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The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest terrestrial animal on Earth and is found primarily in Southern and Eastern Africa. It is a hindgut, colonic fermenter and subsists on a diet of raw plant materials found in its grazing area. In this study the bacterial, archaeal and fungal populations of seven African savanna elephant fecal metagenomes were first characterized using amplicon sequencing. On the genus level it was observed that the p-1088-a5 gut group in the bacteriome, Methanocorpusulum and Methanobrevibacter in the archaeome and Alternaria, Aurobasidium, Didymella and Preussia in the mycome, predominated. Subsequently, metagenomic shotgun sequencing was employed to identify possible functional pathways and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Carbohydrate catabolic pathways represented the main degradation pathways, and the fecal metagenome was enriched in the glycohydroside (GH) class of CAZymes. Additionally, the top GH families identified - GH43, GH2, GH13 and GH3 - are known to be associated with cellulytic, hemicellulytic and pectolytic activities. Finally, the CAZymes families identified in the African savanna elephant were compared with those found in the Asian elephant and it was demonstrated that there is a unique repository of CAZymes that could be leveraged in the biotechnological context such as the degradation of lignocellulose for the production of second-generation biofuels and energy., (© 2024 The Author(s). Animal Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.)

Biological control of weeds involves deliberate introduction of host‐specific natural enemies into invaded range to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species. Assessing the specificity is a crucial step, as introduction of generalist natural enemies into a new territory may pose risks to the recipient communities. A mechanistic understanding of host use can provide valuable insights for the selection of specialist natural enemies, bolster confidence in non‐target risk assessment and potentially accelerate the host specificity testing process in biological control. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of studies on the genomics of host specialization with a view to examine if genomic signatures can help predict host specificity in insects. Focusing on phytophagous Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, we compared chemosensory receptors and enzymes between "specialist" (insects with narrow host range) and "generalist" (insects with wide host range) insects. The availability of genomic data for biological control agents (natural enemies of weeds) is limited thus our analyses utilized data from pest insects and model organisms for which genomic data are available. Our findings revealed that specialists generally exhibit a lower number of chemosensory receptors and enzymes compared with their generalist counterparts. This pattern was more prominent in Coleoptera and Diptera relative to Lepidoptera. This information can be used to reject agents with large gene repertoires to potentially accelerate the risk assessment process. Similarly, confirming smaller gene repertoires in specialists could further strengthen the risk evaluation. Despite the distinctive signatures between specialists and generalists, challenges such as finite genomic data for biological control agents, ad hoc comparisons, and fewer comparative studies among congeners limit our ability to use genomic signatures to predict host specificity. A few studies have empirically compared phylogenetically closely related species, enhancing the resolution and the predictive power of genomics signatures thus suggesting the need for more targeted studies comparing congeneric specialists and generalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Electrochemical Transistor fabricated from conducting polymer material, PEDOT: PSS has been demonstrated towards study of plant response to salt stress. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies of OECT under both in‐vivo and in‐vitro salt stress monitoring conditions have been carried out. Change in ionic concentration induced in the biological system of a living plant subjected to salt stress has been elucidated in terms of change in impedance of biosensor integrated in its stem. The impedance data recorded was used to derive equivalent distributed‐element circuit models for the device, under both in‐vivo and in‐vitro conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote sustainability, this review explores: 1) the utilization of affordable high‐performance sensors that can enhance food safety and quality, plant growth, and disease management and 2) the Internet of Things (IoT)‐supported sensors to empower farmers, stakeholders, and agro‐food industries via rapid testing and predictive analysis based on sensing generated informatics using artificial intelligence (AI). The performance of such sensors is noticeable, but this technology is still not suitable to be used in real applications owing to the lack of focus, scalability, well‐coordinated research, and regulations. To cover this gap, this review carefully and critically analyzes state‐of‐the‐art sensing technologies developed for food quality assurance (i.e., contaminants, toxins, and packaging testing) and plant growth monitoring (i.e., phenotyping, stresses, volatile organic components, nutrient levels, hormones, and pathogens) along with the possible challenges. The following has been proposed for future research: 1) promoting the optimized combination of green sensing units supported by IoT to perform testing at the location, considering the remote and urban areas as a key focus, and 2) analyzing generated informatics via AI should also be a focus for risk assessment understanding and optimizing necessary safety majors. Finally, the perspectives of IoT‐enabled sensors, along with their real‐world limitations, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of agroecosystems depends on the ecosystem services, provided by beneficial organisms, such as the syrphids (Diptera: Syrphidae) acting as other‐insect predators and pollinators in different crops. In the case of olive groves, syrphids are predators of important pests and are endangered by the continuous intensification of agriculture, including landscape simplification. In this work, the effect of landscape structure on the abundance and species richness of syrphids in the olive agroecosystem of central Spain is assessed.Adult syrphids were sampled in 2015 and 2016 in the centre of circular areas of 15 olive grove landscapes (from 250 to 1500 m radius) representing a gradient of landscape complexity, in the province of Madrid, central Spain.The syrphid assemblage was made up of 57 species, although Eupeodes corollae, Eristalis tenax, Eristalis similis and Chrysotoxum intermedium made up 76% of the captures.Syrphid abundance and species richness were favoured in complex landscapes, with low olive grove area (CAO). Other landscape indices showed also this trend although their effect was not as strong and consistent as that of CAO. The area of scrublands (CAS) favoured syrphids in spring, but was unfavourable in autumn. The effect of Shannon's Evenness Index (SHEI) and mean shape index (MSI) was less consistent. The effect of CAO increased with increasing buffers radii, while the effect of CAS, SHEI and MSI was detected in general at smaller radii, indicating these indices affect different processes.Redundancy analysis (RDA) detected some differences between species regarding their abundance in spring versus autumn, and their relationship with landscape indices.This work provides new evidence that maintenance of complex landscapes is essential for maintaining functional biodiversity in the olive agroecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring insect abundance or species richness at high spatial and temporal resolution is difficult due to personnel, maintenance, and post‐processing costs as well as ethical considerations. Non‐invasive automated insect monitoring systems could provide a solution to address these constraints. However, every new insect monitoring design needs to be evaluated with respect to reliability and bias based on comparisons with conventional methods.In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of an automated moth trap (AMT), built