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Simple Summary: Agroindustrial by-products serve as an alternative source of livestock feed, significantly contributing to the sustainability of livestock systems. A very interesting by-product is dehydrated orange pulp (DOP), generated by the industrial production of orange juice, Spain being the largest producer of it in Europe. The DOP could be used as food for ruminants, replacing cereals. We have shown that DOP could replace up to 80% of the cereals in diets without detrimental effects on milk production during complete lactation and the growth of the kids. Furthermore, the milk quality improved from the perspective of human health. As a continuation of that trial, and given the current consumer interest in the healthy properties of animal products, the present study examined the replacing cereal with DOP in the diet of dairy goats, and focused on the antioxidant compounds and fatty acid contents of artisanal cheeses made from raw milk. The vitamin E content, total phenols, and total antioxidant activity in the cheeses increased as the amount of dehydrated orange pulp in the diet rose. In summary, the use of dehydrated orange pulp contributes to both sustainable livestock practices and the quality of goat cheese. Agroindustrial by-products constitute an alternative source of feed livestock, and their use contributes to the sustainability of livestock systems and the circular bioeconomy. The effects of replacing cereal (0%, 40%, and 80%) with dehydrated orange pulp (DOP) in the diet of goats on the antioxidant and fatty acid (FA) contents of cheeses were evaluated. For a more suitable understanding of the role of coagulant enzymes in establishing the properties of the cheese, the effect of milk-clotting with animal and vegetable rennet was also analysed. The rennet did not substantially affect the FA or the antioxidant compounds, and the use of DOP did not affect the FA contents. However, the α-tocopherol levels, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in cheeses increased as the percentage of DOP replacing cereals increased. Moreover, the high correlation obtained between the TAC and the TPC (r = 0.73) and α-tocopherol (r = 0.62) contents indicated the important role played by these compounds in improving the antioxidant capacity of the cheese. In conclusion, DOP is a suitable alternative to cereals in the diet of goats and improves the antioxidant status of the cheese produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to inventory and study ethnobotanical knowledge of edible plants in the Valencian Community (Spain). In respect to culinary uses, 92 species of plant were reported to be edible, finding the following uses: 58 raw, 52 cooked, 16 fried, 7 dried, 21 in liquors and beverages, 25 in dessert and sweets, 11 as seasoning, 17 in pickles, and 10 to curdle milk. We prepared a database that includes genus, family, scientific, and vernacular names in Spanish and Catalan for each plant. We also created a classification of nine edible uses and plant parts used, being Asteraceae (n = 18), Brassicaceae (n = 7), Chenopodiaceae (n = 6), and Rosaceae (n = 6) the families most characterized for gastronomic purposes. The species with the most elevated cultural importance (CI) values were Foeniculum vulgare (CI = 1.389), Cynara scolymus (CI = 1.374), Papaver rhoeas (CI = 1.211), Beta vulgaris (CI = 1.167), and Juglans regia (CI = 1.155). The most used parts were the leaves (71), flowers (25), and branches (19), while the least used were roots (9) and seeds (8). Traditional knowledge of these plants helps to preserve traditional cuisine, promote the local economy and, in several species, encourage their cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive mealybug Delottococcus aberiae De Lotto (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) has become a key pest in Mediterranean citrus. This mealybug species excretes honeydew that can be consumed by ants, which may give rise to mutualistic relationships and increase the invasibility of this exotic pest. Here, we studied the interaction between D. aberiae and ants in 16 citrus orchards located in the main citrus-growing area of Spain (Valencia) during two consecutive years. Four native ant species were observed feeding on D. aberiae honeydew, and Lasius grandis Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) represented more than 95% of these ants. Lasius grandis was observed attending D. aberiae throughout the year and in all the orchard sites where the mealybug was present. Mealybug colony size had a positive effect on both relative and absolute ant-attendance by L. grandis, but these interactions varied across seasons. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between L. grandis activity and D. aberiae density in all citrus orchards. Our results suggest that the native ant L. grandis and the invasive pest D. aberiae have established a mutualistic association that promotes the establishment and accelerate the invasion of D. aberiae in Spanish citrus orchards. Further research with the aim of evaluating whether the management of this ant species can improve the control of D. aberiae in citrus would be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of microfacies, with special emphasis on the significance of larger benthic foraminifera, is used to interpret the occurrence of different marine subenvironments into a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic platform from the upper Campanian in the Prebetic domain, representing the southeastern margin of the Cretaceous Iberian paleoisland. Four foraminiferal assemblages have