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Kawsar Alami, Zahra Nazari, Raheel Bayat, Aqdas Bayat, Somaya Qasemi, Fereshta Karimi, Maliha Sultani, Sayed Yousof Mousavi Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Center, Kavosh Nonprofit Educational Research Institute, Kabul, AfghanistanCorrespondence: Sayed Yousof Mousavi, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Center, Kavosh Nonprofit Educational Research Institute, First Street of Karte 4, Kabul, 1004, Afghanistan, Tel +93705343480 ; Fax +93796850084, Email Mousavi@Kavosh.org.afAim and Background: Learning and memory are fundamental processes essential to human cognition. Memory disorders can greatly impact cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. Synthetic drugs are not always completely effective in the treatment of memory disorders and can have diverse side effects. As a result, the use of plants for treating various diseases, including those related to memory disorders, is common. Almond is a highly nutritious nut and has been used as a traditional remedy for a long time. They contain active compounds that have numerous biological effects on the entire body, particularly the nervous system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review animal studies that have investigated the effects of almond intake on memory and its related disorders.Methods: In this study, a comprehensive search in several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library was performed. The study included published articles featuring preclinical studies conducted on healthy animals or models with memory impairments. These studies employed specific controlled groups and evaluated memory-related parameters through behavioral tests or molecular investigations. Eleven original papers that met the criteria were selected from a total of 1190 identified articles and included in the study.Results: Almond consumption has been shown to have beneficial effects on learning and memory in healthy animals. Additionally, evidence suggests that consuming almonds can positively impact scopolamine-, cadmium-, chronic stress-, and high-fat diet-induced memory impairment in animal models.Conclusion: Based on available evidence, consuming dietary supplementation of almonds may have a significant role in brain processes, specifically the neuromodulatory systems. Consequently, incorporating almonds into one’s diet could potentially enhance memory function, making them a readily available and useful natural resource with both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Keywords: Almond, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus dulcis, learning, memory, neuromodulatory systems

The article provides information on the development and characteristics of the Felama VR almond cultivar, which is a self-compatible and late-flowering cultivar with high fruit quality. It is suitable for areas without the risk of spring frost. The article also includes references on various topics related to almond cultivation, such as endodormancy break, macroelement exports, blooming requirements, gene expression analysis, incompatibility genotypes, architectural traits, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, there is a table showing the oil and fatty acid composition of different almond genotypes, including the O/L factor used to assess oil quality. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: The press cake of almond oil extraction contains macro‐ and micronutrients of high nutritional quality. From the milling of this press cake, almond flour (AF) is obtained. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the nutritional and techno‐functional properties of AF and the impact of AF (10%, 20% and 30%) addition on rheological and techno‐functional properties of wheat flour, and maize and potato starches. AF presented a high level of lipids (43.56%), oleic acid being the major one. However, AF presented a long estimated shelf life (18 months). Also, AF was a good source of Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Moreover, AF added to wheat flour reduced water absorption and dough farinograph stability. Besides, AF caused a reduction of starch swelling and retrogradation, evidenced by lower peak viscosity and setback values in the viscoamylograph curves of wheat flour; maize and potato starches. This study showed the potential impact of AF use for the development of new bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower bud development of fruit trees plays a key role in their climatic adaptation. It is closely related to dormancy release that determines winter frost susceptibility. Detailed characterisation of flower bud development of 25 almond (Prunus amygdalus L. Batsch) accessions representing wide range of flowering times have been performed by microsporogenesis and pistil growth studies for 3 years. Six developmental stages were distinguished in the process of microsporogenesis, while pistil development could be classified into four phases. The examined cultivars showed significant differences in the length and occurrence of microspore developmental stages and year effect was observed. On the basis of the length of microsporogenesis stages, cultivars were clustered into five main groups. The shortest periods of archesporium and microsporogenesis as a sum were detected in accessions ‘Eriane’, ‘5/15’ and ‘1/7’ (with an average of 20 and 138 days in all three), while the longest ones were determined in ‘Constanti’ and ‘Vairo’ (65 and 160 days in both), respectively. The increment of pistil length was suspended during the dormancy period and after dormancy release, it was accelerated first at a slow rate followed by a few days of rapid growth prior to blooming. In order to determine the date of endodormancy release, these three methods – microsporogenesis, pistil length studies, and forcing of shoots – were analysed. All methods revealed significant differences among accessions. The dormancy release estimated by microsporogenesis studies showed the highest variability among the three methods used.

