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This study compares two data processing techniques (fingerprinting and untargeted profiling) to authenticate hazelnut cultivar and provenance based on its unsaponifiable fraction by GC–MS. PLS-DA classification models were developed on a selected sample set (n = 176). As test cases, cultivar models were developed for “Tonda di Giffoni” vs other cultivars, whereas provenance models were developed for three origins (Chile, Italy or Spain). Both fingerprinting and untargeted profiling successfully classified hazelnuts by cultivar or provenance, revealing the potential of the unsaponifiable fraction. External validation provided over 90 % correct classification, with fingerprinting slightly outperforming. Analysing PLS-DA models' regression coefficients and tentatively identifying compounds corresponding to highly relevant variables showed consistent agreement in key discriminant compounds across both approaches. However, fingerprinting in selected ion mode extracted slightly more information from chromatographic data, including minor discriminant species. Conversely, untargeted profiling acquired in full scan mode, provided pure spectra, facilitating chemical interpretability.

This study compares two data processing techniques (fingerprinting and untargeted profiling) to authenticate hazelnut cultivar and provenance based on its unsaponifiable fraction by GC–MS. PLS-DA classification models were developed on a selected sample set (n = 176). As test cases, cultivar models were developed for “Tonda di Giffoni” vs other cultivars, whereas provenance models were developed for three origins (Chile, Italy or Spain). Both fingerprinting and untargeted profiling successfully classified hazelnuts by cultivar or provenance, revealing the potential of the unsaponifiable fraction. External validation provided over 90 % correct classification, with fingerprinting slightly outperforming. Analysing PLS-DA models' regression coefficients and tentatively identifying compounds corresponding to highly relevant variables showed consistent agreement in key discriminant compounds across both approaches. However, fingerprinting in selected ion mode extracted slightly more information from chromatographic data, including minor discriminant species. Conversely, untargeted profiling acquired in full scan mode, provided pure spectra, facilitating chemical interpretability.

Commercial cocoa and hazelnut-based sweet spreads typically present a poor nutribiochemical level due to their ingredients and recipes, while nowadays, there is the need of developing sustainable food products addressing both an improved nutritional and environmental profile. The aim of this work was then to develop an innovative hazelnut/carob-based spread with potential high sustainability and nutritional profile, including the exploitation of grape-processing residues (grape skin flour and grapeseed oil) and carob pulp as cocoa surrogate. Rheological (rotational/oscillatory), oxidative, and thermal features of the spread were assessed and compared with two commercial nut-cocoa-based products. Tribology was used to mimic and evaluate the spreads' behavior during oral consumption, and sensory profile (by quantitative descriptive analysis) was also assessed. All products exhibited a pseudoplastic behavior, with the elastic component prevailing over the viscous one. The innovative product showed the highest lubricity from both rheological and sensory analysis, thus well correlating to the obtained lowest viscosity and friction factor trends. Grapeseed oil provided a better nutritional profile, but the largest amount of unsaturated fatty acids promoted oxidation, despite the higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity coming from the use of carob and grape skin powders. The sensory perception investigation revealed a characteristic mouthfeel/flavor for the new spread identified having a more fluid consistency and a bitter/sour taste, together with a greater stickiness and a poorer smoothness due to a higher fiber content and solid fat absence.

Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is the driving force of leaf transpiration and it is positively related to air temperature and negatively related to relative humidity. Hazelnut is considered a species able to withstand limited increase of VPD. High VPD during the summer can induce significant stomatal limitations with significant short-term effects on leaf photosynthesis and long-term damage to the leaf apparatus. We investigated the leaf sensitivity to VPD in three C. avellana cultivars, ‘Tonda Gentile delle Langhe’ (TGL), ‘Tonda Romana’ and ‘Tonda di Giffoni’, and on leaves borne on long shoots, non-fruiting short shoots and fruiting short shoots of ‘Tonda di Giffoni’. TGL was the most sensitive to VPD and leaf temperature. Leaves on short shoots were more sensitive to VPD than leaves on long shoots. Leaves on fruiting short shoots had lower leaf gas exchange rates than those on non-fruiting short shoots and long shoots, respectively. Part of this variability was related to higher leaf mass per area of leaves borne on short shoots and to different osmotic potential. Leaf sensitivity to VPD can be an important physiological parameter influencing the adaptability of cultivars to scenarios of climate change and limiting the capability of leaves located on short shoots where nuts are borne to export carbohydrates.

Im letzten Jahrhundert hat die Sortenvielfalt der Kulturpflanzen stark abgenommen. Zu den Hauptgründen des starken Rückgangs zählen die modernen Züchtungsmethoden, die rationalisierten Anbaumethoden und die industrielle Verarbeitung der Produkte. In der Schweiz wird die Sortenvielfalt mit dem nationalen Aktionsplan zur Erhaltung und nachhaltigen Nutzung der pflanzengenetischen Ressourcen für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (NAP-PGREL) seit 1999 gefördert. Um den Erhalt von Kulturpflanzen sicherzustellen, benötigt es ausreichende Sortenangebote und -informationen. Dies konnte in der Schweiz für verschiedene Kulturpflanzengruppen, wie z.B. den Apfelsorten, bereits weitgehend aufgearbeitet werden. Im Gegensatz dazu, findet bei den Haselnüssen nur wenig Aufarbeitung statt. Dabei wäre die Haselnuss eine lohnenswerte Kultur für die Tieflagen der Schweiz. Deshalb befasst sich die vorliegende Arbeit mit der Informationsaufbereitung der im Handel erhältlichen Haselnusssorten. Dazu wurde das aktuelle Baumschulangebot erfasst und eine umfassende Literaturrecherche durchgeführt, um die aktuell verfügbaren Sorten und deren Informationen zusammenzutragen. Als Ergänzung dazu erfolgte eine sensorische Prüfung von neun Haselnusssorten. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen konnten für die behandelten Sorten ein Sortenblatt erstellt werden. Diese dienen dazu, das Wissen über die Haselnusssorten gebündelt darzustellen und um den Personen mit Privatgarten oder Landwirtschaftsbetrieben bei der Sortenwahl zu unterstützen. Die Resultate zeigten, dass aktuell 23 Haselnusssorten verteilt auf 13 Baumschulen in der Schweiz erhältlich sind. Am häufigsten erhältlich waren die Sorten ‘Halle’sche Riesen’, ‘Webbs Preisnuss’, ‘Purpurea’, ‘Rote Zellernuss’ und ‘Wunder von Bollweiler’ (mehr als drei Angebote pro Sorte). Bei der sensorischen Prüfung der neun Haselnusssorten zeigten die europäischen Sorten einen nussig-süssen Geschmack, die rotblättrigen Sorten einen nussig-holzigen Geschmack. Die Arbeit zeigt, In the last century, the diversity of cultivars of crops has declined sharply. The main reasons for the sharp decline include modern breeding methods, rationalized cultivation methods and industrial processing of the products. In Switzerland, the National Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (NAP-PGREL) has been promoting crop diversity since 1999. In order to ensure the conservation of cultivated plants, sufficient cultivar offers and information are needed. This has already been largely achieved in Switzerland for various crop groups, such as apple cultivars. In contrast to this, only little work has been done on hazelnuts. However, the hazelnut would be a worthwhile crop for the lowlands of Switzerland. Therefore, the present work focuses on the information processing of the commercially available hazelnut cultivars. For this purpose, the current tree nursery supply was surveyed and a detailed literature research was carried out in order to collect the currently available cultivars and their information. This was supplemented by a sensory evaluation of nine hazelnut varieties. With the information obtained, a cultivar sheet could be prepared for the cultivars. These sheets are used to present the knowledge about the hazelnut varieties in a bundled way and to support people with private gardens or farms in their choice of cultivars. The results showed that currently 23 hazelnut cultivars distributed among 13 tree nurseries are available in Switzerland. The cultivars 'Halle's Riesen', 'Webbs Preisnuss', 'Purpurea', 'Rote Zellernuss' and 'Wunder von Bollweiler' were most frequently available (more than three offers per cultivar). In sensory testing of the nine hazelnut varieties, the European varieties showed a nutty-sweet taste, while the red-leaf varieties had a nutty-woody taste. The work also shows that for some cultivars there is an insufficient data base or the information is outdated. Thus, a

