Tree Fruit Research Articles

Plant virus diversity in bee and pollen samples from apple (Malus domestica) and sweet cherry (Prunus avium) agroecosystems.

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination is widely used in tree fruit production systems to improve fruit set and yield. Many plant viruses can be associated with pollen or transmitted through pollination, and can be detected through bee pollination activities. Honey bees visit multiple plants and flowers in one foraging trip, essentially sampling small amounts of pollen from a wide area. Here we report metagenomics-based area-wide monitoring of plant viruses in cherry (Prunus avium) and apple (Malus domestica) orchards in Creston Valley, British Columbia, Canada, through bee-mediated pollen sampling. Plant viruses were identified in total RNA extracted from bee and pollen samples, and compared with profiles from double stranded RNA extracted from leaf and flower tissues. CVA, PDV, PNRSV, and PVF coat protein nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared for phylogenetic analysis. A wide array of plant viruses were identified in both systems, with cherry virus A (CVA), prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), and prunus virus F (PVF) most commonly detected. Citrus concave gum associated virus and apple stem grooving virus were only identified in samples collected during apple bloom, demonstrating changing viral profiles from the same site over time. Different profiles of viruses were identified in bee and pollen samples compared to leaf and flower samples reflective of pollen transmission affinity of individual viruses. Phylogenetic and pairwise analysis of the coat protein regions of the four most commonly detected viruses showed unique patterns of nucleotide sequence diversity, which could have implications in their evolution and management approaches. Coat protein sequences of CVA and PVF were broadly diverse with multiple distinct phylogroups identified, while PNRSV and PDV were more conserved. The pollen virome in fruit production systems is incredibly diverse, with CVA, PDV, PNRSV, and PVF widely prevalent in this region. Bee-mediated monitoring in agricultural systems is a powerful approach to study viral diversity and can be used to guide more targeted management approaches.

Detoxification of Bacterial Toxins in Soured Soups Using the Extract of Aidan Tree (Tetrapleura Tetraptera L.) Fruit

The study evaluated the use of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract to detoxify bacterial toxins in soured soups. Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extracts were prepared and analyzed for phytochemicals. Three different types of soured soups (egusi, ogbono, and Abua native soup) were used. The soups were prepared and left for 24 hours at room temperature to sour. The pour-plate method and streaking techniques were used to isolate and identify the bacteria. The lateral flow assay device, Biothreat Alert test strip, and enzyme immunoassay kits were used to detect the bacterial toxins, while the extracts were used to test the detoxifying effectiveness of the bacterial toxins. The results showed that Lactobacillus sp, Bifidobacterium sp, Streptococcus sp, Pediococcus sp, Leuconostoc sp Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter jejuni, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes were associated with the soured soups; alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids were present. The quantity of saponin (5.670±0.15), steroid (4.102±0.13), terpenoid (3.194±0.03), and alkaloid (0.596± 0.01) were very high in concentrations; phenol (0.373±0.02) and tannin (0.366±0.02) were present in moderately high concentrations, while cardiac glycoside (0.007± 0.00) and flavonoid (0.073±0.00) were present in low concentrations. The toxins detected in the soured soups included Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins. Therefore, it is concluded that the extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera has no detoxifying effect on the stability of the bacterial toxins and should, therefore, be discouraged.

Antagonistic properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 against Alternaria alternata: a putative probiotic strain isolated from the banyan tree fruit.

Alternaria alternata, a notorious phytopathogenic fungus, has been documented to infect several plant species, leading to the loss of agricultural commodities and resulting in significant economic losses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hold immense promise as biocontrol candidates. However, the potential of LABs derived from fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, several LABs were isolated from tropical fruit and assessed for their probiotic and antifungal properties. A total of fifty-five LABs were successfully isolated from seven distinct fruits. Among these, seven isolates showed inhibition to growth of A. alternata. Two strains, isolated from fruits: Ficus benghalensis, and Tinospora cordifolia exhibited promising antifungal properties against A. alternata. Molecular identification confirmed their identities as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 and MYSVA7, respectively. Both strains showed adaptability to a wide temperature range (10-45°C), and salt concentrations (up to 7%), with optimal growth around 37 °C and high survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Among these two strains, Lpb. plantarum MYSVB1 demonstrated significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of the growth of A. alternata. The inhibitory effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) were strong, with 5% crude CFS sufficient to reduce fungal growth by >70% and complete inhibition by 10% CFS. Moreover, the CFS was inhibitory for both mycelial growth and conidial germination. CFS retained its activity even after long cold storage. The chromatographic analysis identified organic acids in CFS, with succinic acid as the predominant constituent, with lactic acid, and malic acid in descending order. LAB strains isolated from tropical fruits showed promising probiotic and antifungal properties, making them potential candidates for various applications in food and agriculture.

