Non-native Varieties Research Articles

SYNTACTIC FEATURES OF PREPOSITIONS AND PRO-FORMS IN CAMEROON FRANCOPHONE ENGLISH

This paper examines the syntactic features of prepositions and pro-forms by Cameroon Francophone English (CamFE) users with a tertiary education level. Written and spoken data were drawn from 95 participants from various domains encompassing administration, education, sports, and politics. A corpus of 136,767 words was built and exploited following the corpus linguistics methodology. The AntConc analytical toolkit was used in sorting out data. Quirk and Greenbaum’s (1973) structural approach to grammar was used as the analytical framework to establish the common core features (CCFs) and the interfered features (IFs). It was found that the English by Francophone Cameroonians is characterised by features that drift away from the common core features. Items were inserted, substituted, anticipated, delayed or clustered. The French language has impacted those features in a considerable degree. The conclusion that is drawn from the analysis is that CamFE is a francophonised non-native variety of English in Cameroon.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0717/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Volatile Characterization of Recovery Minority Grape Varieties from Castilla-La Mancha Region (Spain).

Nowadays, the identification and characterization of grapevine cultivars resilient to climate and water stress while preserving quality traits is crucial for the wine industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize according to their aromatic potential nine white and six red minority cultivars recently recovered from Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain), subjected to two different water-deficit regimes: rainfed, with subsistence irrigation, and irrigated. For this, the varietal aromatic potential index (IPAv) and the detailed aromatic composition were analyzed via HS-SBSE-GC/MS in extracts of two different pHs. For IPAv values, red varieties did not show a clear trend with respect to irrigation. However, in white minority varieties, higher values were obtained under irrigation conditions. Thus, a clear differentiation of the minority varieties in comparison to the references was observed, primarily attributed to the content of esters and acids, in both white and red varieties. A notable contrast was observed at different pHs, indicating a greater extractability of certain compounds like linalool, under more acidic conditions. This suggests that some recovered minority cultivars could be promising for cultivation in semi-arid regions with limited water, contributing to the sustainability of the wine sector in the future.

Genetic Characterization of Criolla and European Grapevines Recently Found in Chile: A Key Step for Their Rescue and Conservation

Genetic erosion of grapevine is becoming a serious worldwide problem and preserving its germplasm is an urgent task. Chile is not an exception to this scenario, where diverse factors led by the replacement of traditional varieties by renown cultivars have reduced the vineyard diversity. Therefore, discovering and characterizing minor varieties were the main objectives of this study. In addition to the official catalogue of around 100 grapevine varieties used to produce wine, we present here 89 genotypes not previously described as present in Chile, widely dispersed in the main wine valleys, which were retrieved from vineyards, small collections, and city gardens. Strikingly, we found 49 grapevines with allele patterns not described before. Ten of these may be old European varieties; the other 39 have allele patterns similar to Criolla varieties (e.g., descendants from the crossing of European varieties born in America). A parentage analysis performed with 15 SSR markers in these 39 N.N. samples revealed that most of them are descendants of the so-called foundational varieties Listán Prieto and Muscat of Alexandria, plus others in lower proportion such as Mollar Cano and Muscat à petit grains blancs, as well as known Criollas varieties such as Italiona and Moscatel Rosado. The 89 genotypes not described in Chile structured in three distinguishable groups: Criolla varieties, Central European varieties, and a third group enriched in Iberic varieties. The prevalence of each Criolla accession was quite variable, some corresponding to a single or a few vines found at a single place, while others were spread in several vineyards, even in different valleys, suggesting they were positively selected and propagated at some time. All the new Criolla varieties were different than the recently described Criollas found in Argentina. The discovery, rescue, and documentation of this rich heritage of Vitis vinifera L. genotypes found in Chile is the first step of a long-term work that should be continued with the evaluation of their enological characteristics, yield, and optimal management systems, aiming for the diversification of the local wine industry.

