Spanish Cultivars Research Articles

Temporal Analysis of Branches Pod Production in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Genotypes with Different Growth Habits and Branching Patterns

ABSTRACTPeanut is an annual crop with indeterminate growth habits and different branching patterns. The combination of these parameters produces different modes of pod distribution in the soil, mainly due to spatial and temporal variation in the gynophore penetration and subsequent pod development. Different levels of lateral and main stem branches have variable influences on plant yield. Branch influence on yield also is significantly different among virginia, runner, and spanish cultivars. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the number and weight of pod determinations for each branch type, and to estimate the relationship with prevailing mean temperature and solar radiation during the respective moment. The study was carried out under field conditions using two genotypes sowed at three different dates. The differences in the relative contribution to pod yield provided by each branch are due to the critical period of determination of number and weight of pods. Critical periods differ between genotypes, and are dependent on the growth habit and branching pattern. Branches with a greater contribution to pod yield (n+1 cotyledonary and others with 65 to 67%, and n+2 cotyledonary with 24 to 26%) have an earlier onset, higher rate of appearance and pod growth, and longer duration of these critical stages. However, there was no difference in the amount of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and mean temperature due to temporal overlap of these stages in the main branch categories (cotyledonary n+1 and n+2, and other n+1). Instead, the partitioning coefficient (p) was different among branch types, due to the sink strength (number and weight of pods) in both cultivars. Thus, p ranged 0.01–0.32 and 0.01–0.33 in Utre, and between 0.02–0.24 and 0.03–0.26 for number and weight of pods in Granoleico, respectively. This sink strength, in turn, is greater in the branches that first define the yield components, thus giving them a comparative advantage with respect to later ontogenetic development branches. These results suggest that to improve peanut yield it may be desirable obtain cultivar with lower indetermination growth level and more branch types of earlier onset.

Initial assessment of natural diversity in Mexican fig landraces

The common fig (Ficus carica L.) was introduced into Mexico by Spanish Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century. It is widely assumed that Mexican figs are the Spanish cultivar Black Mission. We collected and propagated 12 fig plants from six landraces from different states in Central Mexico that represent different climate. All of them were grown in a greenhouse at Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, in the State of Mexico. During the experimental period, the greenhouse had an average temperature and relative humidity of 29.2° ± 5.4°C (SEM) and 78.1 ± 6.7% (SEM), respectively. Morphological characterization was done following a selected set of quantitative and qualitative descriptors established by the IPGRI. DNA analysis was based on a combination of ISSR and RFLP markers. We observed great diversity mainly in fruit weight (28.1-96.2 g), fruit shape (ovoid, pyriform), and neck length (0.97-3.80 cm), which could not be explained by environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The Nei and Li/Dice similarity coefficient between landraces was determined by cluster analysis using the UPGMA method. Based on the morphological characterization and DNA fingerprinting data presented in this study, our results showed that after hundreds of years, black figs have adapted to local environmental condition in Central Mexico, yielding at least six clearly distinct landraces that represent valuable and previously undescribed genetic diversity. We also suggested names for those landraces according to their location and established a basis for further agronomic and molecular characterization of fig landraces.

Population structure and marker–trait associations for pomological traits in peach and nectarine cultivars