from off‐the‐shelf‐hardware, in capturing declines in moth abundance, by comparing it to a conventional, lethal trap. Both trap types were operated five times on 16 plots from the beginning of July 2021 to the end of August 2021.On average AMTs recorded fewer individuals than conventional traps. However, both trap types depicted the same seasonal decline of approximately 3% per day, which corresponded to a total difference of ~85% over the sampling period. Given our sample size, both trap types had the same limitations in their reliability to detect smaller changes in abundance trends.This first proof of concept demonstrated that AMTs depict large magnitude events such as phenological patterns just as well as conventional, lethal traps. Therefore, AMTs are a promising tool for future autonomous and non‐lethal monitoring, which paves the way for high temporal coverage and resolution in insect monitoring. However, this initial quantitative field test revealed that its long‐term applicability must be preceded by several adjustments to the image quality, power supply and to data transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Electronic devices that can physically disappear in a controlled manner without harmful by‐products unveil a wide range of opportunities in medical devices, environmental monitoring, and next‐generation consumer electronics. Their property of transience is indispensable for mitigating the global problem of electronic waste accumulation. Additionally, transient technologies that are biocompatible and can be biologically resorbed are of great potential for applications in temporary medical implants, since it eliminates the need for expensive device recovery surgery. Transistors are the key building blocks of modern electronics, and their fabrication using organic materials is beneficial due to their low cost, unprecedented flexibility and facile processing. This contribution reviews the technological application of biodegradable materials in four major classes of organic transistors, namely organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), organic synaptic transistors, electrolyte‐gated OFETs, and organic electrochemical transistors. The fundamental biodegradation mechanism is discussed in detail, followed by a perspective of various biodegradable materials utilized as active semiconductors, dielectrics, electrolytes and substrates in the various types of organic transistor devices. This contribution comprehensively discusses the role and application of biodegradable materials in all of the key modern‐day organic transistors, highlighting their unique properties that allow the fabrication of biodegradable, eco‐friendly, and sustainable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the transport of ions and nutrients in the plant stem is determined by destructive techniques or by radiolabeled compounds. Here, materials science and mathematical modeling have been combined to develop a sensor device that can monitor in real time and simultaneously the concentration of ions and the saturation in the plant's xylem. The device, based on the technology of organic electrochemical transistors, is biomimetic, biocompatible, low‐cost, and minimally invasive. The mathematical model decodes the sensor's response and decouples the effects of concentration and saturation over time. In this work, this scheme is demonstrated by monitoring the condition of tomato plants subjected to vapor pressure deficit for 16 d, and to drought and salt stress for up to 25 d. Results of the work have the potential to impact on the analysis of plant's physiology, improve water use efficiency in small and large‐scale agriculture, and maximize yield with a minimum amount of fertilizer/nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface‐active arthropods have limited dispersal abilities and their abundances are responsive to changes in the environment. Their sensitivity allows for the identification of aspects of environmental variation that are responsible for changes in community assemblages of these arthropods. Limited dispersal abilities allow for changes in the populations of surface‐active arthropods to be linked reliably to changes in their local environment. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that seasonal variation in resource availability drives assemblages of three groups of surface‐active arthropods (ants, beetles and spiders). Ten study sites were selected, where sampling was carried out continually during the wet, austral summer season (December 2018–February 2019) and then repeated at the same sites in the dry winter season (June 2019–August 2019) in a mesic savannah of Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Pitfall trapping was used to sample the surface‐active arthropods. We found 89 morphospecies of ants, 48% of which were members of the Myrmicinae, while 32% of the 163 morphospecies of beetles were the Scarabaeidae. There were 262 morphospecies of spiders, of these, 22% were from the Salticidae. We found similar abundance and species richness of ants between seasons but significantly greater abundance and species richness of beetles and spiders in summer than in winter. These results show that the impact of seasonal variation in resource availability differs among arthropod taxa. However, the species compositions of all three taxa were significantly different between summer and winter. These results can be explained by the 'niche differentiation hypothesis' coupled with the 'resource‐ratio hypothesis'. Additionally, these results highlight the role that temporal and dietary niche differentiation play in driving the assemblage composition of surface‐active arthropods in a mesic savannah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the interactions involving oak acorns and associated arthropods focusing on the role of the introduced Quercus rubra in Italy.We conducted our study in areas where native oaks coexist with Q. rubra. We carried out a survey on the arthropods inhabiting fallen acorns and a colonisation experiment. Furthermore, we conducted laboratory experiments documenting the interactions among the most abundant arthropod species on Q. rubra.Acorns were colonised by ant species and carpophagous insects showing different preferences concerning acorns' position within the leaf litter and oak species. Acorns of Q. rubra were colonised frequently by ants (mostly Temnothorax nylanderi) and Cydia fagiglandana. Cydia splendana preferred native acorns, while Curculio beetles were ubiquitous. Our data suggest that ants occupy exclusively acorns previously attacked by Cydia, killing or displacing their caterpillars if still developing inside the acorns. Vertebrates may prefer to feed on Q. rubra acorns over native species.Quercus rubra has a meaningful influence on native arthropods associated with oak acorns. The ecological consequences of this interaction are still not fully clear, yet our data suggest an increase in acorn‐consuming insects, partly affecting the acorns of neighbouring native oaks, but also an increase of predatory ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far the limited knowledge about the diet of omnivores and generalist predators in olive groves has not allowed the clarification of their role as natural enemies. Stable isotope (δN15 and δC13) analysis is a useful tool for predicting the trophic position of a high number of species, the variety of basal resources and the flux of energy in the food web. We have explored the possible consumers of two important pests in the olive grove: adults of Prays oleae Bern (Lepidoptera: Praydidae) during its anthophagous generation and the pupae of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In addition, we have included in the study the adult instar of the secondary pest Euphyllura olivina (Costa) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). These arthropods were clustered in isotopic groups according to their similarities in δN15 and δC13 content assuming that, in this case, they shared similar feeding habits. Using this criterion, we obtained eight isotopically different groups of predators and eleven groups of phytophagous insects. We have used Bayesian mixing models in order to identify the potential predators of the different pests included in our study and the proportion that each pest occupied in the diet of the identified predators. Different taxa of spiders and Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) have emerged as potential predators of B. oleae. Moreover, Gnaphosidae (Araneae) showed suitable isotopic characteristics to be identified as potential predator of P. oleae and A. nemoralis has been confirmed as a predator of E. olivina. The presence of E. olivina as an abundant resource encourages the settlement of natural enemies in olive orchards which feed on this secondary pest, but are also ready to feed on any insect outbreak, for example P. oleae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost biosensors that can rapidly and widely monitor plant nutritional levels will be critical for better understanding plant health and improving precision agriculture decision making. In this work, fully printed ion‐selective organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) that can detect macronutrient concentrations in whole plant sap are described. Potassium, the most concentrated cation in the majority of plants, is selected as the target analyte as it plays a critical role in plant growth and development. The ion sensors demonstrate high current (170 µA dec−1) and voltage (99 mV dec−1) sensitivity, and a low limit of detection (10 × 10−6 m). These OECT biosensors can be used to determine potassium concentration in raw sap and sap‐like aqueous environments demonstrating a log‐linear response within the expected physiological range of cations in plants. The performance of these printed devices enables their use in high‐throughput plant health monitoring in agricultural and ecological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive groves constitute a landscape that covers a large area in the Mediterranean basin, with essential economic importance, but which can also have environmental importance if an olive grove landscape is designed that favours populations of beneficial insects. Bees are also essential from an economic and environmental viewpoint and are in increasing decline. This work aimed to determine the landscape parameters in the olive agroecosystem that favour bee populations. Fifteen olive groves were sampled in central Spain throughout 2015 and 2016. Bees belonging to 6 families and 24 genera were captured. The most numerous family was Halictidae, and the most numerous genus Lasioglossum. The parameter that mostly affected the abundance and richness of bee genera was the scrubland area (CAMME), with a positive effect. The olive grove area (CAO) had a negative effect in general, although the responses of the different families vary slightly. The configuration of the landscape (MSI) also positively affected bees, which indicates the importance of maintaining linear elements with wild vegetation, to contribute to the maintenance of these important insects. Environmental conditions can affect the importance of olive grove as a supplier of resources for bees, being greater in dry and warm years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nanomaterials has been very recently introduced in plant biotechnologies, for both the monitoring and the enhancement of plants functions. Several functional interfaces between living plants and nanotechnology have been successfully reported for diverse applications, from sensing to photosynthesis and energy production and from modulation of physiological activity to controlled delivery of chemicals. In this work, a photoactive, biohybrid interface based on a prototypical semiconducting polymer, sensitive to green light, and Arabidopsis thaliana plants is reported. Optical excitation of polymer beads is shown to deterministically regulate the Arabidopsis stomatal aperture, the leaf pores which regulate the plant carbon dioxide uptake, oxygen release, and transpiration processes. Moreover, it is observed that excitation of bio‐polymer hybrid interfaces optically modulates the cytosolic calcium ions concentration, which is involved, as a second messenger, in the regulation of stomatal movements. The results support the possibility to employ light‐responsive organic materials to regulate on demand the physiological activity of plant systems, in a drug‐free, touchless, and easily controllable way. When transferred to the field, this strategy may represent an innovative approach to optimize the exchange of gases and water loss of plants, and to improve the plant resilience toward environmental constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hyperdiverse order Coleoptera comprises a staggering ~25% of known species on Earth. Despite recent breakthroughs in next generation sequencing, there remains a limited representation of beetle diversity in assembled genomes. Most notably, the ground beetle family Carabidae, comprising more than 40,000 described species, has not been studied in a comparative genomics framework using whole genome data. Here we generate a high‐quality genome assembly for Nebria riversi, to examine sources of novelty in the genome evolution of beetles, as well as genetic changes associated with specialization to high‐elevation alpine habitats. In particular, this genome resource provides a foundation for expanding comparative molecular research into mechanisms of insect cold adaptation. Comparison to other beetles shows a strong signature of genome compaction, with N. riversi possessing a relatively small genome (~147 Mb) compared to other beetles, with associated reductions in repeat element content and intron length. Small genome size is not, however, associated with fewer protein‐coding genes, and an analysis of gene family diversity shows significant expansions of genes associated with cellular membranes and membrane transport, as well as protein phosphorylation and muscle filament structure. Finally, our genomic analyses show that these high‐elevation beetles have endosymbiotic Spiroplasma, with several metabolic pathways (e.g., propanoate biosynthesis) that might complement N. riversi, although its role as a beneficial symbiont or as a reproductive parasite remains equivocal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In studies of frugivorous tephritids, determining when offspring (i.e. egg and three larval instars) mortality occurs within the fruit can greatly improve the mechanistic understanding of the fly/host interaction. Previous research has demonstrated that the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, has differential offspring performance in two tomato cultivars Cherry and Roma, but when juvenile mortality was occurring was not determined. We examined B. tryoni egg and larval survival in three different ripening stages (immature‐green (IG), colour‐break (CB) and fully‐ripe (FR)) of Cherry and Roma tomato cultivars through destructive fruit sampling at 72 and 120 hr for eggs, and 48 (1st instar), 96 (2nd instar) and 120 hr (3rd instar) after fruit inoculation with neonates for larvae. Cultivar and ripening stage had no significant effect on egg survival, nor larval survival at 48 hr: the overall percentage of egg survival was at least 80% across all treatments, while 1st‐instar larval was less than 52% across all treatments. In immature‐green tomatoes of both varieties, nearly all mortality occurred during the first and second instars, but at 96 and 120 hr, there were significant interaction effects between cultivar and ripening stage on larval survival. In both colour‐break Cherry and Roma tomatoes, there was significant larval mortality between 96 and 120 hr. However, in fully‐ripe Cherry, no further significant larval mortality happened after 48 hr, while in fully‐ripe Roma significant larval mortality occurred between the first and second larval instars but not thereafter. The difference in timing of larval mortality with ripening stage provides indirect evidence of active fruit defence which is strongest in immature‐green fruit, less in colour‐break fruit and absent in fully‐ripe fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive groves on steep slopes with a low yield account for 29.6% of the total olive growing area in Andalusia, Spain. This type of olive grove is at high risk of abandonment. Thus, apart from their productive function, we should also take into consideration the ecosystem services that they provide.The diversity of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera was studied in sloping olive groves under conventional, organic, and abandoned farming systems. Line‐transect methods were used to survey butterflies