Orchard Location Research Articles

Unrevealing the Halyomorpha halys Damage Fingerprint on Hazelnut Metabolome by Multiomic Platforms and AI-Aided Strategies.

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) poses a significant threat to hazelnut crops by affecting kernel development and causing quality defects, reducing the market value. While previous studies have identified bitter-tasting compounds in affected kernels, the impact of stink bug feeding on the hazelnut metabolome, particularly concerning aroma precursors, remains underexplored. This study aims to map the nonvolatile metabolome and volatilome of hazelnut samples obtained by caging H. halys on different cultivars in two locations to identify markers for diagnosing stink bug damage. Using a multiomic approach involving headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF MS), and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), both raw and roasted hazelnuts are analyzed, with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools employed to explore data correlations. The study finds that the hazelnut metabolome and volatilome exhibit high chemical complexity with significant classes of compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and terpenes identified in both raw and roasted hazelnuts. Multivariate analysis indicates that the orchard location significantly impacts the metabolome, followed by damage type, with cultivar differences being less pronounced. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models achieve high predictive accuracy for orchard location (99%) and damage type (≈80%), with the roasted volatilome showing the highest predictive accuracy. Correlation matrices reveal significant relationships between raw hazelnut metabolites and aroma compounds in roasted samples, suggesting potential markers for stink bug damage that could guide the quality assessment and mitigation strategies. Data fusion techniques further enhance classification performance, particularly in predicting damage type, underscoring the potential of integrating multiple data sets for comprehensive quality assessment.

Apple mycotoxins: From orchard to processed apple puree

Apples and apple-derived products can be contaminated with patulin and, to a lesser extent, aflatoxin B1 and fumonisins. Fruits were collected from Golden Delicious and Imperatore trees in three orchards in Veneto, Northern Italy, and analysed for the presence of fungi and mycotoxins. Sampling and analyses were also carried out from storage bins to final puree tanks along the apple-puree production chain. Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp. were commonly isolated from apples collected in the field, but their presence varied with cultivar and orchard location. In contrast, Aspergillus section Flavi spp. and Fusarium spp. were only detected via direct isolation from chopped fruits. Patulin and Alternaria toxins were frequently identified in fresh fruits, while aflatoxins were also present in some fruits albeit at very low levels. Fungi were present in fruits entering the apple-puree production line, but not in apple puree after treatment at 95–105 °C. In contrast, the abovementioned mycotoxins were detected at all stages along the production line. Surprisingly, fumonisins were only detected after the apple puree was subjected to thermal treatment. Implications of these findings were discussed and few unresolved scientific questions were posed to stimulate further lines of study.

Analytical study to measure the variability in quality factors attenuating the export of Kinnow/Mandarin fruit

The Kinnow (a King–Willow leaf mandarin hybrid) fruit is highly cultivated and produced in Pakistan. The Kinnow fruits collected from different orchard categories in three Tehsils, i.e., Sargodha, Kot Momin and Bhalwal of Sargodha District, from three plant elevations (top, center and bottom), were analyzed for physical (weight, size, uniformity in color, shape, citrus canker, rind blemishes, firmness, peel thickness, peel percentage and seed rate), chemical (total soluble solids, ascorbic acid contents and juice recovery) and sensory characteristics, as well as phytochemical evaluations. The weight of Kinnow fruit collected from the top of the plant in the orchard of Bhalwal ranged from 148.22 to 160.31 gs, whereas in Kot Momin it ranged from 149.62 to 170.96 gs. The highest percentage of fruits having orange color was present in Kot Momin (55–71 %), followed by Bhalwal (54–63 %) and Sargodha (51–54 %) areas. The fruits collected from Kot Momin showed the highest total soluble solids, i.e. 13.64–14.21 °Brix. Kinnow fruits collected from the orchards of Kot Momin Tehsil at the top level presented the highest ascorbic acid contents (38.43–48.25 mg/100 mL), followed by Bhalwal (29.73–40.38 mg/100 mL) and the least were found in Sargodha (21.63–28.58 mg/100 mL). In addition, the radical scavenging activity of fruit juices collected from the orchards of Kot Momin and Bhalwal was high. The results of all the attributes of each evaluation confirmed the wide range of differences between orchard location areas as well as fruit location on the plant. Such kind of conditions may lead to the attenuation of the exportable quality of Kinnow fruits. Due to these conditions, most of the fruits collected from the orchards of Sargodha were not considered as of export quality compared to fruits collected from Kot Momin and Bhalwal.