Using agro-industrial by-products in replacement of conventional feedstuff is a strategy to reduce the environmental impact of feed production and transport, and the feed-food competition. This article reviews the effects of feeding nuts by-products on digestion, metabolism, and product quality in ruminant and monogastric animals. In particular, it focuses on nuts from temperate climate (mainly almond, pistachio, hazelnut, and walnut). These crops produce a variety of by-products of potential interest: hulls, skins (perisperm), oil cake, or mixtures of them. Nuts by-products generally have a low moisture content, making them easy to handle and store. They also contain moderate to high levels of phenolic compounds, which on the one hand have antinutritional properties, but on the other hand may exert positive effects on animal health and product quality. The composition of nuts by-products varies considerably from one species to another and within the same species, depending on variety, climatic and agronomic conditions, and processing. This, in combination with a lack of knowledge on production volumes, limits the current use of nuts by-products as animal feed to the farm level. However, some general considerations can be drawn. Almond hulls are rich in digestible fibre and can be used as energy feed for ruminants at doses up to 250 g/kg (dry matter basis). Nuts oil cake can partly replace soybean meal as protein sources for monogastric animals, giving due attention to dietary fibre, essential amino acids, and antinutritional factors such as tannins. Hazelnut skin is particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds, thus showing the ability to improve the fatty acid profile and antioxidant capacity of animal products. Some nuts by-products, such as chestnut by-products or cull nuts, have not yet been tested in animal nutrition. Further research on the use of these alternative by-products as animal feed is essential to expand the avai

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina is the causal agent of bacterial blight of hazelnut. The bacterium has been listed as an A2 quarantine pathogen in Europe since 1978 and on the regulated non-quarantine pest list since 2019. Three isolates from various geographic regions and isolated at different times were sequenced using a hybrid approach with short- and long-read technologies to generate closed genome and plasmid sequences in order to better understand the biology of this pathogen.

The production and consumption of nuts are increasing in the world due to strong economic returns and the nutritional value of their products. With the increasing role and importance given to nuts (i.e., walnuts, hazelnut, pistachio, pecan, almond) in a balanced and healthy diet and their benefits to human health, breeding of the nuts species has also been stepped up. Most recent fruit breeding programs have focused on scion genetic improvement. However, the use of locally adapted grafted rootstocks also enhanced the productivity and quality of tree fruit crops. Grafting is an ancient horticultural practice used in nut crops to manipulate scion phenotype and productivity and overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. There are complex rootstock breeding objectives and physiological and molecular aspects of rootstock-scion interactions in nut crops. In this review, we provide an overview of these, considering the mechanisms involved in nutrient and water uptake, regulation of phytohormones, and rootstock influences on the scion molecular processes, including long-distance gene silencing and trans-grafting. Understanding the mechanisms resulting from rootstock × scion × environmental interactions will contribute to developing new rootstocks with resilience in the face of climate change, but also of the multitude of diseases and pests.

Background: The species Xanthomonas arboricola comprises up to nine pathovars, two of which affect nut crops: pv. juglandis, the causal agent of walnut bacterial blight, brown apical necrosis, and the vertical oozing canker of Persian (English) walnut; and pv. corylina, the causal agent of the bacterial blight of hazelnut. Both pathovars share a complex population structure, represented by different clusters and several clades. Here we describe our current understanding of symptomatology, population dynamics, epidemiology, and disease control. Taxonomic status: Bacteria; Phylum Proteobacteria; Class Gammaproteobacteria; Order Lysobacterales (earlier synonym of Xanthomonadales); Family Lysobacteraceae (earlier synonym of Xanthomonadaceae); Genus Xanthomonas; Species X. arboricola; Pathovars: pv. juglandis and pv. corylina. Host range and symptoms: The host range of each pathovar is not limited to a single species, but each infects mainly one plant species: Juglans regia (X. arboricola pv. juglandis) and Corylus avellana (X. arboricola. pv. corylina). Walnut bacterial blight is characterized by lesions on leaves and fruits, and cankers on twigs, branches, and trunks; brown apical necrosis symptoms consist of apical necrosis originating at the stigmatic end of the fruit. A peculiar symptom, the vertical oozing canker developing along the trunk, is elicited by a particular genetic lineage of the bacterium. Symptoms of hazelnut bacterial blight are visible on leaves and fruits as necrotic lesions, and on woody parts as cankers. A remarkable difference is that affected walnuts drop abundantly, whereas hazelnuts with symptoms do not. Distribution: Bacterial blight of walnut has a worldwide distribution, wherever Persian (English) walnut is cultivated; the bacterial blight of hazelnut has a more limited distribution, although disease outbreaks are currently more frequently reported. X. arboricola pv. juglandis is regulated almost nowhere, whereas X. arboricola pv. corylina

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina is the causal agent of bacterial blight of hazelnut. The bacterium is listed as A2 quarantine pathogen in Europe since 1978 and on the Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest (RNQP) list since 2020. Three strains from various geographic regions and isolated at different times were sequenced using a hybrid approach with short- and long-read technologies to generate closed genome and plasmid sequences in order to better understand the biology of this pathogen.

The production and consumption of nuts are increasing in the world due to strong economic returns and the nutritional value of their products. With the increasing role and importance given to nuts (i.e., walnuts, hazelnut, pistachio, pecan, almond) in a balanced and healthy diet and their benefits to human health, breeding of the nuts species has also been stepped up. Most recent fruit breeding programs have focused on scion genetic improvement. However, the use of locally adapted grafted rootstocks also enhanced the productivity and quality of tree fruit crops. Grafting is an ancient horticultural practice used in nut crops to manipulate scion phenotype and productivity and overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. There are complex rootstock breeding objectives and physiological and molecular aspects of rootstock-scion interactions in nut crops. In this review, we provide an overview of these, considering the mechanisms involved in nutrient and water uptake, regulation of phytohormones, and rootstock influences on the scion molecular processes, including long-distance gene silencing and trans-grafting. Understanding the mechanisms resulting from rootstock × scion × environmental interactions will contribute to developing new rootstocks with resilience in the face of climate change, but also of the multitude of diseases and pests.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’. This Scientific Opinion covers the plant health risks posed by the two following hazelnut commodities to be imported from Serbia. 1. Bare rooted plants: 1‐ to 3‐year‐old plants of Corylus avellana or C. avellana grafted on C. colurna, without leaves. 2. Plants in pots: 2‐year‐old plants of C. avellana, without leaves. The assessment was performed by taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Serbia. The relevance of any pest for this Opinion was based on evidence following defined criteria. One EU quarantine pest, i.e. Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, fulfilled all relevant criteria and was selected for further evaluation. For this pathogen, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the Technical Dossier from Serbia were evaluated separately for bare rooted plants and for plants in pots, taking into account the possible limiting factors. For the selected pathogen, an expert judgement was given on the likelihood of pest freedom of plants for planting, for both commodities taken together, considering the risk mitigation measures, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,837 and 10,000 bare rooted plants and plants in pots per 10,000 would be free of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma.