Marker–trait associations based on populations from controlled crosses have been established in peach using markers mapped on the peach consensus map. In this study, we explored the utility of unstructured populations for association mapping to determine useful marker–trait associations in peach/nectarine cultivars. We used 94 peach cultivars representing local Spanish and modern cultivars from international breeding programs that are maintained at the Experimental Station of Aula Dei, Spain. This collection was characterized for pomological traits and was screened with 40 SSR markers that span the peach genome. Population structure analysis using STRUCTURE software identified two subpopulations, the local and modern cultivars, with admixture within both groups. The local Spanish cultivars were somewhat less diverse than modern cultivars. Marker–trait associations were determined in TASSEL with and without modelling coefficient of membership (Q) values as covariates. The results showed significant associations with pomological traits. We chose three markers on LG4 because of their proximity to the endoPG locus (freestone–melting flesh) that strongly affects pomological traits. Two genotypes of BPPCT015 marker showed significant associations with harvest date, flavonoids and sorbitol. Also, two genotypes of CPPCT028 showed associations with harvest date, total phenolics, RAC, and total sugars. Finally, two genotypes of endoPG1 showed associations with flesh firmness and total sugars. The analysis of linkage disequilibrium (LD) revealed a high level of LD up to 20 cM, and decay at farther distances. Therefore, association mapping could be a powerful tool for identifying marker–trait associations and would be useful for marker-assisted selection in peach breeding.

Development of a High-Resolution Melting–Based Approach for Efficient Differentiation AmongBacillus cereusGroup Isolates

Strains belonging to Bacillus cereus Group include six different species, among which are Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, and Bacillus cereus sensu stricto, a causative agent of food poisoning. Sequence of the panC-housekeeping gene is used for B. cereus Group affiliation to seven major phylogenetic groups (I-VII) with different ecological niches and variations in thermal growth range and spore heat resistance of B. cereus Group microorganisms varies among phylogenetic groups. We assigned a selection of B. cereus sensu stricto strains related to food poisoning from the Spanish cultivar Collection (Valencia) to Group IV strains based on panC gene sequence. Thermal inactivation assays revealed variability of spore heat resistance within these Group IV strains. Adequate food sanitizing treatments therefore require fast and reliable identification of particular strains. In the present study, feasibility of genotyping via high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was examined. HRM analysis of amplified polymorphic 16S-23 intergenic spacer region (ISR) region proved to be discriminatory for B. cereus sensu stricto strain typing, while two other polymorphic regions within the bacterial rRNA operon allowed differentiation between Bacillus species, demonstrating its applicability for discrimination on the species and strain level within B. cereus Group.

On line characterization of 58 phenolic compounds in Citrus fruit juices from Spanish cultivars by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection coupled to electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Polyphenol profile of Citrus juices of sweet orange, tangerine, lemon and grapefruit from Spanish cultivars was obtained by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection coupled to Electrospray ionization and Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. Fifty eight phenolic compounds of five different classes were identified in these Citrus juices. Flavanone: O-dihexoside of naringenin; flavones: apigenin-7-O-rutinoside-4′-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-neohesperidoside-4′-O-glucoside, luteolin-6-C-glucoside, 6,8-di-C-acylhexosides of chrysoeriol and diosmetin, 6C- and 8C-glucoside-O-pentoside of apigenin, apigenin-6-C-hexoside-O-hexoside and apigenin-8-C-hexoside-O-acylrhamnoside; flavonols: 7-O-rutinosides of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and tamarixetin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside-7-O-glucoside, tamarixetin-3-O-rutinoside-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-hexoside-7-O-rhamnosylhexoside, 3-O-rhamnoside-7-O-rhamnosylhexoside of quercetin and isorhamnetin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnosylhexoside-7-O-rhamnoside; hydroxycinnamic acids: O-hexoside of ferulic and sinapic acid; and, coumarins: O-hexoside and O-rhamnosylhexoside of scopoletin, had not previously been reported in Citrus juices to our knowledge. Structures have been assigned on the basis of the complementary information obtained from retention time, UV–visible spectra, scan mode MS spectra, and fragmentation patterns in MS2 spectra obtained using different collision energies. A structure diagnosis scheme is provided for the identification of different phenolic compounds.