Nowadays, unprecedented health challenges are urging novel solutions to address antimicrobial resistance as multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are emerging. Such microorganisms can cause food and feed spoilage, food poisoning and even more severe diseases, resulting in human death. In order to overcome this phenomenon, it is essential to identify novel antimicrobials that are naturally occurring, biologically effective and increasingly safe for human use. The development of gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) using plant parts such as buds and young shoots has emerged as a novel approach to treat/prevent human conditions due to their associated antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial properties that all require careful evaluations. Seven GTEs obtained from plant species like the olive (Olea europaea L.), almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were tested for their antimicrobial efficiency via agar diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes), five moulds (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium expansum) and one yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The agar diffusion method revealed the blackberry GTE as the most effective since it inhibited the growth of three bacterial, four moulds and one yeast species, having considered the total number of affected microorganism species. Next to the blackberry, the olive GTE appeared to be the second most efficient, suppressing five bacterial strains but no moulds or yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for each GTE and the microorganisms tested. Noticeably, the olive GTE appeared to feature the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcome, displaying specificity for S. aureus, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. The other GTEs, such as blueberry, walnut, black mulberry and almond (the list indicates relative strength), were more effective at suppressing microbial growth than inducing microbial death. However, some species specificities were also evident, while the blackcurrant GTE had no significant antimicrobial activity. Having seen the antimicrobial properties of the analysed GTEs, especially the olive and black mulberry GTEs, these could be envisioned as potential antimicrobials that might enhance antibiotic therapies efficiency, while the blackberry GTE would act as an antifungal agent. Some of the GTE mixtures analysed have shown interesting antimicrobial synergies, and all the antimicrobial effects observed argue for extending these studies to include pathological microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young almond (Prunus amygdalus) orchards replanted where old orchards of stone fruits (Prunus sp.) have been removed are subject to physical, chemical, and biotic stressors. Among biotic challenges, for example, is almond/stone fruit replant disease (ARD; formally known as Prunus replant disease), which specifically suppresses the growth and yields of successive almond and other stone fruit plantings and is caused, in part, by a soil microbial complex. During four orchard trials representing different almond replant practices and scenarios in the San Joaquin Valley in California, we examined the impacts of phosphorus (P) fertilization on the growth of replanted almond. During all trials, P was applied to tree root zones just after replanting, and the impact was assessed according to trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) growth for 2 years. Expt. 1 was performed where a previous almond orchard was cleared using whole orchard recycling (i.e., the old orchard was “chipped” and then turned into the soil). The land was replanted without preplant soil fumigation. We tested separate fertilizer treatments based on various P, nitrogen, micronutrient, and “complete” formulations. Expt. 2 was also performed where an old almond orchard was recycled, but the soil was preplant-fumigated before replanting. Here, we tested only P fertilization. Expts. 3 and 4 were conducted where an old peach (Prunus persica) orchard was removed. Here, P and nitrogen fertilizer treatments were tested among additional factors, including preplant soil fumigation (Expts. 3, 4) and whole orchard recycling chips (Expt. 4). During all four trials, P fertilization (P at 2.2 to 2.6 oz/tree within a few weeks after planting) significantly increased TCSA growth. The growth benefit was nuanced, however, by almond cultivar, date of replanting, rootstock, and other site-specific factors. Although P fertilization did not match the benefit of preplant soil fumigation for the management of ARD, our data indicated that P fertilization can improve the growth of young almond orchards in diverse replant settings with or without preplant soil fumigation and should be considered by California almond producers as a general best management practice.

The extracts of whole plants or specific organs from different plant species are gaining increasing attention for their phytotherapy applications. Accordingly, we prepared standardized gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) from young shoots/buds of olive (Olea europaea), sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus), and black mulberry (Morus nigra), and analyzed the corresponding phytonutrient profiles. We identified 42, 103, and 109 phytonutrients in the olive, almond, and black mulberry GTEs, respectively, containing amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, iridoids, carboxylic acids, lignans, terpenoids, and others. In order to assess the physiological effects generated by the GTEs, we developed a translational nutrition model based on Drosophila melanogaster and Cyprinus carpio. The results indicate that GTEs could influence, to a variable extent, viability and ATP synthesis, even though both are dependent on the specific carbohydrate load of the applied diet and the amino acid and polyphenol pools provided by the GTEs. It seems, therefore, likely that the complex chemical composition of the GTEs offers nutritional properties that cannot be separated from the health-promoting mechanisms that ultimately increase viability and survival. Such an approach sets the paves the way for the nutritional genomic descriptions regarding GTE-associated health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, unprecedented health challenges are urging novel solutions to address antimicrobial resistance as multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are emerging. Such microorganisms can cause food and feed spoilage, food poisoning and even more severe diseases, resulting in human death. In order to overcome this phenomenon, it is essential to identify novel antimicrobials that are naturally occurring, biologically effective and increasingly safe for human use. The development of gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) using plant parts such as buds and young shoots has emerged as a novel approach to treat/prevent human conditions due to their associated antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial properties that all require careful evaluations. Seven GTEs obtained from plant species like the olive (Olea europaea L.), almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were tested for their antimicrobial efficiency via agar diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes), five moulds (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium expansum) and one yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The agar diffusion method revealed the blackberry GTE as the most effective since it inhibited the growth of three bacterial, four moulds and one yeast species, having considered the total number of affected microorganism species. Next to the blackberry, the olive GTE appeared to be the second most efficient, suppressing five bacterial strains but no moulds or yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for each GTE and the microorganisms tested. Noticeably, the olive GTE appeared to feature the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcome, displaying specificity for S. aureus, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. The other GTEs, such as blueberry, walnut, black mulberry and almond (the list indicates relative strength), were more effective at suppressing microbial growth than inducing microbial death. However, some species specificities were also evident, while the blackcurrant GTE had no significant antimicrobial activity. Having seen the antimicrobial properties of the analysed GTEs, especially the olive and black mulberry GTEs, these could be envisioned as potential antimicrobials that might enhance antibiotic therapies efficiency, while the blackberry GTE would act as an antifungal agent. Some of the GTE mixtures analysed have shown interesting antimicrobial synergies, and all the antimicrobial effects observed argue for extending these studies to include pathological microorganisms.