Background: The species Xanthomonas arboricola comprises up to nine pathovars, two of which affect nut crops: pv. juglandis, the causal agent of walnut bacterial blight, brown apical necrosis, and the vertical oozing canker of Persian (English) walnut; and pv. corylina, the causal agent of the bacterial blight of hazelnut. Both pathovars share a complex population structure, represented by different clusters and several clades. Here we describe our current understanding of symptomatology, population dynamics, epidemiology, and disease control. Taxonomic status: Bacteria; Phylum Proteobacteria; Class Gammaproteobacteria; Order Lysobacterales (earlier synonym of Xanthomonadales); Family Lysobacteraceae (earlier synonym of Xanthomonadaceae); Genus Xanthomonas; Species X. arboricola; Pathovars: pv. juglandis and pv. corylina. Host range and symptoms: The host range of each pathovar is not limited to a single species, but each infects mainly one plant species: Juglans regia (X. arboricola pv. juglandis) and Corylus avellana (X. arboricola. pv. corylina). Walnut bacterial blight is characterized by lesions on leaves and fruits, and cankers on twigs, branches, and trunks; brown apical necrosis symptoms consist of apical necrosis originating at the stigmatic end of the fruit. A peculiar symptom, the vertical oozing canker developing along the trunk, is elicited by a particular genetic lineage of the bacterium. Symptoms of hazelnut bacterial blight are visible on leaves and fruits as necrotic lesions, and on woody parts as cankers. A remarkable difference is that affected walnuts drop abundantly, whereas hazelnuts with symptoms do not. Distribution: Bacterial blight of walnut has a worldwide distribution, wherever Persian (English) walnut is cultivated; the bacterial blight of hazelnut has a more limited distribution, although disease outbreaks are currently more frequently reported. X. arboricola pv. juglandis is regulated almost nowhere, whereas X. arboricola pv. corylina

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina is the causal agent of bacterial blight of hazelnut. The bacterium is listed as A2 quarantine pathogen in Europe since 1978 and on the Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest (RNQP) list since 2020. Three strains from various geographic regions and isolated at different times were sequenced using a hybrid approach with short- and long-read technologies to generate closed genome and plasmid sequences in order to better understand the biology of this pathogen.

Diplomová práca je zameraná na extrakty získané z rôznych druhov rastlinných matríc. Teoretická časť je vo všeobecnosti zameraná na esenciálne oleje, najmä na ich vlastnosti a možnosti ich získania. Ďalej sa zaoberá konvenčnými technikami (hydrodestilácia, parná destilácia, lisovanie) a inovatívnymi postupmi, ktoré prinášajú niekoľko výhod (extrakcia nadkritickou tekutinou, destilácia s podporou mikrovlnného ohrevu). Veľká časť teoretickej časti je venovaná extrakcii nadkritickou tekutinou. Práca sa tiež zaoberá analýzou prchavých látok prostredníctvom plynovej chromatografie s hmotnostnou detekciou (GC-MS). V experimentálnej časti je extrakcia nadkritickou tekutinou prevádzaná v troch rôznych módoch (statická, statická s modifikátorom, dynamická). Skúma ich vplyv na zloženie extraktov, získaných z orechov (kokosový orech, pekanový orech, lieskový orech, betelový orech, muškátový orech, para orech). Extrakty sú analyzované prostredníctvom GC-MS. Získané výsledky sú porovnávané s dostupnou literatúrou., This diploma thesis is focused on extracts obtained from various types of plant matrices. The theoretical part is generally based on essential oils, mostly on their properties and possibilities of their recovery. This part also deals with conventional techniques (hydrodistillation, steam distillation, pressing) and innovative processes that bring number of advantages (supercritical fluid extraction, distillation with the support of microwave heating). Major part of theoretical part is dedicated to supercritical fluid extraction. Thesis is also focused on analyses of volatile compounds by gas chromagraphy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Experimental part contains supercritical fluid extraction is performed in three different modes (static, static with modifier, dynamic). It includes studies of these extraction techniques and their influence on the composition of extracts obtained from nuts (coconut, pecan nut, hazelnut, betel nut, nutmeg, para nut). Extracts are analysed by GC-MS. Obtained results are compared with data avaible from scientific literature., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka seznámila členy zkušební komise s obsahem své diplomové práce, poté byla seznámena s posudky vedoucího a oponenta diplomové práce. Studentka odpověděla na otázky oponenta diplomové práce a členů zkušební komise., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Diaporthe eres has been recently reported as the causal agent of hazelnut defects, with characteristic brown spots on the kernels surface and internal fruit discoloration. Knowledge regarding the ecology of this fungus is poor but, is critical to support a rationale and effective hazelnut crop protection strategy. Therefore, a study was performed to describe and model the effect of different abiotic factors such as temperature (T, 5 35?C, step 5?C) and water activity (aw 0.83 0.99, step 0.03) regimes on D. eres mycelial growth, pycnidial conidiomata development and asexual spore production during a 60-day incubation period. Alpha conidia germination was tested in the same T range and at different relative humidities (RH = 94, 97 and 100%) over 48 h incubation period. Fungal growth was observed from the first visual observation; regarding pycnidia and cirrhi, their development started after 8 and 19 days of incubation, respectively and increased over time. The optimum T for growth was 20 25?C and for pycnidia and cirrhi development was 30?C; aw 0.98 was optimal for the tested steps of the fungal cycle. The best condition for conidial germination of D. eres was at 25?C with RH = 100%. Quantitative data obtained were fitted using non-linear regression functions (Bete, logistic and polynomial), which provided a very good fit of the biological process (R2 = 0.793 0.987). These functions could be the basis for the development of a predictive model for the infection of D. eres of hazelnuts.

Nuts are recommended for cardiovascular health, yet concerns remain that nuts may contribute to weight gain due to their high energy density. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohorts and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to update the evidence, provide a dose-response analysis, and assess differences in nut type, comparator and more in subgroup analyses. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched, along with manual searches. Data from eligible studies were pooled using meta-analysis methods. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I-2 statistic). Certainty of the evidence was assessed by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Six prospective cohort studies (7 unique cohorts, n = 569,910) and 86 RCTs (114 comparisons, n = 5873) met eligibility criteria. Nuts were associated with lower incidence of overweight/obesity (RR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88 to 0.98] P < 0.001, "moderate" certainty of evidence) in prospective cohorts. RCTs presented no adverse effect of nuts on body weight (MD 0.09 kg, [95% CI -0.09 to 0.27 kg] P < 0.001, "high" certainty of evidence). Meta-regression showed that higher nut intake was associated with reductions in body weight and body fat. Current evidence demonstrates the concern that nut consumption contributes to increased adiposity appears unwarranted.

Tree nut-allergic individuals are often sensitised towards multiple nuts and seeds. The underlying cause behind a multi-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut, peanut and birch pollen is not always clear. We investigated whether immunoglobulin E antibody (IgE) cross-reactivity between cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut proteins exists in children who are multi-allergic to these foods using a novel IMMULITE®-based inhibition methodology, and investigated which allergens might be responsible. In addition, we explored if an allergy to birch pollen might play a role in this co-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut. Serum of five children with a confirmed cashew nut allergy and suffering from allergic symptoms after eating peanut and hazelnut were subjected to i

Tree nut-allergic individuals are often sensitised towards multiple nuts and seeds. The underlying cause behind a multi-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut, peanut and birch pollen is not always clear. We investigated whether immunoglobulin E antibody (IgE) cross-reactivity between cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut proteins exists in children who are multi-allergic to these foods using a novel IMMULITE®-based inhibition methodology, and investigated which allergens might be responsible. In addition, we explored if an allergy to birch pollen might play a role in this co-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut. Serum of five children with a confirmed cashew nut allergy and suffering from allergic symptoms after eating peanut and hazelnut were subjected to i

Oral food challenges (OFC) confirm or exclude the presence of a food allergy. The outcome can be positive (allergic symptoms), inconclusive, or

The detoxification effects of cold atmospheric-pressure (AP,3000 L/h of air, 25 kHz, 655 W-1.7 min)and low-pressure (LP,air-100 W-30 min)plasmas and gamma irradiation(GMI,10 kGy-10 min)treatments on different concentrations of pure aflatoxin B1(AFB1)and AFB1 + B2 (TotAFs)as well as same toxins spiked on hazelnut were investigated. Both plasmas reduced 72–73% of AFB1 (3 ppb)spiked on hazelnuts while GMI reduced 47% of AFB1. TotAFs (6 ppb)reductions on hazelnut after both plasmas were 70–71%, which was also higher than that of GMI (15.5%). However, the reductions in pure AFB1 at 1–50 ppb and TotAFs at 1.03–51.5 ppb after GMI (97–100%)were higher than those of AP (55–75%)and LP (69–90%)plasmas. AP plasma has the potential to be an alternative to conventional detoxification methods because it is both effective on aflatoxins in foods and maintains the sensory attributes of food evaluated by a sensory panel. Industry relevance: The use of plasma technology in foods for detoxification purposes is an economic alternative to conventional and other non-thermal processes as well as meeting the industry's demand for sustainable development. This study showed that different cold plasmas are capable of reducing the aflatoxins as pure forms as well as in food. The results contributed to the understanding of cold plasma detoxification effects on aflatoxins and could be a basis for a possible industrial implementation.