DIFFERENTIAL IN VITRO BEHAVIOUR OF THE SPANISH OLIVE (OLEA EUROPAEA L.) CULTIVARS 'ARBEQUINA' AND 'PICUAL'

Nodal explants from the spanish cultivars ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’ showed different behaviour under in vitro conditions. In the initiation medium which included the DKW mineral and vitamins formulations 3% sucrose, 4.4 µM BAP and 0.05 µM IBA, the observed sprouting rates were 68 and 57.7% for ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’ respectively. For shoot proliferation, the effects of five different media were tested. Best results for ‘Arbequina’ were obtained in a modified basal DKW medium supplemented with 2% mannitol and 5.7 µM ZR, with a 2.9 multiplication rate, while for ‘Picual’, 1.6 multiplication rate was observed in the presence of OM basal medium with 3.6% mannitol, 13.68 µM Z, 4.33 µM GA3 and 0.49 µM IBA.

Genetic diversity and structure of local apple cultivars from Northeastern Spain assessed by microsatellite markers

A set of 493 old and local Spanish accessions of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) maintained at three collections in Northeastern Spain was studied using 16 simple sequence repeats in order to estimate their genetic diversity and to identify the genetic structure and relationships among their accessions. An additional diverse set of 45 apple cultivars, including old Spanish and international cultivars, was added as reference. Genetic analyses performed by Bayesian model-based clustering revealed a very strong differentiation of two major groups. The first one clustered 159 individuals (52 % of unique genotypes) including local accessions and six old Spanish cultivars. The second major group was formed by 145 individuals, including 38 international reference cultivars and one old Spanish cultivar. Nested Bayesian clustering was applied to those two groups and two and four sub-groups were found at each one, respectively. The identification of private and unique alleles, and the remarkable differences in allelic richness among groups and sub-groups constitute further evidence of a clear genetic structure. The results obtained through the factorial correspondence and analyses of molecular variance confirmed those obtained by Bayesian analyses, revealing moderate but significant differentiation among the two major groups (FST = 0.076) and the six sub-groups (FST = 0.111). Our results highlight that the genetic diversity encompassed by currently cultivated apple accounts only for a small fraction of that existing within the species, and that an important part (≈60 %) of the local material analyzed constitutes a good example of genetic distinctness with respect to the main cultivars used in European orchards.

Chemometric Characterization of Fruit Juices from Spanish Cultivars According to Their Phenolic Compound Contents: I. Citrus Fruits

The data set composed by phenolic compound profiles of 83 Citrus juices (determined by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) was evaluated by chemometrics to differentiate them according to Citrus species (sweet orange, tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) showed natural sample grouping among Citrus species and even the Citrus subclass. Most of the information contained in the full data set can be captured if only 15 phenolic compounds (concentration ≥10 mg/L), which can be quantified with fast and accurate methods in real samples, are introduced in the models; a good classification which allows the confirmation of the authenticity of juices is achieved by linear discriminant analysis. Using this reduced data set, fast and routine methods have been developed for predicting the percentage of grapefruit in adulterated sweet orange juices using principal component regression (PCR) and partial least-squares regression (PLS). The PLS model has provided suitable estimation errors.

EMBRYOGENIC CAPACITY OF EMBRYO-DERIVED EXPLANTS FROM DIFFERENT OLIVE CULTIVARS

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is difficult to manipulate in vitro; however, when somatic embryogenesis is observed, it has generally occurred in zygotic embryo derived explants. In this research, the embryogenic capacity of zygotic explants of 'Picual', 'Arbequina' (Spanish cultivars), 'Dahbia' and 'Moroccan Picholine' (Moroccan cultivars), was investigated. Radicle and cotyledons were cultivated in OMc medium supplemented with 25 µM IBA and 2.5 µM 2iP for three weeks, transferred to OMc medium for four weeks and finally, to ECO medium supplemented with 0.25 µM IBA, 0.5 µM 2iP and 0.44 µM BAP. As expected, genotype had a strong influence on the embryogenic capacity with 'Arbequina' showing the highest response, both on radicles (13%) and cotyledons (17%), followed by 'Dahbia' (9% on radicles and 7% on cotyledons). 'Picual' gave positive response only from radicle explants (7%). ‘Moroccan Picholine’ did not show any embryogenic response under our experimental conditions.

