Dry Berries Research Articles

Application of response surface methodology to optimize the extraction of essential oil from ripe berries of Pistacia lentiscus using ultrasonic pretreatment

Pistacia lentiscus is one of the medicinal plants that is traditionally used to cure several diseases such as asthma or burns. The present work focuses on the application of the ultrasound as pretreatment to extract essential oil from the ripe berries of this plant using the hydrodistillation process. The objective of this study was to extract essential oil from the ripe berries of this plant and optimize the extraction parameters using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Design Expert 9.0.6 was used to design the experiments based on the Box-Behnken Design with three parameters, namely extraction time, ultrasonic power and plant material to water ratio. The ranges of the examined independent variables (factors), i.e. the extraction time (30.60–90 h), ultrasonic power (20–60 W) and plant material to water ratio of (1:4–1:12 g dry berries per ml water) were identified by preliminary experiments. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil of P. lentiscus ripe berries was measured by different chemical assays: 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and reducing power. The butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as positive control. The experimental data obtained from a 17 run experiment were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation. The optimal conditions were determined by the 3D response surface and the contour plots derived from the models. Results showed that the extraction time, the ultrasonic power and the plant material to water ratio have significant effect (p < 0.001) on the yield extraction of the essential oil. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be extraction time of 60 min, ultrasonic power of 60 W and solid-liquid ratio of 1 g: 12 ml. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum value of essential oil recovery relative to the initial mass of ripe berries powder was 0.66 ± 0.03%. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil evaluated by the scavenging activity of free radicals DPPH (), ABTS (+) and reduction power showed a moderate efficiency with IC50 = 571.22 ± 1.40 mg/l, 528.87 ± 1.65 mg/l and 244.24 ± 0.41 mg/l, respectively. The essential oil of P. lentiscus ripe berries can provide good alternatives to the synthetic antioxidants, to reduce the application of synthetic compounds as antioxidants because of their potential negative health effects and as a result of consumer demand for healthy products.

Effect of composition and processing conditions on selected characteristics of extruded corn instant gruels enriched with fruits addition

Cranberries and goji berries were used as natural supplements in extruded instant corn gruels. The effects of additive type and level, as well as extrusion-cooking screw speed on selected properties of extrudates were tested. Corn grit was used as the base raw materials and dry and ground goji berries and cranberries were added at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%. Extrusion-cooking of blends was performed with a single screw extruder at temperature ranged 125-135°C using various screw speed during processing. Extrudates were ground below 1 mm for instant gruels. Water absorption, water solubility, as well as colour profile were tested. The results showed that the highest water absorption was evaluated for instant gruels consist the highest amount of goji berries extruded at the highest screw speed during processing, while cranberries addition have no significant effect on water absorption. Increasing amount of dry cranberries and goji berries in the recipe affected on lowering the water solubility of the extrudates. Significant effect of fruits on color coordinates was observed. Increasing amount of dry berries lowered lightness L* and yellowness of instant gruels, especially when goji berries were used in the recipe. Increasing the screw speed during processing decreased intensity b* values.

Short-distance dispersal of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) females (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytidae) during the coffee tree fruiting period.

The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), is a multivoltine species closely associated with coffee crops worldwide, causing severe damage to the bean. In Mexico, as in all tropical regions, CBB survives during the inter-harvest period in residual berries on the ground or in dry berries remaining on the branches, and then disperses in search of the first suitable berries. In this study, we investigated how CBB dispersed from the first infested nodes during the fruiting period of Coffea canephora Pierre, which provides a favourable trophic level for this insect. Forty-five branches equally distributed in 15 coffee trees, with one infested node and four uninfested nodes, were selected. The branches were subjected to three treatments over nine weeks: 1) glue between nodes with full protection, 2) glue between nodes without protection, and 3) no glue and no protection. In addition, 45 CBB-free branches were selected and subjected to the same three treatments. CBB colonization can occur in three ways: 1) from an infested node to an uninfested node on the same branch, 2) from infested berries to uninfested berries within the nodes, 3) from branches to other branches. We also found that CBB dispersal between nodes of the same branches never occurred by walking but by flying. Thus, in this context of coffee berry development and ripening, and unlike the phenological situation of the inter-harvest period, CBB continuously travels very short distances, thus limiting its control.