The decontamination effects of non-thermal atmospheric-pressure (AP)and low-pressure (LP)plasma systems were investigated on hazelnuts artificially contaminated with Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus spores. Furthermore, AP-plasma treatment conditions were also optimized. Spore reductions of 5.6 and 4.7 log cfu/g in Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, respectively, were achieved after 100 W-30 min of LP-air-plasma treatment. Similarly, 5.5 and 5.4 log cfu/g of reductions in Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, respectively, were achieved after AP-air-plasma treatment at 3000 L/h of gas flow rate, frequency of 25 kHz and reference voltage of 100% (655 W)for 5-cycles (1.7 min). Deformation of spores and loss of spore integrity after plasma treatments were demonstrated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). This study showed that LP and AP plasma treatments might be an alternative method for inactivation of aflatoxin- producing fungi. Industrial relevance: Non-thermal (cold)plasma is a promising technology for decontamination of foods due to its safety, ease of use and low temperature processing capability. The results of this study showed that plasma system can be incorporated into a food processing chain, and when initial Aspergillus spp. spores were 7.8–7.9 cfu/g in hazelnut, plasma treatment with reductions of up to 5.6 log cfu/g can compete with other decontamination methods.

The detoxification effects of cold atmospheric-pressure (AP,3000 L/h of air, 25 kHz, 655 W-1.7 min)and low-pressure (LP,air-100 W-30 min)plasmas and gamma irradiation(GMI,10 kGy-10 min)treatments on different concentrations of pure aflatoxin B1(AFB1)and AFB1 + B2 (TotAFs)as well as same toxins spiked on hazelnut were investigated. Both plasmas reduced 72–73% of AFB1 (3 ppb)spiked on hazelnuts while GMI reduced 47% of AFB1. TotAFs (6 ppb)reductions on hazelnut after both plasmas were 70–71%, which was also higher than that of GMI (15.5%). However, the reductions in pure AFB1 at 1–50 ppb and TotAFs at 1.03–51.5 ppb after GMI (97–100%)were higher than those of AP (55–75%)and LP (69–90%)plasmas. AP plasma has the potential to be an alternative to conventional detoxification methods because it is both effective on aflatoxins in foods and maintains the sensory attributes of food evaluated by a sensory panel. Industry relevance: The use of plasma technology in foods for detoxification purposes is an economic alternative to conventional and other non-thermal processes as well as meeting the industry's demand for sustainable development. This study showed that different cold plasmas are capable of reducing the aflatoxins as pure forms as well as in food. The results contributed to the understanding of cold plasma detoxification effects on aflatoxins and could be a basis for a possible industrial implementation.

The decontamination effects of non-thermal atmospheric-pressure (AP)and low-pressure (LP)plasma systems were investigated on hazelnuts artificially contaminated with Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus spores. Furthermore, AP-plasma treatment conditions were also optimized. Spore reductions of 5.6 and 4.7 log cfu/g in Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, respectively, were achieved after 100 W-30 min of LP-air-plasma treatment. Similarly, 5.5 and 5.4 log cfu/g of reductions in Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, respectively, were achieved after AP-air-plasma treatment at 3000 L/h of gas flow rate, frequency of 25 kHz and reference voltage of 100% (655 W)for 5-cycles (1.7 min). Deformation of spores and loss of spore integrity after plasma treatments were demonstrated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). This study showed that LP and AP plasma treatments might be an alternative method for inactivation of aflatoxin- producing fungi. Industrial relevance: Non-thermal (cold)plasma is a promising technology for decontamination of foods due to its safety, ease of use and low temperature processing capability. The results of this study showed that plasma system can be incorporated into a food processing chain, and when initial Aspergillus spp. spores were 7.8–7.9 cfu/g in hazelnut, plasma treatment with reductions of up to 5.6 log cfu/g can compete with other decontamination methods.

Tree nuts confer many health benefits due to their high content of vitamins and antioxidants, and they are increasingly consumed in the last few years. Food processing is an important industrial tool to modify allergenic properties of foods, in addition to ensuring safety and enhancing organoleptic characteristics. The effect of high pressure, without and with heating, on SDS-PAGE and immunodetection profile of potential allergenic proteins (anti-11S, anti-2S and anti-LTP) of pistachio, cashew, peanut, hazelnut, almond, and chestnut was investigated. Processing based on heat and/or pressure and ultra-high pressure (HHP, 300-600 MPa) without heating was applied. After treating the six tree nuts with pressure combined with heat, a progressive diminution of proteins with potential allergenic properties was observed. Moreover, some tree nuts proteins (pistachio, cashew, and peanut) seemed to be more resistant to technological processing than others (hazelnut and chestnut). High pressure combined with heating processing markedly reduce tree nut allergenic potential as the pressure and treatment time increases. HHP do not alter hazelnut and almond immunoreactivity.

Introduction: Hazelnut is one of the most consumed nuts in the world, and its consumption is associated with numerous health benefits. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the post-harvest practices in the hazelnut sector in a sample of Portuguese producers living in the Viseu district and also in the unique Portuguese industry in this sector. Methods: It was undertaken a descriptive cross-sectional study on a sample consisting of 11 participants (10 hazelnut producers and one hazelnut industry in Portugal). The surveys were applied by personal interview after informed consent only to adults (aged 18 or over). Results: The results obtained showed that 80.0% had their hazelnut plantation in the form of an orchard, with areas under 10 hectares, and in most cases aged 20 years or more. The main varieties used by the producers were Grada de Viseu and Segorbe. For the industry, the main varieties were Grada de Viseu, Ennis and Tonda de Giffoni. For the majority of participants (87.5%), the harvest was done manually, with the fruits being stored in warehouses at room temperature and without relative humidity control. In the case of industry, hazelnut kernels were stored at a controlled temperature (0-10 ⁰C) and with relative humidity control (<70%). The material used for transport/sale was different for industry and producers. Conclusions: This study clarified the post-harvest practices, as well as some of the difficulties experienced by hazelnut producers in Portugal., Introdução: A avelã é um dos frutos secos mais consumidos no mundo, estando o seu consumo associado a inúmeros benefícios para a saúde. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as práticas pós-colheita no setor da avelã numa amostra de produtores portugueses residentes no distrito de Viseu e também na única indústria portuguesa neste setor. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo em uma amostra de 11 participantes (10 produtores de avelãs e a única indústria de avelãs em Portugal). Os questionários foram aplicados presencialmente após consentimento informado apenas a adultos (18 anos ou mais). Resultados: Os resultados obtidos mostraram que 80,0% dos participantes tinham o seu avelanal na forma de pomar, com áreas inferiores 10 hectares e, na maioria dos casos, com 20 anos ou mais. As principais variedades utilizadas pelos produtores foram Grada de Viseu e Segorbe. Para a indústria, as principais variedades foram Grada de Viseu, Ennis e Tonda de Giffoni. Para a maioria dos participantes (87.5%) a colheita era feita de forma manual, sendo o armazenamento dos frutos eito essencialmente em armazéns à temperatura ambiente e sem controlo de humidade relativa. No caso da indústria, o miolo de avelã era armazenado a uma temperatura controlada (0-10 °C) e com controlo da humidade relativa (<70%). O material utilizado para transporte/venda diferia entre a indústria e os produtores. Conclusões: Este estudo clarifica as práticas pós-colheita, bem como algumas das dificuldades sentidas pelos produtores de avelã que participaram neste estudo., Introducción: La avellana es uno de los frutos secos más consumidos en el mundo, y su consumo está asociado a numerosos beneficios para la salud. Objetivos: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las prácticas pos cosecha en el sector de la avellana en una muestra de productores portugueses que residen en el distrito de Viseu y también en la única industria portuguesa en este sector. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en una muestra de 11 participantes (10 productores de avellanas y la única industria de avellanas en Portugal). Los cuestionarios se aplicaron en persona después del consentimiento informado solo a adultos (18 años o más). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el 80.0% de los participantes tenían su avelanal en forma de huerto, con áreas de menos de 10 hectáreas y, en la mayoría de los casos, de 20 años o más. Las principales variedades utilizadas por los productores fueron Grada de Viseu y Segorbe. Para la industria, las principales variedades fueron Grada de Viseu, Ennis y Tonda de Giffoni. Para la mayoría de los participantes (87,5%), la cosecha se realizó de forma manual, siendo los frutos almacenados en almacenes a temperatura ambiente y sin control de humedad relativa. En el caso de la industria, los granos de avellana se almacenaron a una temperatura controlada (0-10 ° C) y con control de humedad relativa (<70%). El material utilizado para el transporte / venta difería entre la industria y los productores. Conclusiones: Este estudio aclara las prácticas posteriores a la cosecha, así como algunas de las dificultades experimentadas por los productores de avellana que participaron en este estudio.