The Valorization of Spanish Minority Grapevine Varieties—The Volatile Profile of Their Wines as a Characterization Feature

Despite the large number of existing varieties of Vitis vinifera L., only few occupy a large niche in today’s highly globalized wine market. The increasing consumer demand for diversified products, as well as the changing climatic conditions, make establishing a process of varietal diversification essential to achieve both challenges. It is for this reason that the study of minority varieties, which have a higher level of adaptation to each area of origin, is of particular interest. With the main objective of achieving an in-depth knowledge of minority varieties in Spain, the national research project ‘Valorization of Minority Grapevine Varieties for their Potential for Wine Diversification and Resilience to Climate Change’ (MINORVIN), has been proposed. Within this extensive project, the present study describes the aroma profiles of 60 single-variety wines, corresponding with 44 different varieties, with 12 of these varieties being studied at the same time in several Spanish regions. Volatile compounds were determined through three consecutive vintages using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Compounds were grouped into major compounds, including alcohols, C6 compounds, esters, acetates, acids, carbonyl compounds, and other type of compounds, and minor compounds, including lactones, terpenes, and C13-norisoprenoids, according to their concentration in the wines being analyzed. Among this last group of compounds, lactones were quantitatively the most abundant, followed by terpenes. This study reflects that minority variety wines show distinctive aromatic profiles, supporting the importance of valuing and promoting the autochthonous minority grapevine varieties for the Spanish winemaking industry.

Phenological Evaluation of Minority Grape Varieties in the Wine Region of Madrid as a Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change

In this study, a total of 34 Spanish minority varieties were studied during four seasons from 2020 to 2023, and their behavior was characterized according to their main phenological stages (bud break, bloom, veraison, and maturity) and complete cycle. We focused on the varieties prospected in the central Spanish plateau and conserved in the “El Encín” grapevine collection, aiming to identify the potential for adaptation of these varieties and for them to be considered by winegrowers as an alternative to current climate change conditions. The growing degree days required for the expression of the phenological stage, and the duration of each stage, were compiled. Characteristics of oenological interest were also monitored, such as °Brix, pH, and titratable acidity in must at the time of harvest. This study was carried out in years with atypical snowfall and cold spells (winter 2021), as well as with heat waves (summer 2022), with average temperatures 3–5 °C higher than normal and absolute maximum temperatures over 40 °C. Both cases also exceeded records of historical series (1957–2019). Veraison has been identified as the stage most susceptible to damage from high temperatures, in addition to the maturation and duration of the complete cycle. The varieties were classified into five groups according to the duration of each phenological stage (very early, early, medium, late, and very late). Some varieties with late or very late maturation and with must characteristics of 20–23 °Brix, 3–5 g/L of titratable acidity, and pH 3.5–4.5, as well as others, retained stability in their phenological periodicity and must quality. The results suggest that special attention should be given to thoroughly evaluating these varieties, and that the strategies contemplated should be considered as a feasible cultivation alternative in viticulture to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Assessment of handling practices for maize by farmers and marketers in food-insecure regions of Western Honduras

The objective of this study was to understand the maize production chain in the Republic of Honduras, and to identify potential obstacles hindering grain end-quality. Seventy-one municipalities across six departments of Western Honduras were surveyed: Copán, Intibucá, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, and Santa Bárbara. A total of 871 surveys were collected, out of which 725 were from rural areas and 146 from urban areas. The sampling design reflected population density and population-based indicators from USAID's Feed the Future initiative, such as poverty level and prevalence of underweight non-pregnant females between the ages of 15 and 49. Further, indicators associated with underdevelopment in children were also considered. Survey instruments designed for either maize farmers or maize marketers were used to collect data including seed source, type planted, intercropping, time of harvest, drying and storage practices, quality control, and consumption patterns. Farmers preferred to plant criolla (native) maize (81–96%), although non-native varieties were also grown and consumed (3–13%). Following harvest, sun drying is the most used method (14–40%) for moisture control. Farmers reported maize spoilage resulting primarily from inadequate drying and pest damage (56–82%). Although aware of this, up to 28% of the producers reported not performing preventive grain inspections in the course of storage. Maize marketers typically sourced their grain within the department (33–71%), with a smaller fraction (0–8%) also obtaining maize from other departments or neighboring countries. Mirroring farmers, visual quality checks by marketers occurred primarily at initial storage (36–69%) and decreased in frequency as storage time lengthened. Given that both studied groups of farmers and marketers continue to rely on traditional practices, and corrective rather than preventive measures, the likelihood of low-quality product and risk for mycotoxin contamination is exacerbated. Based on these findings, achieving food security for the region of study will require a transformation in pre- and post-harvest handling practices.