Evaluation of Almond Harvest Dust Abatement Strategies Using an Aerial Drone Particle Monitoring System

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a mobile aerial drone particle monitoring system (DPMS) to measure and detect changes in harvest dust levels based on moderate adjustments to harvester settings. When compared to an earlier harvester, a new harvester operated at standard settings produced 35% fewer PM2.5s, 32% fewer PM10s, and 42% fewer TSPs. Increasing the ground speed had an adverse effect on dust mitigation, while reducing it by half only offered a slightly more favorable margin. The mutual effects of some meteorological factors were found to be slightly correlated with PM10 and TSP readings and caused significant variability in PM2.5 readings. The current findings show similar trends to PM reduction estimates of previous studies, with only a nominal difference of 10 to 15% points. Overall, the DPMS was found to perform well within an acceptable statistical confidence level. The use of DPMSs could reduce the logistical needs, complexity issues, and feedback times often experienced using the Federal Reference Method (FRM). Further investigation is needed to verify its robustness and to develop potential correlations with the FRM under different orchard location and management practices. At this stage, the current aerial DPMS should be considered a rapid screening tool not to replace the FRM, but rather to complement it in evaluating the feasibility of dust abatement strategies for the almond industry.

Factors affecting development of disorders expressed after storage of ‘Gala’ apple fruit

This study investigated factors influencing susceptibility and development of physiological disorders and decay expressed after long-term storage in ‘Gala’ apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh.). Five experiments were performed over ten production years with fruit from two environmentally different orchard locations in a humid subtropical climate at 990 m (warmer) and 1415 m above sea level. Fruit were harvested at two maturity stages (early and advanced), treated or not treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and stored at 0.5 °C or 2 °C in a controlled atmosphere (CA, 1.5 kPa O2 and 2.5 kPa CO2), for 240 d plus 7 d shelf life. In one experiment, fruit were stored in CA with CO2 concentrations of 1.5 or 3 kPa. The relationship between fruit mineral composition and physiological disorders was assessed in one production year. Flesh browning (FB) was the predominant disorder, followed by decay, cracking, and lenticel breakdown-wet (LB-wet). The average severity index of lenticel breakdown-dry (LB-dry), leather blotch and bitter pit were low and variable across production years. The FB index was lowest in fruit produced at the colder orchard location, early harvest, treatment with 1-MCP, and storage at 2 °C. These factors also influenced fruit softening after storage. The major source of variance of the FB index in order of decreasing contribution were harvest maturity, production year, orchard location, 1-MCP and storage temperature. Production year variability of FB index correlated positively with early summer rain and negatively with early spring temperature. A weak positive correlation was also found between FB index and fruit K+Mg/Ca ratio. Higher CA CO2 concentration increased FB in fruit stored at 0.5 °C but not at 2 °C. The same factors affected decay, cracking and LB-wet disorder similarly as for FB, except that decay and cracking were not consistently affected by storage temperature, and decay and LB-wet were not impacted by 1-MCP. Storage temperature had the most influence on the variance of LB-wet. LB-dry was highest in late harvest fruit and, in the production year with the highest index, in fruit stored at 0.5 °C. Leather blotch was highest in early harvest fruit and in fruit stored at 0.5 °C. 1-MCP treatment did not affect disorders other than FB and cracking. These results suggest that interactions among harvest and postharvest factors influence the development of ‘Gala’ FB and other disorders and indicate a possible relationship of chilling in FB development. The information may be useful for implementing practical strategies to reduce the development of these postharvest disorders in ‘Gala’ apple fruit.

