Vine Branches Research Articles

Braiding Fruits and Flowers as a Wish of Prosperity and Victory over Death in the Carved Festoons of Ancient Rome

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and archaeological sites in Rome (1st century BC–3rd century AD). Using iconographic sources and previous data, we identified the represented species and analysed their abundance and composition using statistical methods (Cluster Analysis, Principal Components Analysis) and diversity indexes (Shannon and Evenness). We documented 3081 botanical elements, identifying 30 taxa, in which fruits with leaves (45%) or alone (10%) represented the most common ones. Laurus nobilis and Quercus cfr. robur were the most frequently depicted species, followed by “pomes” (Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia), Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, and Ficus carica. Festoons with one or two species can be easily distinguished from those with multiple species, often arranged with figs or vine branches at the ends, with symbolic aims related to fertility, rebirth, and abundance values. A balanced botanical composition also exists, with flowers typically in the middle and a species distribution that is not casual. The results enriched our comprehension of ancient Roman society, considering funerary and celebrative events.

Impact of pinching on growth, flowering and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

A study to assess the “impact of pinching on the growth, flowering, and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)” was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at two locations: Punjab Agricultural University - Vegetable Research Farm in Ludhiana (L1) and Regional Research Station in Abohar (L2). The study employed a randomized block design, consisting of three replications, and encompassed nine distinct pinching treatments, which included: no pinching (T1), pinching on a main branch at 2nd node (T2), pinching on main and lateral branches at 2nd node (T3), pinching on the main branch at 4th node (T4), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 4th node (T5), pinching on main branch at 6th node (T6), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7), pinching on a main branch at 8th node (T8) and pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 8th node (T9). Pinching treatment was given at the main branch and lateral branches of bottle gourd vines in each plot according to the assigned treatments. The results revealed that pinched plants on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7) remarkably increased the number of branches (7.36), female flowers (24.35), days taken to first male flower appearance (49.18) and early season fruit yield (188.89 q ha-1) whereas it reduced vine growth (383.17 cm), days taken to first female flower appearance (53.97), number of male flowers (121.69) and narrow sex ratio (5.0). According to the findings from the present study, it was observed that pinching on both the main and lateral branches at the 6th node (T7) demonstrated the most favorable growth, flowering, and early-season fruit yield of bottle gourd.

Possible Contribution of Corticular Photosynthesis to Grapevine Winter Hardiness

Numerous studies show that photosynthesis in non-foliar tissues contributes to plant productivity. Here, we demonstrate that in chlorenchyma tissues of lignified branches of grape vines, photosynthetic activity is maintained during winter and provide evidence that corticular photosynthesis could contribute to the plant’s freeze tolerance. In a collection of grape varieties that varied noticeably in freeze tolerance, a positive correlation between the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II in the wintering vines and the ability to survive harsh winter temperatures was observed. A more detailed comparison of two grapevine varieties differing in freeze tolerance showed that the vines of the more tolerant variety have more abundant corticular chlorenchyma with chloroplasts containing a better developed network of photosynthetic membranes, characterized by a higher photosynthetic pigments content, higher efficiency of both photosystems, and higher mobility of antennae complexes under the changing light intensity. In addition, we found that freezing temperatures induced more damage in vine samples when they were preliminarily treated with a specific inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transfer. The data obtained could be useful in the generation of freeze-tolerant grape varieties.

A Newly Identified Mint Control Link in the Coinage of Andragoras and Sophytes

An extensive array of the of the once rare silver coinage of Andragoras and Sophytes has appeared recently in numismatic trade. This has more than tripled the corpus of known specimens compared to that documented in the typology of the coinage struck by these two rulers in Parthia in the period c. 250s-238 BC. For the most part, new types identified among the coins in commerce served to extend previously identified suites of mint controls to different denominations in each series, or more rarely and significantly to other series in the coinage. A notable example of the latter is a newly identified anepigraphic Andragoras Series 4 (laureate head of Zeus r./eagle standing l., head reverted) diobol on the reverse of which is found the kerykeion symbol above a grape vine branch . Previously, the latter was the only known symbol on Series 4. The addition of the kerykeion symbol to the repertoire of Series 4 mint controls characterizes this new type as an example of the previously unknown Series 4.3.