Tree nut-allergic individuals are often sensitised towards multiple nuts and seeds. The underlying cause behind a multi-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut, peanut and birch pollen is not always clear. We investigated whether immunoglobulin E antibody (IgE) cross-reactivity between cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut proteins exists in children who are multi-allergic to these foods using a novel IMMULITE®-based inhibition methodology, and investigated which allergens might be responsible. In addition, we explored if an allergy to birch pollen might play a role in this co-sensitisation for cashew nut, hazelnut and peanut. Serum of five children with a confirmed cashew nut allergy and suffering from allergic symptoms after eating peanut and hazelnut were subjected to inhibition immunoassays using the IMMULITE® 2000 XPi. Serum-specific IgE (sIgE) to seed storage allergens and pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR10) allergens were determined and used for molecular multicomponent allergen correlation analyses with observed clinical symptoms and obtained inhibition data. IgE cross-reactivity was observed in all patients. Hazelnut extract was a strong inhibitor of cashew nut sIgE (46.8%), while cashew nut extract was less able to inhibit hazelnut extract (22.8%). Peanut extract showed the least inhibition potency. Moreover, there are strong indications that a birch pollen sensitisation to Bet v 1 might play a role in the observed symptoms provoked upon ingestion of cashew nut and hazelnut. By applying an adjusted working protocol, the IMMULITE® technology can be used to perform inhibition assays to determine the risk of sIgE cross-reactivity between very different food components.

The aim of the study was to verify if a new kaolin formulation, which contains 100% aluminium silicate, can reduce the negative effects of high summer temperatures and heat stress on canopy physiological processes, yield and fruit quality in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.). Kaolin was applied on young Tonda Giffoni plants three times in 2018 summer at 3% concentration: sprays were carried out when the maximum air temperature exceeded 35 °C for 2–3 consecutive days. Kaolin coating increased light albedo, reducing leaf temperature from 2.9 °C up to 6.9 °C and the consequent heat stress, without significant negative effects on photosynthetic activity (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and water use efficiency (WUE). Occasionally kaolin significantly reduced leaf transpiration (E). Under water shortage stomatal resistance increased, independent of leaf temperature, therefore in kaolin treated plants (KL plants) the Pn, gs, E and WUE were less than those in control, whereas in post-harvest period Pn and WUE were significantly higher. At re - watering the KL plants have greater Pn and WUE values and less water loss due to transpiration. Moreover, summer rainfall is not able to wash out the whole kaolin covering, allowing an average foliar coverage of the kaolin sufficient to protect the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm). At harvest, the KL plants showed a higher kernel yield and oil content. Kaolin application is a viable strategy to contrast the increase of anomalous high temperature due to actual global warming and can allow to extend hazelnut growing in areas where summer heat stress are limiting.

The study analyzed the variations of physiological, morphological and anatomical leaf traits during its development in Corylus avellana L. saplings. Three different phases were identify during leaf development: the first phase (hereafter IP) considered in the developing leaves, the second phase (IIP) in the mature green leaves and the third phase (IIIP) in the senescent leaves. In particular, variations in parameters estimated from the photosynthetic light response curves, in chlorophyll fluorescence variables and in morphological leaf traits were analyzed during the three phases. The principal component analysis (PCA) carried out using all the considered morphological characters (leaf mass per area - LMA, and leaf tissue density - LTD) and physiological traits (the maximum net photosynthetic rates - ANmax, dark respiration rates - RD, light compensation point - LCP, light saturation point – LSP, maximum quantum yield - ɸmax, fluorescence-based maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry - Fv/FM and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry - ɸPSII) showed a complete separation among the considered phases. The results showed that the major differences occur between the phases IP and IIP. In particular, a greater variation was found for LMA, ANmax, RD. On the contrary a lower variation was observed for ɸmax which remain quite constant from IP to IIP indicating that chloroplasts present in juvenile leaves are fully functional.

In this study, the impact of fluidized bed reactor diameters and plasma forming gases on inactivation efficiency of the Atmospheric Pressure Fluidized Bed Plasma (APFBP) system for aflatoxigenic spores of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus on hazelnuts were investigated. Hazelnuts were artificially contaminated with A. flavus and A. parasiticus and then treated with dry air or nitrogen plasma for up to 5 min in two different fluidizing bed reactors of APFBP system at various plasma parameters. The decontamination effect of APFBP on Aspergillus spp. spores increased with the applied reference voltage and the frequency. The killing effect of plasma on the spores decreased as the diameter of the fluidized bed reactor increased. The fungicidal effects on A. flavus (4.17 log) and A. parasiticus (4.09 log) were found for air plasma treatment after 5 min. Due to the formation of active plasma species in the presence of oxygen, the air plasma generated at APFBP system was more effective than nitrogen plasma on decontamination of Aspergillus spp. spores, as expected. The total inactivation of the natural background microbiota of hazelnuts was obtained within maximum 2 min APFBP treatment. The aflatoxigenic spores that remained on hazelnuts after plasma process were considered as damaged cells, because they could not continue growing during storage at 25 degrees C for 30 days. The damage caused by APFBP treatment on Aspergillus spp. spore cells was demonstrated by using scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this study, the impact of fluidized bed reactor diameters and plasma forming gases on inactivation efficiency of the Atmospheric Pressure Fluidized Bed Plasma (APFBP) system for aflatoxigenic spores of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus on hazelnuts were investigated. Hazelnuts were artificially contaminated with A. flavus and A. parasiticus and then treated with dry air or nitrogen plasma for up to 5 min in two different fluidizing bed reactors of APFBP system at various plasma parameters. The decontamination effect of APFBP on Aspergillus spp. spores increased with the applied reference voltage and the frequency. The killing effect of plasma on the spores decreased as the diameter of the fluidized bed reactor increased. The fungicidal effects on A. flavus (4.17 log) and A. parasiticus (4.09 log) were found for air plasma treatment after 5 min. Due to the formation of active plasma species in the presence of oxygen, the air plasma generated at APFBP system was more effective than nitrogen plasma on decontamination of Aspergillus spp. spores, as expected. The total inactivation of the natural background microbiota of hazelnuts was obtained within maximum 2 min APFBP treatment. The aflatoxigenic spores that remained on hazelnuts after plasma process were considered as damaged cells, because they could not continue growing during storage at 25 degrees C for 30 days. The damage caused by APFBP treatment on Aspergillus spp. spore cells was demonstrated by using scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The study analyzed the variations of physiological, morphological and anatomical leaf traits during its development in Corylus avellana L. saplings. Three different phases were identify during leaf development: the first phase (hereafter IP) considered in the developing leaves, the second phase (IIP) in the mature green leaves and the third phase (IIIP) in the senescent leaves. In particular, variations in parameters estimated from the photosynthetic light response curves, in chlorophyll fluorescence variables and in morphological leaf traits were analyzed during the three phases. The principal component analysis (PCA) carried out using all the considered morphological characters (leaf mass per area - LMA, and leaf tissue density - LTD) and physiological traits (the maximum net photosynthetic rates - ANmax, dark respiration rates - RD, light compensation point - LCP, light saturation point – LSP, maximum quantum yield - ɸmax, fluorescence-based maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry - Fv/FM and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry - ɸPSII) showed a complete separation among the considered phases. The results showed that the major differences occur between the phases IP and IIP. In particular, a greater variation was found for LMA, ANmax, RD. On the contrary a lower variation was observed for ɸmax which remain quite constant from IP to IIP indicating that chloroplasts present in juvenile leaves are fully functional.