Annual compost amendments can replace synthetic fertilizer, improve soil moisture, and ensure tree performance during peach orchard establishment in a humid subtropical climate.

The application of organic matter (OM) to peach orchards is currently uncommon in commercial operations but could potentially replace synthetic fertilizers and improve long-term orchard sustainability. The purpose of the study was to monitor how annual applications of compost to replace synthetic fertilizer would change soil quality, peach tree nutrient and water status, and tree performance during the first four years of orchard establishment within a subtropical climate. Food waste compost was incorporated before planting and added annually over four years with the following treatments: 1) 1x rate, applied as dry weight at 22,417 kg ha-1 (10 tons acre-1) incorporated during the first year and 11,208 kg ha-1 (5 tons acre-1) applied topically each year after; 2) 2x rate, applied as dry weight at 44,834 kg ha-1 (20 tons acre-1) incorporated during the first year and 22,417 kg ha-1 (10 tons acre-1) applied topically each year after; and 3) control, with no compost added. Treatments were applied to a virgin orchard location, where peach trees had never previously been grown, and to a replant location, where peach trees had been grown previously for more than 20 years. Synthetic fertilizer was reduced in the 1x and 2x rates by 80 and 100% during the spring and all treatments received the summer application according to standard practice. Soil OM, phosphorus and sodium all increased with the addition of 2x compost in the replant location at 15cm depth, but not within the virgin location compared to the control treatment. The 2x rate of compost improved soil moisture during the growing season, but tree water status was similar between treatments. Tree growth was similar between treatments in the replant location, but the 2x treatment had larger trees compared to the control by the third year. Foliar nutrients were similar between treatments over the four years, while 2x compost rate increased fruit yield in the virgin location compared to the control the second year of harvest. The 2x food waste compost rate could be considered as a replacement for synthetic fertilizers and to potentially increase tree growth during orchard establishment.

Influence of Geographical Orchard Location on the Microbiome from the Progeny of a Pecan Controlled Cross.

Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch production has expanded beyond the native distribution as the genetic diversity of the species, in part, has allowed the trees to grow under broad geographic and climatic ranges. Research in other plant species has demonstrated that the phytobiome enhances their ability to survive and thrive in specific environments and, conversely, is influenced by the prevailing environment and plant genetics, among other factors. We sought to analyze the microbiota of pecan seedlings from the controlled cross 'Lakota' × 'Oaxaca' that were made in Georgia and Texas, respectively, to determine if the maternal geographical origin influences the microbiome of the resulting progeny. No significant differences in bacterial communities were observed between the seeds obtained from the two different states (p = 0.081). However, seed origin did induce significant differences in leaf fungal composition (p = 0.012). Results suggest that, in addition to some environmental, epigenetics, or host genetic components, ecological processes, such as dispersal mechanisms of the host, differentially impact the pecan microbiome, which may have ramifications for the health of trees grown in different environments. Future studies on the role of the microbiome in plant health and productivity will aid in the development of sustainable agriculture for improved food security.

Antioxidants in Shell and Nut Yield Components after Ca, Mg and K Preharvest Spraying on Hazelnut Plantations in Southern Chile.

To determine the effects of pre-harvest calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) spraying on the antioxidant activity and capacity of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) shells, as an approach to sustain the utilization of the main residue derived from this industry, four commercial hazelnut (Tonda di Giffoni) orchards located in Southern Chile (Cunco, Gorbea, Perquenco and Radal), during the 2018/19 season were sprayed three times with five combinations of Ca (300 and 600 mg L-1), Mg (300 and 600 mg L-1) and K (300 and 600 mg L-1). Yield components were determined in harvested whole nuts, whereas Ca, Mg and K concentrations, as well as total phenolic compounds, free radical scavenging antioxidant activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, were determined in shells. All spray treatments with both Ca, Mg and K combinations showed a significant interaction between locality and treatment (L × T) on increased stabilized nut yield (kg ha-1) in comparison with the control treatments, whereas nut quality was differentially affected by treatment and orchard locality, thus confirming a significant L × T relationship regarding nut length and kernel yield. However, locality showed a major effect on kernels and shells. A significant relationship was determined between locality and the Ca, Mg and K spraying (L × T) concerning antioxidant compounds such as phenolics, whose amounts exceeded those of the control treatments by three times. Antioxidant capacity and activity in shells showed a significant L × T relationship, and nutshells collected from Cunco showed remarkably (3-4 times) higher levels of these factors than the other evaluated localities. Interactions between spray treatment and orchard location were responsible for the different values obtained in the experiments, confirming the influence of the environment on the efficacy of the treatments. Finally, these shells are worth further study as an interesting residue of the hazelnut industry due to their nutritional and antioxidant properties.