been recognized, each one specifically assigned to a depositional systems: (1) the outer to middle shelf with Neorotalia? pinetensis, Goupillaudina spp., gavelinellids, Orbitoides tissoti-media, Praesiderolites douvillei, and Navarella joaquini; (2) the upper part of the middle shelf with the presence of seagrass meadows Orbitoides tissoti-media, "Orbitoides" concavatus, Lepidorbitoides campaniensis, Planorbulina cretae, Sirtina ornata, Praesiderolites douvillei, Pseudosiderolites vidali, and Rotalia baetica; (3) the upper photic zone of the inner shelf, with constant wave agitation, inhabited by Orbitoides cf. megaloformis, Lepidorbitoides campaniensis, and Wannierina vilavellensis; and (4) the paralic shallow protected shelf with alternating marine/freshwater influences characterized by charophytes and Suturina minima. Results on larger foraminifera distribution show the similarities and differences with the benthic communities shallow water platform assemblages of the nearby Pyrenean paleobioprovince. This allows to rise the Upper Cretaceous shelfs of the Betic area as a fundamental biogeographic piece for larger benthic foraminifera migration patterns between the Tethyan domain and the other marine domains during the Late Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandarins are one of the most important citrus fruits in the world in terms of tons produced. The late-season varieties of mandarin have a great economic value due to their high production in a season with few mandarin varieties. The objective is to carry out a preliminary study of characterization and comparison of the morphological and biochemical properties of the late varieties 'Afourer', 'Tango', and 'Orri'. The characterization consisted of physicochemical parameters related to the quality of the fruits, highlighting the total antioxidant activity using ABTS and DPPH, the organic acids and sugars using HPLC and the metabolomics of the juice by 1H-NMR. Afourer' mandarins were heavier and larger (120.75 g, 67.60 mm) than the other two varieties studied. Mandarins of the 'Orri' variety showed a different organic acid profile compared to the other varieties studied, and a higher amount of sugars (13.49 g/100 mL). 'Tango' variety mandarins grown on the Forner-Alcaide rootstock stood out for having a larger weight (113.52 g), a more intense color, and a greater amount of phenolic compounds (966.85 mg AGE/L Forner) than the fruits grown on Citrus macrophylla. The metabolomics analysis showed that these mandarin varieties had mainly non-essential amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to specific fruit is key information for not only increasing fruit consumption, but also for marketing reasons. It may also give clues to breeders to set quality objectives. This study explores different aspects that help to explain blood vs. blond orange consumption: availability and consumption habit, satisfaction attributes, facilitators and consumption barriers, consumption contexts, expectations and purchase intention. The study was conducted in China, Mexico, Spain and Italy, where citrus fruit consumers were invited to respond an online questionnaire. Our results revealed Italy as the country with the highest availability and consumption of blood oranges, followed by China, Mexico and Spain. "Liking" and "healthy properties" were the most important reasons for consumption irrespectively of orange type, but certain differences among countries were detected in secondary reasons. In all the countries, "juicy" was the most relevant attribute for consumer satisfaction, followed by flavour/taste attributes. "Aromatic" and "unfibrous" were substantial requirements for Italians and Chinese, while Spaniards attached importance to the blood oranges colour. Regarding consumption contexts, "eat with salt or chilly powder" was specific for Mexico, while "to improve health", "as a gift" or "at a restaurant" were contexts mainly cited in China. Despite taste preferences for other fruit being the main consumption barrier in all the countries for both orange types, the relevance of other barriers depended on culture and orange type. Mexican participants seemed to take a more neophobic attitude to blood oranges, while "inconvenient" was reported as a barrier for consuming blond ones in Spain and China. We conclude that blond and blood oranges can co-exist on markets at a high consumption rate, as in Italy. Specific interventions are needed in other countries because consumer attitudes to oranges, mainly blood ones, depend on culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution is becoming a global problem due to its ubiquitous occurrence and the impacts detected for many species. However, the research about plastics in nests of terrestrial bird species has remained relatively overlooked in comparison to those devoted to marine ecosystems. Here we study the occurrence and patterns of use of anthropogenic material in nests of two passerine birds, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and the European serin (Serinus serinus), breeding in an orange tree cultivation in Mediterranean Spain. Our results show that both species use extensively plastic debris as nest material; almost 71% of the European serin nests and 96% of nests of Eurasian magpies contained plastic debris. Furthermore, by analyzing the plastic debris availability in the agricultural landscape surveyed we confirmed a selection pattern in the two species. Thus, both species preferably select plastic filaments over other plastic debris. The Eurasian magpie does not select plastic based on size or color but the European serin avoid black plastics prefer