Bakrenasti plamenac brašna (Plodia interpunctella, Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) predstavlja ekonomski najznačajniju štetočinu uskladištenih prehrambenih proizvoda. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se utvrdi da li postoje razlike u dužini života imaga P. interpunctella gajenog na izlomljenim jezgrama oraha, lešnika i badema. Najduži životni vek od 7,69 dana imala su imaga gajena na orahu. Na bademu i lešniku ova vrednost se statistički značajno ne razlikuje, i iznosi 7,07 i 6,73 dana, po podlogama. Na osnovu rezultata možemo zaključiti da je orah najpogodniji supstrat za razviće P. interpunctella., Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella, Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) is one of the most important pests of stored food products. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different nutrient medium (broken kernels of walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) on life span of imago P. interpunctella. The longest life span (7,69 days) was recorded on walnut. On hazelnut and almond, this value was statistically not significantly different, amounting to 7,07 and 6,73 days, respectively. According to obtained results, it can be concluded that the walnut is the most suitable nutrient medium for the development P. interpunctella.

Tato bakalářská práce se zabývá rostlinnými nápoji. V první části jsou stručně popsány suroviny, ze kterých se nápoje vyrábí, využití a výroba nápojů a jejich chemické složení, které je porovnávaný s kravským mlékem. Druhá polovina teoretické části se zaměřuje na principy jednotlivých stanovení vybraných chemických vlastností rostlinných nápojů. V experimentální části bylo provedeno stanovení vybraných chemických vlastností, jako je stanovení cukrů, tuků, bílkovin, vápníku, kyselosti a relativní hustoty. Výsledky devíti vzorků rostlinných nápojů byli porovnávány s výsledky kravského mléka., This bachelor thesis is dedicated to plant-based beverages. Raw materials, production processes, chemical composition and utilization of these beverages are described in the first segment of the theoretical part. The second segment of the theoretical part is focused on analytical principles of determination of several selected properties significant for this kind of beverages. Experimental part of the thesis summarizes the results of analytical experiments such as determination of sugars, fats, proteins, calcium, acidity and relative density that were performer on nine samples of plant-based beverages and compared with properties of cow's milk., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka seznámila členy zkušební komise s obsahem své diplomové práce, poté byla seznámena s posudky vedoucího a oponenta diplomové práce. Studentka odpověděla na otázky oponenta diplomové práce a členů zkušební komise., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Stomatal conductance is regulated by many factors such as air vapour pressure deficit (D), which can be the pivotal one affecting leaf gas exchange in species particularly sensitive to D such as C. avellana. The aim of this work was to evaluate stomatal sensibility to D and to determine correlations with hydraulics characteristics of leaves in three genotypes of C. avellana selected over centuries under different climatic conditions in the Italian peninsula. Among the three varieties Tonda Gentile delle Langhe (TGL), which was the one coming from northern Italy suffered the largest stomatal limitation at increasing levels of D in comparison with the other two cultivars [Tonda Romana (TR) and Tonda di Giffoni (TG), selected in central and southern Italy, respectively]. In all genotypes, photosynthesis decreased at high D although the reduction was mostly due to the rising of the temperature as suggested by the high values of sub-stomatal concentration of CO2. Concerning the hydraulic characteristics of the leaves, TG had considerable higher bulk elasticity compared with other two cultivars. These results contribute to explain the higher adaptability to different environments of TG and TR compared with TGL. Either the lower sensitivity to D of TG and TR and higher schlerophylly of TG might allow these cultivars to suffer less gas exchange limitations in hot and dry environments usually conducive to high D. Genotypic sensitivity to D represent one of the key factors to be considered in phenotyping protocols for D-sensitive species such as hazelnut.

Hyperlipidemia starts at a pediatric age and represents an unquestionable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Modulation of the intestinal microbial ecosystem (IME), in principle, can ameliorate lipid profiles. In this study, we characterized the IME of children and adolescents with primary hyperlipidemia by analyzing fecal samples through 16S rRNA gene profiling (n = 15) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification (n = 32). The same analyses were also carried out on age-matched normolipidemic controls (n = 15). Moreover, we evaluated the modulatory effect of regular hazelnut intake (approximately 0.43 g of hazelnuts with skin per kg of body weight) on the IME of 15 children and adolescents with hyperlipidemia for eight weeks. We found alterations of numerous operational taxonomic units potentially associated with SCFA-producing bacteria and reductions in the fecal levels of acetate, butyrate and propionate in hyperlipidemic subjects. Furthermore, we observed that an eight-week hazelnut intervention may induce limited changes in fecal microbiota composition but can significantly modulate the fecal levels of predominant intestinal SCFAs, such as acetate. Finally, correlation analyses indicated that changes in lipidemic parameters are linked to modifications of the abundance of specific bacterial taxa, such as the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and the genera Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium. This study suggests that children and adolescents with primary hyperlipidemia possess an altered IME. The promising results presented here support the need for future dietary interventions aimed at positively modulating the IME of hyperlipidemic subjects.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health (PLH) Panelperformed a pest categorisation of Anisogramma anomala, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Valsaceae. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned on plants of Corylus L., intended for planting, other than seeds, originating in Canada and the USA. The fungus is native to eastern North America and causes eastern filbert blight on cultivated hazel, Corylus avellana, as well as on wild hazel (Corylus spp.). In the 1960s, the disease spread on infected plant material to Oregon, where it then threatened US hazelnut production in the Willamette Valley. The pest could enter the EU via plants for planting. Hosts and favourable climatic conditions are common in the EU, thus facilitating establishment. The pest would be able to spread following establishment through infected plants for planting and ascospore dispersal. A. anomala leads to canopy and yield loss and can cause death of Corylus trees. Should the pathogen be introduced into the EU, impacts can be expected not just on hazel as a crop and as an ornamental but also in coppices and woodlands, where Corylus species provide an important habitat. In Oregon, scouting for cankers, therapeutic pruning and copious fungicide applications are reported to be necessary (but costly measures) to continue hazelnut production in the presence of the disease. Breeding for resistance led to the selection of resistant cultivars. The main knowledge gaps concern (i) the role of deadwood and cut branches as potential entry pathways and means of spread and (ii) the susceptibility of C. avellana cultivars and of Corylus spp. in the wild in the EU. The criteria assessed by the Panelfor consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met. (c) 2018 Europ

A disposable amperometric sensor using magnetic microcarriers has been designed and implemented to be used in combination with the so called Express PCR to detect the presence of hazelnut traces in foodstuffs through the detection of Cor a 9 allergen coding sequence. The developed procedure involves the use of streptavidin-modified magnetic microbeads (Strep-MBs), specific biotinylated capture and detector probes which hybridize with a specific region of the gene encoding the protein Cor a 9, and appropriate primers for PCR amplification. A 50-mer synthetic target DNA or unmodified 100-bp PCR products were selective captured via sandwich hybridization with capture probe modified MBs and biotinylated signaling probes. The resulting biotinylated hybrids were coupled with a commercial streptavidin–peroxidase (Strep-HRP) conjugate and the final modified MBs were magnetically captured onto a screen-printed carbon electrode to perform amperometric detection using the H2O2/HQ system. A LOD of 0.72 pM was obtained for the synthetic target and the applicability studies demonstrated the possibility to detect the denatured PCR amplified samples obtained using only 20 pg of genomic DNA extracted from hazelnut. RSD values obtained, below 10% in all cases, confirmed the good reliability of extraction, amplification and quantification protocols involved in the developed methodology. The strict specificity of the designed primers and selected probes for hazelnut was demonstrated by performing PCR amplification of genomic DNA extracted from different hazelnut varieties and other species of similar families (pistachio, cashew, walnut and tangerine) and analyzing the resultant amplicons by the developed electrochemical sensor. The reliable and sensitive results achieved indicate that Express PCR in conjunction with an electrochemical DNA sensor, used for the first time in this work, provides a suitable sensitive, specific, and cost-effective method for routine food allergens determina, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Comunidad de Madrid, Depto. de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