Apple endophyte community in relation to location, scion and rootstock genotypes and susceptibility to European canker.

ABSTRACTEuropean apple canker, caused by Neonectria ditissima, is a severe disease of apple. Achieving effective control is difficult with the currently available pesticides. Specific apple endophytes associated with cultivars may partially contribute to the cultivar response to the pathogen and thus could be used for disease management. We sought to determine whether the overall endophyte community differed among cultivars differing in their susceptibility to N. ditissima and to identify specific microbial groups associated with the susceptibility. Using Illumina MiSeq meta-barcoding, we profiled apple tree endophytes in 16 scion–rootstock combinations at two locations and quantified the relative contribution of scion, rootstock and location to the observed variability in the endophyte communities. Endophyte diversity was primarily affected by the orchard location (accounting for 29.4% and 85.9% of the total variation in the PC1 for bacteria and fungi, respectively), followed by the scion genotype (24.3% and 19.5% of PC2), whereas rootstock effects were small (<3% of PC1 and PC2). There were significant differences in the endophyte community between canker-resistant and -susceptible cultivars. Several bacterial and fungal endophyte groups had different relative abundance between susceptible and resistant cultivars. These endophyte groups included putative pathogen antagonists as well as plant pathogens. Their possible ecological roles in the N. ditissima pathosystem are discussed.

Effect of harvest index and storage duration on sensory quality of Hass avocado grown in Colombia

Currently Colombia does not have enough studies on avocado sensory quality. So, the aim of this work was to evaluate the harvest index and storage duration on avocado sensory quality. Avocado fruit were harvested from 5 farms in Antioquia. Sensory descriptors were evaluated on a scale from 0 to 5, and general quality (GQ) was evaluated from 0 to 3. Fruit with low GQ exhibit hard, wet, and fibrous textures; they taste green, astringent, spicy, sour, umami, and acid, and the odor is sour, green, and acid. Fruits have a low sensory quality at the beginning of the harvest season. As DM content increases, the sensory quality improves. Orchard location and fruit storage duration influenced its sensory descriptors and general quality.

Dissecting the influence of the orchard location and the maturity at harvest on apple quality, physiology and susceptibility to major postharvest pathogens

‘Golden Reinders’ apple quality parameters, fruit physiology, biochemical composition and susceptibility to Penicillium expansum and Rhizopus stolonifer were analysed in fruit harvested from four different locations (two valley and two mountain orchards) and from the same valley orchard at six different maturity stages. Growing location strongly influenced the taste- and health-related fruit composition whereas the fruit maturity at harvest mainly affected the ethylene biosynthetic pathway and ethylene-dependant quality traits such as the fruit firmness and starch index. The fruit maturity at harvest, but not the growing location, also affected the severity of the infection caused by P. expansum and R. stolonifer, with mature fruit showing higher susceptibility to pathogen infection. Besides, by employing a Partial Least Square (PLS) regression model, our data showed that the severity of the lesions caused by R. stolonifer were intimately related to the fruit ethylene production. Overall, the results from this study demonstrate that differences in environmental conditions between orchards (mountain vs valley) strongly influenced the composition of ‘Golden Reinders’ apples without affecting the susceptibility of the fruit to two major postharvest pathogens.