smaller fragments in comparison to the average size available. Moreover, we suggest the apparent similarity of plastic filaments with the natural materials typically used by these species, as well as how they use the plastic in their nests could influence their selection behavior. More studies focused on terrestrial birds inhabiting human modified habitats could offer a deeper approach to how plastic debris interacts with wildlife in different ways. [Display omitted] • The impact of plastic pollution has been less studied in terrestrial birds. • Nests of two species breeding in the same agricultural landscape were studied. • For both species, we found a high prevalence of plastic used as nest material. • Filamentous pieces were selected over other plastic debris by both species. • One species selected smaller in comparison to the average size available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the competitiveness of international orange trade over the period 1993-2018 based on global data. The paper uses the methodology of comparative advantages to analyse fresh orange and orange juice data. Results suggest that most competitive countries are focusing on processed orange trade. Although Brazil is the world's largest orange-producing country, it is not among the top 10 countries in the global orange fruit market, representing that it mainly focuses on processing. Results also suggest that there is no high concentration in the export market for fresh oranges, however, Spain's share is growing steadily, as well as South Africa and Egypt can be mentioned as emerging nations. With further analysis of the international orange trade, Egypt's comparative advantage over fresh oranges increased the most and had the highest results in recent periods followed by South Africa, Greece and Spain. By examining global orange juice trade, it is not surprising that Brazil had the largest comparative advantage, although its value is constantly declining. With a dynamic analysis of comparative advantages, a large decrease can be observed in the chance of survival of the advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of lung cancer in never smokers is partly unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk in never smokers. We pooled five multicenter case-control studies performed in Northwestern Spain. Cases and controls were all never smokers. All lung cancer cases had anatomopathological confirmed diagnoses. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to analyze the effect of different types of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk. A total of 438 cases and 781 controls were included. We observed that a consumption from one to six times per week shows a negative association with lung cancer risk for: kiwis (OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.46-0.95), oranges (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.37-0.80), turnip tops (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.34-0.66), "berza gallega" (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.51-0.97) and broccoli (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.35-0.83) compared to less than once a week consumption. On the other hand, we found an increased risk for lung cancer with a daily consumption of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. Oranges, kiwis, turnip tops, berza gallega and broccoli may play a protective role on lung cancer development in never smokers while tomatoes, carrots and potatoes might have some association with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the second half of the 20th century, many Spanish Mediterranean areas have undergone important land use changes as a result of socioeconomic development (industrialization, urbanization, intensification of agriculture and livestock, dry crops abandonment). This paper describes, maps and quantifies the main transformations that have occurred in the middle Túria basin, an example of a medium Mediterranean mountain situated in the transition between the inner highlands and the coastal plain affected by the expansion of the Valencia metropolitan area. Photo-interpretation techniques and the analysis of series of the NDVI vegetation index obtained from satellite images have been used. The dynamic cartography of land use changes between 1956 to 2010 has let us identify the type and magnitude of the changes in order to be able to establish in the future the environmental implications in the hydrological response of the basin. Changes have been observed in 60 % of the basin, mainly the expansion in forest cover (scrub and forest) on the mountain areas and changes from dry to irrigated crops (citrus), showing a greening landscape which is in agreement with the process observed in other areas of Spain by other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Under certain climate conditions, citrus fruit may reach optimum internal maturity while the rind is still green. It is therefore customary to enhance skin colour changes by submitting early citrus varieties to ethylene degreening treatment, which implies a cost and may result in external disorders. In this study, the effect on consumer expectations (sensory and hedonic) of providing them with information about the internal maturity of non‐degreened mandarins (greenish‐coloured rind) was evaluated. RESULTS: Mandarins with three different external colour indices (CI), CI = −6, CI = +1 and CI = +5, and three ways of conveying information, were investigated: (i) No information (NoInfo), (ii) The text 'Mandarins ready to eat' (Text) and (iii) Text + Visualisation of mandarin flesh (orange‐coloured in all cases) (Text+Flesh). Consumer expected liking, purchase intention and sensory expectations were markedly affected after receiving the different information types. The greatest effect was detected when Text+Flesh information was provided. Rind mandarin colour was also a determinant factor of how consumer expectations were modified by the received information. Moreover, our results revealed some differences among Spanish and Mexican consumers, since maturity information had a stronger effect on hedonic expectations of Mexican consumers. CONCLUSIONS: When mandarins reach CI = +5 (pale orange‐coloured rind with small areas still green), letting consumers know that mandarins are ready to eat by means of Text+Flesh information may be a non‐cost strategy to avoid degreening treatment or to shorten its length. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appearance, taste, and bioactive compounds of `Lane Late´ orange fruits on three substandard or semi-dwarfing rootstocks [Forner-Alcaide no. 5, Forner-Alcaide no. 13 and Forner-Alcaide no. 41] were evaluated in Spain against three more traditional rootstocks [Carrizo citrange, Citrus macrophylla and `Cleopatra´ mandarin]. Different harvesting times were identified per rootstock. The most suitable harvesting time for `Lane Late´ orange fruits on `Cleopatra´ mandarin, Forner-Alcaide no. 13 or Forner-Alcaide no. 5 was March, between one and two months later than Citrus macrophylla, Carrizo citrange or Forner-Alcaide no. 41, more relevant date for this late-season navel orange. Despite harvesting `Lane Late´ orange fruits on the most suitable date for each rootstock, significant differences in overall fruit quality were observed among them. Thus, Citrus macrophylla induced the largest size but also the lowest organoleptic quality, Carrizo citrange induced the lowest bioactive compounds content, while Forner-Alcaide no. 5, Forner-Alcaide no. 13 and `Cleopatra´ mandarin induced the highest internal quality. Lane Late orange fruits on Forner-Alcaide no. 41 showed an intermediate behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass-flowering crops (MFCs) and beekeeping are increasing across agroecosystems globally. Managed honeybees could spillover after the blooming of MFCs into nearby natural habitats, especially if hive numbers are associated with the cover of MFCs at the landscape scale. Nevertheless, this phenomenon has been largely overlooked despite the potential impacts of honeybees on local wildlife. We assessed this ‘MFC-beekeeping’ association and honeybee spillover into woodland patches in 17 fragmented landscapes in SW Spain with contrasting cover of orange groves as MFC. Hive densities were almost four times greater in landscapes with high cover of orange groves and, after the orange-tree bloom, mean honeybee densities were eight times higher in woodland patches within these landscapes, as compared to landscapes with no/low cover. Seemingly, this spillover was resource-mediated since it mirrored the temporal changes in flower cover at habitat and landscape scales. Our study demonstrates for the first time a consistent spillover of managed honeybees from a MFC into nearby natural habitats. These findings are a warning about the potential detrimental effects of magnified honeybee densities on local fauna and flora, especially on wild bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitalization of the agricultural sector through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies allows for the optimization of the use of water, whose scarcity has become one of the most relevant and complex environmental global problems. Water consumption data collected on site using different technologies is key to achieving optimal irrigation scheduling. Technology is also a useful tool that provides a real and transparent inventory of water use in irrigated crops. The water footprint obtained in accordance with ISO standard 14046 (using the Life Cycle Analysis methodology) and jointly with irrigation management information allows determining water use efficiency with great accuracy. This work presents a decision support system developed for precision irrigation management at farm scale called DSSPIM. The system provides a verifiable inventory of water use and an analysis/diagnosis of the adequacy of the irrigation performed using information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as real-time knowledge of water inputs and outputs during crop development based on data received from water meters and soil moisture sensors installed in the field. Additionally, to achieve both purposes, a methodology is proposed to more accurately estimate rainwater use (green water) based on real measurements and the use of ICTs. The proposed methodology was applied during one season in two organic crops (greenhouse tomatoes and orange trees) located in southern Spain. The model allowed detecting inefficiencies in irrigation water use. A comparison between the actual management practices and the practices recommended by the DSSPIM underlines the importance of irrigation management in improving water use. In the case of orange trees, different irrigation system management scenarios were compared and showed that the application of controlled deficit irrigation strategies using DSSPIM can reduce irrigation water use by 20%. • The model performs optimal irrigation scheduling and evaluates water use efficiency. • Tool for outdoor woody and greenhouse horticultural crops with drip irrigation. • Data from moisture sensors are used to determine soil water deficit. • Water use efficiency is evaluated by WF C , RIS and irrigation scheduling analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The agrifood chain is affected by resource scarcity, food loss and waste production. • Water loss assessment is useful for managing the supply chain of perishable foods. • Grapes lost along the supply chain cause the highest percentage of water loss. • Water loss from the fruit and vegetable trade is mainly due to imports from France. • The Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain is weak mostly in the transport phase. In recent years, the agrifood sector has been relevantly impacted by resource shortage, food loss and waste across the whole supply chain. This study assesses, from a life cycle perspective, the water footprint of the fruit and vegetable losses occurring within the Italian agrifood supply chain, analyzing the potential linkages between circular economy policies and water management. The study methodology consists of three consequential steps: the definition of system boundaries, the data collection from databases and reports, and the processing of said data. Based on data availability of food losses, the following food items were chosen for the analysis, representing about 60% of the Italian fruits and vegetables domestic supply: tomatoes and onions for the macro-group of vegetables; orange, lemons, apples and grapes for the macro-group of fruits. Assessing the water footprint for the six categories of products, this study found out that, although less than other products, the amount of grapes lost along the supply chain determines a very high percentage of water loss. The tomato supply chain has proved to be the most sustainable in terms of water loss, due to the low amount of water needed to cultivate tomatoes. The analysis of the Italian trade market of fruits and vegetables has shown that water losses are mainly due to imports from France and Spain, in line with the high trade volumes. Finally, a weakness of the Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain was observed in the transport phase, because in this phase large quantities of food loss are associated with large volumes of water loss. Far from being the only tool to be used in the decision-making processes, the assessment of water loss embodied in the food loss, can be useful for managing the supply chain processes of perishable foods, ensuring process yield improvements, food quality traceability and environmental impact mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term impact of different sustained-deficit irrigation (SDI) treatments on a 13-year-old orange orchard (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck, cv. Salustiana) was studied from 2004 to 2008. The experiment consisted of a control irrigation treatment which was applied at 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values for the whole season, and three SDIs imposed as a function of different water-stress index (WSI) values, defined as the ratio of the actual volume of water supply to the ETc rate. The values defined by the WSI were 0.75, 0.65, and 0.50. The plant-water status was measured through the midday stem-water potential (ΨStem). Yearly, yield and fruit quality were evaluated at harvest in each treatment, and a global analysis was carried out using the whole dataset. Overall, no significant differences were found in fruit yield between SDIs and control treatments, although significant differences appeared in some of the fruit-quality parameters (total soluble solids and titrable acidity) which also showed significant relationships with integrated stem-water potential (ΨInt ) and irrigation water applied. These findings lead us to conclude that SDIs have important and statistically significant effects on fruit quality. Thus, the application of sustained-deficit irrigation (SDI with WSI of 50) provides promising possibilities for optimising citrus irrigation and boosting the water productivity for citrus orchards in a semiarid Mediterranean climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 'Valencia' oranges were coated with edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), beeswax (BW) and shellac. Coatings were prepared at two BW/shellac ratios (1:3 and 3:1) and two solid content (SC) (4% and 8%). A commercial wax at a 10% SC, as a control of coated fruits, and an uncoated control were also tested. Oranges were stored up to 16 weeks at 5 °C, followed by 1 week at 20 °C. Although sensory quality was not negatively affected by coating application, care should be taken to the SC and shellac content of the formulations, since an increase in these parameters translated in a significant increase in the level of ethanol. Results indicate that HPMC-BW-shellac coating with 4% SC and a BW/shellac ratio 1:3 would provide the best compromise to extend shelf life of 'Valencia' oranges by reducing weight loss, providing gloss and maintaining the nutritional quality of the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The relative impacts of 25 pesticides including acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and post-harvest fungicides, used in the production of oranges in Spain were assessed with current life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) tools. Chemical specific concentrations were combined with pesticide emission data and information on chemical toxicity to assess human toxicity and freshwater ecotoxicity impacts. As a case study, the relative impacts of two orange production systems in the region of Valencia, integrated pest management (IP) and organic production (OP), were assessed. The evaluation of active ingredients showed that on average acaricides have the highest human toxicity impact