decrease in the strength of the metal of the tubing pipes in the well, the formation of cracks in the threads, as well as a decrease or complete loss of productivity. The effects of corrosion on pumping units can lead to emergency situations at oil production facilities. Currently, at the Kumkol oil field, the issue of increasing the strength of production equipment when working in conditions with high water content and mineral salt content in the composition has not lost its relevance. The purpose of this article is to determine a method for carrying out a set of anti-corrosion measures in the region with the destruction of metal tubing pipes and well pumps based on monitoring technological processes at oil enterprises.

Composição diferencial de reservas e óleo de sementes de Moringa oleifera cultivadas em estados do Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT Moringa oleifera (Lam.) is an oilseed rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The seed reserve composition can change according to environmental conditions of precipitation and temperature. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the M. oleifera seed and its vegetable oil from plants cultivated in different states of Northeast Brazil. Seeds and soil samples were collected in Bahia (BA), Ceará (CE), Paraíba (PB), and Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Regarding climate variables, RN and BA had the lowest (395 mm) and highest (880 mm) precipitation during the collection year, respectively. The size and mass of the seeds and almonds, and the characterization of the flour and the oil of the ‘moringa’ seeds were measured. The largest seeds and almonds were collected in BA and the smallest in RN. The highest protein and moisture contents were obtained in the seeds from CE. The seeds from RN had the highest oil content, unsaturated fatty acids, ashes, acidity, and saponification levels. Thus, RN presents the smallest seeds of M. oleifera with higher content of mineral salts (ashes), oil, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVATOR NUTRILIFE ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF ONIONS

Belonging to the Alliaceae family, onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important and popular vegetable and spice crops grown all over the world. Onions are demanding on soil fertility. It is especially demanding to the increased concentration of mineral salts in the soil. At the beginning of the growing season, onion plants must be supplied with nitrogen. A high yield of onions is obtained on light fertile sandy and loamy soils with a pH of 6-7. Correct provision of plants with macro- and microelements can have a beneficial effect on the growth and yield of turnip onions, which is extremely important on poor soils. At the time when environmental protection is becoming an important concern, new friendly methods of stimulating plant growth are being investigated, among others, by applying macroelements, microelements and various growth stimulants to the leaves. One of the new products is Nutrilife, a biological activator. It is a combination of macro- and microelements (EDTA), humic and fulvic acids, enzymes and amino acids. The field experiment was carried out in east-central Poland, 85 km east of Warsaw, on Luvisol soil. The aim of the studies was to determine the effect of Nutrilife applied to leaves during the BBCH 19 stage, with the simultaneous reduction of nitrogen or phosphorus soil doses by half, on the yield and the content of dry matter and sugars in onion. The Nutrilife activator allowed half reducing mineral nitrogen or phosphorus doses, while the yield was the same as in the case of full NPK treatment. The effect of Nutrilife on onion dry matter content was dependent on the weather conditions in the years of research and the applied mineral fertilizer treatment. There was no significant effect of the activator on the total sugar content.

Extraction of commercially valuable mineral salt from reverse osmosis brine using a spray dry process

As the need for drinkable water increases, thermal and membrane desalination of seawater have emerged as the two most effective solutions. Both thermal and membrane desalination systems, however, release large quantities of concentrated brine back into the sea. The continuous discharge of enormous amount of brine into the sea will disrupt the aquatic ecosystem and increase the seawater salinity level. In this study, spray dry technology is utilized for isolation of minerals from reverse osmosis brine and there by achieving zero liquid discharge concept. The procedure involves spraying feed into a chamber, followed by the introduction of heated air. The flow rates of the spray dryer and hot air can be adjusted. Consequently, the amount and concentration of feed residue in the chamber can be altered. The residue from the first vaporization chamber was cooled to a specified temperature and centrifuged to separate the minerals in crystal form. The centrifuge reject was fed to a second vaporization chamber for further concentration and separation of pure mineral salts. This cycle was repeated between two and six times to isolate all significant minerals from the brine. The vaporized water from all chambers was condensed to generate pure water as a by-product.

Assessment of the influence of ambient temperature and soil salinity on the degree of destruction of oil by free and immobilized microorganisms

Due to the annual increasing volumes of oil and petroleum products extraction and refining, the probability of ecosystem pollution with heavy hydrocarbons is increasing. At present, it is biological methods of soil purification that are the most promising methods from both an ecological and an economic point of view. The main mining regions are characterized by a hot climate and high salinity of the soil. It is known that the effectiveness of the use of destructive microorganisms largely depends on external environmental factors. Abiotic factors of ambient temperature and salinity of the initial soil directly affect the metabolic processes of bacteria. The purpose of this work was to study the ability of free and immobilized microorganisms on biological carriers to degrade oil under different temperature conditions and at different concentrations of mineral salts in the soil. It was found that with an increase in salinity, the degree of destruction decreases. However, with an increase in temperature, the level of destruction remained at the same level as at 5% NaCl. The degree of destruction is influenced by the temperature factor. The highest destruction result was shown by strains immobilized on rice husk. Whereas strains immobilized on buckwheat husks and free cells with increasing salinity and temperature show a low degree of purification. Immobilization of strains on solid organic carriers, protect from external influences and from fluctuations in ambient temperature. Key words: bioremediation, immobilization, temperature, salinity, rice husk, buckwheat husk, destructive microorganisms.