Fungicide ingestion reduces net energy gain and microbiome diversity of the solitary mason bee

Fungicides are frequently used during tree fruit bloom and can threaten insect pollinators. However, little is known about how non-honey bee pollinators such as the solitary bee, Osmia cornifrons, respond to contact and systemic fungicides commonly used in apple production during bloom. This knowledge gap limits regulatory decisions that determine safe concentrations and timing for fungicide spraying. We evaluated the effects of two contact fungicides (captan and mancozeb) and four translaminar/plant systemic fungicides (cyprodinil, myclobutanil, penthiopyrad, and trifloxystrobin) on larval weight gain, survival, sex ratio, and bacterial diversity. This assessment was carried out using chronic oral ingestion bioassays where pollen provisions were treated with three doses based on the currently recommended field use dose (1X), half dose (0.5X), and low dose (0.1X). Mancozeb and penthiopyrad significantly reduced larval weight and survival at all doses. We then sequenced the 16S gene to characterize the larvae bacteriome of mancozeb, the fungicide that caused the highest mortality. We found that larvae fed on mancozeb-treated pollen carried significantly lower bacterial diversity and abundance. Our laboratory results suggest that some of these fungicides can be particularly harmful to the health of O. cornifrons when sprayed during bloom. This information is relevant for future management decisions about the sustainable use of fruit tree crop protection products and informing regulatory processes that aim to protect pollinators.

Reduction of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L.) production cycle: effect of soil type and fertilisers

BackgroundShortening the vegetative cycle of slow-growing crops is a significant challenge for breeders, agronomists, and growers. This reduction is particularly crucial for the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) as it would make it easier for farmers to adopt this crop. The mangosteen tree is notoriously slow-growing, taking between 8 and 15 years to produce its first fruits. The plant's slow growth and late fruiting pose a significant obstacle to its adoption and spread in rural areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, these constraints have limited its cultivation to small farms owned by a few producers. However, it could be an alternative for diversifying agricultural income and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. This study aims to evaluate the effects of soil type and fertiliser on the agronomic parameters of mangosteen tree growth. The goal is to contribute to shortening its vegetative phase.ResultsThe study results indicate that soil type and fertiliser have a significant effect on mangosteen growth parameters. Evaluating the agronomic performance of mangosteen, it was found that lowland soil promotes better plant growth. Growth rate and height growth were found to be significantly influenced (p = 0.03). After 36 months of monitoring, the growth rates for mangosteen trees grown on lowland soil were 53.08 ± 7.30%, while those grown on forest soil were 41.51 ± 13.43%. Additionally, the use of foliar and granular N-P-K fertilisers resulted in earlier fruiting, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.ConclusionsThe results showed that fertilisers play a crucial role in managing and shortening the juvenile phase of the mangosteen tree. Foliar and NPK fertilisers performed exceptionally well, resulting in earlier fruiting of mangosteen trees, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.

Investigation of the chemical composition of the domestic apple tree fruits by x-ray fluorescence analysis