scores, while for freshwater ecotoxicity insecticides show the highest impact. In both impact categories the lowest impact scores were calculated for herbicides. In the production of 1kg of orange fruits, where several kinds of pesticides are combined, results show that post-harvest fungicides can contribute more than 95% to the aggregate human toxicity impacts. More than 85% of aquatic ecotoxicity is generated by fungicides applied before harvest. The potential to reduce impacts on freshwater ecosystems is seven orders of magnitude, while impacts on human health can be reduced by two orders of magnitude. Hence, this stresses the importance of a careful pre-selection of active ingredients. In both impact categories, organic production represents the least toxic pest-control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Epidemiologic studies have suggested associations between flavonoid intake and health benefits. Traditional Mediterranean diets consist of a high consumption of plant products rich in flavonoids. Objective: This study estimates dietary flavonoid intake and main food sources in a Mediterranean population (Spanish adults). Design: The study included 40,683 subjects aged 35 to 64 years from northern and southern regions of Spain who were included in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study Spanish cohort. Usual food intake was assessed by personal interviews using a computerized version of a validated diet history method. Expanded US Department of Agriculture databases for the flavonoid, isoflavone, and proanthocyanidin content were used. Results: The median and mean of total flavonoids were 269.17 and 313.26 mg/day, respectively. The most abundant flavonoid subgroup was proanthocyanidins (60.1%), followed by flavanones (16.9%), flavan-3-ols (10.3%), flavonols (5.9%), anthocyanidins (5.8%), flavones (1.1%), and isoflavones (<0.01%). The main sources of total flavonoid intake were apples (23%), red wine (21%), unspecified fruit (12.8%), and oranges (9.3%). Conclusions: These results should be very useful for evaluating the relationships between flavonoid intake and several diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the early twentieth century California became a big exporter of some agricultural products that, until then, had only been grown on a large scale in the Mediterranean basin. As a result, exports of those products diminished or stagnated in Mediterranean countries, with important repercussions on their economies. The Spanish orange industry, however, continued to expand, despite the fact that a substantial percentage of Spanish oranges came from farms owned by (often illiterate) small peasants who, in comparison to the California growers, used a great deal of labor, small amounts of capital, and little science. This paper shows that Spanish farmers were in fact capable of growing high-quality oranges at prices that were more competitive than those in California, although instead they often preferred to satisfy the strong demand for middling fruit from Great Britain because it was a more profitable business. This, combined with a deficient use of brand names, gave the Spanish citrus industry serious reputation problems by the 1930s, from which, however, it recovered quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During a three-year period, we evaluated the profitability of a deficit-irrigation (DI) treatment in mature ‘Lane late’ navel orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.) trees grafted on two different drought-tolerant rootstocks, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tanaka) and ‘Carrizo’ citrange (C. sinensis (L.) Osb.× Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.). The irrigation strategies for each rootstock were a control treatment, irrigated at 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during the entire season, and a DI, irrigated at 100% ETc except during phase I (fruit set) and phase III (fruit maturation) of fruit growth, when complete irrigation cut-off was applied. The main difference found was between rootstocks, orchards of ‘Carrizo’ being 39% more profitable than those of ‘Cleopatra’ due to the greater yield and fruit size and higher price (0.02€kg−1) for trees on ‘Carrizo’. The application of the DI treatment increased the profit for ‘Carrizo’ since the decrease in pruning costs was greater than the reduction of incomes. The profit of ‘Cleopatra’ under DI decreased due to yield reduction. The variable and fixed operating costs during the growth cycle were decreased by the DI treatment, with a reduction of fertiliser (40%), water applied (30%) and electricity consumed (30%) compared with the control. In addition, in ‘Carrizo’, DI decreased the pruning (16%), machinery (11%) and phytosanitary products (9%) costs as a result of the reduction of the canopy growth. From these results, we conclude that, with similar crop management, orchards of ‘Lane late’ navel orange on ‘Carrizo’ rootstock were more profitable than those on ‘Cleopatra’ under deficit-irrigation conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Edible composite coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydrophobic components (beeswax and shellac), and food preservatives with antifungal properties were evaluated on ‘Valencia’ oranges during long-term cold storage. Selected food preservatives included potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB), sodium propionate (SP), and their mixtures. Intact oranges or oranges artificially inoculated with Penicillium digitatum or Penicillium italicum were coated and stored up to 60d at 5°C followed by 7d of shelf-life at 20°C. Some