Epidemiology of Botrytis cinerea on Grape: Wound Infection by Dry, Airborne Conidia

This study describes the infection of fresh wounds on berries exposed to freshly deposited airborne Botrytis cinerea conidia, and on berries carrying previously deposited conidia and germlings (latent infections). Grapes at bunch closure and at the mature (harvest) stage, as well as mature, cold-stored grapes, were used. The grapes were dusted with dry conidia in a settling tower. The inocula were subjected to conditions commonly encountered by the pathogen in grape bunches: dry conidia on dry berries under dry conditions, dry conidia on dry berries under high relative humidity, and dry conidia exposed to a film of water on the berry surface. The mean number of wounds that yielded B. cinerea decay 14 days after inoculation was calculated. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that conidia occurred evenly as single cells on the grape berry surface and seldom landed at the wound periphery. They remained dormant on dry berries, but germinated freely on the unbroken skin and at the wound periphery on moist and wet berries. In the case of berries inoculated at bunch closure and harvest stages, wounds were not infected by conidia deposited on berries four days prior to wounding. This finding indicated that, following adhesion and the first stages of growth, the pathogen did not survive for extended periods on surfaces of immature and mature grape berries. Freshly deposited dry conidia were needed to infect the wounds. The freshly deposited conidia furthermore needed free water, and not high humidity or wound exudates, to infect the fresh wounds. Proportions of wounds infected were extremely low. According to these findings, this mode of infection should not contribute to a gradual build-up of secondary inoculum and to B. cinerea epiphytotics in the vineyard. The previously and freshly deposited conidia both infected wounds made on cold-stored mature berries. Of the two inocula, freshly deposited conidia were more successful in causing wound infection. Therefore, in the event of wounding, postharvest decay would be caused primarily by conidia occurring on the grape berry surface, and not by mycelia in the berry skin.

The Effect of Partial Defoliation on Quality Characteristics of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes 1. Sugars, Acids and pH

The effect was studied of partial defoliation (33% and 66%) on the sugar and acid accumulation and pH in grapes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the total soluble sugar (TSS) in grapes of partially defoliated vines was significantly higher than that of non-defoliated vines in some cases, no significant differences were generally found. No significant differences in total titratable acidity (TT A) were found between treatments. The timing of defoliation had no effect on TSS in grapes, whereas TT A tended to be higher the earlier partial defoliation was commenced. In general, 33 % and 66% defoliated vines respectively produced approximately 33 % and 200% more TSS and TT A in the fruit per cm2 leaf area than non-defoliated vines. No significant differences between defoliation treatments were found on a per gram dry berry mass or per berry basis for glucose and fructose or tartaric and malic acid. However, 66% defoliated vines had significantly less soluble solids in berries per shoot, which was probably caused by a lower total berry mass per shoot. Although no significant differences in sugar composition could be found between defoliation treatments, tartaric acid levels tended to be higher and malic acid levels lower as a result of partial defoliation. Partial defoliation had no effect on the accumulation patterns of sugars and acids. Glucose dominated in berries at veraison, with fructose dominating at ripeness. The highest total tartaric and malic acid concentrations occurred at pea size. Malic acid content decreased rapidly from veraison, whereas the decrease in tartaric acid was not pronounced. Must pH was not affected by partial defoliation. The results seem to suggest that the general metabolism of vines was favourably changed by partial defoliation, mainly in terms of a more favourable source: sink ratio, more efficient photosynthesis, and an improved canopy microclimate.

Performance of different varieties and hybrids of black pepper(Piper nigrum L.) as mixed crop in arecanut garden of Assam, India