Introduction. Apple fruits are widely used in the food industry and as non-pharmacopoeial medicinal raw materials. The value of this plant is due to the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds, namely: phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Despite the abundance of information on the chemical composition of this raw material, the study of the elemental composition of apple fruits remains relevant for potential use in the treatment of element deficiency conditions. Objective: to study the content of chemical elements using X-ray fluorescence analysis in three different parts of apple fruits – in the exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp for four varieties, as well as to identify the nitrate content and measure acidity for these apple varieties. Material and methods. Apple tree fruits for research were harvested in the Moscow region. After preliminary ashing of the samples, the content of chemical elements was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a silicon drift detector. pH and nitrate ion concentrations were measured using an EXPERT-001 pH meter. Results. Using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA), the elemental composition of four varieties of domestic apple fruits was studied for various parts of the fruit. An increased content of lead was noted in the exocarp of apples of the Spartan variety. A study of the content of nitrate ions and pH was also carried out. Conclusion. The chemical composition of domestic apple fruits was studied using X-ray fluorescence. The content of chemical elements was different in different parts of the fruit. The lowest content of chemical elements was determined in the mesocarp of the fruit. It is also worth noting the high lead content in the exocarp of Spartan apples.

Cadmium concentration in cocoa beans produced in agroforestry systems of small producers in Panama

Aim of study: To calculate Cd concentration in cocoa plants and evaluate its relationship with available Cd and other soil properties. Area of study: Almirante, Bocas del Toro province, Panama, in 2020-2021. Material and methods: The study was carried out in 21 plots of eight cocoa-producing farms. The total area of each sampled plot was 300 m2. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 30 cm, and samples of the leaves and fruits of cocoa trees were also taken. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were carried out for soil variables and Cd in plants. The relationship between bioavailable Cd and soil physicochemical variables and between soil variables and Cd in plants was evaluated. Multiple linear regression was performed using the backward selection method. Main results: The pH was acidic (5.1) and the organic matter content of the soil was greater than 3%, suitable for immobilizing Cd from the soil. Total and bioavailable Cd averaged 0.10 mg kg-1 and 0.02 mg kg-1 respectively. The Cd levels in cocoa leaves exceeded the recommended levels of 0.5 mg kg-1. The Cd concentration in the cocoa bean was low (0.25 mg kg-1). Research highlights: The levels of bioavailable Cd found do not exceed the United States Environment Agency toxic limits in soil. The level of Cd found in the cocoa bean is below the limit of 0.8 mg kg-1 which is taken as a reference for chocolate, with total dry matter content ≥ 50% of the CODEX Alimentarius.

Temperature-dependent development and life tables of Palpita unionalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract Palpita unionalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the primary pests in olive orchards, damaging buds and fruits of the olive tree. The present study investigated the biology of P. unionalis across a temperature gradient and elaborated on the corresponding life tables for a better understanding of its population dynamics in the environment. The biology of the pest was studied at six temperatures (17, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 30 °C). The duration and survival of immature stages, sex ratio, and survival of emerged adults were evaluated. The female fecundity and longevity (pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods) were calculated. The life tables were elaborated from these parameters. The life cycle of P. unionalis was significantly longer at 17 °C and shorter at 30 °C. Larval survival was significantly reduced at 30 °C, however, adult survival was at a maximum, yet their sex ratio was not affected by temperature. The lower temperature, 20 °C, was optimal for fecundity (586.3 eggs), which was reflected in the highest net reproductive rate (105.7 offspring per individual). The thermal constant (K) and the lower thermal threshold (t 0) for egg to adult period were 582.9° days and 7.1 °C, respectively. Based on the current study, it is concluded from the parameters of biology and life tables that temperature has a significant role in the population growth of P. unionalis. This should be considered throughout the monitoring and management of P. unionalis at different agro-ecologies in the context of global warming.

Integrative Analysis of Oleosin Genes Provides Insights into Lineage-Specific Family Evolution in Brassicales.