Role of Word Formation in the Development of Lexicon of Pakistani English

Pakistani English is a non-native variety of English that emerged by the amalgam of British Standard English and native languages of Pakistan. It is one of the varieties of World Englishes that is globally recognized. It has its own morphology, phonology, semantics, and pragmatics. It includes vocabulary and linguistic elements of local Languages with cultural norms, values, and tradition of Pakistani society. This paper explores the role of word formation in the development of the lexicon of Pakistani English. It provides insights into the processes such as compounding, affixation, loan translation, hybridization, and conversion by which words emerge and integrate into the lexicon of Pakistani English. It also investigates sociolinguistics factors such as culture, register of Islam and impact of local languages that contribute to the development of the unique variety of Pakistani English.

Attitudinal Identification: An Essential Paradigm for the Growth of Non-native Varieties

The significance of English as a ‘Link language’ and as a ‘Global Language’ has increased in the past few decades. English is seen as ‘a language of career’ and ‘a passport for success’ in different walks of life. Active steps have been taken to impart knowledge of English in the ‘Outer Circle’. In the outer circle, English is used as a Second language and it includes countries like India, Singapore, Pakistan and Africa. While some research has been conducted on these varieties, much exhaustive work still needs to be done from the perspective of Standardizing these varieties. The present study sheds light on the attitudes of teachers, learners, curriculum designers, the corporate world and the decision makers in India towards the language variety they use. Though Indian English is considered to have achieved recognition and prestige in the past few years, it is observed that most of the Indian speakers of English still do not take ‘pride’ in asserting the fact that the variety of English that they speak is ‘Indian English’, and also quite often label the variety that they speak as either ‘British English’ or ‘American English’. It is felt that ‘Attitudes’ play a significant role in the growth or decay of a particular language variety. The study argues that the Attitudinal Identification with the variety that we speak is an essential paradigm for the growth of a language variety. The study cites some examples from different non-native varieties and it suggests some strategies that could be adopted so as to bring a shift in the people’s attitude.

Role of English Language as a Global and Economical Language Around the Globe: A Case of Kachru's Model

This paper attempts to examine 'World Englishes' (WE) with connectivity to English as an International Language (EIL), Applied Linguistics and socio-linguistics. In the light of Kachru's model of English Language in the late 20th century. This model has three circles, inner circle, where English is used as native language, Outer Circle, mostly former colonies of British Empire, such as Singapore, India, Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan and others, and 3rd is Expanding Circle, include countries in which English is known as Foreign Language in schools and universities, mostly for communication and business or economic purposes as well with Inner and Outer circles. The term "English language" refers to various interesting and notable features, patterns, or aspects of the English language. These phenomena can encompass a wide range of linguistic phenomena, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, syntax, idioms, and more. English holds significant importance around the world because English is the most widely spoken language globally. It serves as a common language of communication among people from different linguistic backgrounds. Proficiency in English enables individuals to connect with a broader range of people, both in personal and professional contexts. English is the language of international business and economics as well. It facilitates global trade, negotiations, and collaboration between companies and individuals from different countries. Proficiency in English enhances employability and career opportunities, particularly in multinational corporations and industries with international reach. It recognizes the importance of both native and non-native varieties of English and acknowledges that each circle has its own linguistic norms, purposes, and language development. The study informs us that Kachru was an original thinker not in the field of English Language including applied linguistics, multilingualism, bilingualism, language policy, language creativity, code mixing, code switching, cross-cultural communication, sociolinguistics but also in the domain of politics of language and so many other issues including cross-cultural awareness.