in different olive grove treatments, which were defined by a combination of farming systems and soil management systems.The greatest diversity of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera was observed in organic and abandoned olive groves with cover crops. Mechanical soil tillage was found to have a negative effect in conventional and organic tillage treatments. From this viewpoint, although abandonment has economic repercussions, it does not lead to a loss of biodiversity. The environmental variables with the greatest influence are landscape complexity and the presence of areas of shrubland. The species Pyronia bathseba appears to be strongly associated with long‐abandoned olive groves.The results of this study confirm that the presence of sloping olive groves with cover crops and long‐abandoned groves set in heterogeneous landscapes and with areas of shrubland nearby, help to explain the distribution of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera communities, as well as fostering their richness and abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (OLF) is a major agricultural pest, whose control primarily relies on the use of chemical insecticides. Therefore, development of sustainable control strategies is highly desirable. The primary endosymbiotic bacterium of OLF, 'Candidatus Erwinia dacicola', is essential for successful larval development in unripe olive fruits. Therefore, targeting this endosymbiont with antimicrobial compounds may result in OLF fitness reduction and may exert control on natural populations of OLF. RESULTS: Here, we evaluate the impact of compounds with antimicrobial activity on the OLF endosymbiont. Copper oxychloride (CO) and the fungal metabolite viridiol (Vi), produced by Trichoderma spp., were used. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to assess the effect of oral administration of these compounds on OLF fitness and molecular analyses (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) were conducted to measure the load of OLF‐associated microorganisms in treated flies. CO and Vi were both able to disrupt the symbiotic association between OLF and its symbiotic bacteria, determining a significant reduction in the endosymbiont and gut microbiota load as well as a decrease in OLF fitness. CO had a direct negative effect on OLF adults. Conversely, exposure to Vi significantly undermined larval development of the treated female's progeny but did not show any toxicity in OLF adults. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights into the symbiotic control of OLF and pave the way for the development of more sustainable strategies of pest control based on the use of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In focusing on how organisms' generalizable functional properties (traits) interact mechanistically with environments across spatial scales and levels of biological organization, trait‐based approaches provide a powerful framework for attaining synthesis, generality and prediction. Trait‐based research has considerably improved understanding of the assembly, structure and functioning of plant communities. Further advances in ecology may be achieved by exploring the trait–environment relationships of non‐sessile, heterotrophic organisms such as terrestrial arthropods, which are geographically ubiquitous, ecologically diverse, and often important functional components of ecosystems. Trait‐based studies and trait databases have recently been compiled for groups such as ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, spiders and many others; however, the explicit justification, conceptual framework, and primary‐evidence base for the burgeoning field of 'terrestrial arthropod trait‐based ecology' have not been well established. Consequently, there is some confusion over the scope and relevance of this field, as well as a tendency for studies to overlook important assumptions of the trait‐based approach. Here we aim to provide a broad and accessible overview of the trait‐based ecology of terrestrial arthropods. We first define and illustrate foundational concepts in trait‐based ecology with respect to terrestrial arthropods, and justify the application of trait‐based approaches to the study of their ecology. Next, we review studies in community ecology where trait‐based approaches have been used to elucidate how assembly processes for terrestrial arthropod communities are influenced by niche filtering along environmental gradients (e.g. climatic, structural, and land‐use gradients) and by abiotic and biotic disturbances (e.g. fire, floods, and biological invasions). We also review studies in ecosystem ecology where trait‐based approaches have been used to investigate biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships: how the functional diversity of arthropod communities relates to a host of ecosystem functions and services that they mediate, such as decomposition, pollination and predation. We then suggest how future work can address fundamental assumptions and limitations by investigating trait functionality and the effects of intraspecific variation, assessing the potential for sampling methods to bias the traits and trait values observed, and enhancing the quality and consolidation of trait information in databases. A roadmap to guide observational trait‐based studies is also presented. Lastly, we highlight new areas where trait‐based studies on terrestrial arthropods are well positioned to advance ecological understanding and application. These include examining the roles of competitive, non‐competitive and (multi‐)trophic interactions in shaping coexistence, and macro‐scaling trait–environment relationships to explain and predict patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem functions across space and time. We hope this review will spur and guide future applications of the trait‐based framework to advance ecological insights from the most diverse eukaryotic organisms on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between Bactrocera oleae (Rossi 1790) and its endosymbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola is important to achieving effective control of the olive fly population in the field. This bacterium plays a crucial role in the life of B. oleae and is necessary for its fitness. Thus, in the absence of the endosymbiont, B. oleae wild populations in the field might decrease considerably. Copper is one of the most used antimicrobials for horticultural crops worldwide, and its efficacy against Ca. E. dacicola has been demonstrated in field trials. Propolis is another natural antimicrobial compound largely used for its activity in several fields. If propolis and copper prove to be efficient against wild populations of the endosymbiont B. oleae in the field, such a biological restraint might improve sustainable agriculture. We evaluated, under laboratory conditions, the effect of two different copper products (at two different concentrations, 5% and 20%) and propolis on the content of Ca. E. dacicola in the eggs and in the adult oesophageal bulbs of B. oleae. Bulbs were extracted twice, after 2 and 5 weeks of exposure. Real‐time PCR on the bulbs showed a reduction in Ca. E. dacicola content in flies treated with copper (at both 5% and 20%), and from the first to the second extraction, while flies treated with propolis showed an increment of the relative abundance of Ca. E. dacicola. Both copper products (5% and 20%) reduced the egg production after 2 and 5 weeks in comparison with the control and propolis treatments. Moreover, adult mortality was significantly higher with propolis compared with the other treatments. Thus, our results encourage further research in order to develop new tools for the control of the olive fly in the framework of an integrated pest management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification has greatly affected biodiversity in recent decades. One common and recent transformation that has taken place in Mediterranean countries is olive grove intensification, although its effects on biodiversity have rarely been studied.In the present study, we investigated the effect of soil management practices, with versus without soil cover crops, on the arthropod abundance, richness, diversity and species composition in Andalusia olive groves, South Spain.The results obtained show that these soil cover crops positively affect the diversity of arthropods, along