Oleosins (OLEs) are a class of small but abundant structural proteins that play essential roles in the formation and stabilization of lipid droplets (LDs) in seeds of oil crops. Despite the proposal of five oleosin clades (i.e., U, SL, SH, T, and M) in angiosperms, their evolution in eudicots has not been well-established. In this study, we employed Brassicales, an economically important order of flowering plants possessing the lineage-specific T clade, as an example to address this issue. Three to 10 members were identified from 10 species representing eight plant families, which include Caricaceae, Moringaceae, Akaniaceae, Capparaceae, and Cleomaceae. Evolutionary and reciprocal best hit-based homologous analyses assigned 98 oleosin genes into six clades (i.e., U, SL, SH, M, N, and T) and nine orthogroups (i.e., U1, U2, SL, SH1, SH2, SH3, M, N, and T). The newly identified N clade represents an ancient group that has already appeared in the basal angiosperm Amborella trichopoda, which are constitutively expressed in the tree fruit crop Carica papaya, including pulp and seeds of the fruit. Moreover, similar to Clade N, the previously defined M clade is actually not Lauraceae-specific but an ancient and widely distributed group that diverged before the radiation of angiosperm. Compared with A. trichopoda, lineage-specific expansion of the family in Brassicales was largely contributed by recent whole-genome duplications (WGDs) as well as the ancient γ event shared by all core eudicots. In contrast to the flower-preferential expression of Clade T, transcript profiling revealed an apparent seed/embryo/endosperm-predominant expression pattern of most oleosin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and C. papaya. Moreover, the structure and expression divergence of paralogous pairs was frequently observed, and a good example is the lineage-specific gain of an intron. These findings provide insights into lineage-specific family evolution in Brassicales, which facilitates further functional studies in nonmodel plants such as C. papaya.

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Impact of selenium fertilisation of ‘Red Jonaprince’ apple trees on selenium nutrition and fruit quality and storability

Selenium (Se) malnutrition in humans is caused by low soil Se availability, leading to an insufficient content of this nutrient in food. In this study, we examined the effect of Se fertilisation on the absorption and distribution of Se in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees, as well as fruit quality and storability. The experiment was carried out on mature ‘Red Jonaprince’ apple trees grown in medium-textured soil. Fertilisation of Se (as sodium selenate) was applied as: (i) summer sprays, 4 times in a season at a rate of 50 g Se ha−1, (ii) a fall spray, 2 weeks before harvest at a rate of 200 g Se ha−1, (iii) soil application at a rate of 500 g Se ha−1, and (iv) fertigation at a rate of 100 g Se ha−1. Trees that were not fertilised with Se served as controls. The results revealed that the fall Se spray caused leaf burns and defoliation, but it did not affect tree vigour and fruit yield. The highest leaf Se concentration was found on Se-sprayed trees in the fall. Most Se in fruit was recorded on Se-sprayed trees in the fall and on Se-fertigated trees; fruit Se amounts from these combinations covered about 30 % of the recommended daily intake. None of the Se treatments affected fruit appearance (mean weight, skin russeting, and colour), flesh firmness, and acidity at harvest. Apart from the fall Se spray, the other treatments decreased the soluble solid concentration (SSC), starch index values, ethylene evolution, and increased Streif index values in apples at harvest. After storage, Se-enriched apples were firmer, contained more organic acids, and produced less ethylene than the control fruit. We conclude that Se fertigation or a fall Se spray can be recommended in apple orchards, at least for late season and winter varieties, to biofortify fruit with Se and delay their ripening process.

Landscape-scale spatiotemporal dynamics of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) populations: implications for spatially-based pest management.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is an invasive and severe pest of specialty and row crops. A 2-year field study conducted in four Mid-Atlantic states in the USA characterized the spatial and temporal dynamics of BMSB populations and its association with landscape elements in commercial agriculture settings. In each state, two 1 km2 sites included typical landscape elements (i.e., tree fruit orchards, annual field and vegetable crops, woodlands, and human-made structures). Twenty-seven georeferenced pheromone traps were deployed per site and the number of BMSB adults and nymphs captured was counted throughout the growing season. Findings from spatial analysis by distance indices, along with time-series maps of BMSB distribution, showed that BMSB exhibited significant spatial aggregation, and that its distribution was spatially consistent between years. Analyses with geographic information systems (GIS) revealed that BMSB 'hot spots' occurred in different landscape elements throughout each season. Most patches (i.e., clusters of significantly higher trap captures) were found near woodlands early in the season, near tree fruit orchards in summer, and on the border of annual field crops in autumn. Buffer analysis with GIS indicated that more BMSB adults were captured closer to woodlands compared with other landscape elements. Understanding the spatial and temporal movement and distribution of BMSB is critical to predicting their potential impact and ultimately devising strategies to mitigate this risk to vulnerable crops. The results of this study can be used to design streamlined, spatially-based areawide management of BMSB in heterogeneous and complex agricultural landscapes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Novel Fermentation Strategies of Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo Fruits to Obtain High Nutritional Value Products.