From Great Britain to the Spanish Philippines via British India… and back

Abstract This research uncovers lexical contact between English and other languages in texts about the part of the Spanish Philippines under the control of the British East India Company from September 1762 to April 1764. Better known as the Manilha Consultations, the texts in English sent to, and received from, British India are scrutinised in search of the British East India Company’s vocabulary. That vocabulary partly consists of lexemes found in the English/British East India Company’s consultations worldwide but unrecorded in monolingual dictionaries and glossaries of major and/or minor varieties of English. The Manilha Consultations contain lexemes unrecorded in the Oxford English Dictionary, the Hobson-Jobson Glossary, and/or the Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. The 38 lexemes here considered instances of the British East India Company’s vocabulary might be included in those, and/or other, dictionaries and glossaries of British English, Indian English, and/or Philippine English if expansive criteria for lexeme inclusion were applied.

Why China English should give way to Chinese English

China English or Chinese English? To my mind, the time is ripe for Chinese English to be adopted as the preferred term, or banner, for characterizing the variety of English of a country which has the largest number of users and learners of English in the world. There are sound linguistic and sociolinguistic reasons for this important terminological choice and decision. There is little research on the naming of the multiplicity of Englishes to date. After discussing the theoretical underpinnings of the acts of naming, Seargeant (2010) provides a taxonomy consisting of six clusters of name labels categorized by function (e.g., ESL, EFL, EAL, EIL, ELF), community (e.g., native vs. non-native varieties; immigrant Englishes), history (e.g., indigenized varieties; language-shift Englishes), ecology (e.g., three concentric circles of world Englishes; new Englishes), and structures (e.g., pidgin English, creolized English). The sixth category, which he calls multiplex, is much broader in scope, featuring English as a link language between specific groups transnationally (e.g., World English). After conducting a meta-analysis of 100 research articles written in Chinese by mainland authors between 1980 and 2013, Xu (2017) found that compared with Chinglish and Chinese English, China English is preferred by the majority, but there are signs that change is in the offing: Although the term China English has dominated the literature on Chinese English research in the past three and a half decades, there has been an increasing awareness and a change of attitude towards Chinese variety of English, and people start disassociating Chinese English with Chinglish. The current literature points to the direction that Chinese English should be used as a term to refer to the Chinese variety of English on a par with other members of World Englishes. (Xu, 2017: 241; cf. Xu, He & Deterding, 2017) Linguistically, for a name label with the structural pattern ‘xxx English’, there is a fine semantic distinction between a premodifying noun (e.g., China English, Singapore English) versus its adjectivized form (e.g., Chinese English, Singaporean English). Let us first examine the semantics of the ‘N1 + N2’ noun phrase (NP). The premodifying N1, a common noun or possessive noun, typically gives the meaning ‘a type of’ N2. Just as a music therapy is a type of therapy while therapy music is a type of music, a summer school takes place only in summer while a girls’ school is for girls only. There is no shortage of contact varieties of English named after the ‘N1 + N2’ pattern. For instance, for hundreds of years the governance and presence of British colonizers in the Indian subcontinent resulted in the spread of English demarcated along vocational lines, such as Butler English, Kitchen English (domestic helpers), and Babu English (used by babus, especially lower-level officials and clerks [McArthur, 2002: 317]). Likewise, in West Africa, sustained contact between English-speaking colonizers and the peoples of Liberia, notably the Kru and Mande, gave rise to Settler English (McArthur, 2002: 272) and Soldier English (McArthur, 2002: 276). In Japan, frequent contact between US forces of occupation and local people after the Second World War popularized a patois called Bamboo English (McArthur, 2002: 370), while the creolized variety used by Aboriginals in Australia was self-mockingly labeled Blackfella English (McArthur, 2002: 386). Interestingly, some varieties whose labels are derived from the names of islands or peninsulas simply have the words ‘island’ or ‘peninsula’ truncated (e.g., Bequia English spoken on the Bequia Island in the Caribbean [Williams et al., 2015]; Samaná English, spoken by a black community in the Samaná Peninsula of the Dominican Republic [McArthur, 2002: 240–241]). This seems to be a rather productive naming pattern of new Englishes spoken by inhabitants living on islands, seaports, or other seaborne territories; no attempt is made to adapt an adjectivized form.