with other variables such as the diversity of the plant community and Shannon index of the landscape. By contrast, the number of arthropods was higher in olive groves with bare ground as a result of the abundance of two families (Entomobryidae and Aeolothripidae), which comprised more than 50% of all the individuals collected.Rank abundance diagrams and multivariate analyses showed differences between the two types of soil management systems with respect to the composition of families.In conclusion, soil cover crops strongly improve the diversity of arthropods in olive orchards, which helps to maintain biodiversity in these intensive agroecosystems at the same time as improving other ecosystems services, such as soil fertility and the prevention of soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The susceptibility of 20 widely distributed mill and table olive varieties to Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) as affected by irrigation, and fruit diameter and oil content was evaluated in a 3‐year trial in Southern Spain. Bactrocera oleae was bivoltine life cycle in the experimental site, with significant differences among population size throughout the study. Even though the olive fruit fly damaged all varieties, significant differences in susceptibility were detected. Among the mill olive varieties “Nevadillo Blanco de Jaén” was the most susceptible, with average infestation levels ranging between 6.7% and 52.2% and between 10.3% and 69.2% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively, and “Arbequina” was the least susceptible, with average infestation levels ranging between 0.6% and 12.7% and between 2.3% and 18.5% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Among the table olive varieties, “Gordal Sevillana,” “Ascolana Tenera” and “Ocal” were the most susceptible (with average infestation levels reaching 39.7%, 36.5% and 33.3%, respectively), while “Callosina” was the least susceptible (with infestation levels of only 8.4%). Irrigation tended to promote both B. oleae infestation and its earlier occurrence compared to the rainfed condition. Even though the diameter and oil content were positively correlated with B. oleae fruit infestation (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.5 and 0.95), the present work reveals that other yet‐unknown factors may influence B. oleae oviposition preferences. The results of this study can be useful for breeding programmes to develop olive varieties resistant to B. oleae and provide key information for wide‐area olive fly pest management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was carried out to examine the validity of previous studies on the intercompatibility of olive and to compare the approach and techniques used for proposing the diallelic self‐incompatibility system and the sporophytic self‐incompatibility system. Analysis of the literature indicates that the mating system of the olive tree is a controversial issue and requires further studies to clearly and fully comprehend it. All possible approaches should be used to maximize reliability of the final conclusions on the olive mating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmentally friendly control measures are necessary for the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi). Predation of pupae in soil should be better understood because it contributes to the natural control of pest populations. A time course field trial was carried out in 2015 and 2016 in 15 olive orchards selected to represent a gradient of landscape complexity. Exclusion cages were used to estimate predation rate. A combination of tillage intensity and soil coverage by herbaceous vegetation, hereafter referred to as soil condition, was also assessed as a factor affecting predation rate. The viability of the pupae recovered from the field was also evaluated. Predation was higher in the autumn than in late winter–early spring, although predation rate values were generally quite low. Landscape structure affected predation. In the autumn, the area of Mediterranean scrublands promoted predation in the olive groves. In late winter–early spring, weak tendencies were registered. Soil condition affected predation in autumn as well. The intense tillage and poor soil coverage were related to lower values of predation rate. To favour conservation biological control of B. oleae by pupae predation, it is advisable to reduce the intensity of soil management, especially in autumn, and to preserve areas of scrublands surrounding the olive groves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed at testing whether the partial substitution of NaCl with KCl (50 or 75% relative substitution) in the fermenting brine of green table Nocellara del Belice olives debittered using two used method (Spanish and Castelvetrano) affected the presence of nutritionally relevant molecules (tocopherols, carotenoids, squalene, phenolic compounds) or the organoleptic characteristics of the table-ready product. Results support the effectiveness of NaCl partial substitution by potassium chloride for olive processing, with the advantage of a significant decrease in the amount of sodium in the end product. The presence of the main bioactive molecules remained substantially unchanged, but KCl was associated with an increase in bitterness in both debittering methods. However, bitter properties (bitter, persistence and aftertaste) of olives obtained through the modification of Castelvetrano method still remained below those debittered with the classic Spanish method preserving, for such olives, the characteristic of 'sweet olives'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive fly ( Bactrocera oleae R.) is the most harmful insect pest of olive ( Olea europaea L.) which strongly affects fruits and oil production. Despite the expanding economic importance of olive cultivation, up to now, only limited information on plant responses to B. oleae is available. Here, we demonstrate that olive fruits respond to B. oleae attack by producing changes in an array of different defensive compounds including phytohormones, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and defense proteins. Bactrocera oleae-infested fruits induced a strong ethylene burst and transcript levels of several putative ethylene-responsive transcription factors became significantly upregulated. Moreover, infested fruits induced significant changes in the levels of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid and C12 derivatives of the hydroperoxide lyase. The emission of VOCs was also changed quantitatively and qualitatively in insect-damaged fruits, indicating that B. oleae larval feeding can specifically affect the volatile blend of fruits. Finally, we show that larval infestation maintained high levels of trypsin protease inhibitors in ripe fruits, probably by affecting post-transcriptional mechanisms. Our results provide novel and important information to understand the response of the olive fruit to B. oleae attack; information that can shed light onto potential new strategies to combat this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, consumers are concerned about the toxicological implications and in a great demand for more information about the presence of organic residues and contaminants in vegetable oils. Pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals can be readily accumulated in vegetable oil during the cultivation, processing and storage. Those chemical contaminants or its metabolites are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and immunotoxic, which result in serious damages to human health. With public health and economic losses considered, many analytical methods have been reported for the determination of chemical contaminants in vegetable oils. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the historical and current methods for the determination of contaminants in oil samples, discuss and evaluate the features, advantages and limitations, and finally outline the prospects for the multi-class chemical contaminants determination in vegetable oils. Practical applications: Different strategies and advantages of analytical methods for determination of chemical contaminants in vegetable oils are discussed and evaluated. The features and the prospects are useful for the development of the multi-class methodology in lipid matrix. Vegetable oils are widely used for cooking and processing in the food industry, meeting dietary demands. Major chemical contaminants, such as pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals, are commonly found in vegetable oils. In this review, we provide an update on the historical and current methods for the determination of contaminants in oil samples, discuss and evaluate different analytical methods and techniques, and finally outline the prospects for the determination of major chemical contaminants in vegetable oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A new controlled-release pheromone 1,7-dioxaspiro[5,5]undecane dispenser has been developed, which is useful for monitoring the population and controlling Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) (Diptera: Tephritidae). For this purpose, several kinds of dispensers based on attapulgite were designed and tested in this study. Results The designed dispensers, together with the commercial-brand olive fruit fly 'Long-Life Lure', which was used as a reference, were evaluated in the field, and in parallel were subjected to an accelerated ageing process in a chamber with a constant temperature and air speed. The residual pheromone content was periodically determined by liquid-gas chromatography in order to obtain the half-life of dispensers and the pheromone release rate. The mesoporous dispenser proved to have the best performance in the field, with a half-life of 5 months and an average emission speed of 0.6 mg day−1, parameters very close to those obtained with the commercial dispenser tested. In addition, to evaluate the effectiveness of the different dispensers in the field, a duplicate comparative study of captures was designed, and a colony monitoring study of the olive fruit fly was performed using various food and sex attractants. Conclusions Although no significant differences in captures were found between the dispensers tested, the highest number of captures was obtained on average with the mesoporous dispensers demonstrating good pheromone emission characteristics.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive fly population was monitored weekly on two olive cultivars ( Buža and Istarska bjelica), from June until mid October, in Rovinj and Livade (Istria, Croatia). The number of eggs, larvae, and pupae was established and the total and active infestation was calculated. The fruit infestations for early and for late harvesting were obtained based on the calculated regression equation. For the prediction of the changes in the oil quality parameters linear regression slopes, obtained by Koprivnjak et al., were used. We established a strong positive correlation between DD accumulation and cumulative capture of flies, as well as with the total and active fruit infestations. According to obtained results it can be stated that I. bjelica is less sensitive to decrease in total phenols amount, to increase in free fatty acids mass ratio and to increase in peroxide values comparing to Buža. Moreover, the differences in investigated parameters between earlier and late harvesting dates in I. bjelica are lower due to lower infestation predicted for both harvesting dates and due to lower sensitivity to the changes in quality parameters. Therefore, early harvesting date as a model for preventing fruit damage and as a model for preventing negative change in oil quality parameters is a valid tool. However, the effectiveness of this model could also depend on the characteristics of olive cultivar. Practical applications: Understanding the factors that affect the olive fly attack is the basis of scientific and practical interest in the production of olives and olive oil. Research of monitoring methods allows reliable forecasting and determining protection measures. Knowledge about this topic could contribute to the reduction of insecticides use and to the improvement of quality and food safety concept in olive oil production. Damaged olive fruits are proved to directly affect the quantitative and qualitative properties of olive oils. The most important fruit damage is caused by the olive fly ( Bactrocera oleae Gmelin). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fungal communities are likely to be central in mediating microbial feedbacks to climate change through their effects on soil carbon (C) storage, nutrient cycling, and plant health. Plants often produce increased fine root biomass in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), but the responses of soil microbial communities are variable and uncertain, particularly in terms of species diversity. In this study, we describe the responses of the soil fungal community to free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) in a semiarid chaparral shrubland in Southern California (dominated by Adenomstoma fasciculatum) using large subunit rRNA gene sequencing. Community composition varied greatly over the landscape and responses to FACE were subtle, involving a few specific groups. Increased frequency of Sordariomycetes and Leotiomycetes, the latter including the Helotiales, a group that includes many dark septate endophytes known to associate positively with roots, was observed in the FACE plots. Fungal diversity, both in terms of richness and evenness, increased consistently in the FACE treatment, and was relatively high compared to other studies that used similar methods. Increases in diversity were observed across multiple phylogenetic levels, from genus to class, and were distributed broadly across fungal lineages. Diversity was also higher in samples collected close to (5 cm) plants compared to samples in canopy gaps (30 cm away from plants). Fungal biomass correlated well with soil organic matter (SOM) content, but patterns of diversity were correlated with fine root production rather than SOM. We conclude that the fungal community in this ecosystem is tightly linked to plant fine root production, and that future changes in the fungal community in response to elevated CO2 and other climatic changes will be primarily driven by changes in plant belowground allocation. Potential feedbacks mediated by soil fungi, such as soil C sequestration, nutrient cycling, and pathogenesis, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-dominated landscapes are characterized by a mosaic of natural and managed ecosystems, affecting arthropod communities on different spatial scales. Effective landscape management for functionally important organisms suffers from little understanding of organism spillover between semi-natural habitats and adjacent crops, and of how it is affected by the surrounding landscape., We examined syrphid abundance (Diptera: Syrphidae) in three types of linear semi-natural habitats, differing in connectedness to annual crops and forest [forest edges ( n = 12), forest-connected hedges ( n = 11) and isolated hedges ( n = 12)], as well as in the adjacent oilseed rape or winter wheat fields (i.e. altogether n = 70 sites in 35 landscapes). The landscape circles with 1 km radius around the study sites differed in the proportion of oilseed rape (ranging from 0% to 35% oilseed rape) enabling us to test landscape-scale effects of oilseed rape., Aphidophagous syrphids were more abundant in forest-connected hedgerows than in forest edges (with isolated hedges being intermediate), and more abundant in crop fields adjacent to hedgerows than adjacent to forest edges, indicating spillover from semi-natural habitats to the adjacent crop fields. Aphidophagous syrphid abundance was higher in semi-natural habitats adjacent to oilseed rape fields than adjacent to wheat fields if the proportion of oilseed rape in the landscape was low (indicating local concentration)., Synthesis and applications. This study highlights the potential of hedgerows to enhance the abundances of beneficial syrphids and their spillover to adjacent crop fields, especially when they are connected with forests. We provide evidence that this local exchange is moderated by the extent of mass-flowering crops in the surrounding landscapes due to local concentration. Therefore, measurements for the improvement in local biological functioning should be evaluated by simultaneously investigating local and regional aspects of crop configurations to allow for region-specific management recommendations. Increasing the total amount of hedgerows in the agricultural matrix under moderate landscape-scale proportions of mass-flowering crops may serve best for the