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Kahikuchi, Guwahati during 2009 to 2016 for evaluation of the performance of black pepper varieties/hybrids grown as mixed crop in 16 years old block of arecanut garden (Variety-Kahikuchi Local). Varieties such as, Panniyur-2, , Panniyur-4, Panniyur-5, Sreekara, Subhakara, Panchami, Pournami, PLD-2, Chumala, Karimunda and hybrids such as Panniyur-1 and Panniyur-3 were grown in three replications. Among the varieties /hybrids, Karimunda, Panniyur-5, Sreekara, Subhakara and Panchami produced higher number of laterals with more spread at six years age compared to the other varieties. Panniyur-5 recorded significantly higher number of spikes (210.3) followed by Karimunda (186.2); whereas the lowest was recorded in Panniyur-2 (62.8). The spike length was the highest in Panniyur-1 (16.4 cm), but was on par with Panniyur-1 and Subhakara. Sreekara recorded the lowest spike length of 10.2 cm. Three years mean dry berry yield indicated that , the yield was significantly higher with Panniyur-5 (1.25 kg/vine) followed by Panniyur-1 (1.15 kg/vine) and Subhakara (1.12 kg/vine) which differed significantly over the other varieties. Variety PLD-2 recorded higher oleoresin content (13.84%) and was on par with Panchami and Pournami. Piperine content was the highest in Panniyur-2 (4.65%) followed by Panniyur-1 (4.26%). Due to the mixed cropping of black pepper in arecanut garden, an improvement in the arecanut yield was observed (2.21 kg chali/palm/year) during 2015-16 compared to the arecanut monocrop (1.96 kg chali/palm/year) during 2009-2010.

Enantiodifferentiation of 1,2-propanediol in various wines as phenylboronate ester with multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Native concentrations and enantiomeric distribution of 1,2-propanediol in various wines were studied in order to evaluate its merits as a potential marker for aroma adulteration in wine. Heart-cut multidimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was applied to analyze 1,2-propanediol after salting-out of the polar phase, derivatization with phenyl boronic acid, and extraction with cyclohexane. The enantiomeric separation of the derivative was achieved with heptakis-(6-O-tert. butyl dimethylsilyl-2,3-di-O-acetyl)-β-cyclodextrin as the chiral selector. In all authentic wines studied, 1,2-propanediol showed a high enantiomeric ratio in favor of the (R)-enantiomer, proving its potential as a marker for the adulteration with flavor extracts based on industrial 1,2-propandiol as solvent. Usually, concentrations varied between 15 and 100mg/L. Higher values (up to 170mg/L) were found in wines made with high amounts of dry berries. However, despite the higher concentrations of 1,2-propanediol in such wines, no apparent influence on the enantiomeric distribution could be detected. Graphical Abstract Detection of fraudulent aromatization of wines by enantiodifferentiation of 1,2-propanediol as its phenylboronate ester.

Canopy management and water use efficiency in vineyards under Mediterranean semiarid conditions

One of the main objectives in Mediterranean vineyards is the water use efficiency due to its scarcity. During the growing season, total available water is significantly lower than the evaporative demand, being this a limiting factor for quality production. Beside other factors, the choice of an adequate training system can help mitigate this negative effect in regard with soil-plant hydric consumption. The use of porous systems can help plants establish a better leaf distribution inside the clusters area, providing more space and enhancing certain physiological processes, both in leaves and berries (de la Fuente et al., 2013), and causing a better utilization of natural resources.Water consumption, dynamics and hydric relations in plants (water potential) and soil (soil water tension and capacity) have been studied on three different systems: sprawl system with 12 shoots m–1 (S1); sprawl system with 18 shoots m–1 (S2) and verti- cal positioned system or VSP with 12 shoots m–1 (VSP1). Yield, dry matter partitioning and berry and must composition have also been obtained at the maturity stage.The main objective of this study was to show the differences in consumption and water use efficiency due to different canopy managements, and to quantify these effects on yield, berry and must composition.The results showed that the vertical system (VSP1) benefited less from total available water at medium level (20; 30 and 50 cm) in the profile soil (0.5–1.5% available water vol.), in comparison with non-positioned and free systems (S1 and S2). On the other hand, S1 and S2 treatments caused more stress to the plant at midday from flowering to veraison (8–10%), but not during ripening. Sprawl system (S1) helps produce more balanced plants compared to VSP1, because it obtains higher number (and weight) of main leaves by shoot, increasing the number of secondary shoots and maximizing the canopy volume. No dif- ferences were observed in the number of clusters, berry size or yield between VSP1 and S1, but higher crop load treatment (S2) showed an evident yield increase (16%) at harvest.Berry and must composition did not change (Brix, pH and total acidity) much, while the composition of anthocyanins improved with low exposure and non-positioned systems (S1 and S2).In addition, both positive effects of sprawl treatments (crop load and training system) resulted in better yield and quality in Mediterranean semiarid conditions under the same inputs (sun, water and soil), causing higher efficiency of natural resources.