Understanding the key preharvest factors determining ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pear heterogeneity and impact in superficial scald development and control

Abstract Although superficial scald (SS) is well characterized on apples, there is still few information regarding the influence that initial fruit’s maturity heterogeneity may have on the development of this disorder on pears. In this study we aimed to understand the effect of growing season and site, harvest maturity, and their interaction with postharvest treatments on superficial scald development. Pears (Pyrus communis L.) cv ‘Packham’s Triumph’ were picked during three consecutive seasons at three harvest maturities (H1, H2, H3) from different commercial orchards. Different SS control treatments (DPA vs. 1-MCP; season # 2) and storage scenarios (RA, CA and RA + stepwise cooling (SWC); season # 3) were evaluated. Bioclimatic indices, superficial scald incidence, maturity indices and biochemical analysis associated with SS were carried out at harvest and periodically postharvest in all treatments. In general, bioclimatic indexes (GDA and HL10) were poorly correlated with SS incidence. Only in season #1, harvest maturity was positively correlated with SS after 140 and 180 d into storage (rs = 0.621* and 0.620*, respectively), the more mature fruit being more sensitive. The opposite was observed in season #3, and no pattern in season #2. There was a good and positive correlation between CTols dynamic (δCTols/δt) and SS development, with variation between seasons. DPA and 1-MCP effectively reduced SS up to 180 d regardless of years and orchard location. In contrast, the beneficial effect of CA storage was orchard dependent and SWC strategy did not control SS and affected fruit quality. Collectively our results suggest that initial fruit heterogeneity at harvest is an important factor that modulate SS development in ‘Packham triumph pears. Climatic and fruit maturity indexes are not reliable for a multi-year prediction of SS development. In contrast to CA storage that reduced the disorder in an orchard dependent manner, 1-MCP and DPA treatments effectively controlled SS independently of initial fruit heterogeneity.

Evaluating the Variability in the Phenolic Concentration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil According to the Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012 Health Claim.

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are associated to its fatty acids profile (with predominance of oleic acid) and to the minor components that include phenols, among others. Phenols are responsible for the only health claim of olive oil reported in the Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012. Here, we have applied a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine the most abundant phenols included in the health claim (with special emphasis on secoiridoids) in 1239 EVOO samples produced in two consecutive agronomical seasons. The predominant cultivars in Spain ("Picual", "Arbequina", "Hojiblanca", and "Cornicabra") were evaluated. We also studied the influence of harvesting date and orchard location on the EVOO phenolic concentration. A great variability in phenolic content, from 1 to 2850 mg/kg, was found in these EVOOs, and not all of them (4.6 and 23.1% in the two seasons) reported a concentration above 250 mg/kg to certify the health claim.

Canopy Position Affect Rind Biochemical Properties of ‘Marsh’ Grapefruit during Postharvest Cold Storage at Non-chilling Temperature

ABSTRACT Effect of canopy position on rind biochemical properties of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit during postharvest non-chilling cold storage was evaluated on fruit harvested from different orchard locations. Inside canopy (IC) and outside canopy (OC) fruits were harvested at commercial maturity from two commercial farms located at KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Limpopo (LMP), South Africa, during two seasons. Rind biochemical analyses including color indices, total phenolic concentration, and sugars were performed on harvested grapefruit after Weeks 0, 3, 6, and 9 of cold storage at 7.5 ± 0.5°C. Canopy position showed a high significant (p < .001) effect on rind biochemicals while significant (p < .05) influence of orchard locations was observed on the same parameters. Reducing sugars were more concentrated in IC fruit harvested from both orchard location than OC fruit at Weeks 0 and 3, but inverse results occurred at Weeks 6 and 9. Orchard location significantly (p < .001) influenced vitamin C (14.4, 14.2, 14.4, 14.8 g kg−1) and (12.3, 16.1, 15.9, 14.6 g kg−1) of fruit rind at Weeks 0, 3, 6, and 9 from KZN and LMP, respectively. This study revealed that canopy position can influence rind biochemical properties of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit during non-chilling postharvest cold storage. However, further studies are required to formulate and provide the citrus industries with adequate advice.