Aerial images to monitor grapevine vegetative growth

Images obtained by Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) used to monitor the crop can help evaluate leaf mass, plant formation, and plant population. In this context, the objectives of this study were to analyze plant growth in a grapevine crop trained in the trellis system, detect failures and determine the plant covered area using images obtained by RPA. The flight was parameterized with frontal overlap of 75%, lateral overlap of 70%, Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 60 m, and flight speed of 5 m.s-1, using a sensor in the visible range. Processed images showed a stand 3% smaller than projected, an area covered by vine branches occupying 60.8%, undergrowth and invasives represented 5.3%, and exposed soil 33.9%. Vines were identified in the vegetation indices as green points, invasive plants as yellow points, and exposed soil as red points. Image processing obtained with RPA allowed identification of plants in various stages of development, with predominance of vines in the formation process. It was possible to identify the plants and quantify the leaf mass using the MPRI vegetation index, as well as to differentiate exposed soil from plant material. It was also observed that the plot had an incomplete stand at the time the flight was performed.

Yield variation and aphid scoring of different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes across the environment

Producing improved legume forages may contribute to the improvement of the quality supply of the livestock feeding system in Ethiopia. Dry matter and seed yield evaluation and aphid infestation scoring of cowpea genotypes were undertaken for three production seasons (2018-2019). The treatment of five cowpea accessions (ILRI_9333, ILRI_9334, ILRI_11114, ILRI_12668, and ILRI_12713) and one recently released variety as a standard check (Temesgen) at three locations (Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center (AMARC), Bonga Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and Hawassa Agricultural Research Center (HARC) was laid out at the field in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth, yield, and aphid scoring parameters were collected to present the comparison of genotypes. Vine length and branch number of ILRI_3334 followed by ILRI_12173 was significantly taller in all locations than the standard check and other genotypes in the test. Dry matter yield production was significantly (P<0.05) higher for ILRI_12713 (8.87 t/ha) followed by ILRI_9334 (8.44 t/ha) and ILRI_11114 (8.4 t/ha) while in seed yield variety ILRI_11114>ILRI_12668>ILRI_12713 than Temegen and others in the experiment. Aphid infestation in the cowpea field significantly influenced dry matter yield and seed yield. Dry matter yield was positively correlated with branch number and vine length. Seed yield was positively and significantly (P= 0.047 and 0.015) correlated with seed per pod and harvest index. Hence, ILRI_12713, ILRI_9334, and ILRI_11114 are to be considered for further cowpea breeding programs for dry matter and seed yield under aphid-infested conditions. Quality of the materials under irrigated and other agronomic conditions might be the future assignment.

­­­­­­­Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica L.) in Response to Farmyard Manure and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates at Masha, South Western Ethiopia

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica L.) is an important household food security crop especially in the western and southwestern parts of Ethiopia. Despite its nutritional, socio-cultural and socio-economic importance, is constrained by different factors, among which low and imbalanced nutrient supply in the soil, therefore, the yielding ability and performance of this under-utilized crop has not been studied under various phosphorus (P) and farm yard manure (FYM) levels. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of P and FYM on the growth, yield and yield components of anchote at Masha, Southwest Ethiopia in 2019. The treatments consisted of four levels of FYM (0, 5, 10, and 15 t FYM ha-1) and five levels of P (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 kg P2O5 ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in 4×5 factorial arrangements and replicated three times. Different growth, yield and yield related traits were collected and statistically analyzed using SAS version 9.3 software. The result detected that the traits were affected by the combine application of phosphorus and FYM except day of 50% emergency, harvesting index, and unmarketable storage root yield. Highest average vine length (3.89 cm) and vine internode length (12.45cm) was recorded with 0 kg P2O5 + 15 t FYM ha-1 whereas, highest vine branch numbers (4.0), vine internodes number ( 43.87) , average total storage root yield (63.60 t ha-1), average storage root diameter (8.53cm), average storage root length (10.24 cm), average marketable storage root yield (63.3tha -1) and average total dry biomass yield (1.65kg plant-1) were recorded in response of 96 kg P2O5 ha-1 with 15t FYM ha-1. In general, results of this study indicated that combined application of the P and FYM fertilizer has a promising positive effect on yield and yield components of anchote. Hence, application of 96 P2O5 kg ha-1 and 15 tha-1 FYM considered as better for anchote production at Masha, Southwestern Ethiopia. However, since the data is obtained from only one season, it will be worth repeating the experiment under field condition, across different seasons and locations to draw sound conclusions and recommendations.