Inheritance of economic traits of Microcerasus tomentosa thunb. intervarietal hybrids

A hybrid fund of Microcerasus tomentosa comprising 6 families with a total of 287 plants has been created. The features of the inheritance of important economic traits in hybrid offspring intervarietal hybrids Microcerasus tomentosa are defined. The hybrid family and cross combinations with high features of macrocarpa, small fruit size, dry berry separation, vitamin C, immunity and precocity are defined. During the study period of controlled hybrid offspring of crosses a number of elite seedlings was identified - Natali x Jubilejnaja, Natali x Smugljanka vostocnaja, and Natali x Rozovaja urožajnaja that combine high rates of fruit weight with other economic traits.

Alternaria mycotoxins associated with grape berries in vitro and in situ

The aim of this study was to assess the production of secondary metabolites of Alternaria species isolated from grape berries and determined the occurrence of Alternaria mycotoxins in vitro and in dried berries. Direct morphological examination on different media was used for identification and HPLC/MS method for quantification of Alternaria mycotoxins. We isolated A. alternata and A. tenuissima and randomly selected strains in vitro and in dried berries. In vitro we identified the production of Alternaria metabolites, included mycotoxins: alternariol, alternariol methylether, tenuazonic acid. Beside that one in dry berries were in measurable concentrations: macrosporin A, tentoxin and altenuete (I, II).

Effects of harvest date, harvest time, and post-harvest management on quantitative and qualitative traits in seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)

Seedless barberry is a native medicinal shrub that has been cultivated in Iran for more than two centuries. In order to study the effects of harvest dates, harvest times-of-day, drying and harvest methods on quantity and quality of seedless barberry fruits, three separate experiments were conducted in Soorand, Southern Khorasan province, Iran in 2008 and 2010. In the first experiment the effects of different harvest dates (9 September, 1 October, 22 October and 13 November), in the second experiment five harvest times-of-day (07.00, 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 and 19.00 O’clock) at two dates of harvest (16 September and 17 October) and finally in the third study the effect of picking methods (branch cutting and berry picking) and drying methods (sun drying and shade drying) were studied on quantitative and qualitative indices of seedless barberry. Results showed that the highest fresh and dry fruit yields were obtained at the final harvest date (13 November) in the first experiment. Moreover, the brix, pH and anthocyanin fruit content were increased but total titratable acidity was decreased by delaying in harvest date. Qualitative indices of seedless barberry were in maximum values before sunrise, then were decreased until noon and after that were increased until sunset. The maximum and minimum brix values were obtained at 07.00 and 10.00 (12.7% and 9.7%, respectively). In addition, the highest maturity index and anthocyanin fruit content (mg/100g dry berries) were obtained at 7.00 (3.40 and 128.5, respectively) and the lowest values of these indices were observed at 10.00 (3.03 and 83, respectively). The maximum value of brix (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.5%), maturity index (2.8) and anthocyanin fruit content (63.5mg/100g dry berries) were observed in berry picking method. Moreover, the highest brix value (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.6%), maturity index (2.7) and anthocyanin fruit content (72.5mg/100g dry berries) were obtained in the sun drying method. Generally, results of these experiments showed that berry picking in cool hours during the day and sun drying method are effective ways for improving barberry qualitative indices.

Correlation between numbers captured and infestation levels of the Coffee Berry-borer, Hypothenemus hampei: A preliminary basis for an action threshold using baited traps

Sampling techniques currently used to determine control measures for the Coffee Berry-borer (CBB) are time-consuming and allow the grower only a small window of opportunity to select other options. Experiments were conducted in four coffee fields between 2005 and 2007 using IAPAR® traps that were baited with ethanol and methanol (1 : 3 ratio) and benzaldehyde at 1% volume, to test for a correlation between the number of captured adults and infestation levels of CBB, and to determine the action threshold level. For this study, a density 20 traps/ha was used in each experimental area. The number of CBBs captured and infestation level on coffee berries were recorded every 2 weeks. Significant correlation was observed between the trap capture and the infestation level of the CBB in the field. This correlation can enable us to determine action thresholds using traps as sampling methods. Trap catch was very low in all four fields during fruit maturation between March and July, and it increased sharply in August when the CBB emerged from the dry berries that remained on the plants or on the ground.