The relationship between xylem differentiation and dormancy evolution in apricot flower buds (Prunus armeniaca L.): the influence of environmental conditions in two Mediterranean areas

Environmental and climatic conditions affect the flower bud growth, flowering and yield performance of fruit species. Temperature and water availability appear to be important factors for temperate fruit trees in mild climates. The aim of this research was to study the involvement of temperature regime on biological processes, such as xylem differentiation and dormancy evolution, in apricot flower buds (Prunus armeniaca L.). Over 3 consecutive years, biological and anatomical investigations were carried out in Tuscany (Italy) and Murcia (Spain) on two cultivars characterized by a different chilling requirement (CR): Currot, a traditional Spanish cultivar with a very low CR, and Stark Early Orange (SEO), a North American cultivar with a very high CR. Currot had a regular bearing, and was characterized by a synchronism between endodormancy release and xylem differentiation. On the other hand, SEO showed an irregular flower bud growth leading to flowering and fruit-set failure, even with a high level of chilling accumulation. No relationship was found in SEO between xylem development and flower bud growth reactivation. The de-synchronism between these processes could determine the poor adaptability to different environmental areas of SEO cultivar, and its very high CR is not the main hypothesised cause of the altered flower bud development.

FLOWERING AND MATURATION DATES OF THE MAIN LATE-BLOOMING ALMOND VARIETIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

Among late-blooming almond cultivars, there are both self-incompatible and self-compatible varieties. However, even for self-compatible varieties, it is prudent to plant more than one variety with overlapping flowering dates to improve pollination and fertilization. Likewise, it is convenient to know the maturation date of the varieties to plan the harvest. In this work, the flowering and maturation dates of the main late-blooming Mediterranean varieties were determined. The study used four locations with different climatic conditions. Twelve cultivars were evaluated: the Spanish cultivars Antoneta, Cambra, Glorieta, Guara, Marta, and Masbovera; the French cultivars Ferraduel, Ferragnes, and Lauranne; and the Italians cultivars Cristomorto, Supernova, and Tuono. The local temperatures influence the flowering and maturation dates. In the warmest locations, the phenology was nearly a month ahead of the coldest areas. The bloom period was very similar for all varieties. In contrast, there were clear varietal differences in maturation date.

Simple sequence repeat markers linked to QTL for resistance to Watermelon mosaic virus in melon

A population of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between the Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) resistant genotype TGR-1551 and the susceptible Spanish cultivar 'Bola de Oro' has been evaluated for WMV resistance in spring, fall and growth chamber conditions. The quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses detected one major QTL (wmv) on linkage group (LG) XI close to the microsatellite marker CMN04_35. This QTL controls the resistance to WMV in the three environmental conditions evaluated. Other minor QTLs affecting the severity of viral symptoms were identified, but they were not detected in all the assayed environments. The screening of the marker CMN04_35 in an F(2) progeny, derived from the same cross, confirmed the effect of this QTL on the expression of WMV resistance also in early generations, which evidences the usefulness of this marker for a marker assisted selection program.

Oil Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Spanish Cultivars During Olive Fruit Ripening

AbstractThe oils produced from five olive cultivars (i.e. arbequina, gordal, manzanilla, picual and picudo) and the evolution of fatty acid profile during olive fruit ripening were studied. The total oil content increased throughout ripening for Picudo cultivars; however, all other cultivars reached maximum oil contents between ripeness stage 2 and 4. The content of trans (0.3–5.8%), saturated (8.3–21.4%), monounsaturated (41.9–84.1%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.3–49.7%) varied with the ripeness state and cultivar. Different trends of the different parameters were found as a function of the ripeness state and the cultivar. Statistical analysis reveal that manzanilla drupes, at the different ripeness states, are clearly different from the rest of the cultivars. In addition, there were no significant differences in the fatty acid profile of the oils obtained from drupes at ripeness states between 2 and 4.