Growth and Yield Response of Improved Sweet Potato Cultivars to Intercropping with Hybrid Maize and Inorganic Fertilizers

A field study was conducted in 2018 to determine the growth and yield response of improved sweet potato cultivars to intercropping with hybrid maize and inorganic fertilizer application using a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement and three replications. Maize was intercropped with NASPOT 1, NASPOT 8 and NASPOT 11 potato cultivars. Sole crops and the potato/maize intercrops were fertilized with graded levels of N, P and K comprising a control without fertilizer, 40-20-30, 80-40-60, 120-60-90 and 160-80-120 kg/ha of N-P-K. Vine lengths, and numbers of vine branches and leaves of potato plants under intercropping were higher (<I>P</I> < .05) than those of plants under sole cropping system. In both systems, NPK fertilizer application didn’t (<I>P</I> >.05) affect the vine lengths and numbers of vine branches compared to the control. But numbers of vine branches of plants under sole cropping for all the fertilizer treatments were higher (<I>P</I> < .0001) than those of plants under intercropping system. Generally, NPK application in the sole potato cropping significantly (<I>P</I> =.02) affected the leaf numbers, and the fertilized potato plants had greater (<I>P</I> < .05) leaf numbers than the control. In both systems, NASPOT 11 produced the highest tuber yield, followed by NASPOT 8. Tuber yields were better (<I>P</I> < .01) under sole cropping (43.36 MT/ha) than under intercropping (33.35 MT/ha). Maize grain yields were also better (<I>P</I> < .0001) under sole cropping than under intercropping. But grain yields from all the fertilized intercrops were greater (<I>P</I> < .05) than those of their corresponding control treatments. In all the intercrops, the land equivalent ratios (LERs) were greater than unity indicating yield advantage of intercropping over sole cropping. It was concluded that applying 120-60-90 kg/ha of N-P-K into the potato/maize intercrops results in better tuber yields compared to the unfertilized control. Also, N-P-K application in quantities greater than 40-20-30 kg/ha does not lead to significant differences in tuber yields between the potato/maize intercropping and sole potato cropping systems indicating that inter-specific competition for nutrients in the intercrops is eliminated by the fertilizer. In addition, the application of 80-120 kg N/ha, 40-60 kg P/ha and 60-90 kg K/ha in the intercrops results in better intercrop performance as revealed by higher LERs indicating that improved potato cultivars and hybrid maize are compatible for intercropping. Therefore, farmers can intercrop improved sweet potato cultivars with hybrid maize and apply 120-60-90 kg/ha of N, P and K in the intercrops to maximize yields.

Development of 87Sr/86Sr maps as targeted strategy to support wine quality

This study summarizes the results obtained from a systematic and long-term project aimed at the development of tools to assess the provenance of food in the oenological sector. In particular, 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios were measured on statistically representative set of soils, vine branches and wines sampled in the production district of Modena, worldwide known for the Lambrusco wines production. The obtained data were used to build strontium isotopic maps able to objectively support the Lambrusco PDO wines origin as well as other products of the Modena district.Finally, a strong relationship was found between the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of soils and vine branches on a large scale, highlighting and confirming once more the idea that plants can also represent an optimal sampling device to support geographical traceability.