Blending Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a promising strategy to enhance the properties of biodegradable materials. However, these compounds are thermodynamically immiscible and, consequently, compatibilization is required during polymer blending. Reinforced biocomposites can be obtained by adding agricultural wastes generated by industries which are forced to consider waste treatment methods to prevent environmental concerns. Novel PCL/PLA blends were proposed based on the addition of 10 wt.% almond shell (AS) waste combined with 3 wt.% glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as a compatibilizer. Different PCL-, PLA-, and PCL/PLA-based blends at different percentages (75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 15:85) added with GMA and AS were obtained. The color results highlighted the lower transparency and brownish tone of the studied formulations after the addition of AS. The addition of PCL provided a positive effect on PLA's ductility due to its intrinsically higher flexibility. The combination of GMA and AS improved the mechanical properties of PCL, PLA, and 50:50 controls by reducing yield strength, yield strength at break, and elongation at break values. The 75:25_GMA_AS formulation showed a homogeneous visual appearance, low transparency, and desirable mechanical properties for rigid food packaging applications, reducing the final material cost through the revalorization of AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among six Jordanian almond landraces was studied using morphological traits and RAPD analyses. Across six almond landraces studied, nut shape, kernel size, nut length, nut size, and shell length That showed a high level of variation (CV>30%), while kernel length, shell width, internodes length, and nut width showed comparatively low values (CV<20%). Principal component analysis showed that the first five components explained all morphological variation among the landraces investigated. Kernel and nut traits were predominant in the first three components contributing to most of the total variation that existed among landraces. Euclidean distance was used to construct clusters from morphological data which allocated individuals into two main groups with a distance ranging from 5.5 to 10.14. Hajari, Hami Hallo, and Mukhmaly with small fruit sizes composed one main cluster, while the other three landraces (Oga, Fark, and Abu Dabos) with large fruit sizes composed the other main cluster. Out of 62 pre-screened RAPD primers, 12 with reproducible bands and maximum polymorphism were selected for diversity analysis. Seventy-one bands were scored with 28 of them being the polymorphic. Average value of polymorphism/primer ranged from 20% to 74.2%. Nei's genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.5 to 0.85 with an average of 0.70. Molecular analysis revealed inconsistent separation among the landraces compared with that based on morphological traits. Although landraces found during the screening in the Ajloun area are limited in number, but considerable variation was observed both at morphological and DNA levels indicating that Jordanian almond landraces are rich and valuable genetic materials for almond improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracts of whole plants or specific organs from different plant species are gaining increasing attention for their phytotherapy applications. Accordingly, we prepared standardized gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) from young shoots/buds of olive (Olea europaea), sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus), and black mulberry (Morus nigra), and analyzed the corresponding phytonutrient profiles. We identified 42, 103, and 109 phytonutrients in the olive, almond, and black mulberry GTEs, respectively, containing amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, iridoids, carboxylic acids, lignans, terpenoids, and others. In order to assess the physiological effects generated by the GTEs, we developed a translational nutrition model based on Drosophila melanogaster and Cyprinus carpio. The results indicate that GTEs could influence, to a variable extent, viability and ATP synthesis, even though both are dependent on the specific carbohydrate load of the applied diet and the amino acid and polyphenol pools provided by the GTEs. It seems, therefore, likely that the complex chemical composition of the GTEs offers nutritional properties that cannot be separated from the health-promoting mechanisms that ultimately increase viability and survival. Such an approach sets the paves the way for the nutritional genomic descriptions regarding GTE-associated health-promoting effects.

Almond (Prunus amygdalus) is one of the most common tree nuts on a worldwide basis. This nut is highly regarded in the food and cosmetic industries. However, for all these applications, almonds are used without their shell protection, which is industrially removed contributing approximately 35-75% of the total fruit weight. This residue is normally incinerated or dumped, causing several environmental problems. In this study, a novel cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) extraction procedure from almond shell (AS) waste by using microwave-assisted extraction was developed and compared with the conventional approach. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design with five central points was used to evaluate the influence of extraction temperature, irradiation time, and NaOH concentration during the alkalization stage in crystallinity index (CI) values. A similar CI value (55.9 ± 0.7%) was obtained for the MAE process, comprising only three stages, compared with the conventional optimized procedure (55.5 ± 1.0%) with five stages. As a result, a greener and more environmentally friendly CNC extraction protocol was developed with a reduction in time, solvent, and energy consumption. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffractogram (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and thermal stability studies of samples confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components after the chemical treatments. TEM images revealed a spherical shape of CNCs with an average size of 21 ± 6 nm, showing great potential to be used in food packaging, biological, medical, and photoelectric materials. This study successfully applied MAE for the extraction of spherical-shaped CNCs from AS with several advantages compared with the conventional procedure, reducing costs for industry.

This study evaluates the effect of two contrasting years, in terms of climatic parameters, on kernel morphology and content and on the composition of oil, tocopherols and the 11 macro- and micro-elements in almonds. Low precipitation and high temperatures increased the content of tocopherols, Cu and Zn but decreased the kernel ratio, the oil content, and the levels of macro-elements and of Cr, Fe, Mn and Mo. The obtained data indicate some statistically significant correlations among the kernel quality parameters and climate. A small variation in oil concentration with the highest value in 'Texas' (60.07%) was observed. The main tocopherol homologue was α-tocopherol (39.4 to 404.4 mg/100 g DW), representing more than 90% of the total tocopherols. Potassium was predominant (882.0 to 1104.5 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and sodium. The most abundant micro-elements were iron (3.095 to 3.708 mg/100 g) and zinc (2.641 to 4.765 mg/100 g), followed by manganese, copper, molybdenum and chromium. The genotype 15/03 has the highest level of health-promoting compounds (α-tocopherol, potassium and zinc), so that, together with genotype 25/03 which showed the best response to changing climatic conditions, this genotype could be of interest for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effects of sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus) suspension (SAS) on the measurements of blood biochemical parameters in male albino mice, in which hyperlipidemia was induced experimentally. Materials and Methods: Seventy male albino mice were divided randomly into seven groups (10 mice/group). The first group was the untreated control group (negative control). The second group comprised hyperlipidemic mice that did not receive SAS treatment (positive control). The other five groups consisted of hyperlipidemic mice that were orally administered five different doses of SAS (285, 571, 857, 1128, and 1428 mg/kg body weight). Hyperlipidemia was induced in mice by adding 1% cholesterol to the diet along with 0.5% H2O2 to the drinking water, with ad libitum access to both food and water for 60 consecutive days. Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, clotting time, and platelet count were measured. Serum lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TAG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], very LDL-C [VLDL-C], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) was also determined. Results: Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and clotting time significantly increased only in groups treated with SAS, especially at the dosage of 1428 mg/kg compared with the positive control group. Blood platelet count significantly decreased in SAS-treated groups. The serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C in the SAS-treated groups (857, 1128, and 1428 mg/kg) significantly decreased, whereas the serum level of HDL-C significantly increased compared with that of the positive control group. Conclusion: SAS administered orally at 1428 mg/kg body weight was the dose that most significantly decreased platelet count and serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C and increased prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and clotting time as well as serum level of HDL-C in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic mice.