Антиоксидантные и антибактериальные свойства кумыса

In order to search for effective means that increase the body’s resistance to pathogens the analysis of literature data on the composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of kumis – a traditional food product in the North. The study was conducted using Information and Search (PubMed) and Library Databases (eLibrary). The beneficial properties of kumis are due to the unique composition of mare’s milk, which in terms of the content of protein, milk sugar and mineral salts is closer to that of a woman’s, unlike cow’s. The microbiocenosis of kumis is dominated by lactic acid bacteria and yeast, producing antibiotic substances and vitamins during fermentation. The anti-inflammatory effect of kumis is due to its low molecular weight antioxidants in the composition of kumis, which inhibit the generation of ROS – LPO initiators. Under the action of kumis, there is a decrease in pro-inflammatory interleukins, with a parallel increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Considering the fact that one of the most dangerous complications in coronavirus infection is a cytokine storm, data on the effect of kumis on the cytokine status are of particular relevance. The intake of mare’s kumis has a positive effect on the indices of erythrocytes and their morphology, as well as normalizing the leukogram, and has a positive effect on the body’s immune system. The use of one-day Yakut kumis contributes to the correction of secondary immune deficiency states and is a promising product in the prevention of a number of diseases, including viral ones, not excluding the prevention of SARS-CoV-2. Kumis, as a functional food, preserves and improves health and can be recommended for daily consumption in food diets by all age groups.

Desalination of Neutral Amino Acid Solutions in an Electromembrane System.

This article’s main focus is to highlight significant aspects of amino acid solution demineralization. The main part of the amino acid production method requires the provision of downstream treatment solutions for the process of desalination. Electrodialysis (ED) and electrodeionization (EDI) are prospective technologies for such treatment. The article presents a brief review of the first studies and current research on electromembrane desalination of amino acid solutions as well as the analysis of some electrochemical features for the mineral salt–amino acid system (model solution) in an ED process based on the experimental results. The influence of various factors on the desalination of neutral amino acid-containing solutions and on target product losses in this process is estimated. The behavior of aliphatic (alanine) and aromatic (phenylalanine) amino acids in the electromembrane system is considered in mixed solutions with inorganic electrolytes. The influence of various mineral cations (Na+, K+ and NH4+) and anions (NO3−, SO42−, Cl−) on the features of the transport and current–voltage characteristics of ion-exchange membranes in the electrodialysis of phenylalanine- and alanine-containing solutions is considered. A comparative analysis of the desalination parameters of AA solutions in electrodialysis with the following pairs of heterogeneous MA-41/MK-40, MA-40/MK-40 and homogeneous AMT/CMT membranes is carried out. The minimum amount of amino acid loss along with rather high values of the degree of desalination are revealed in electrodialysis with polypropylene spacers in comparison with EDI, ED with a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene as spacer, as well as ED with a smooth deionization channel. At the same time, EDI is the most promising method to reach the highest desalination degree in the considered range of mineral salt content.

Histological aspects of rat ovaries supplemented with bee pollen from Cocos nucifera

Bee pollen is a food supplement for its medicinal properties. It has a high concentration of vitamins, mineral salts, proteins, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates, which are beneficial to health. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of bee pollen supplementation on the ovarian performance of rats. Fifty pubescent rats were separated into groups maintained with a common feeding routine. Two experimental groups of 15 animals each were supplemented by intragastric administration with 50 mg of bee pollen from Cocos nucifera, for 30 and 90 days. The estrous cycle was followed in the last 12 days of treatment. In the first estrus after treatment, euthanasia was performed by intraperitoneal administration of sodium thiopental (50 mg/kg), to remove the ovaries for making histological sections. The number and types of ovarian structures present were analyzed: secondary follicle, Graafian follicle, atresic follicle and corpus luteum. In animals supplemented for 30 days there was a significant increase in the number of atresic follicles compared to controls. This increase also occurred in the supplemented 90 days compared to 30 days. It was also found a decrease in the number of corpora lutea, suggesting that the effects are time dependent.

Relationship between different body composition and bone mineral density in Qinhuangdao city.

This study aimed to explore the correlation between different body components and bone mineral density in healthy adults. A total of 306 non-manual subjects, 161 males and 145 females, were selected from the physical examination center of our hospital from June to September 2019. They were divided into control group, overweight group, and obese group according to body mass index. The muscle mass and fat mass, body fat content, trunk fat mass, upper limb and thigh fat mass, bone density of femoral neck and lumbar vertebra, and bone mineral salt content of the whole body were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, femoral neck bone mineral density, bone mineral salt content, fat mass, muscle mass, upper limb fat mass, thigh fat mass, and trunk fat mass in the overweight group and obese group were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The fat mass, muscle mass, upper limb fat mass, and trunk fat mass were positively correlated with the femoral neck bone mineral density, total lumbar vertebra bone mineral density, and bone mineral salt content (P<0.05). In addition, thigh fat mass was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and total lumbar spine bone mineral density, whereas body fat content was negatively correlated with bone mineral salt content. Body composition was related to bone mineral density and bone mineral salt content, and the correlation between different body composition indexes, and bone mineral density, and bone mineral salt content was different.