Raspberry Primocane Bundling and Taping Mechanisms

Abstract. In red raspberry production, two-year-old canes (called floricanes) are pruned and new one-year-old canes (called primocanes) are bundled and tied together to provide a firm canopy structure for the next year’s production. These processes are currently manual, labor-intensive, and costly. Pruning, bundling, and tying cost farmers more than $1,482 ha-1 year-1, the majority of which is spent on bundling and tying. Although some mechanized techniques are available for tying the branches of fruit trees and vines, and for baling leaves and straw, research on the development of mechanized systems for managing cane berry plants has not been reported yet. In this work, a taping mechanism was designed and fabricated for tying bundles of red raspberry canes. This taping mechanism was integrated with a hydraulically controlled cane bundling mechanism for field evaluation. The taping mechanism consisted of a tape wrapper wheel, a tape holding arm, and a tape cutting assembly, whose motions were timed in proper sequence to complete the tape wrapping process. The rotation of the wrapper wheel wound the tape around a bundle of primocanes gathered by the bundling mechanism. After a predefined number of wrappings, the cutting assembly was actuated to sever the tape, and the mechanism released the bundled plant. Field testing demonstrated a bundling success rate of 94%; of 249 canes targeted for bundling, 235 were properly bundled. Of the 92 tape wrapping attempts, 76 were successful in taping bundles of canes, a success rate of 83%. The prototype system was fabricated and evaluated for its functionality without optimizing for speed. Currently, this system requires ~3 min per taping (compared to ~30 s for manual taping). Although some improvements in the size, speed, and design of the mechanisms are essential to increase the overall accuracy and productivity of the system, the results showed good promise toward the development of an automated machine for red raspberry cane bundling and taping. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Bundling, Mechanism, Red raspberries canes, Taping.

Characteristics of Compost Obtained from Winemaking Byproducts

A model procedure for the sustainable management of plant biomass related to wine production, namely vine branches from agricultural practices in the vineyard and marcs remaining after grapes crushing, was devised. An artificial humification process was set up that could respond to the needs of environmental sustainability and could be a safe way to be reintroduce in the vineyard part of the organic matter previously exported, thus contributing to recover or maintain vineyard soil fertility. Two different strategies for composting were tested, namely a static pile, made by branches and marcs, and a pile that was fed twice a year alternatively with vine branches and grape marcs. The experimentation lasted 710 days, during which environmental parameters, i.e. temperature and rainfalls were monitored. Growth dynamics of the principal functional groups of microorganism were followed. A characterization of the composted material was obtained by measuring several parameters among which, pH, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and heavy metals content. The characteristics of the produced compost fulfill the requirements prescribed by the Italian legislation regarding the use of compost as soil amendment. Germination tests demonstrated the absence of phytotoxicity and conversely evidenced a stimulating activity towards root development.

Local Regulation of Trail Networks of the Arboreal Turtle Ant, Cephalotes goniodontus.

This study examines how an arboreal ant colony maintains, extends, and repairs its network of foraging trails and nests, built on a network of vegetation. Nodes are junctions where a branch forks off from another or where a branch of one plant touching another provides a new edge on which ants could travel. The ants' choice of edge at a node appears to be reinforced by trail pheromone. Ongoing pruning of the network tends to eliminate cycles and minimize the number of nodes and thus decision points, but not the distance traveled. At junctions, trails tend to stay on the same plant. In combination with the long internode lengths of the branches of vines in the tropical dry forest, this facilitates travel to food sources at the canopy edge. Exploration, when ants leave the trail on an edge that is not being used, makes both search and repair possible. The fewer the junctions between a location and the main trail, the more likely the ants are to arrive there. Ruptured trails are rapidly repaired with a new path, apparently using breadth-first search. The regulation of the network promotes its resilience and continuity.

Effect of gas temperature and oxygen concentration on single particle ignition behavior of biomass fuels

This work focuses on single particle ignition behavior of biomass fuels. Five biomass fuels were studied, namely, wheat straw, kiwi branches, vine branches, sycamore branches and pine bark. Coal was also tested for comparison purposes. Tests were carried out in an optical flat flame McKenna burner able to produce a confined laminar flow of combustion products, in which single particles were injected upward through a central hole. The equivalence ratio and the thermal input of the burner were adjusted to yield the following operating conditions in the ignition zone: five mean temperatures (1500, 1575, 1650, 1700 and 1800K) and three mean dry oxygen concentrations (3.5, 5.1 and 6.5vol. %). The ignition mode and the ignition delay time were evaluated through the analysis of images obtained by means of a CMOS high-speed camera. The effects of gas temperature and oxygen concentration on the ignition mode and ignition delay time were assessed. For the studied conditions, the ignition of the biomass particles generally occurred in the gas-phase, although surface ignition was also observed in some cases. The results suggest that the critical diameter for the ignition mode transition varies with the fuel type. All particles show a consistent trend of decreasing ignition delay time with increasing gas temperature, with the biomass particles presenting slightly higher values than the coal tested. The estimated drying times were subtracted from the total ignition delay time and the trends shifted, with the pine bark and wheat straw presenting a lower remaining time than the coal. Finally, for the studied oxygen concentration range, its variation did not have a significant impact on the ignition mode and delay time at high temperatures.