Genetic variability and diversification process in local pear cultivars from northwestern Spain using microsatellites

This is the first known large-scale molecular study of simple sequence repeats loci based on pear cultivars from the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. Most of the Spanish pear crop (one of the largest in Europe) is based on the Spanish cultivar Blanquilla and various other foreign cultivars. However, local cultivars can still be found in old orchards in northwestern Spain. Between 1978 and 1981, the Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo (Xunta de Galicia) established a Germplasm Bank of local pear cultivars containing 221 accessions. In the current study, these were analysed and compared with 20 commercial cultivars of Pyrus spp. using 19 microsatellites. We identified 127 genotypes out of 221 accessions with an average of 43% clonality in this collection. Genotypes were analysed using a model-based Bayesian procedure (Structure), factorial correspondence analysis and molecular variance analysis, and Jaccard coefficients were estimated. Four reconstructed populations were identified by Structure, one related to Asian cultivars, two to French and English cultivars and one to Galician cultivars. The four identified groups of pears had evolved independently. This study explains the diversification process in pear cultivars from northwestern cultivars based on hybridization (16%), selection of triploids (38%) and the introgression of commercial cultivars in the collection (4%).

Parthenogenic Haploids in Melon: Generation and Molecular Characterization of a Doubled Haploid Line Population

Melon (Cucumis melo) is one of the principal vegetable crops for fresh market, for which a large number of breeding programs, oriented to generate inbred pure lines and hybrids, is established worldwide. The process to obtain and select these lines has been highly accelerated by the use of biotechnological techniques such as the generation of doubled haploid line (DHL) populations and molecular markers. Moreover, the use of DHLs in genetic studies is a useful tool because of their complete homozygosity and the permanent availability of plant material perpetuated by seed. In this work, the parthenogenetic response of 17 melon genotypes and the F1 hybrid PI 161375 × Spanish cultivar Piel de Sapo (PS) was studied considering three stages along the in vitro DHL generation process. The response of the analyzed melon cultivars was heterogeneous through the DHL generation with different limiting steps for each genotype. The response of the PI 161375 × PS hybrid was more similar to the male (PS) than the female parent (PI 161375), although the response of the maternal genotype was higher for some stages. This points to the important role of alleles from both parents in the different steps of the DHL generation process, and it could explain the identification of six genomic regions with distorted allelic segregation skewed toward PS or PI 161375. This hybrid was used to generate a population of 109 DHLs, the gametophytic origin of which was confirmed by flow cytometry and molecular markers.

Volatile Composition of Pomegranates from 9 Spanish Cultivars Using Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction

Fruits of 9 Spanish pomegranate cultivars were analyzed for quality parameters, volatile composition, and sensory profile. Volatile compounds were extracted using headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Twenty-one compounds were found in the headspace of fresh pomegranate juices, including aldehydes, monoterpenes, and alcohols. The most abundant compounds were hexanal, limonene, trans-2-hexenal, and cis-3-hexenol. Fruits from the cultivars Mollar Elche(ME) ME14, ME1, and ME2 presented the highest values of overall liking by the consumer panel; however, their total volatiles concentration were low compared to the other pomegranate cultivars and their color intensity was intermediate. Overall consumer liking of pomegranate juices was mainly associated with the presence of monoterpenes (α-terpineol); however, high aldehydes (trans-2-hexenal) concentrations were correlated with poor overall consumer liking. Fruits from sour-sweet cultivars (PTO7 and ADO4) could improve the quality of ME pomegranate juices due to their intense color, high monoterpenes concentrations, and their moderate sourness. Practical Application: The information provided in this study proves that sour-sweet pomegranate fruits can be used in the manufacturing of pomegranate juices and will improve the sensory quality and the volatile composition of this product.