The strawberry tree (Arbustus unedo) is a medicinal plant and an important source of biocompounds, potentially useful for pharmaceutical and chemical applications to prevent or treat several human diseases. The strawberry tree fruits have usually been used to produce traditional products such as jams and jellies and to obtain fermented alcoholic drinks, representing the most valuable derivative products. Other fermented products are potentially interesting for their nutritional value; however, the fermentation process needs to be controlled and standardized to obtain high-quality products/ingredients. In this work, we investigated two different fermentative procedures, using strawberry tree whole fruit and fruit paste as matrices inoculated with a selected starter strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LI 180-7. The physical, chemical, microbiological and nutritional properties of fermented products were evaluated, as well as their antioxidant activity. The new obtained fermented products are enriched in organic acids (acetic acid varied from 39.58 and 57.21 mg/g DW and lactic acid from 85.33 to 114.1 mg/g DW) and have better nutritional traits showing a higher amount of total polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) that ranged from 1852 mg GAE/100 g DW to 2682 mg GAE/100 g DW. Also, the amount of isoprenoid increased ranging from 155.5 μg/g DW to 164.61 μg/g DW. In this regard, the most promising strategy seemed to be the fermentation of the fruit paste preparation; while the extract of fermented whole fruits showed the most powerful antioxidant activity. Finally, a preliminary attempt to produce a food prototype enriched in fermented strawberry tree fruits suggested the whole fruit fermented sample as the most promising from a preliminary sensory analysis.

Voltage-gated sodium channel gene mutation and P450 gene expression are associated with the resistance of Aphis spiraecola Patch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to lambda-cyhalothrin.

Aphis spiraecola Patch is one of the most economically important tree fruit pests worldwide. The pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin is commonly used to control A. spiraecola. In this 2-year study, we quantified the resistance level of A. spiraecola to lambda-cyhalothrin in different regions of the Shaanxi province, China. The results showed that A. spiraecola had reached extremely high resistance levels with a 174-fold resistance ratio (RR) found in the Xunyi region. In addition, we compared the enzymatic activity and expression level of P450 genes among eight A. spiraecola populations. The P450 activity of A. spiraecola was significantly increased in five regions (Xunyi, Liquan, Fengxiang, Luochuan, and Xinping) compared to susceptible strain (SS). The expression levels of CYP6CY7, CYP6CY14, CYP6CY22, P4504C1-like, P4506a13, CYP4CZ1, CYP380C47, and CYP4CJ2 genes were significantly increased under lambda-cyhalothrin treatment and in the resistant field populations. A L1014F mutation in the sodium channel gene was found and the mutation rate was positively correlated with the LC50 of lambda-cyhalothrin. In conclusion, the levels of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance of A. spiraecola field populations were associated with P450s and L1014F mutations. Our combined findings provide evidence on the resistance mechanism of A. spiraecola to lambda-cyhalothrin and give a theoretical basis for rational and effective control of this pest species.

UNLAWFUL EVIDENCE IN THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THE POISONED TREE FRUITS THEORY

This is an exploratory research whose object of study was the institute of illicit evidence and the theory of the poisoned tree fruits. The study addressed the issue of the (in)admissibility of illicit evidence in criminal proceedings and the legal consequences of using illicit evidence and evidence derived from illicit sources in criminal proceedings. It was demonstrated during the study that the principle of legality is one of the pillars that support the Rule of Law. According to this principle, illicit evidence cannot be used in criminal proceedings as it violates the constitutional rights of the accused. Furthermore, the theory of the poisoned tree fruits, our study topic, is one of the techniques used to exclude evidence obtained illegally. According to this theory, evidence obtained unlawfully is not accepted by the Brazilian legal system, as stated in Article 157, § 1 of the Criminal