Which English to teach?

The question of which English to teach has been an issue since the late-20th-century advent of the world Englishes (WE) paradigm. In the early 1990s, Quirk and Kachru conducted one of the most significant debates about this controversial issue in applied linguistics. Quirk (1990) argued that only standard native varieties that have no grammar deviations and adhere to mainstream vocabulary usage should be taught in order to counter the contamination of English resulting from tolerance of variations, observing that he was ‘not aware of there being any institutionalized nonnative varieties’ (p. 6). In contrast, Kachru (1991) argued that language variation due to language contact is a common sociolinguistic phenomenon, so Outer Circle varieties are not substandard or deficit languages. Therefore, he contended, traditional notions of standardization are no longer acceptable. He recommended that multiple localized varieties should be taught in Outer Circle contexts because they reflect learners’ linguistic and cultural identity. In relation to Kachru's argument, English as a lingua franca (ELF) has developed as a recent paradigm in TESOL. Kirkpatrick (2012) has argued that a lingua franca approach to English language teaching (ELT) helps prepare learners to use the language successfully in multilingual settings like ASEAN countries, where English functions as a lingua franca. In these settings, the teaching of ELF, in which speakers retain their own grammatical forms, phonological features, and pragmatic norms, needs to be promoted (Kirkpatrick 2011; Kirkpatrick, Subhan & Walkinshaw, 2016).

Reintroducing Autochthonous Minor Grapevine Varieties to Improve Wine Quality and Viticulture Sustainability in a Climate Change Scenario

One of the major challenges that global warming poses to viticulture is the maintenance of adequate acidity at maturity in white grapes for sparkling winemaking. This issue arises from three main occurrences: (i) with higher temperatures, degradation of malic acid is significantly enhanced; (ii) with a general advancement in grapevine phenology, grape maturity may occur under suboptimal climatic conditions; and (iii) harvesting grapes at “traditional” dates results in overripe fruits for sparkling destinations. In this biennial work, we compared the fruit and must composition of a local, widely grown white grape variety in the Colli Piacentini area (cv. Ortrugo, ORT) with those of a minor autochthonous variety, namely, Barbesino (BRB). Furthermore, we compared the composition, aromatic, and sensory profiles of wines obtained from ORT and BRB grapes picked on the same date and, in addition, of a second Barbesino wine from late harvest (BRB-LH). ORT and BRB had a similar sugar accumulation dynamic, whereas BRB exhibited a delayed loss of titratable acidity. In more details, BRB had lower malic acid degradation rates when malate concentration was <9 g/L. As a result, with comparable yield and total soluble solid content (TSS) (∼20°Brix), BRB had a higher berry titratable acidity and malic acid concentration at harvest than ORT. BRB wines showed the highest titratable acidity (TA), while ORT had the lowest TA and a higher pH, and as expected, BRB-LH had the highest pH and a lower TA than BRB although still higher than those of ORT wine. The aroma profiles of wines were mainly characterized by fermentative aromas, including esters, fatty acids, higher alcohols, and C6 compounds, and BRB-LH wines showed the highest concentration of higher alcohols, while the fermentative esters were higher in ORT wines. Panelists considered BRB significantly fresher and with bigger aroma intensity than ORT, confirming that the higher acidity detected in BRB musts is well preserved in final wines. Our work demonstrates that local minor varieties can be reconsidered in light of the new climate change-related issues impairing viticulture sustainability today. In particular, currently neglected cultivars could help preserve must acidity as compared to traditional varieties having early ripening, maintaining the links with terroir and local traditions at the same time.