The use of microsatellite (SSR) markers has successfully found its application in genetic characterization and examination of the origin of a large number of fruit species. Mediterranean germplasm is characterized by a great variety of almond genotypes. The study covered two geographically distant regions Montenegro (Bar) and Croatia (Sibenik) in a sample of 60 almond genotypes. Genetic analysis of almonds involved the use of ten microsatellite primers for genetic characterization of 60 examined genotypes, which successfully amplified PCR products and were highly polymorphic. Nine microsatellite markers used for the genetic characterization of almonds are derived from Prunus persica (UDP97-402, UDP98-411, UDP96-005, UDP98-407, BPPCT039, BPPCT014, BPPCT026, BPPCT034, BPPCT0kA) and one from Prunus armeniaca (PacA33). Statistical analyses (AMOVA and Fst) of the genetic characterization of the two almond populations revealed different levels of statistically significant genetic differentiation between the populations from the mentioned areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to determine various proximate chemical properties and fatty acid profiles of ten promising almond genotypes selected from the Yeşilyurt district of Malatya province. The ratio of crude oil was minimum in YSY-14 (53.10%) and maximum in YSY-22 (66.42%) genotypes, however, the ratio of protein was minimum in YSY-54 (63.1%) and maximum in YSY-68 (26.79%) genotypes. In the study oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and stearic acid, the content of the selected genotypes were ranged from 71.09% (YSY-15) to 79.49% (YSY-61), 11.04% (YSY-61) to 18.75% (YSY-59), 5.47% (YSY-68) to 6.65% (YSY-62), 0.56% (YSY-22) to 0.72% (YSY-14), 1.07% (YSY-50) to 1.64% (YSY-54), respectively. Besides, they had 86.85% - 91.39% unsaturated fatty acid content, 6.65% - 7.95% saturated fatty acid content, and 11.05-13.26% unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water availability is a very important factor for the growth and development of plants, which limits the plant production capacity. Rootstocks are widely utilized to improve plants tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, physiological and biochemical responses of fifteen almond rootstock candidates to drought stress were investigated under in vitro conditions. The shoot tips from fifteen almond rootstock candidates were cultured in MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L BAP, 0.01 mg/L IBA, 30 g/L sucrose and 7 g/L agar. Plantlets were exposed to 0%, 1% and 2% polyethyleneglycol (PEG) as drought stress levels during four weeks. At the end of the stress period, the genotypes were evaluated in terms of total number of shoots per explant, the proline, chlorophyll, total phenolics, total flavonoids and total protein contents, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities of the shoots were determined. The results showed that the drought stress increased total flavanoids, phenolic compounds and proline contents, while it reduced the number of shoots, chlorphyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents. Moreover, the drought stress increased the activities of APX, CAT and SOD enzymes in all genotypes. On the other hand, it decreased the protein content in six genotypes but increased the protein content in the nine genotypes. Based on the results, it was observed that the almond genotypes were generally tolerant to the drought. However, it was determined that the genotypes numbered 9, 29 and 185 showed more tolerant to the drought as compared to the other genotypes. These results suggest that improving the antioxidant system can enhance the drought tolerance of rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out in Gaziantep between 2012-2013 in order to determine almond cultivars suitable for irrigated conditions. 21 cultivars and 6 species of almond genetic resources in Gaziantep Pistachio Research Institute were used as materials. Almond cultivars were Glorieta, Super Nova, Ayles, Guara, False Barese, Moncayo, Ne Plus Ultra, Ferrastar, Marta, Bertina, Bozkurt, Halit Bey, Garrigues, Ferragnes, Cristomorto, Nonpareil, Ferraduel, Yaltinski, Sonora, Texas and Peerless, and Almond species were; Amygdalus orientalis Mill., A. turcomanica Lincz., A. webbii Spach, A. arabica Oliver, A. bucharica Korsh. and A. kuramica Korsh. The earliest flowering among almond species were at Amygdalus orientalis Mill. and A. webbii Spach. flowering 4 days before nonpareil almond cultivar; followed by A. kuramica Korsh. and A. bucharica Korsh, bloomed 1 day before Nonpareil almond cultivar; and the latest flowering was observed at A. turcomanica Lincz. and A. arabica Oliver which bloomed 10 and 12 days after Nonpareil almond cultivar. The earliest flowering within the cultivars was observed at Sonora (-3) followed by Peerless (-1), Nonpareil (0), Texas (+2), Ferrastar (+2), Bozkurt (+4), Moncayo (+4), False Barese (+6), Ne Plus Ultra (+6), Marta (+6), Halit Bey (+6), Garrigues (+7), Ferragnes (+8), Cristomorto (+9), Ayles (+9), Yaltinski (+9), Ferraduel (+10), Super Nova (+11) and Bertina (+11), respectively, and the latest flowering was observed at Glorieta (+12) and Guara (+12).

This work proposes the revalorization of almond shell (AS) wastes as an active additive for food packaging applications. A new microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method to obtain extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity was optimized. An experimental design to optimize the MAE procedure through response surface methodology (RSM) using a Box–Behnken design was proposed. The effects of extraction temperature, irradiation time, ethanol:water concentration, and solvent pH at three levels were evaluated in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays). The optimal conditions found were 57 min, 80 °C, pH 8, and 70% (v/v) ethanol. Optimized MAE extracts showed low soluble protein content (0.43 mg BSA g−1) and were rich in TPC (5.64 mg GAE g−1), flavonoids (1.42 mg CE g−1), and polysaccharides (1.59 mg glucose g−1), with good antioxidant capacity (2.82 mg AAE acid g−1). These results suggest the potential application of these extracts in the food industry as active additives. This strategy opens new pathways to valorize almond shell residues, contributing to the circular economy.