A disposable amperometric sensor using magnetic microcarriers has been designed and implemented to be used in combination with the so called Express PCR to detect the presence of hazelnut traces in foodstuffs through the detection of Cor a 9 allergen coding sequence. The developed procedure involves the use of streptavidin-modified magnetic microbeads (Strep-MBs), specific biotinylated capture and detector probes which hybridize with a specific region of the gene encoding the protein Cor a 9, and appropriate primers for PCR amplification. A 50-mer synthetic target DNA or unmodified 100-bp PCR products were selective captured via sandwich hybridization with capture probe modified MBs and biotinylated signaling probes. The resulting biotinylated hybrids were coupled with a commercial streptavidin–peroxidase (Strep-HRP) conjugate and the final modified MBs were magnetically captured onto a screen-printed carbon electrode to perform amperometric detection using the H2O2/HQ system. A LOD of 0.72�pM was obtained for the synthetic target and the applicability studies demonstrated the possibility to detect the denatured PCR amplified samples obtained using only 20�pg of genomic DNA extracted from hazelnut. RSD values obtained, below 10% in all cases, confirmed the good reliability of extraction, amplification and quantification protocols involved in the developed methodology. The strict specificity of the designed primers and selected probes for hazelnut was demonstrated by performing PCR amplification of genomic DNA extracted from different hazelnut varieties and other species of similar families (pistachio, cashew, walnut and tangerine) and analyzing the resultant amplicons by the developed electrochemical sensor. The reliable and sensitive results achieved indicate that Express PCR in conjunction with an electrochemical DNA sensor, used for the first time in this work, provides a suitable sensitive, specific, and cost-effective method for routine food allergens deter

Adventitious root formation in plant cuttings is influenced by many endogenous and environmental factors. Leaf photosynthesis during rooting of leafy cuttings in hard to root species can contribute to supply carbohydrates to the intensive metabolic processes related to adventious root formation. Light intensity during rooting is artificially kept low to decrease potential cutting desiccation, but can be limiting for photosynthetic activity. Furthermore, leafy cuttings collected from different part of the shoot can have a different ability to fuel adventitious root formation in cutting stem. The aim of this work was to determine the role of leaf photosynthesis on adventitious root formation in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L) (a hard-to-root specie) leafy cuttings and to investigate the possible influence of the shoot developmental stage on cutting rooting and survival in the post-rooting phase. Cutting rooting was closely related to carbohydrate content in cutting stems during the rooting process. Cutting carbohydrate status was positively influenced by leaf photosynthesis during rooting. Non-saturating light exposure of leafy cuttings can contribute to improve photosynthetic activity of leafy cuttings. Collection of cuttings from different part of the mother shoots influenced rooting percentage and this appear related to the different capability to concentrate soluble sugars in the cutting stem during rooting. Adventitious root formation depend on the carbohydrate accumulation at the base of the cutting. Mother shoot developmental stage and leaf photosynthesis appear pivotal factors for adventitious roots formation.

Food allergies to hazelnut represent an important health problem in industrialized countries because of their high prevalence and severity. Food allergenicity can be changed by several processing procedures since food proteins may undergo modifications which could alter immunoreactivity. High-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an emerging processing technology used to develop novel and high-quality foods. The effect of HHP on allergenicity is currently being investigated through changes in protein structure. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of HHP on the protein profile of hazelnut immunoreactive extracts by comparative proteomic analysis with ProteomeLab PF-2D liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. This protein fractionation method resolves proteins by isoelectric point and hydrophobicity in the first and second dimension, respectively. Second dimension chromatogram analyses show that some protein peaks present in unpressurized hazelnut must be unsolubilized and are not present in HHP-treated hazelnut extracts. Our results show that HHP treatment at low temperature induced marked changes on hazelnut water-soluble protein profile., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Depto. de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

In La Araucanía, the filbert aphid Myzocallis coryli (Goeze) is a pest that can cause various types of damage to hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) including reduction in nut size and nut emptiness. M. coryli can also leave hazel leaves susceptible to the fungus known as fumagina (Capnodium sp.), which causes decreased photosynthesis, particularly during the period when the tree is storing reserves for the following season. Knowledge about the natural enemies of M. coryli in Chile is in its early stages compared with other countries where the hazelnut crop is more extensive. Indeed, only 13 entomophagous predators have been recorded in La Araucanía thus far, including one Hemerobiidae, one Syrphidae, one Cecidomyiidae and ten Coccinellidae. Of this last family, Adalia is the best represented genus, with three species. In this study, the life cycle of the Adalia angulifera Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been ascertained. M. coryli as its food, and the ability of the larvae to prey on the same aphid is presented here. This study took place under semi-controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions in the Region of the Araucanía, Chile. This study showed that the average predatory capacity of the A. angulifera larvae was 127.60± 33.21 specimens of M. coryli. For each larval instar (L), it was determined that the daily average prey was 6.8 ± 2.45 aphids for L I; 14.64 ± 5.77 aphids for L II; 42.72 ± 17.12 aphids for L III and 63.44 ± 26.21 aphids for L IV., En La Araucanía, el pulgón del avellano europeo, Myzocallis coryli (Goeze) es un áfido que puede ocasionar diversos daños al cultivo de Corylus avellana L., como reducción del tamaño de nuez, nueces vanas o favorecer en las hojas la aparición del hongo conocido como fumagina, Capnodium sp., el cual reduce la fotosíntesis, especialmente durante el periodo de acumulación de reservas del árbol para la temporada siguiente. El conocimiento sobre enemigos naturales de M. coryli en Chile es incipiente, comparado con otros países donde el cultivo del avellano europeo es extensivo; en efecto, para La Araucanía sólo se registran 13 entomófagos depredadores que corresponden a un Hemerobiidae, un Syrphidae, un Cecydomyiidae y diez Coccinellidae. De esta última familia, Adalia es el género más representado con tres especies. De Adalia angulifera Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) se ha dado a conocer su ciclo vital, con M. coryli como alimento y en esta ocasión se presenta la capacidad de depredación del estado larvario sobre el mismo áfido. El estudio se efectuó bajo condiciones semi controladas de laboratorio e invernadero en la Región de La Araucanía, Chile. Como resultado de este estudio se determinó que la capacidad de depredación del estado larvario de A. angulifera fue 127,60 ± 33,21 ejemplares de M. coryli para un periodo de 37,39 ±1,55 días; a su vez, para cada estadio larvario (L) se determinó que el promedio diario depredado fue para L I 6,8 ± 2,45 áfidos; L II 14,64 ± 5,77 áfidos; L III 42,72 ± 17, 12 áfidos y L IV 63,44 ± 26,21 áfidos.