Spring thermal resources for grapevine in Kőszeg (Hungary) deduced from a very long pictorial time series (1740–2009)

Since 1740 until now, the Book of Vine Branches encompasses beautiful pictorial representations of shoots and sprouts, collected every year on April 24th in the vineyards of the Hungarian town of Kőszeg. A long time series (1740–2009) of sprouts phenological development coded with the BBCH scale is obtained through paintings visual inspection. Consequently, a model relating sprouts development with thermal resources accumulation is developed on the base of Wien daily air temperature series for the 1857–2009 period. Thermal resources is obtained with the Normal Heat Hours approach, a response curve method that takes into account the nonlinear response of phenological development to temperature. The model, calibrated and validated on the 1930–2009 period, shows an overestimation of thermal resources when applied to the 1857–1929, due to the more advanced phenology of that phase. Since this advance can be ascribed to genetics and management instead of more favorable thermal conditions, model outputs previous to 1930 are decreased by a constant factor. Finally, the 1740–2009 time series of grapevine spring thermal resources is obtained applying the model to the complete phenological time series. The analysis of the series highlights a first phase (1740–1780) characterized by high and stable availability of thermal resources during the 1740–1780, a second phase (1781–1820) with the lowest level of resources, a phase of intermediate availability (1821–1929) and a final present phase (1930–2009) with renewed high availability. The adopted method overcomes the lack of correlation for the post 1960 period shown by previous works.

A ‘Geo-Pedo-Fingerprint’ (GPF) as a tracer to detect univocal parent material-to-wine production chain in high quality vineyard districts, Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy)

An interdisciplinary study, involving geologists, chemists and pedologists, started aiming at identifying a “Geo-Pedo-Fingerprint” (GPF) univocally linking the wine to its origin, namely, the Piedirosso vineyards growing in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. The focal point of this research was the characterization of the whole parent material–soil–vineyard–wine system, achieved by correlating the elemental pattern – with special reference to micro-nutrients and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – and Sr isotopic ratios, to identify a reliable and convenient ‘GPF‘, as a guaranteed indicator of wine provenance. A representative soil/Piedirosso vineyard system was identified and characterized. Samples from each soil horizon as well as from vine branches, leaves, grapes and wine were collected and analyzed. All samples were analyzed by multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) to determine their 87Sr/86Sr isotopic composition, by ICP-Quadrupole MS to measure multi-elemental composition including REE, and by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) for the quantitative evaluation of the mineral phases occurring in soil samples.Statistical analysis (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis) revealed the existence of separate correlations of element distribution between: i) soil, as nutrient pool source, and vegetative compartments, i.e. branches and leaves, as biochemical yards for nutrient elaboration and marshaling, ii) vegetative compartments and the productive compartment, i.e. grapes as the metabolic outcome of the vine, and, iii) the productive compartment and its artifact produced by man, i.e. wine. However, no sequential correlation of elements from soil to wine did appear, likely because clusters of elements were discriminated due to the varying takeup and fractionation processes in plants, as well as during vinification processes. Therefore, none of the investigated elements was a liable ‘GPF’ as a candidate tracer from soil to wine.In contrast, the use of a petrogenetic tracer such as 87Sr/86Sr isotopic composition provided satisfactory responses. In fact, the values of such a ratio within the entire studied chain vary in a very small range from 0.7076 to 0.7084, thus falling within the typical range for volcanites of Campi Flegrei (0.7065–0.7086). These results currently represent the only study focusing on a geotracer, such as the 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratio, linked with a pedological survey to identify the volcanic Campanian wine-producing chains from soil parent material-to-wine.