Almonds (Prunus amygdalus) are a rich source of many essential nutrients. However, there is a lack of enough information on almond varieties' biochemical composition, especially at the germination stage. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the chemical components of the germinating Tunisian almonds. The study included determining the content of oils, proteins, fatty acids, and triglycerides during germination. Results indicated that the oleaginous seeds are rich in oil (55 to 65% of the dry mass) and crude protein (21.825 mg/mL). The dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids are oleic and linoleic acids which represent 64.53% and 24.38%, respectively, while palmitic acid is the most dominant saturated fatty acid with 7.65% of the total fatty acids. Also, the primary molecular types of triglycerides detected by L.C. analysis are triolein (32.3%) and dioleolinolein (24.0%), followed by palmitodiolein (12.5%) and oleodilinolein (12.6%.). The physico-chemical properties study revealed that almond oil remains stable, thus preserving its quality and nutritional value, even during transition from dormancy to germination. On the other hand, we also detected the presence of a lipolytic activity which is maximum on the 3rd day of germination (4.66 mUI). Our results indicate that almond oil plays an important role in human nutrition due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, and it is more stable than other oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effect of two contrasting years, in terms of climatic parameters, on kernel morphology and content and on the composition of oil, tocopherols and the 11 macro- and micro-elements in almonds. Low precipitation and high temperatures increased the content of tocopherols, Cu and Zn but decreased the kernel ratio, the oil content, and the levels of macro-elements and of Cr, Fe, Mn and Mo. The obtained data indicate some statistically significant correlations among the kernel quality parameters and climate. A small variation in oil concentration with the highest value in ‘Texas’ (60.07%) was observed. The main tocopherol homologue was α-tocopherol (39.4 to 404.4 mg/100 g DW), representing more than 90% of the total tocopherols. Potassium was predominant (882.0 to 1104.5 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and sodium. The most abundant micro-elements were iron (3.095 to 3.708 mg/100 g) and zinc (2.641 to 4.765 mg/100 g), followed by manganese, copper, molybdenum and chromium. The genotype 15/03 has the highest level of health-promoting compounds (α-tocopherol, potassium and zinc), so that, together with genotype 25/03 which showed the best response to changing climatic conditions, this genotype could be of interest for breeding programs.

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effects of sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus) suspension (SAS) on the measurements of blood biochemical parameters in male albino mice, in which hyperlipidemia was induced experimentally. Materials and Methods: Seventy male albino mice were divided randomly into seven groups (10 mice/group). The first group was the untreated control group (negative control). The second group comprised hyperlipidemic mice that did not receive SAS treatment (positive control). The other five groups consisted of hyperlipidemic mice that were orally administered five different doses of SAS (285, 571, 857, 1128, and 1428 mg/kg body weight). Hyperlipidemia was induced in mice by adding 1% cholesterol to the diet along with 0.5% H2O2 to the drinking water, with ad libitum access to both food and water for 60 consecutive days. Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, clotting time, and platelet count were measured. Serum lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TAG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], very LDL-C [VLDL-C], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) was also determined. Results: Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and clotting time significantly increased only in groups treated with SAS, especially at the dosage of 1428 mg/kg compared with the positive control group. Blood platelet count significantly decreased in SAS-treated groups. The serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C in the SAS-treated groups (857, 1128, and 1428 mg/kg) significantly decreased, whereas the serum level of HDL-C significantly increased compared with that of the positive control group. Conclusion: SAS administered orally at 1428 mg/kg body weight was the dose that most significantly decreased platelet count and serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C and increased prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and clotting time as well as serum level of HDL-C in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agriculture is an integrated form of agriculture combines techniques of ancient knowledge with current science and targets to exclude inorganic fertilizers, growth regulators and pesticides. Generally organic products are accepted as healthier and better tasting. This opinion is more common for fruits and vegetables. Series of studies on comparison of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables have been performed but comparison of analytical quality parameters lacks in previous studies especially fatty acids and volatile aroma compounds. This study compares pomological parameters, some selected chemical properties, fatty acid composition and volatile aroma compounds of organic and conventionally grown Ferragnes and Ferraduel almond cultivars. Results indicated significant differences between cultivars and growing systems suggesting a better overall market quality for organic kernel samples. Total oil and linoleic acid was lower in organic samples, whereas oleic was higher (82.4% in both cultivars) when compared with conventional samples (78.9% for Ferragnes and 75.8% for Ferraduel). Most of the aroma compounds detected in this present study are new record for almond aroma-active compounds. In an overall view, organic samples resulted with higher contents of aroma compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two species, one new and another known, of Aporcella , isolated from the rhizosphere of fruit trees in East Azarbaijan, Iran, are described, including morphological data and D2-D3 rDNA LSU sequences. Aporcella malekimilanii sp. n. is characterised by its 1.9-2.7 mm long body, lateral chord bearing glandular bodies, lip region offset by weak constriction and 14-17 μ m broad, odontostyle 13-15 μ m long with aperture occupying 60% of its length, neck 476-619 μ m long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 58-63% of total neck length, uterus simple and 91-100 μ m long, V = 55-61, tail conical (44-56 μ m, c = 41-58, c′ = 1.2-1.7) with finely rounded tip and a short terminal hyaline portion, and male unknown. New data are provided for A. vitrinus , whose Iranian material fits very well the known populations of the species. Molecular analyses reveal close evolutionary relationships of the two species with other representatives of the genus, supporting its monophyly, and confirm that they belong to a major clade with non-aporcelaimid taxa, the relationship with discolaims deserving further attention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Shell hardness shows a very high variability in almond. • Shell hardness is not highly correlated to kernel percentage as previously described. • The reference cultivars for shell hardness do not reflect hardness variability. Abstract Shell-cracking load was measured in a sample of 54 almond cultivars, most of them from the autochthonous germplasm of Majorca (Spain), through a compression test. The shell-cracking load ranged from 58 N in 'Nonpareil' to 1415 N in 'Alzina', showing the large variability of shell hardness in almond nuts, distributed in 21 mean groups. The results confirmed the suitability of this method for estimating shell hardness due to its reproducibility and small variance within cultivars. Although shell hardness has been traditionally correlated with shelling percentage, our results show that shell hardness may be an independent variable due to its weak correlation with shelling percentage, nut weight and kernel weight. Additionally, our results show that the hardness scores in almond need to be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research work investigated the optimization of biodiesel production from Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus) Seed oil (SASO) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) models through base (NaOH) transesterification. The Central Composite Design (CCD) optimization conditions were temperature (30 °C to 70 °C), catalyst concentration (0.5%w/w to 2.5% w/w), reaction time (45 min–65 min) and oil/methanol molar ratio (1:3 mol/mol to 1:7 mol/mol). The physico-chemical properties of the seed oil and the methyl ester were carried out using standard methods. The fatty acids were determined using GC-MS and characterized using FT-IR techniques. An optimized biodiesel yield of 94.36% from the RSM and 95.45% from the ANN models respectively were obtained at catalyst concentration of 1.5w/w%, reaction time of 65 min, oil/methanol molar ratio of 1:5 mol/mol and temperature of 50 °C. The quality of the RSM model was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Model statistics of the ANN showed comfortable values of Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 6.005, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.786 and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of 1.89306. The RSM and ANN models gave coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9446 and correlation coefficient (R) of 0.96637 respectively. Highlights • Sweet almond seed oil biodiesel production optimized using statistical models. • The results of RSM and ANN models are comparable with high accuracy. • Optimum conditions were at low factor values. • Reaction time has the greatest effect on the biodiesel yield. • The methyl ester would emit less air pollutants and have low thermal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) can grow under dry climate and harsh soil conditions. The fruits are drupe. Seed-propagated almond populations exist in various parts of Turkey. Several studies have been performed to select the promising genotypes among these populations with regard to fruit quality, yield, late foliations and etc. characteristics. Rich almond populations are shown around the foothills of Erciyes Mountain in Kayseri province of Central Anatolia. In this study, some fruit and biochemical characteristics of 34 almond genotypes selected as promising genotypes with regard to late foliation and yield were determined. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in investigated traits of the genotypes. Of selected genotypes, fruit weights varied between 1.5±0.4-7.6±0.5 g, fruit lengths between 40.7±0.7 - 19.9±2.9 mm, fruit heights between 17.4±0.8 - 10.3±2.1 mm and fruit widths between 27.6±0.7 - 11.8±0.7 mm. With regard to fruit shape of genotypes, 13 were identified as long oval, 12 as elliptical, 5 hearth-shaped and 4 as round. Considering the biochemical characteristics, crude oil contents varied between 54.9 - 42.1% and protein contents varied between 24.6 - 17.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, comparative investigation for the bioremoval of cyanide from synthetic aqueous solution by Prunus amygdalus (Almond) shell (PAS) and Tectona grandis (Sagwan) leaves (TGL) powder have been performed as a function of solution pH, bioadsorbent dose, contact time and initial cyanide concentration. The cyanide uptake by PAS and TGL powder has been quantitatively estimated using sorption isotherms. The equilibrium data are best fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm model for PAS and TGL powder respectively. The monolayer capacity of PAS and TGL powder for cyanide adsorption as calculated by Langmuir isotherm are 32.05 mg/g and 18.45 mg/g respectively. The kinetic data are found to follow closely the pseudo-second order kinetic model for both the bioadsorbents. The present study shows that such low cost materials could be used as efficient bioadsorbents for the removal of cyanide from aqueous solutions.

Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) can grow under dry climate and harsh soil conditions. The fruits are drupe. Seed-propagated almond populations exist in various parts of Turkey. Several studies have been performed to select the promising genotypes among these populations with regard to fruit quality, yield, late foliations and etc. characteristics. Rich almond populations are shown around the foothills of Erciyes Mountain in Kayseri province of Central Anatolia. In this study, some fruit and biochemical characteristics of 34 almond genotypes selected as promising genotypes with regard to late foliation and yield were determined. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in investigated traits of the genotypes. Of selected genotypes, fruit weights varied between 1.5±0.4- 7.6±0.5 g, fruit lengths between 40.7±0.7 - 19.9±2.9 mm, fruit heights between 17.4±0.8 – 10.3±2.1 mm and fruit widths between 27.6±0.7 – 11.8±0.7 mm. With regard to fruit shape of genotypes, 13 were identified as long oval, 12 as elliptical, 5 hearth-shaped and 4 as round. Considering the biochemical characteristics, crude oil contents varied between 54.9 - 42.1% and protein contents varied between 24.6 – 17.7%.

Bitterness in almonds is controlled by a single gene (Sk dominant for sweet kernel, sk recessive for bitter kernel) and the proportions of the offspring genotypes (SkSk, Sksk, sksk) depend on the progenitors’ genotype. Currently, the latter is deduced after crossing by recording the phenotype of their descendants through kernel tasting. Chemical markers to early identify parental genotypes related to bitter traits can significantly enhance the efficiency of almond breeding programs. On this basis, volatile metabolites related to almond bitterness were investigated by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry coupled to univariate and multivariate statistics on 244 homo- and heterozygous samples from 42 different cultivars. This study evidenced the association between sweet almonds’ genotype and some volatile metabolites, in particular benzaldehyde, and provided for the first time chemical markers to discriminate between homo- and heterozygous sweet almond genotypes. Furthermore, a multivariate approach based on independent variables was developed to increase the reliability of almond classification. The Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis classification model built with selected volatile metabolites that showed discrimination capacity allowed a 98.0% correct classification. The metabolites identified, in particular benzaldehyde, become suitable markers for the early genotype identification in almonds, while a DNA molecular marker is not yet available.