Influence of the Plant Extract Complex “AdMax” on Global Gene Expression Levels in Cultured Human Fibroblasts

Ethanol/water extracts from roots of Leuzea carthamoides Iljin, Rhodiola rosea L., Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim, and from dry berries of Schizandra chinensis Baill. are known as adaptogenic remedies, which enhance physical endurance, counteract fatigue and restore suppressed immunity. Molecular mechanisms underlying effects of the extracts are poorly understood. In this study, a combination of these four extracts called AdMax™ (Nulab, Inc., Florida) was examined for its ability to influence gene expression levels in cultured human fibroblasts in vitro with the help of whole-genome Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays. We showed that AdMax treatment results in significant changes (at least 2 fold, p <. 05) in expression of 67 genes that are involved in metabolism of protein, nucleic acids, lipid and carbohydrates, in regulation of transcription, protein and ion transport, response to stimulus and stress. Enhancing expression of the PANK2 gene is of special interest in connection with AdMax ability to enhance physical endurance and counteract fatigue. PANK2 encodes a mitochondrial enzyme pantothenate kinase 2, which provides coenzyme A biosynthesis and thereby plays crucial role in energy metabolism. Partial deficiency of PANK2 gene activity leads to pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. In this connection potential therapeutic use of AdMax in patients with neurodegenerative diseases is discussed.

Oils in the Seeds of Caneberries Produced in Korea

AbstractSeed and oil contents, and fatty acid compositions of oils of 20 caneberries grown in Korea were determined. Fatty acid compositions of the oils were analyzed using GC for the extracted and methylated oils from the berry seeds. The seeds comprised 4–10% (w/w) of the wet berries and accounted for 26–62% of the dry berries. Moisture and oil contents of the berry seeds were 8–17 and 13–28% (dry basis), respectively. More than 90% of the total fatty acids in the oils from the berry seeds were unsaturated. Linoleic and linolenic acids comprised 49–70 and 13–34%, respectively, of the oils in the berry seeds.

Secoisolariciresinol and Matairesinol of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Berries of Different Subspecies and Harvesting Times

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) seeds, berries, and berry fractions are often used as sources of bioactive ingredients for health products. The aim of the present study was to analyze lignans in these fractions of sea buckthorn. Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries of sea buckthorn of three subspecies were analyzed by isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total content of the two lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol varied widely from 8 to 139 microg/100 g in fresh berries and from 51 to 319 microg/100 g in dry berries. The content of secoisolariciresinol varied in the range of 34-313 microg/100 g of dry mass in the fruit pulp/peel and 93-355 microg/100 g in dry seeds. The content of matairesinol fell within the range of 3-25 microg/100 g in dry pulp/peel and 1-13 microg/kg in dry seeds. Wild H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis contained a significantly higher total level of secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in dry seeds, dry berries, and fresh berries compared with wild ssp. rhamnoides (253 vs 135 microg/100 g, P < 0.01, in seeds; 224 vs 153 microg/100 g, P < 0.05, in dry berries; 71 vs 29 g/100 g, P < 0.01, in fresh berries) and the cultivar of ssp. mongolica (253 vs 112 microg/100 g in seeds, 71 vs 9 microg/100 g in fresh berries). Harvesting dates had a significant influence on the content of the two lignans in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries. This is the first report of lignans in sea buckthorn.

Production Ecophysiology of Hungarian Green Pepper Under Elevated Air CO2 Concentration

SUMMARY Production, dry matter (including reproductive) allocation, photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency and carbon and nitrogen responses of a Hungarian sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under continuous elevated CO2 concentrations are reported. Plants were grown in open top chambers under a temperate-continental climate in Hungary from plantation at ambient (350 μmol mol−1) and elevated (700 μmol mol−1) CO2 concentrations. The CO2 assimilation responses of the green pepper plants grown in high CO2 from plantation until final harvest reflected down-regulation of their photosynthesis. The integrated and combined effect of the increased net CO2 assimilation rate and the unchanged rate of transpiration resulted in higher WUE at elevated CO2 concentrations in the high CO2 plants than in the control ones grown at ambientCO2. However, the improved water use efficiency in the high CO2 plants was not followed by an acclimation in C-trans-location and C-allocation to the reproductive organs in the required degree. This was reflected in a slightly increased overall plant production and higher reproductive allocation, but was not accompanied by an increased fresh or dry berry mass production. The acclimation discussed may be of advantage for plant growth in a high CO2 environment with restricted water availability. We did not find worthy statistical difference between the yield mass of the control and elevated CO2, although the dry matter production parameters of the high CO2 plants had statistically not significantly higher values.