RETURNABLE BAKING WASTE — A NEW TYPE OF RAW MATERIALS FOR DISTILLATES PRODUCTION (PART IV. SPIRIT DRINK)

A distillate is a basis for the blend of a spirit drink. Distillate ripening is necessary to stabilize the physicochemical composition and achieve certain flavor characteristics. Softened water is the second ingredient of the spirit drink blend in terms of volume. The mineral composition of water influences the consumer properties of a drink. The aim of this work is to reveal factors that influence quality indicators of a spirit drink from a new type of a raw material. The objects of the research were the samples of the distillate from baking waste, commercial batches of softened water and experimental blends of a spirit drink. The authors determined the volume fraction of ethanol, organoleptic characteristics and mass concentration of the main volatile components by the gas chromatography method in the objects of the research. It was established that upon distillate ripening, the most intensive oxidative processes occured in a period of 10 to 20 days. This led to an increase in the acetaldehyde concentration by 6–27% depending of a raw material type. At the same time, an increase in the mass concentration of ethyl acetate by 15 to 30%, as well as the total concentration of ethyl caproate, ethyl caprate, ethyl caprylate by 27–38% was observed. An effect of the strength of the spirit drink on its organoleptic characteristics was revealed. The mineral composition of the soften water samples prepared by the method of ion exchange and reverse osmosis was studied. Based on the analysis of the taste and aroma profiles of spirit drinks, an effect of the concentration and ratio of mineral salts in water on product quality characteristics was shown. The authors recommend the optimal duration of distillate ripening before blending — not more than 20 days, the blend strength 40–42% vol. The necessity to use soften water prepared by the method of ion exchange or reverse osmosis with the controlled content of ions of calcium (not more than 9 mg/dm3), sodium (not more than 60 mg/dm3), sulfates (not more than 65 mg/dm3) and hydrogen carbonates (not more than 80 mg/dm3) for blending was substantiated.

In vitro culture of Zingeria biebersteiniana (Claus) P. Smirn as a method of conservation and expanding its biodiversity

Zingeria biebersteiniana (Claus) P. Smirn (2n = 4) is an insufficiently explored model plant and its research prospects are wide. At the same time, it is included in the Red List of Russia due to the narrow ecological amplitude of the species. During the work for the first time for this species, the conditions for the induction of callusogenesis and somatic organogenesis were studied. Aseptic plants were obtained by sterilization with 5 % sodium hypochlorite solution; seed stratification increased seed germination rate. Since rooting is often a problem by in vitro cultivation, various concentrations of the main components of MS nutrient medium were studied. It was found that for the induction of root formation the optimal composition of the nutrient medium contains 1/8-1/2 concentrations of mineral salts and vitamins according to the recipe MS. The study of the possibility of induction of callus formation was carried out on seeds and on leaf explants. For induction of callusogenesis on seeds, the greatest effectiveness was shown by MS with the addition of 4 mg/l 2,4-D, for further reproduction of callus - MS with the addition of 0.1-0.5 mg/l 2,4-D; however, it was not possible to achieve callus formation on leaf explants. The highest frequency of somatic organogenesis in callus tissue was achieved on MS with the addition of 1 mg/l BAP and 1/12 mg/l IAA.

Is deficit irrigation with saline waters a viable alternative for winegrowers in semiarid areas?

Two of the main challenges of Mediterranean viticulture is low water quality and the risk of increasing concentrations of mineral salts in the root zone. This work was undertaken to study the impact of saline deficit irrigation on grape and wine phenolic composition, as well as on the sensory profile of the wines. The experiment was carried out during three consecutive years (2016-2018) in a commercial vineyard of cv. Monastrell (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted onto 1103P rootstock located in D.O. Jumilla (SE Spain). Three watering regimes were carried out: i) the control (“Control”): the vines were irrigated with water of standard quality, ii) Sulfate treatment (“Sul”): the vines were irrigated with saline water (Na₂SO₄ + MgSO4), and iii) Chloride treatment (“Chl”): the vines were irrigated with saline water (NaCl). The same amount of irrigation water was applied to all the treatments. The water electrical conductivity was 1.8 dS/m for Control and 5 dS/m for the saline treatments (Sul and Chl). Both the Sul and Chl treatments reduced the berry weight in all the study years compared to Control, although this difference was statistically significant in the last year only (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed in the grape quality parameters. However, the saline treatments slightly increased grape total soluble solids (TSS) in two out of the three study years compared to Control. Regarding the phenolic composition, no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) among treatments were found in grapes and wines. In general, the wines from vines irrigated with saline waters received the best scores by the panel in the sensory profile analysis. The use of saline waters could be employed in the case of water scarcity, as long as the vineyard is planted on a rootstock tolerant to salinity, such as 1103P, and the vineyard soil has a texture that favours leaching.