A comparative study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic activity from the aqueous extract of dried pericarp of Prunus amygdalus Bail and ethanolic extract of dried flower of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. against the standard Acarbose. The aqueous extract of P. amygdalus and ethanolic extract of H. rosa-sinensis were extracted by the continuous hot extraction process. The qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract and ethanolic extract reveals the presence of phytosterols, phenols, carbohydrates, flavanoids, saponins, amino acids and alkaloids, phenol, tannins, cardiac glycoside, saponin and flavonoids, respectively. In vitro pharmacological activity of P. amygdalus and H. rosa-sinensis were performed and compared by a-amylase inhibition assay method. The percentage inhibition of a-amylase by P. amygdalus, H. rosa-sinensis and Acarbose (50 &100 µg/mL) at dose of 50mg/mL and 100mg/mL were found to be 60.11±2.74%,74.86±0.31*%, 71.36± 1.86%, 81.49±1.72%, 82.33±1.10% and 95.37±0.56*%, respectively. The IC50 values were found to be 40.26µg/mL for acarbose, 49.63mg/mL for ethanolic extract of H. rosa-sinensis and 56.42mg/mL for aqueous extract of P. amygdalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sweet-seeded domesticated almonds were brought to the Mediterranean Basin from central Asia about 4000 years ago. In Italy, most of the almonds produced are cultivated in the southern part of the country. Local populations of the tree in Sardinia are largely seed-derived and mostly self-incompatible, so have developed extensive genetic diversity. The need to protect biodiversity has prompted a revived interest in local genetic materials in almond. Two Italian collections have been established, one in Sardinia and the other in Apulia. These collections were the focus of the present evaluation of genetic diversity. Results: Eleven SSRs (microsatellites) were used for fingerprinting. The Sardinian germplasm was highly polymorphic, revealing a mean of 14.5 alleles per locus and a mean heterozygosity of 0.71. Using a model-based clustering approach, two genetic clusters were distinguished: one included all the commercial varieties and most of the Sardinian accessions, and the other most of the Apulian accessions. A similar structure was produced using a distance-based cluster analysis. The Sardinian accessions could still be distinguished from the commercial germplasm with few exceptions. Conclusion: The extensive genetic variability present in the Sardinian and Apulian almond germplasm indicates that these materials represent an important source of genes for the improvement of the crop.

Abstract Prunus amygdalus is used in the folk medicine that proved the interest of this plant which cures many diseases. Many researchers are interested to valorize almond waste (hull and shell) and to evaluate their biological and pharmacological activities. In this work, polysaccharides from Prunus amygdalus shell were extracted sequentially by water, ammonium oxalate and hydrochloric acid. The monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides fractions was performed by GC–MS. Water-soluble polysaccharide was found to be the most effective extracting agent with an extracted yield of 9%. The acid Soluble Polysaccharides (ASP) exhibited the highest galacturonic acid content (31.95%), the highest polysaccharides extractability (88.57%) and the lowest degree of esterification (31.76%). The different polysaccharides fractions were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and SEC/MALS/VD/DRI. The antioxidant tests (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) indicated that ASP showed even better antioxidant activities. Moreover, the result of the antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 and B-16 cells showed that ASP exhibited strong cytotoxicity ability which confirmed that the Prunus amygdalus peels may comprise the natural raw materials for new drug and functional food. Highlights • Extraction of polysaccharides from Prunus amygdalus peels in three mediums was performed • Physico-chemical characterization and preliminary spectroscopic analyses revealed that the polysaccharides were pectin-like • The extracted polysaccharides exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against B-16 and Caco-2 cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different pollen sources including five cultivated almond cultivars (Genco, Tuono, 15-5, Filip Ceo, and Supernova) on quantity and quality of chemical composition of two Iranian self-incompatible cultivars (Shahrood 12 and Shahrood 21) as well as self-pollination of these cultivars were investigated. Results showed a variation in oil content and fatty acid composition between two studied cultivars. The oil content was not affected by pollination treatments but the fatty acid composition of almond oil significantly was influenced by type of the pollen source. The most common unsaturated fatty acids found in the kernels of all treatments were oleic acid (68.72-88.26%) and linoleic acid (10.57-22.36%). The type of pollen source with modified oleic/linoleic acid ratio affected the oil quality. The highest oleic/linoleic acid ratio was obtained in Shahrood 12 (8.35%) and Sharood 21 (4.78%) cultivars, which pollinated with Filip Ceo and Supernova pollens, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the seasonal changes of total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in samples taken from leaves (April, July, October) and stems (April, July, October, January) of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties (Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas). RESULTS: It was indicated that antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas showed seasonal differences. Antioxidant activity IC50 of these varieties reached the highest value in April for leaves whereas in October for stems. The highest level of total phenolic compounds was in January for stems while in October for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that total antioxidant activity and phenolics in leaves and stems of almond varieties changed according to season and plant organ.

El examen de la diversidad alélica del locus S en diez cultivares mallorquines de almendro ha mostrado la presencia del alelo Sf en cuatro de ellos, así como la presencia de cinco nuevos alelos no identificados hasta ahora. Aunque el alelo Sf se ha descrito como responsable de la expresión de la autocompatibilidad del almendro, recientemente se ha descubierto que tiene dos expresiones fenotípicas diferentes, por lo que no siempre se puede considerar un índice de la autocompatibilidad de los genotipos que lo presentan. El estudio de los cuatro cultivares mallorquines que presentan este alelo ha confirmado su autoincompatibilidad, de manera que este alelo se expresa en estos cultivares en su forma fenotípicamente activa, como también se ha comprobado en un grupo de cultivares del sur de Italia, lo que podría indicar una conexión entre estas dos poblaciones mediterráneas de almendro. [ca] L’examen de la diversitat al·lèlica del locus S en deu cultivars mallorquines d’ametller ha mostrat la presència de l’al·lel Sf en quatre, així com la presència de cinc al·lels nous fins ara no identificats. Encara que l’al·lel Sf s’ha descrit com a responsable de l’expressió de l’autocompatibilitat de l’ametller, fa poc que s’ha descobert que té dues expressions fenotípiques diferents, pel que no sempre es pot considerar un índex de l’autocompatibilitat dels genotips que el tenen. L’estudi de les quatre cultivars mallorquines que presenten aquest al·lel ha confirmat la seva autoincompatibilitat, de manera que aquest al·lel s’hi expressa en la seva forma fenotípicament activa, com també s’ha comprovat en un grup de cultivars del sud d’Itàlia, fet que podria indicar una connexió entre aquestes dues poblacions mediterrànies d’ametller.