Productivity and economics of Solanum viarum-based intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 1995-96 and 1996-97 to study the performance of various intercrops in Solanum viarum Dunal-based intercropping system and find out the effect of intercrops on yield of main crop vis-a-vis economics of the cropping system. The mean dry berry yield of 3.93 tonnestha obtained with S. viarum + clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.j Taubert] system was more than yields realized in pure crop of S. viarum (3.63 tonnestha). Highest base crop equivalents were also realized with this cropping system (5.54 tonnestha), followed by 4.40 tonnes with S. viarum + French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), 4.16 tonnes with S. viarum + soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], 3.83 tonnes with greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) and 3.73 tonnes with S. viarum + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Mean maximum land-equivalent ratio (1.75), net income (Rs 25,581) and income-equivalent ratio (1.61) were also found with S. viarum + clusterbean system.

Response of Solanum viarum to phosphorus and potassium application

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1995 96 and 1996 97 to study the response of Arka Sanjeevini Solanum viarum Dunal to graded levels of phosphorus and potassium application. The maximum dry berry yield of 3.84 tonneslha (mean of 2 years) was obtained at 60 kg P205 and 3.93 tonneslha at 40 kg O/ha because of higher weight of berrieslplant observed in the same treatments. This was followed by 90 kg P205 and 60 kg O/ha application. The improved variety responded more to potassium than to .phosphorus application.

Response of Eastern Black Nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum) to Low Rates of Imazethapyr and Metolachlor

Eastern black nightshade is a problem weed in soybeans primarily due to interference with harvesting operations and reductions in crop quality. Field and greenhouse studies were conducted in 1990 and 1991 at Harrow, Ontario, to determine whether sublethal rates of imazethapyr and metolachlor could suppress growth and berry production by eastern black nightshade. In the greenhouse, plants treated with metolachlor PRE at 0.8 kg ai ha−1or imazethapyr POST at 30 g ai ha−1(1/3 to 1/2 the labelled rates) produced significantly fewer berries in the first flower cluster, with fewer seeds per berry, than untreated plants. When a surfactant was added to the imazethapyr, almost all flower buds in the first cluster were aborted. Treated plants recovered from the damage, however, and did not differ significantly from control plants in dry weight or berry production 110 DAP. In the field, application of 50 g ai ha−1imazethapyr POST (2/3 of the lowest labelled rate), with or without a surfactant, resulted in delayed flowering, abortion of most of the flower buds in the first cluster, and greatly reduced growth and total berry production between soybean leaf abscision and harvest. Application of metolachlor + metribuzin PPI in the field at 2/3 of the labelled rate (1.6 + 0.25 kg ai ha−1) was not sufficient to reduce nightshade growth and berry production after soybean leaf abscision. Sublethal rates of imazethapyr and metolachlor did not reduce seed viability in either the greenhouse or the field.

Spray deposition in relation to endosulfan resistance in coffee berry borer ( Hypothenemus hampei) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in New Caledonia

Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), in Coffea canephora var. robusta grown in New Caledonia, is controlled by applying endosulfan using vehicle-mounted mistblowers operating from roadsides. Spray deposit profiles across fields of shaded and unshaded coffee were measured by a surface fluorescence technique. In unshaded mature coffee plantations a small mistblower deposited 90% of the spray within the first 10 m from the roadside, whereas a large mistblower deposited 50% to 15 m and 90% to 30 m. The range of this large sprayer was reduced in shaded traditional plantations and was severely affected by windy conditions. Susceptible and resistant beetles, arranged in transects perpendicular to the roadside, were exposed to a standard application of endosulfan. Complete mortality of susceptible beetles occurred over the first 20 m for beetles contained in filter paper packets, compared with 10 m for beetles in green berries and 5 m for beetles in dry berries. Resistant beetles had significantly greater survival at all distances. Differential selection pressure, estimated by the differential mortality of resistant and susceptible beetles, was at maximum 6 m from the roadside. The correlation between the heaviest spray deposit and greatest selection for resistance near the point of application, is discussed.