Graph states and the variety of principal minors

In Quantum Information theory, graph states are quantum states defined by graphs. In this work we exhibit a correspondence between orbits of graph states and orbits in the variety of binary symmetric principal minors, under the action of SL(2,{mathbb {F}}_2)^{times n}rtimes {mathfrak {S}}_n. First we study the orbits of maximal abelian subgroups of the n-fold Pauli group under the action of {mathcal {C}}_n^{textrm{loc}}rtimes {mathfrak {S}}_n, where {mathcal {C}}_n^{textrm{loc}} is the n-fold local Clifford group, and we show that this action corresponds to the natural action of SL(2,{mathbb {F}}_2)^{times n}rtimes {mathfrak {S}}_n on the variety {mathcal {Z}}_nsubset {mathbb {P}}({mathbb {F}}_2^{2^n}) of principal minors of binary symmetric ntimes n matrices: the crucial step is in translating the action of SL(2,{mathbb {F}}_2)^{times n} into an action of the local symplectic group Sp_{2n}^{textrm{loc}}({mathbb {F}}_2). We conclude by showing how the former action restricts onto stabilizer groups, stabilizer states and graph states.

Variation in Susceptibility to Downy Mildew Infection in Spanish Minority Vine Varieties.

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni, it can appear anywhere where vines are cultivated. It is habitually controlled by the application of phytosanitary agents (copper-based or systemic) at different stages of the vine growth cycle. This, however, is costly, can lead to reduced yields, has a considerable environmental impact, and its overuse close to harvest can cause fermentation problems. All grapevines are susceptible to this disease, although the degree of susceptibility differs between varieties. Market demands and European legislation on viticulture and the use of phytosanitary agents (art. 14 of Directive 128/2009/EC) now make it important to know the sensitivity of all available varieties, including minority varieties. Such knowledge allows for a more appropriate use of phytosanitary agents, fosters the commercial use of these varieties and thus increases the offer of wines associated with different terroirs, and helps identify material for use in crop improvement programmes via crossing or genetic transformation, etc. Over 2020-2021, the susceptibility to P. viticola of 63 minority vine varieties from different regions of Spain was examined in the laboratory using the leaf disc technique. Some 87% of these varieties were highly susceptible and 11% moderately susceptible; just 2% showed low susceptibility. The least susceptible of all was the variety Morate (Madrid, IMIDRA). Those showing intermediate susceptibility included the varieties Sanguina (Castilla la Mancha, IVICAM), Planta Mula (Comunidad Valenciana, ITVE), Rayada Melonera (Madrid, IMIDRA), Zamarrica (Galicia, EVEGA), Cariñena Roja (Cataluña, INCAVI), Mandrègue (Aragón, DGA) and Bastardo Blanco (Extremadura, CICYTEX). The highly susceptible varieties could be differentiated into three subgroups depending on sporulation severity and density.

Genotypic and Sanitary Characterization of Minority Grapevine Varieties Prospected in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia is a Spanish region that is home to numerous minority varieties due to its diversity and territorial extension, offering the local viticulture the possibility of diversifying its wine production. The genotypic characterization of 98 specimens from six areas with a winemaking tradition in Andalusia was carried out between the years 2020 and 2022, by means of thirteen microsatellite markers, including the nine recommended by the OIV. A total of 33 different genotypes were obtained, 20 of which corresponded to profiles of already described varieties (11 of them are of 6 minority cultivars in Andalusia: ‘Rojal Tinto’, ‘Beba’, ‘Zurieles’, ‘Rome’, ‘Hebén’, ‘Mollar Cano’, ‘Listán Prieto’, ‘Listán del Condado’, ‘Jarrosuelto’, ‘Negra Dorada’, and ‘Mantúo de Pilas’), while the other 12 profiles did not match with previously identified varieties. These profiles were registered in the database of the IFAPA “Rancho de la Merced” Germplasm Bank. The eco-geographical groups of the new identified genotypes were determined through an analysis of genetic diversity. The presence of grapevine fanleaf virus, grapevine fleck virus, and grapevine leafroll-associated viruses was also determined due to the requirement of healthy clones of the new varieties for their potential interest to be authorized for cultivation in Spain.