Blooming time is an essential trait in almond cultivars, mainly because of the occurrence of frosts during bloom and early fruit development, when the flowers and the young fruits are very sensitive to freezing temperatures. Traditional almond growing has been mostly restricted to coastal regions where the risk of frosts was minimal or nil, but at present it is shifting to two very different environments: inland regions with high frost incidence and subtropical regions with very low chilling accumulation. Therefore, the chilling and heat requirements for almond blooming have acquired the highest interest when describing a new cultivar and, as a consequence, these requirements have been analysed in this review, as well as the genetics of blooming time as a basis for defining late bloom as an objective in breeding programmes or not. Additionally, the breeding efforts directed to obtain later blooming cultivars have been reviewed, stating that no breeding has been yet undertaken towards earlier bloom because many traditional cultivars were early blooming. Almond breeding has been highly effective in obtaining very late blooming cultivars, well adapted to growing regions with high frost risks, but these very late blooming releases may conversely show adaptation problems in low chilling regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to target antidepressant drug loaded nano-suspension using novel bioexcepient isolated from kernels of Prunus amygdalus and explore the capability of external acoustic meatus as novel acoustic drug delivery system. We isolated the biomaterial and performed various physicochemical evaluations along with spectral analysis including UV, IR, Mass, NMR, SEM. The bio-nano suspension formulated with the novel bioexcepient was tested for its functional properties. Eight formulations of escitalopram were prepared by using biomaterial as a retardant cum stabilizer and glycerin as nanosizent. All formulations were subjected to various evaluations, including pH, dispersibility, entrapment efficiency, particle size, mucoadhesion, in vitro release and stability. Our results revealed that the biopolymer possess promising retardibility cum stability and mucoadhesivity. Based on the in vitro and pharmacodynamic results obtained, it can be concluded that significant amount of drug reaches to the brain via external acoustic meatus and so it is feasible to deliver antidepressant molecule by this novelistic route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large mineral fillers have long been used in papermaking for many reasons. The finish of the writing and printing paper depends on using the fillers as internal or surface treatments. During this study, Tamarisk sp. and Prunus amygdalus pulp-filled papers with raw phosphogypsum (PG) and calcined PG (CPG) at different percentages were studied. First, the prepared minerals (treated and untreated ones) were characterized by different analytical methods such as SEM and EDS. Subsequently, different handsheets with a basis weight 60 g − 2 were prepared on a Rapid Khöten sheet former following the standard method. The added amounts of PG and CPG fillers were included from 0% to 15% based on the pulp. The effects of incorporation as well as the quality fillers into physical and optical properties were assessed. It can be deduced that the incorporation of CPG at 800 °C improved filler retention by as high as 92%, and the optical properties of the filled paper was strikingly enhanced, while the strength properties were practically negatively influenced. It was clear that calcinationstepsreduce the fiber–filler–fiber bond. Thus, results are in accordance with the SEM observation, which confirmed the obtained physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond is the most important nut species worldwide and almond kernels show the highest levels of tocopherols among all nuts. In almond, tocopherols not only play a substantial role as a healthy food for human consumption, but also in protecting lipids against oxidation and, thus, lengthening the storage time of almond kernels. The main tocopherol homologues detected in almond in decreasing content and biological importance are α-, γ-, δ-, and β-tocopherol. Tocopherol concentration in almond depends on the genotype and the environment, such as the climatic conditions of the year and the growing management of the orchard. The range of variability for the different tocopherol homologues is of 335-657 mg/kg of almond oil for α-, 2-50 for γ-, and 0.1-22 for β-tocopherol. Drought and heat have been the most important stresses affecting tocopherol content in almond, with increased levels at higher temperatures and in water deficit conditions. The right cultivar and the most appropriate growing conditions may be selected to obtain crops with effective kernel storage and for the most beneficial effects of almond consumption for human nutrition and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharka disease caused by the infection with the Plum pox virus (PPV) in stone fruit trees is worldwide the most devastating for stone fruit production. Until now, good sources of resistance to PPV within the peach group have not been available. There are no commercial cultivars of peach that are resistant to PPV. Other Prunus species are known to show varying levels of resistance. Interspecific hybrids GF 677 (Prunus amygdalus × P. persica) and Cadaman (P. davidiana × P. persica) were revealed to be resistant to PPV. The resistance to a Dideron isolate of the descendants of Cresthaven × GF 677 and Cresthaven × Cadaman and their progenitors was evaluated after inoculation by chip-budding in a sealed screenhouse. Results demonstrate a certain level of resistance in both progenies of interspecific hybrids and indicate a potential for PPV resistance transfer to commercial peach cultivars but it will be necessary to perform backcrosses with peach cultivars of agricultural interest in order to return pomological and agronomic traits. For the definitive confirmation of resistance/susceptibility it will be necessary to wait until the adult stage of hybrids.

The use of almond by products as substrate in greenhouses for growing vegetables has a great economic interest. The objective of this work was to assess the use of two almond by-products (almond shell-AS and almond hull-AH), which had been previously conditioned without composting, as substrates for pepper (cv. Caprino F1) production and to study their effects on the yield, fruit size, and fruit mineral content. Physical, physico-chemical, and chemical characteristics of the almond by-products were determined both initially and during the pepper growing season. Initially, all values of the parameters studied ― except sulfur and iron ― differed significantly between the two substrates. During cultivation, the 18 substrate parameters and variables tested - except bulk density - exhibited significant variations with time for AS; the same occurred for AH, exceptions being pH, total nitrogen Nt, N-NH4, bulk density, and manganese. The changes in both substrates for the K, N, and S concentrations were significant. The nutrient levels in AH were higher than for AS. The almond shell and almond hull substrates produced slight decreases in total fruit yield with respect to the control (0.79 and 3.22 for AS and AH, respectively), with a lesser decrease for AS, due to reductions in the number of fruits per plant rather than to reductions in individual fruit weight. The plants grown on the AS and AH substrates showed a decrease in total fruit yield, due to reductions in the number of fruits per plant rather than reductions in individual fruit weight.