conservation of biodiversity and augmentation of important ecosystem services such as biological control and pollination in landscapes dominated by agricultural cultivations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the use of a new LC method with a fused-core analytical column coupled to ESI- MS to determine residues of the biopesticide spinosad in bee pollen and beeswax. The method analyzes the active ingredients, spinosyns A and D, with a simple and efficient sample treatment (recovery between 90 and 105%) consisting of a solid-liquid extraction with acetone (bee pollen) or acetonitrile (beeswax). The method was validated in terms of selectivity, LOD, LOQ, linearity, and precision. The LOD and LOQ values ranged between 0.1-0.2 and 0.4-0.7 μg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the precision obtained within the linear concentration range (LOQ 500 μg/kg) was satisfactory (RSD lower than 5%). Finally, the proposed method was applied to analyze bee pollen and beeswax samples collected from apiaries located close to fruit orchards in two Spanish regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape ecology studies on pest control have focused mainly on annual crops and natural enemies, whereas more studies measuring pest pressure on perennial crops are needed., The relationships between the abundance and damage by Bactrocera oleae ( Rossi) and different landscape indices were analyzed using data gathered by a regional network during 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Jaén, Spain. Eleven indices of landscape composition and configuration calculated at six different spatial scales (radii of 500, 600, 750, 1000, 1500 and 2000 m) were used in correlation analyses., Significant correlations between abundance and some indices were observed primarily during Julian days 236-264 (24 August to 21 September) 2010. These correlations were negative with edge density, the Shannon landscape diversity index and the number of patches, and were positive with patch size standard deviation and mean patch size., Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify the indices most strongly related to the abundance of olive flies. These indices were mean patch size, edge density at 500-750 m and the Shannon landscape diversity index, as well as the number of patches at 1000-2000 m., These results suggest that greater landscape complexity may contribute to reduced numbers of B. oleae. More studies are needed to establish how to reduce olive fruit fly damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setting out from protected L-cysteine a 2, 5-diketopiperazine V can be synthesized, the reduction of which with NaBH4/TiCl4 leads to (6 R,8 aR)-7-methyl-6-(sulfanylmethyl)-thiazolidine [3,4- a] piperazine, L1H as well as N, N′-dimethyl-(2 R,5 R)-bis(sulfanylmethyl) piperazine, L2H2, which were separated and characterized. L2H2 can be obtained selectively, if V is reduced by NaBH4/TiCl4 in the presence of DIEA ·HCl, and it represents a precursor for a novel, chiral ligand, as after deprotonation it provides two thiolato and two amino donor functions for the coordination of a metal atom. Deprotonation of L1H and L2H2 with NaOMe followed by treatment with NiBr2(dme) led to the isolation of the dimeric complexes [L1NiBr]2 ( 1) and [L2Ni]2 ( 2), respectively. Both were fully characterized, and cyclic voltammetry indicated the possibility of NiII → NiIII oxidations for complex 2. 2 can be regarded as a structural model for the A clusters of the acetyl coenzyme A synthase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility of olive cultivars to the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae ( Rossi) ( Diptera: Tephritidae), has seldom been studied. This article examines factors associated with olive fruit fly infestation of 16 commonly planted Sicilian olive cultivars. Total infestation data were simultaneously correlated with categorical and quantitative factors using ordinal logistic regression. When all factors were included in the analysis, year, sampling date, cultivar, and fruit color were highly significant, but the quantitative factors fruit volume, fruit elongation, and fruit hardness were not. When the analysis was repeated excluding cultivar, all quantitative factors were significant, and elongation and volume were highly significant. Spherical, large, and hard fruit seemed to be preferred by B. oleae over fruit that are elongate, small, and soft. Therefore, fruit color, elongation, volume, and hardness provide useful information regarding the susceptibility of cultivars. In both organic and conventional olive cultivation, information about olive cultivar susceptibility to olive fruit fly will help orchard managers to produce quality oil and table olives while reducing treatments for olive fruit fly control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial apical necrosis (BAN), caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss), is currently the most limiting disease affecting the mango crop in the Mediterranean area. The copper-based compound Bordeaux mixture (BM) is considered to be the conventional treatment against BAN, but it does not act as a bactericide. Alternative experimental treatments to BM that are compatible with organic farming were tested for their ability to control BAN disease. Field trials were conducted over six seasons in different mango orchards with natural infestation of Pss. The experimental treatments included applications of Silicon gel (a commercial formulation of aqueous potassium silicate), dicalcium phosphate, Kaolinite, and Ulmasud B® (bentonite, powder); BM was applied as the conventional treatment. During the first two seasons (small-scale trial, 2002-2004), all these experimental compounds were applied in order to select those treatments providing the greatest reduction of BAN symptoms. In the next three seasons (2005-2008), a semi-commercial scale trial was carried out with the best-performing treatments, resulting in the selection of Silicon gel. Finally, Silicon gel was tested in a commercial scale trial during the last season (2008-2009). Trees treated with Silicon gel showed significantly fewer necrotic buds and leaves, reaching disease levels very similar to those using the conventional treatment with BM. However, minor differences in P. syringae-like population levels were observed, as has been described in previous studies. The possible mode of action of the Silicon gel is discussed. Currently, the Silicon gel compound is undergoing the registration process for its commercial use in mango management in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Understanding the response of species to ecotones and habitat edges is essential to designing conservation management, especially in mosaic agricultural landscapes. This study examines how species diversity and composition change with distance from semi-natural habitats, over ecotones into agricultural fields, and how within-site patterns of community transition change across a climatic gradient and differ between crop types. Location A total of 19 sites in Israel where semi-natural habitats border agricultural fields (wheat fields or olive groves) distributed along a sharp climatic gradient ranging between 100 and 800 mm mean annual rainfall. Methods We performed butterfly surveys in 2006. We analysed species richness (α-diversity), diversity, community nestedness and species turnover (β-diversity) within sites and between sites (γ-diversity). We also assessed where species of conservation concern occurred. Results In wheat sites, richness and diversity declined abruptly from ecotones to fields and remained homogenously poor throughout the fields, regardless of climate. In olive sites, despite the sharp structural boundary, richness and diversity remained high from the semi-natural habitat to the grove margins and then declined gradually into groves. Species of conservation concern occurred across all habitats at olive sites, but none were found inside wheat fields or at their ecotones. The contrast in community structure between semi-natural habitats and fields was affected by both climate and field type. Irrigation in arid regions did not augment species diversity. Main conclusions Our results indicate that consideration of crop type, within a climatic context, should receive high priority in biodiversity conservation in agricultural areas. In 'hostile' crops, such as