‘Gangpu is too funny!’: The mediatization of Hong Kong Mandarin as a jocular register

AbstractThis article demonstrates how mediatization facilitates the (re)production of mock language. Through an examination of Chinese netizens’ reactions to a series of viral internet commercials that feature three Hong Kong actors speaking nonstandard Mandarin, it uncovers the processes whereby Gangpu (Hong Kong Mandarin) has become increasingly perceived in China as funny. The vast scale of uptake formulations enabled by mediatization has made it possible for Chinese netizens to engage in a collaborative effort not only in highlighting certain features of Gangpu and certain elements of the commercials but also in presenting them in ways that evoke specific meanings and interpretations. Ultimately, it is through the parodic revoicing of Hong Kong celebrities speaking nonstandard Mandarin that this non-native variety has come to be keyed as humorous. This study shows that we gain a better understanding of how mock practices reinforce and build on each other by tracing their uptake and circulation. (Mediatization, mock language, parody, listening subject, Mandarin Chinese, Hong Kong, China)*

Minor Variety of Campania Olive Germplasm (“Racioppella”): Effects of Kaolin on Production and Bioactive Components of Drupes and Oil

The effects of climate change have a great impact on the Mediterranean regions which are experiencing an increase in drought periods with extreme temperatures. Among the various solutions reported to reduce the damage caused by extreme environmental conditions on olive plants, the application of anti-transpirant products is widespread. In an increasingly current scenario of climate change, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of kaolin on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of drupes and oil in a little-known olive cultivar known as "Racioppella", belonging to the autochthonous germplasm of Campania (Southern Italy). To this purpose, the determination of maturation index, olive yield/plant, and bioactive components analysis (anthocyanins, carotenoids, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and fatty acids) were carried out. Kaolin applications showed no statistically significant differences in terms of production/plant while a significant increase in the drupe oil content was observed. Kaolin treatments resulted in increased anthocyanins (+24%) and total polyphenols (+60%) content and at the same time a significant increase in the antioxidant activity (+41%) of drupes was recorded. As far as oil is concerned, the results showed an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids, and total polyphenols (+11%). On the basis of the results obtained, we can conclude that kaolin treatment can be considered as a sustainable solution to improve qualitative parameters in olive drupes and oil.

Minority grapevine varieties as climate change adaptation strategy: Exploring heat tolerance plasticity

Climate change is increasing average temperatures and intensity and frequency of extreme events such as heat waves. Productivity declines and plant damage due to those changes are already described for several majority varieties, especially in the Mediterranean basin. Less explored minority varieties can arise as alternatives due high heat tolerance, or for having high acclimation potential to heat. We evaluated the heat tolerance after acclimation in three summer thermic environments of four Spanish varieties: two majority (‘Tempranillo’, ‘Airén’) and two minority (‘Jarrosuelto’, ‘Morate’). Summer thermic environments differed in average temperature, and length of the warm period. Varieties differed in heat tolerance and its plasticity due to the acclimation to the environments. Within the majority varieties, ‘Tempranillo’ showed low heat tolerance and moderate plasticity in heat tolerance highlighting its susceptibility to climate change. ‘Airén’ had slightly higher tolerance than ‘Tempranillo’ and certain adaptation capacity to environments. Within the minority, ‘Jarrosuelto’ had high tolerance to heat events but low heat tolerance plasticity. ‘Morate’ was the variety with highest heat tolerance plasticity, indicating its strong adaptive potential. Majority varieties displayed susceptibility to heat events and global warming negative effects. However, minority varieties can offer solutions either by having high tolerance to heat or by having high acclimation.

Production and technological characteristics of the minor grapevine variety Sremska Zelenika

Minor grapevine varieties represent enormous value in terms of cul?tural heritage, diversification of products with higher economic value and adaptation to environmental conditions. This paper presents the results of research on certain production and technological characteristics (mechanical composition of clusters and berries, as well as chemical composition of grape must) of a local, i.e. minor white wine variety Sremska Zelenika examined in the agro-ecological conditions of the Fruska Gora wine-growing sub-region (Srem wine-growing region) in the locality of Sremski Karlovci. In the two-year research (2020 and 2021), without any yield reduction, it was determined that the average mass of the cluster was 266.5 g. The average sugar content in the grape must of the tested variety was 19.8%, the average content of total acids was 6.75 g/l and the average pH of the grape must was 3.27. Comparing the results of previous researches conducted in the same locality, it is concluded that in this research the minor variety of Sremska Zelenika has some better production and technological characteristics.