Relationship of ripening parameters of “Alexander Lucas” pears according to orchard location, maturity stage and storage conditions

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of maturity stages at harvest (MS) on the inhibitory effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and the ultralow oxygen (ULO) on the ripening and synthesis of aroma volatiles of “Alexander Lucas” pears, and if this effect remains in different orchards. Results show that 1-MCP inhibited ripening and aroma production in pears harvested early (MS1) from all orchards. The most suppressed character-impact compounds were ethyl (2E.4Z)-deca-2.4-dienoate, hexyl acetate, and pentyl acetate. Generally, significantly less of these compounds were found in MS1 pears from orchard 2 and more of these compounds were found in pears harvest delay (MS2) from orchard 3. Fruits MS2 treated with 1-MCP enabled the development of melting flesh and resulted in increased accumulation of esters to levels similar to fruits stored under CS. ULO storage also decreased the production of aromatic compounds but less strongly than 1-MCP. Practical applications There are few studies about the ripening and storage conditions of “Alexander Lucas” pear. The results of this investigation show that the orchard location is important and should be considered when choosing the storage condition. Furthermore, the reported results are important for establishing the proper storage conditions of “Alexander Lucas” pears in terms of achieving suitable quality during shelf life.

Tissue age, orchard location and disease management influence the composition of fungal and bacterial communities present on the bark of apple trees.

Plants host microbial communities that can be affected by environmental conditions and agronomic practices. Despite the role of bark as a reservoir of plant pathogens and beneficial microorganisms, no information is available on the effects of disease management on the taxonomic composition of the bark-associated communities of apple trees. We assessed the impact of disease management strategies on fungal and bacterial communities on the bark of a scab-resistant apple cultivar in two orchard locations and for two consecutive seasons. The amplicon sequencing revealed that bark age and orchard location strongly affected fungal and bacterial diversity. Microbiota dissimilarity between orchards evolved during the growing season and showed specific temporal series for fungal and bacterial populations in old and young bark. Disease management did not induce global changes in the microbial populations across locations and seasons, but specifically affected the abundance of some taxa according to bark age, orchard location and sampling time. Therefore, the disease management applied to scab-resistant cultivars, which is based on a limited use of fungicides, partially changed the taxonomic composition of bark-associated fungal and bacterial communities, suggesting the need for a more accurate risk assessment regarding possible pathogen outbreaks.

Seed productivity and variability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) clones of Finnish origin in seed orchard in the central part of Ukraine

Abstract Global climate change has mainly impacted the forest ecosystems in Europe. Today, it is not fully understood how these changes will affect the reproductive process of trees on seed orchards. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the growth, condition and reproductive function of Scots pine clones of Finnish origin after moving them to the southern direction of natural distribution area. Variability and seed productivity of 25-year-old clones of Scots pine of Finnish origin in the clonal seed orchard under climatic conditions of the central part of Ukraine (Vinnitsa region) was investigated. Grafted seedlings of Scots pine of Finnish origin were moved southward at a distance of over 1,500 km. Climatic conditions of Vinnytsia region, where the clones were displaced, differed by an increase in the mean and maximum temperatures by 3.3–3.6ºC, as well as an increase in the mean temperatures during the cold period and a rise in the minimum by 2.1–2.3ºC. The climate in the seed orchard location was characterized by the most significant increase in the mean temperatures in April and May (5.3–5.8ºC), which greatly influenced the intensity of the formation of microstrobili and macrostrobili. The ratio of precipitation to the amount of temperatures decreased more than twice. Analysis of the grafted trees’ vitality of Finnish origin and seed progeny of the local population, estimation of their intensity (height, diameter), state (category of the state) and reproductive processes (intensity of formation of microstrobili and cones) was carried out on the clonal seed orchard. In conditions of climate change, most of the clones of Finnish origin were characterized by a higher intensity of flowering compared to the local population. Some clones of Finnish origin (E80 and E729) dominated the local population by the seed yield. According to a comprehensive analysis of vitality, the intensity of growth and reproductive capacity, the best clones of Finnish origin were E80, E1883 and E2254. Low adaptive ability was noted in the clones E2312, K634 and K801. According to the research results, it was found that changes in climatic conditions did not significantly affect the vitality, development and condition of the clones. There was observed intensification of the formation of microstrobili and cones. Seed viability and quality of Scots pine of Finnish origin obtained on seed orchards located in the southern conditions requires further research.