wheat, we suggest favouring a combination of high-intensity management and wide margins over less intensive management without margins, which may merely aid generalist butterfly species. The scarcity of butterflies in arid irrigated fields suggests a need to carefully assess the effects of irrigation and agrochemicals on species' communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The walnut husk fly, Rhagoletis completa Cresson (Diptera: Tephritidae), has recently invaded Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France, probably crossing the alpine divide after its initial introduction into Italy. Here, the susceptibility of 36 walnut [ Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] cultivars to attack by R. completa was studied in an experimental orchard in Switzerland. Walnut cultivars differed significantly in infestation rates; cultivars that produced large, heavy fruit harboured significantly more larvae than cultivars that produced smaller fruit. Pupal weight was significantly influenced by cultivar, but not by any of the physical properties that we measured. For individual fruit within a cultivar, pupal weight was weakly related to fruit weight and infestation level. Adult longevity was correlated with pupal weight and appeared to be favoured in flies that developed in large-fruit cultivars. The longevities of adults recovered from different cultivars differed significantly. The shortest longevity was recorded for flies recovered from Geisenheim 1049 (39.2 ± 2.80 days) and the longest for flies recovered from Sheinovo (68.8 ± 21.75 days). Differences in diapause length were also highly significant and varied between 167 ± 5.1 (Esterhazy III) and 257.4 ± 8.21 days (Mayette). These results suggest that (1) across and within cultivars, walnut husk flies prefer to infest (i.e., they develop better in) large, heavy fruit, and (2) offspring that develop in large fruit are likely to accrue fitness advantages over the offspring of females using smaller fruit. Our results provide the basis for subsequent studies on resource defence by males, as they enable a prediction of which type of fruit males should defend more vigorously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, causing several diseases in solanaceous crops. Laboratory and field no-choice and choice experiments were conducted to evaluate the repellency of kaolin particle film on adults of B. cockerelli on tomato plants that had been sprayed with kaolin particle film on the upper surface only, on the lower surface only and on both leaf surfaces. In no-choice tests in the laboratory, the numbers of adults on leaves were not different between the kaolin particle film and the water control, regardless of which leaf surface(s) were treated, but numbers of eggs were lower on the leaves treated with kaolin particle film than on those treated with water. In choice tests on plants treated with water/plants treated with kaolin particle film at ratios of 1:1, 6:3 or 8:1, fewer adults and eggs were found on the leaves treated with kaolin particle film than on leaves treated with water. Under field conditions, in caged no-choice or choice tests, fewer adults, eggs and nymphs were found on plants treated with kaolin particle film than on plants treated with water. In an uncaged test under field conditions, plants sprayed with kaolin particle film had fewer psyllids than those sprayed with water. Even though potato psyllid adults could land on plants treated with kaolin particle film when no choice was given, fewer eggs were laid. When given a choice, the psyllids avoided plants treated with kaolin particle film under laboratory and field conditions. Kaolin particle film treatment may be a useful alternative for management of potato psyllids under field conditions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiological quality and biophenol content evolution was studied in minimally processed Thassos cv table olives by hot air dehydration under mild conditions (40°C, 24 h, a = 0.893) and storage under characteristic packaging conditions (vacuum, 100% N and air) at 4 and 20°C over a period of 180 days. No salt was used in the production line or packaging. The undesirable microorganisms ( Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Clostridium) were undetectable until the end of the storage period. Also, modified atmospheres prevented fungal growth at both temperatures apart from the samples stored in air, in which Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. were identified. At 20°C, a coexistence of mesophilic bacteria and yeasts occurred. At 4°C, yeasts were the predominant microflora. All of the samples analysed were found to be rich sources of the bioactive ingredients, elenolic acid (EA) glycoside and EA. Hydroxytyrosol and derivatives, caffeic acid, luteolin 7- O-glycoside, apigenin derivative and p-coumaric acid derivative assigned as comselogoside were the prevailing phenols in all of the samples. Although the levels of the above compounds decreased upon processing and storage, especially in the samples stored at 4°C, their presence is important for stability because of their high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Reducing the amount of salt used in the table olive processing and preservation seems to be an important innovation though this is not a straightforward process, as salt plays an important role in the microbiological quality of the end product. Our study faces such a challenge in the case of minimally processed Thassos cv olives by hot air dehydration under mild conditions (40°C, 24 h, a = 0.893), which, traditionally, are processed by means of salt. To our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on the evolution of microbiological quality and biophenol content of hot air-dried Thassos olives upon storage under characteristic modified-atmosphere packaging conditions (vacuum and 100% N). This experimentation provided evidence that this product can be considered as one with a satisfactory microbiological quality and nutritional value with regard to bioactive ingredients and the absence of salt. Assessment of the 'best before date' of this product is needed before commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a review of literature published in 2009 that covered issues related to the presence of pesticides and herbicides in the environment. The review is divided into nine sections, including analytical methods, toxicology, monitoring, ecology, fate and transport, modeling, risk assessment, management and minimization, and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work consists of a detailed study on the changes that occur in the oil of olives (Manzanilla and Hojiblanca cultivars) when subjected to previous storage before their processing as ripe olives. Storage significantly ( p < 0.05) increased acidity (0.998 and 0.438 g oleic acid/kg oil, respectively), peroxide value (10.21 and 13.86 mequiv O2/kg oil) and K270 (0.069 and 0.033) but decreased K232 (0.325 and 0.569). There was also a significant ( p < 0.05) increment in polar compounds (3.17 and 0.78%, mainly due to the formation of diacylglycerols and fatty acids), OOO + PLP triacylglycerol (1.37% only in Manzanilla), and erythrodiol (with an increment of ≈20 mg/kg oil) but significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased some triacylglycerols in Manzanilla (LLL, 0.022%; OLL, 0.243%; OOL + PoOO; 0.731%), polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n-6, 0.879 and 0.051 g/100 g oil while C18:2t, C18:3n-6, practically disappeared) and Δ5-avenasterol (9.16 and 9.75 mg/kg oil). In general, Hojiblanca cultivar was more resistant to fat deterioration than Manzanilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in melting points, enthalpy, and specific heat capacity of catfish visceral oil at each step of the purification process were studied. Melting points of -46.2 to 21.2 °C for crude oil, -45.9 to 11.5 °C for degummed oil, -44.3 to 11.4 °C for neutralized oil, -47.1 to 9.9 °C for bleached oil and -52.3 to 8.0 °C for deodorized oil were observed. Enthalpy (kJ/kg) was 74.1 for crude oil, 74.7 for degummed oil, 75.1 for neutralized oil, 79.3 for bleached oil, and 84.3 for deodorized oil. The specific heat capacities at 20 °C for crude, degummed, neutralized, bleached, and deodorized oils were 1.69, 1.96, 1.97, 1.91, and 1.83 kJ/kg °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]