BEHAVIOR OF SUPER-INTENSIVE SPANISH AND GREEK OLIVE CULTIVARS GROWN IN NORTHERN TUNISIA

This work was carried out on the characterization of virgin olive oils from Spanish cultivars: “Arbequina,”“Arbequina I-18” and “Arbosana” and Greek one “Koroneiki” in northern Tunisia under high-density planting system. The quality and typicality of the oils were to be ascribed not only to the olive variety but in large part also to zone of plantation so that, the aim of this work was to study the behavior of these varieties and mainly changes in their oil composition under Tunisian pedo-climatic conditions. Analyses of major components (fatty acids and triacylglycerols) and minor ones (pigments and phenolic compounds) were carried out. Oxidative stability, free acidity, peroxide value, ultraviolet characteristics, accumulation and changes in fatty acid levels during fruit ripening were also analysed. Results showed significant differences between oils from the studied cultivars and the majority of the studied analytical parameters were greatly influenced by the cultivar-environment interaction. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The use of different cultivars, Spanish or from other countries could be interesting, based on their agronomical as well as their oil composition and sensorial profile. However, before using new cultivars or cultivars from other environments, they must be properly tested. Therefore, we have found that it's judicious to study the behavior of these varieties and mainly changes in their oil composition under Tunisian pedo-climatic conditions.

Aroma characterization of red wines from cv. Bobal grape variety grown in La Mancha region

Bobal is an indigenous Spanish cultivar, principally grown in the region of Valencia. The volatile composition of young red wines made from the cv. Bobal grape variety grown in the La Mancha region of Spain has been studied over five vintages by instrumental analysis to determine the influence of grape variety on the aroma of wine. Free and glycosidically-bound aroma compounds were isolated by solid phase extraction (SPE) using dichloromethane and ethyl acetate respectively to later be analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). One hundred and twelve (112) free aroma compounds and ninety-six (96) bound aroma compounds were identified and quantified in Bobal wines oven this five year period. Based on the result, Bobal wine presents a complex chemical profile with a wealth of aromas in its aromatic composition.

CHANGES IN QUALITY AND OXIDATIVE STATUS OF TWO CULTIVARS OF PIEL DE SAPO MELON FRUIT DURING COLD STORAGE

A conservation assay at two temperatures, 2 and 9° C, has been carried out with two different cultivars of Spanish Piel de Sapo melon fruit, 'Sancho' and 'Ruidera', with the aim of monitoring their postharvest behaviour regarding fruit quality and oxidative status during storage at low temperature and posterior reconditioning at 20°C for 6 days in order to simulate the commercial chain. These two Spanish Piel de Sapo melon cultivars showed different aptitude to low temperature storage. Evolution of fruit quality and oxidative status during storage and posterior reconditioning was monitored by measuring different parameters closely related to adaptive responses of plant tissues to adverse conditions. Both melon cultivars showed alterations (depressions and browning) on the rind in fruits exposed to 2°C, being more evident and of earlier emergence in 'Sancho'. Weight loss evolution depended on storage period, melon cultivar and temperature. The beneficial effect of low temperatures was noticeable in the delay of pulp firmness loss, in particular in 'Ruidera' melon, which even after 32 days at 2°C plus 6 days at 20°C values were still within the standards of fruit quality. The deterioration of cell membranes, evaluated by lipid peroxidation determination, showed different profiles between the two cultivars, at both temperatures of storage, and in the case of 'Ruidera' a somewhat parallelism was observed in the evolution of this oxidative status parameter and that of activity of the superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzvme.

On the gametogenesis and early embryogenesis in some olive tree cultivars

A comparative embryological study on two Spanish cultivars and one growing in Bulgaria of Olea europaea was carried out. The embryo sac develops according to Allium (bisporic)-type. The critical phases during the development of male and female gametophyte that lead to sterility and abortiveness of the embryo sacs and ovules are reported. The embryogenesis follows the Asterad-type. The endosperm passes a free nuclear stage and later on becomes cellular.