In La Araucanía, the filbert aphid Myzocallis coryli (Goeze) is a pest that can cause various types of damage to hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) including reduction in nut size and nut emptiness. M. coryli can also leave hazel leaves susceptible to the fungus known as fumagina (Capnodium sp.), which causes decreased photosynthesis, particularly during the period when the tree is storing reserves for the following season. Knowledge about the natural enemies of M. coryli in Chile is in its early stages compared with other countries where the hazelnut crop is more extensive. Indeed, only 13 entomophagous predators have been recorded in La Araucanía thus far, including one Hemerobiidae, one Syrphidae, one Cecidomyiidae and ten Coccinellidae. Of this last family, Adalia is the best represented genus, with three species. In this study, the life cycle of the Adalia angulifera Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been ascertained. M. coryli as its food, and the ability of the larvae to prey on the same aphid is presented here. This study took place under semi-controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions in the Region of the Araucanía, Chile. This study showed that the average predatory capacity of the A. angulifera larvae was 127.60± 33.21 specimens of M. coryli. For each larval instar (L), it was determined that the daily average prey was 6.8 ± 2.45 aphids for L I; 14.64 ± 5.77 aphids for L II; 42.72 ± 17.12 aphids for L III and 63.44 ± 26.21 aphids for L IV., En La Araucanía, el pulgón del avellano europeo, Myzocallis coryli (Goeze) es un áfido que puede ocasionar diversos daños al cultivo de Corylus avellana L., como reducción del tamaño de nuez, nueces vanas o favorecer en las hojas la aparición del hongo conocido como fumagina, Capnodium sp., el cual reduce la fotosíntesis, especialmente durante el periodo de acumulación de reservas del árbol para la temporada siguiente. El conocimiento sobre enemigos naturales de M. coryli en Chile es incipiente, comparado con otros países donde el cultivo del avellano europeo es extensivo; en efecto, para La Araucanía sólo se registran 13 entomófagos depredadores que corresponden a un Hemerobiidae, un Syrphidae, un Cecydomyiidae y diez Coccinellidae. De esta última familia, Adalia es el género más representado con tres especies. De Adalia angulifera Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) se ha dado a conocer su ciclo vital, con M. coryli como alimento y en esta ocasión se presenta la capacidad de depredación del estado larvario sobre el mismo áfido. El estudio se efectuó bajo condiciones semi controladas de laboratorio e invernadero en la Región de La Araucanía, Chile. Como resultado de este estudio se determinó que la capacidad de depredación del estado larvario de A. angulifera fue 127,60 ± 33,21 ejemplares de M. coryli para un periodo de 37,39 ±1,55 días; a su vez, para cada estadio larvario (L) se determinó que el promedio diario depredado fue para L I 6,8 ± 2,45 áfidos; L II 14,64 ± 5,77 áfidos; L III 42,72 ± 17, 12 áfidos y L IV 63,44 ± 26,21 áfidos.

El proyecto de tesis tiene como fin desarrollar y caracterizar productos fermentados a partir de licuados vegetales con una excelente calidad nutricional y sensorial. Para conseguir el propósito mencionado se eligieron licuados de almendra, avellana y avena, cuyas propiedades fisicoquímicas y nutricionales son aptas para el proceso de fermentación. Para ello, se estudió el efecto de los tratamientos térmicos y de homogenización sobre las cualidades fisicoquímicas y de estabilidad de los diferentes licuados, para elegir en base a los resultados obtenidos, las condiciones idóneas de su obtención. Por otra parte, se seleccionaron dos cepas probióticas comerciales (L. rhamnosus GG y L. reuteri ATCC 55730) con el fin de obtener productos fermentados a partir de los licuados elegidos y, de este modo, ofrecer nuevas posibilidades y beneficios al consumidor dentro del sector de productos no-lácteos. Por otra parte, con la adición de microorganismos probióticos se pretende satisfacer la demanda actual de productos funcionales; es decir, ofrecer productos que, además del aporte de nutrientes, tengan un efecto beneficioso para la salud.

El proyecto de tesis tiene como fin desarrollar y caracterizar productos fermentados a partir de licuados vegetales con una excelente calidad nutricional y sensorial. Para conseguir el propósito mencionado se eligieron licuados de almendra, avellana y avena, cuyas propiedades fisicoquímicas y nutricionales son aptas para el proceso de fermentación. Para ello, se estudió el efecto de los tratamientos térmicos y de homogenización sobre las cualidades fisicoquímicas y de estabilidad de los diferentes licuados, para elegir en base a los resultados obtenidos, las condiciones idóneas de su obtención. Por otra parte, se seleccionaron dos cepas probióticas comerciales (L. rhamnosus GG y L. reuteri ATCC 55730) con el fin de obtener productos fermentados a partir de los licuados elegidos y, de este modo, ofrecer nuevas posibilidades y beneficios al consumidor dentro del sector de productos no-lácteos. Por otra parte, con la adición de microorganismos probióticos se pretende satisfacer la demanda actual de productos funcionales; es decir, ofrecer productos que, además del aporte de nutrientes, tengan un efecto beneficioso para la salud.

A quantitative RT-PCR method, employing novel primer sets designed on Cor a 9, Cor a 11 and Cor a 13 allergen-coding sequences has been setup and validated. Its specificity, sensitivity and applicability have been compared. The effect of processing on detectability of these hazelnut targets in complex food matrices was also studied. The DNA extraction method based on CTAB-phenol-chloroform was the best for hazelnut. RT-PCR using primers for Cor a 9, 11 and 13 allowed a specific and accurate amplification of these sequences. The limit of detection was 1 ppm of raw hazelnut. The method sensitivity and robustness were confirmed with spiked samples. Thermal treatments (roasting and autoclaving) reduced yield and amplificability of hazelnut DNA, however, high-hydrostatic pressure did not affect. Compared with an ELISA assay, this RT-PCR showed higher sensitivity to detected hazelnut traces in commercial foodstuffs. The RT-PCR method described is the most sensitive of those reported for the detection of hazelnut traces in processed foods. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The development of a DNA microarray method on a digital versatile disk (DVD) is described for the simultaneous detection of traces of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), and soybean (Glycine max) in foods. After DNA extraction, multiplex PCR was set up using S'-labeled specific primers for Cor a 1, Ar h 2, and Le genes, respectively. Digoxin-labeled PCR products were detected by hybridization with S'-biotinylated probes immobilized on a streptavidin-modified DVD surface. The reaction product attenuates the signal intensity of the laser that reached the DVD drive used as detector, correlating well with the amount of amplified sequence. Analytical performances showed a detection limit of 1 mu g/g and good assay reproducibility (RSD 8%), suitable for the simultaneous detection of the three targeted allergens. The developed methodology was tested with several commercially available foodstuffs, demonstrating its applicability. The results were in good agreement, in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility, with those obtained with ELISA, PCR-gel agarose electrophoresis, and RT-PCR.

The development of a DNA microarray method on a digital versatile disk (DVD) is described for the simultaneous detection of traces of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), and soybean (Glycine max) in foods. After DNA extraction, multiplex PCR was set up using S'-labeled specific primers for Cor a 1, Ar h 2, and Le genes, respectively. Digoxin-labeled PCR products were detected by hybridization with S'-biotinylated probes immobilized on a streptavidin-modified DVD surface. The reaction product attenuates the signal intensity of the laser that reached the DVD drive used as detector, correlating well with the amount of amplified sequence. Analytical performances showed a detection limit of 1 mu g/g and good assay reproducibility (RSD 8%), suitable for the simultaneous detection of the three targeted allergens. The developed methodology was tested with several commercially available foodstuffs, demonstrating its applicability. The results were in good agreement, in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility, with those obtained with ELISA, PCR-gel agarose electrophoresis, and RT-PCR.

The cultivation of hazelnut in Piedmont (North west Italy) is a important traditional agricultural crop, particularly in the hilly areas. Pruning is a cultural practice that can affect quality and quantity of seed production. This operation usually is manual done every three or four years. Recently it is been developed a specialized machine for this operation. To avoid disease and pest problem in the orchard , the wood residues must be collected and burned. In 2006 started a research with e the aim to verify the feasibility of this mechanical operation in four farms situated in different environmental conditions of the Piedmont Region. Object of the studies are the operating abilities of pruning machines but also the successive mechanical harvest od residues. In the first years have been compared mechanical and manual pruning and were tested four different prototypes developed for harvest residues. Some of these machines showed interesting operating abilities. Mechanization reduces the cost of 50-75%. The residues production varied between 1.35 and 9.77 Oven Dry Tons( ODT) per hectare. Basal densities of wood residues varied between 0.48 and 0.50 g cm-3. The hazelnut pruning residues can be an important source of biomass for heating distric in Piedmont Region