Analytical Chemistry is like the Fruit of an Apple Tree

Analytical chemistry is deeply rooted in Europe. It started with the work of Liebig and Fresenius, among others. Then Kirchhoff, as father of spectroscopy, contributed to the development of the modern instrumental analysis techniques flourishing today. As soon as I started learning analytical chemistry at university, I fell in love with it. At that time, I could not explain why I wanted to become an analytical chemist. Having gained experience teaching and performing research in analytical chemistry, I know now that I am attracted to it because this branch of chemistry is what an apple means to an apple tree - the fruit of a myriad of results in fundamental research in chemistry, always offering solutions to real life problems. I always wanted to become an analyst and to work at the analytical chemistry department where I studied. One year ago, my life drastically changed at the institute when I was invited to apply to lead the analytical chemistry department where I have been working since 2007. I must admit that I had mixed feelings in the beginning. First of all, I was honored that my colleagues in the department fully expressed their support. At the same time, I was confused and scared. I felt that I am not the right person to lead a department with a history of almost 120 years, that I had no clear vision of what could I do for my colleagues and for the students choosing our department. However, I wanted to express my gratitude to my colleagues for their trust in me. In my application, I advocated to maintain the high-quality teaching of analytical chemistry at the department and offered to implement challenge-based learning for students choosing our department. In past years, I felt that the raison d'être of analytical chemistry departments as single entities would soon end. My colleagues working in other fields such as biology, geography and geology, pharmacy and medicine, all purchased instrumental analytical equipment and started performing research by themselves. Recently, analytical chemistry departments underwent important organizational and structural changes. Some of them disappeared, others incorporated into their name environmental chemistry, food chemistry, or biochemistry. Recent advances in instrumental analysis create the impression that conducting chemical analysis is an easy task that no longer requires the expertise of chemists devoted to this branch of chemistry. However, there is still a lot of work to do, especially in the field of organic analytical chemistry. Thanks to innovations in mass spectrometry and related techniques, infrared spectroscopy, miniaturization (lab-on-chips) and sensors, ultra trace analysis, green methodologies, and elemental speciation, analytical chemistry is experiencing a second Golden Era. In last year alone, I was surprised by the ever-increasing number of chemistry bachelor and major students knocking on my door asking me to provide them with analytical chemistry-related research topics. That led me to contact faculty working at the other institutes offering cooperation with the arsenal of our instruments to widen the research topic choices in our department, advocating that we should unite and complement our efforts to create synergies. Surprisingly, the response of those colleagues was very positive. In one year, I could almost double the number of research topics for diploma work in our department. This is something that makes me happy and optimistic. I am confident that the development of analytical methods together with proper sampling and sample preparation are still important and crucial steps to produce high quality and reliable results. Moreover, participation of analytical chemists in these tasks is indispensable. The recent success of the Brazilian Journal of Analytical Chemistry achieving an impact factor of 0.7 makes me also think that analytical method development has still a bright future ahead. Long live Analytical Chemistry! Long live Brazilian Journal of Analytical Chemistry!

Unlocking the Hidden Threat: Impacts of Surface Defects on the Efficacy of Sanitizers Against Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms on Food-contact Surfaces in Tree Fruit Packing Facilities

Food-contact surfaces showing signs of wear pose a substantial risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination and may serve as persistent sources of cross-contamination in fresh produce packinghouses. This study offers a comprehensive exploration into the influence of surface defects on the efficacies of commonly used sanitizers against L. monocytogenes biofilms on major food-contact surfaces. The 7-day-old L. monocytogenes biofilms were cultivated on food-contact surfaces, including stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, low-density polyethylene, and rubber, with and without defects and organic matter. Biofilms on those surfaces were subjected to treatments of 200 ppm chlorine, 400 ppm quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), or 160 ppm peroxyacetic acid (PAA). Results showed that surface defects significantly (P < 0.05) increased the population of L. monocytogenes in biofilms on non-stainless steel surfaces and compromised the efficacies of sanitizers against L. monocytogenes biofilms across various surface types. A 5-min treatment of 200 ppm chlorine caused 1.84–3.39 log10 CFU/coupon reductions of L. monocytogenes on worn surfaces, compared to 2.79–3.93 log10 CFU/coupon reduction observed on new surfaces. Similarly, a 5-min treatment with 400 ppm QAC caused 2.05–2.88 log10 CFU/coupon reductions on worn surfaces, compared to 2.51–3.66 log10 CFU/coupon reductions on new surfaces. Interestingly, PAA sanitization (160 ppm, 1 min) exhibited less susceptibility to surface defects, leading to 3.41–4.35 log10 CFU/coupon reductions on worn surfaces, in contrast to 3.68–4.64 log10 CFU/coupon reductions on new surfaces. Furthermore, apple juice soiling diminished the efficacy of sanitizers against L. monocytogenes biofilms on worn surfaces (P < 0.05). These findings underscore the critical importance of diligent equipment maintenance and thorough cleaning processes to effectively eliminate L. monocytogenes contamination on food-contact surfaces.