Effect of Altitude on the Phenology and Fruit Quality Attributes of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Fruits

Consumer concern about poor taste of fresh apricots is increasing and knowledge about the more suitable production requirement is essential. Genetic component influencing apricots quality is well known. However, there is limited information on environmental effect on fruit quality. This study aims to evaluate influence of altitude on phenological and fruit quality characters of apricot genotypes. Fruits from 162 genotype were collected from nine locations from 3006-3346 m asl in trans-Himalaya. The altitude had a marked influence on date of flowering, fruit weight, moisture and TSS content. For every 100 m increase in altitude, flowering and fruit ripening delayed by 3.3 and 7.1 day, respectively. Inverse relationship between altitude and fruit weight (R2=0.310) was observed. For every 100 m increase in altitude the fruit weight decrease by 0.5 g. Fruit moisture content decreased significantly with increase in elevation (R2=0.585). Decrease in moisture content was 1.9% for every 100 m increase in elevation. Altitude showed linear relationship with fruit TSS content (R2=0.726). For every 100 m increase in altitude, the fruit TSS increased by 1.2ºBrix. Knowledge from the present study on the impact of altitude on fruit quality characters provides a useful guide for selecting orchard location towards improving fruit quality

Daily and seasonal variation of muscid flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand

Flies of the family Muscidae, or muscids, are of medical and veterinary importance worldwide due to their recognition as nuisance pests and myiasis-producing agents. Effective control of muscids requires biological information on population dynamics daily and across seasons. In this study, such patterns were investigated in three different microhabitats (e.g., forest area, palm plantation and longan orchard) in a suburban area of Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Adult fly samplings were conducted for 24-h intervals using semiautomatic traps and 1-day old beef offal as bait. Samplings were carried out twice per month from July 2013 to June 2014. A total of 3,419 muscids were trapped, comprising nine species, with Musca domestica Linnaeus accounting for the majority (n = 1,329; 38.9%) followed by Hydrotaea spinigera Stein (n = 770; 22.5%) and Musca ventrosa Wiedemann (n = 740; 21.7%). The greatest overall abundance was in the longan orchard location (n = 1,508; 44.1%). Community structure peaked during the rainy season (mid-May to mid-Oct). Peak activity during the day was late morning (9.00 to 12.00 h) for M. domestica, early morning (6.00 to 9.00 h) for H. spinigera, and early afternoon (12.00 to 15.00 h) for M. ventrosa. Temperature had no significant effect on the abundance of M. domestica (rs= -0.030, p = 0.576) or H. spinigera (rs = 0.068, p = 0.200), but had a weak negative correlation with M. ventrosa (rs = −0.238, p = 0.0001). Relative humidity had a weak negative correlation with M. domestica (rs = −0.263, p = 0.0001), H. spinigera (rs = −0.107, p = 0.043) and M. ventrosa (rs = −0.344, p = 0.0001). More females (n = 2,078) were trapped than males (n = 761). These results provide baseline information of daily and seasonal dynamic activity of muscid flies under natural conditions, which is the prerequisite information for effective control measures.

Postharvest changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of apples cv. Jonagold growing in different locations in Europe

Apples cv. 'Jonagold' of the same quality were collected from four orchards in three European countries. The orchards differed in terms of longitude, latitude and microclimate. The apples were stored in controlled atmosphere storage for six months. Both after harvest and after storage the apples were compared in terms of physical and chemical properties. Differences in firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, mass varied not >11%. Storability was little affected by harvest location. The sum of polyphenols was more strongly influenced by storage than by orchard location. The strongest degradation of flavonols after storage was in apples grown in the most southern region of harvest (Italy). The content of (+)- catechin and (−)-epicatechin depended on harvest location and its strong increase resulted in higher content of procyanidins and flavanols after storage. Changes in individual polyphenols were significant after storage and depended on harvest location.