Fluxos de radiação solar global em vinhedos de altitude de São Joaquim-SC

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar e quantificar a partição de energia solar em cultivos de videira (Vitis vinifera L.) em São Joaquim-SC. Consideraram-se três diferentes posicionamentos dos sensores de radiação solar global: voltados para leste, oeste e no topo do dossel. Observou-se que, em plantas de videira conduzidas em espaldeira e posicionadas no sentido norte-sul, o ciclo diurno de radiação solar global apresentou características diferentes entre as faces leste e oeste do dossel, tanto em relação à disponibilidade, quanto à intensidade de radiação. Verificou-se que é em torno das 10 h que ocorre a maior disponibilidade de radiação solar na face leste (363W.m-2) e na face oeste ocorre próximo das 16 h (290W.m-2). A máxima disponibilidade de radiação solar global no topo do dossel é registrada próximo das 13 h (612W.m-2). Cerca de 30% a 40% da radiação solar global incidente está disponível nas faces leste e oeste do dossel, com valor superior para a face o leste. Na região de estudo, observou-se maior disponibilidade de radiação solar global nos meses de novembro e dezembro, período que correspondeu ao maior crescimento dos ramos da videira.

Biodiversity of pathogenic wood fungi isolated from &lt;em&gt;Xylotrechus arvicola&lt;/em&gt; (Olivier) galleries in vine shoots

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim&lt;/strong&gt;: Grapevine decline caused by wood fungi seriously threatens viticulture worldwide. In Spain, the polyphagous borer &lt;em&gt;Xylotrechus&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;arvicola&lt;/em&gt; (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) is becoming a serious pest in different Qualified Designation of Origin (DOC) wine regions. The aim of the present work was to identify the fungal species growing in the galleries excavated by &lt;em&gt;X. arvicola&lt;/em&gt; larvae inside the vine branches and investigate the possible relationship between wood pathogenic fungi and this borer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods and results&lt;/strong&gt;: Wood samples from branches of Tempranillo vines and &lt;em&gt;Prunus pisardi&lt;/em&gt; trees affected by the borer &lt;em&gt;X. arvicola&lt;/em&gt; were collected in La Rioja DOC vineyards (Northern Spain) and analyzed for the presence of fungi using both morphological techniques and genetic tools based on Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence. Among the 20 different fungal species/isolates identified, 7 belonged to fungi associated with grapevine decline (esca, Petri disease, and &lt;em&gt;Eutypa&lt;/em&gt; dieback), 6 were plant pathogens, 6 were saprophytic and one was entomopathogenic (&lt;em&gt;Beauveria bassiana&lt;/em&gt;).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: The fact that 65 % of the fungi detected inside &lt;em&gt;X. arvicola&lt;/em&gt; galleries belong to species recognized as plant pathogens suggests that this borer, in addition to causing a progressive decay of the branches, could facilitate the transmission of plant diseases, further threatening the vineyards by spreading grapevine decline pathogens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Significance and impact of the study&lt;/strong&gt;: The present work represents a first step in recognizing the association between the fungal pathogens associated with grapevine decline and the borer &lt;em&gt;X. arvicola&lt;/em&gt;, suggesting a possible role of this insect as a vector in the transmission of these fungi.&lt;/p&gt;

A study into the awareness and acceptance of utilizing vine branches in the micro-region of Gyöngyös

Every year, a significant amount of renewable dendromass is generated in Hungary. Various possibilities have been recognised by today that are not widespread yet. The greatest obstacle is frequently derived from the lack of the farmers’ knowledge as without having the required knowledge obtained they can become distrustful or adequate efficiency will not be achieved during utilisation. In order to improve the rate of utilisation, targeted information methodologies should be applied that comply with the farmers’ knowledge. In this present study, the awareness and acceptance of vine-growers from the Micro-region of Gyöngyös related to the use of vine branches will be analysed based on the results of a questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted in accordance with the number of wine-community members in personal interviews. The questionnaire contained questions about the farm, the use of vine branches as well as about the farmers. Based on the results, information was obtained on the reasons for the use of by-products not being wide-spread among farmers as well as on the sources of information obtained. For the fragmented farms which are typical here it is important to know whether by-products are not utilised as it is not how they can be used or whether the vineyard is cultivated by others therefore the farmer lacks machinery. The level of acceptance was also studied by asking a question on the possible offer of the by-products for greater-scale site. Our intention is to assist the generally badly off farmers to use the annually generated by-products in a reasonable way. This can be realized by various ways of providing information. By applying the results of the survey, adequate methods and knowledge can be provided for farmers.