Evaluation of weed control efficacy and crop safety of the PPO-inhibiting herbicide tiafenacil in California orchard cropping systems

Abstract Tiafenacil is registered in the United States for use in annual crops such as corn and soybean, but not on orchard crops. Field studies were conducted to determine orchard crop safety and efficacy of tiafenacil on important California orchard weeds. To evaluate crop safety, tiafenacil was applied at 74, 148, and 222 g ai ha−1 alone and with 38 g ai ha−1 of tolpyralate three times per year at the base of almond, pistachio, prune, and walnut trees. The first treatment was applied 2 mo after the trees had been transplanted. In all four tree crop experiments, treatments were applied once in May 2020, then three times again during the winter of 2021 and 2022 at 21-d treatment intervals. There were no visual foliar injury symptoms or treatment-related effects on tree trunk diameter change even at the highest tested rate of tiafenacil applied seven times over three growing seasons. In a separate study of weed control, in most instances, tiafenacil applied at 12 g ai ha−1 performed similarly to that of tiafenacil plus glufosinate. Control of glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane with tiafenacil applied alone at 25 g ai ha−1 was 65% by 14 d after treatment. Tiafenacil applied at 50 g ai ha−1 to hairy fleabane performed similarly to glufosinate plus glyphosate. In a greenhouse study, tiafenacil applied at 12 g ha−1 provided 95% to 100% control of barnyardgrass and junglerice, and there was no significant difference between tiafenacil applied alone or with glufosinate. Saflufenacil applied alone or in a mixture with glufosinate was not as effective as the tiafenacil treatments for grass weed control. Based on experiments conducted over three growing seasons in four tree fruit and tree nut crops, tiafenacil crop safety appeared to be acceptable even at up to 2- or 3-fold the expected use rate.

Fruits of the Poisonous Tree – Exclusionary Rule and its Application in India

Fruits of the Poisonous Tree – Exclusionary Rule and its Application in India

ASSESSMENT OF PRE HARVEST FRUIT BAGGING TO MANAGE PESTS OF MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA L.) CV. BENISHAN

– Mango commonly known as king of fruits in India is reported to be affected by 188 species of insects in India. Pest and disease incidence in mango mainly starts from flowering stage and continues till harvesting. Farmers generally rely upon pesticides to control pests and diseases of mango but over a period of time, due to poor management practices and changing climatic conditions, pest incidence in mango increased rapidly which in turn increased pesticide sprayings. This resulted in increased production cost and pesticide residues on fruit which is a major hurdle for mango export and also few pests like fruit fly cannot be controlled by insecticides alone. Hence, on farm trial was conducted during summer, 2022 to assess the performance of fruit bags in reducing pests and diseases of mango against farmers practice i.e., spraying of pesticides. Fruit bagging method effectively controlled fruit fly, thrips and bacterial black spot diseases whereas in farmers practice 11.28%, 2.17% and 23.22% were recorded respectively despite of regular sprayings. There is a significant difference between fruit bagging and farmers practice and fruit bagging method found to be best in reducing pest and disease incidence. Higher yield was recorded in fruit bagging, i.e. 9 t/ha whereas in farmers practice it was 7.5t/ha. Even though cost of production is high in fruit bagging i.e., Rs 104000/- hectare due to good market price to bagged fruits, farmers got more net returns i.e., Rs 3,42,300/- hectare. Reduced sweetness in the fruit and difficulty in bagging of all the fruits in older trees are the cons in fruit bagging method. Overall, pre harvest fruit bagging found to be one of the best management practice in mango which not only reduces pest and disease incidence but also to get higher yield and quality fruits.