Identification and Characterization of Eutypa lata on Grapevine in Serbia.

In the period from late May 2004 to late May 2010, grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) between 11 and 22 years old was observed for the incidence of symptoms of shortened shoots and zigzag internodes, with tiny, chlorotic leaves, torn and bended edges, with necrosis along the edges of leaves and dead internervous tissue. These symptoms are conspicuous especially when the vine is in the F phases of development. Later, in the course of vegetation, the dying of infected shoots and branches or covering of symptoms by a new foliage mass is perceived. Foliar symptoms are initially confined to one arm of infected vines; however, as the disease progresses, symptoms may spread throughout the entire vine. If a cross-section is made of an infected trunk, the canker appears as a wedge-shaped area of discolored wood spreading to the center of the trunk. In the period from 2004 to 2010, disease incidence was high, approaching 20%, and decline-affected cordons, vine branches, or whole plants was very high, resulting in losses of more than 35%. The loss created by a decline in grapevine quality is not included in this estimate. In this study, the causal agent was diagnosed as Eutypa lata (anamorph Libertella blepharis), on the basis of morphology of conidia of a Libertella anamorph on a 4- to 6-week-old culture on PDA (1) and by molecular identification. Molecular identification was performed by PCR and RFLP analysis and supplemented by sequence analysis. Total DNA was isolated from cultured mycelia of fungi using CTAB extraction protocol. PCR reaction was performed by universal ITS1/ITS4; the primer pair and RFLP patterns were determined after restriction with AluI (3). For specific identification of E. lata, the primer pair Lata 1/Lata 2.2 (2) were used and the 385-bp fragment was detected from analyzed isolates. Five selected isolates were purified and a fragment encompassing ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S rDNA gene was sequenced. Sequences were deposited in the NCBI database under Accession Nos. JQ041699, JQ041700, JQ041701, JQ041702, and JQ041703. Sequence comparisons revealed high nucleotide identity among isolates (99.6 to 100%). When aligned with other E. lata isolates retrieved from the NCBI database, Serbian isolates show the highest nucleotide identity with the isolates from North America (AY462541, AY462540, AY662393, AY662392) and Australia (EU835166, EU835163, EU835162, EU835161, EU835160, EU835159, EU835156). A pathogenicity test was performed in February 2006 in a greenhouse at room temperature (approximately 22°C) and included inoculation rooted cuttings of grapevine (cultivars Cabernet Sauvignon, Prokupac, and Drenak) plants by mycelium. Agar plugs containing mycelium were inserted into 5 mm diameter holes drilled in the main stem of the rootlings and sealed by wrapping with Parafilm. Uninoculated control vines treated with a sterile agar plug were included in the experiment. Foliar symptoms and discoloring of wood beneath and above the inoculation site, inoculated plants, was observed. Reisolation and reinoculation were performed 27 months later, and 54 months later the pathogenicity test was confirmed (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of death of infected cordons of grapevine by E. lata in Serbia.

Degradation of isoproturon and bentazone in peat‐ and compost‐based biomixtures

The composition and properties of a biomixture used in a biobed are decisive for pesticide sorption and degradation. This study was performed to investigate the capability of compost-based substrates in mixtures with citrus peel and vine branch straw and peat-based substrates in mixtures with soil and vine branch straw at different levels in order to degrade isoproturon and bentazone. Dissipation and mineralisation rates of both pesticides were determined, and metabolic activity was followed as respiration. Compost-based substrates showed faster pesticide dissipation in the presence of lignocellulosic materials, as in garden compost and vine branch straw. The increasing content of vine branch straw in peat-based substrates does not seem to affect dissipation of the parent compounds. Low mineralisation rate was observed in all treatments. Higher pesticide degradation was observed in the lignocellulosic substrates, probably because of the development of lignin-degrading microorganisms which have shown to be robust and are able to degrade recalcitrant pesticides. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.