antifungal HPMC–lipid coatings significantly reduced incidence and severity of both green (GM) and blue (BM) molds on inoculated and cold-stored oranges, and PS+SP-based coating was the most effective. In general, the coatings controlled GM better than BM. After 30 and 60d at 5°C plus 7d at 20°C, fruit weight loss, rind firmness, internal gas concentrations, ethanol and acetaldehyde contents of the juice, sensory flavor, off-flavor, and fruit appearance were not adversely affected by application of the antifungal coatings, which showed promise as potential substitutes for citrus commercial waxes. However, further studies should follow to improve some coating physical characteristics in order to provide better water loss control and higher gloss on coated oranges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To date, all citrus harvesting in Spain is performed by hand. In experiments, Several varieties of oranges and mandarins were harvested using trunk and hand-held shakers. Tests were performed at different dates and with changes in the shaking frequency and the overall vibration time. The traction force of the fruits, the percentage of fruit removed, the detachment point and the tree damage were evaluated. The overall detachment percentage was 65% for all the tests. The tractor shaker was more effective (72% detachment) than hand-held shakers (57%). With the trunk shaker, a frequency around 15Hz may be considered adequate. In the first 5s of shaking almost all the fruit fell; 2 shakes of 4–5s each were enough to obtain an acceptable detachment percentage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effectiveness of heat treatments with water and cyprodinil in controlling post-harvest green mould caused by Penicillium digitatum was investigated on artificially inoculated 'Valencia' oranges. Residue levels of cyprodinil were determined in the oranges as a function of active ingredient concentration, temperature and treatment time. Cyprodinil residues were significantly dependent on treatment time when applied at 600 mg l-1 and 20°C, but not when fruit were treated at 150-300 mg l-1. The application of cyprodinil at 50 or 100 mg l-1 at 55°C for 30 s produced similar residue levels, while residues increased when the application rate was 150 mg l-1. Cyprodinil at 100 mg l-1 and 60°C produced a significant increase in residues compared to treatment at 50 mg l-1; no significant increase in residues was found when the application rate was raised from 100 to 150 mg l-1. In comparison to treatments performed at 20°C, the application of a heated cyprodinil mixture resulted in significantly higher residues in fruit. All treatments with cyprodinil at 20°C similarly reduced green mould after 7 days of storage at 20°C. After 18 days, treatment with cyprodinil at 600 mg l-1 for 30 s was more effective than at 150-300 mg l-1. When dip time was extended to 90 or 180 s, treatment efficacy was positively related to fungicide concentration. Treatments with water at 55°C for 30 s were as effective as cyprodinil at 50-100 mg l-1, but less effective than cyprodinil at 150 mg l-1. After 7 days, treatment with water or cyprodinil at 50-150 mg l-1 and 60°C were equally effective in controlling green mould; while, after 18 days, treatment with cyprodinil at 150 mg l-1 was consistently more effective than at 50-100 mg l-1 or hot water alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to apply one strategy of deficit irrigation (DI) to improve the final fruit quality in 10-year-old ‘Lane late’ sweet orange grafted on Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis L. Osb.× Poncirus trifoliata L.). The experiment was carried out over 2 years in an experimental orchard located in Torre Pacheco (Murcia, south-east Spain). The deficit irrigation treatment consisted of the stopping of irrigation in phase III of fruit growth (1st October–28th February). The irrigation cut-off in phase III reduced the midday stem water potential (Ψ md), the plant water status being heavily influenced by rainfall. In both years, the DI treatment did not alter fruit yield although mean fruit weight was slightly reduced. The main effects of DI on the final fruit quality were increases of total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) and a decrease of juice percentage without altering the final maturity index. Plant water-stress integral (S Ψ) was correlated positively with TSS and TA and negatively with juice percentage. In conclusion, a DI strategy could be useful for improving the final content of TSS and the TA, therefore allowing the harvest to be delayed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Herbicide applications have greatly reduced plant cover, and increased soil erosion on a new orange orchard planted on valley slopes in eastern Spain. This has increased the importance of soil fauna, such as ants, in regulating soil erosion processes. Ants increase water infiltration rates by forming soil macropores during nest construction, but new soil brought to the surface by ant activity could increase the sediments available for erosion. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on 20 paired plots (20 with ant activity and 20 controls) to study the impact of ants on surface water flow and sediment movement in an intensively managed orange orchard near Valencia, Spain. Simulated rainfall was applied to each plot at a rate of 55 mm/h on a 0.25 m2 area for 1 h. We found a reduction of soil bulk density, an increase in soil organic matter, and an increase in macropore flow in ant-affected soils, as compared to soil without ant activity. These ant-induced soil changes increased water infiltration rates and runoff discharge. However, the fresh, unconsolidated soil brought to the surface during nest construction resulted in greater soil loss on two plots than their ant-free controls. Ants can be an important factor in soil erosion processes when surface vegetation is removed by intensive herbicide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fifty citrus samples from an agricultural co-operative of the Valencian Community (Spain) were analysed for pre- and post-harvest pesticide residues using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Among the residues from post-harvest treatments, imazalil was detected in 112 (74.7%) samples at a mean level of 1.2mg/kg, thiabendazole in 21 (14.0%) samples at a mean level of 0.47mg/kg and carbendazim in 5 (3.3%) samples at a mean level of 1.05mg/kg. Among the residues from preharvest treatment, dicofol was detected in 28 (18.7%) samples at a mean level of 0.28mg/kg, chlorpyriphos in 19 (12.7%) samples at a mean level of 0.16mg/kg and endosulfan in 11 (7.3%) at a mean level of 0.27mg/kg. Most of the samples contained residues of various pesticides and six samples (4.0%) exceeded the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The pesticides that surpassed the MRLs were chlorpyriphos in five samples and dicofol in one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physico-chemical quality parameters (external and internal color, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, anthocyanins, sugars, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanones) of 'Moro' and 'Tarocco Rosso' blood oranges grafted onto eight different rootstocks at three harvest time were studied. The rootstocks were 'Carrizo', 'C-35', 'Cleopatra' mandarin, ' Citrus volkameriana ', ' Citrus macrophylla ', 'Swingle' citrumelo, 'Forner-Alcaide 5' and 'Forner-Alcaide 13'. All studied parameters were highly rootstock/scion-dependent and showed changes throughout harvest. The content of the main anthocyanins revealed their relation with internal fruit color in both cultivars. The rootstocks that led to fruit with the lowest anthocyanins displayed the least sucrose content. The differences detected in the amount of hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, ferulic and sinapic) and flavanones (hesperidin, narirutin and didymin) related to anthocyanins content, explained phenylpropanoid pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate assessment of tree crowns is important for agriculture, for example, to adjust spraying rates, to adjust irrigation rates or even to estimate biomass. Among the available methodologies, there are the traditional methods that estimate with a three-dimensional approximation figure, the HDS (High Definition Survey), or TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) based on LiDAR technology, the aerial photogrammetry that has re-emerged with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as they are considered low cost. There are situations where either the cost or location does not allow for modern methods and prices such as HDS or the use of UAVs. This study proposes, as an alternative methodology, the evaluation of images extracted from Google Maps (GM) for the calculation of tree crown volume. For this purpose, measurements were taken on orange trees in the south of Spain using the four methods mentioned above to evaluate the suitability, accuracy, and limitations of GM. Using the HDS method as a reference, the photogrammetric method with UAV images has shown an average error of 10%, GM has obtained approximately 50%, while the traditional methods, in our case considering ellipsoids, have obtained 100% error. Therefore, the results with GM are encouraging and open new perspectives for the estimation of tree crown volumes at low cost compared to HDS, and without geographical flight restrictions like those of UAVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange fruit abscission usually occurs at the final stage of fruit maturation but in some areas of citrus production, in advance of the usual harvest period, and sometimes suddenly and intensely. The reasons for this precocious citrus fruit abscission remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to try to clarify what the determinants of this phenomenon are. A multi-site experimentation was carried out on six orange cultivars, in Corsica, Spain and Tunisia where the phenomenon of early massive fruit drop varies. Climatic parameters, fruit maturity parameters and fruit detachment force (FDF) were recorded along the fruit maturation period. Respectively to the fruit drop, the FDF decreased in Tunisia and in Spain until the fruit falls, whereas in Corsica, it remained relatively constant throughout fruit maturation. Although data on fruit maturity parameters (rind color, acidity and total soluble solids) differed at the three sites, their evolution was similar during the period of maturation. FDF was not related to changes in any fruit maturity parameters, and more likely depended on changes in temperatures on days when the mean temperature was above 13 °C. Massive fruit abscission could be linked to the earlier more rapid restart of vegetative growth in Tunisia and Spain than in Corsica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An untargeted method using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to electronic nose based on mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/MS-eNose) in combination with chemometrics was developed for the discrimination of oranges of three geographical origins (Italy, South Africa and Spain). Three multivariate statistical models, i.e. PCA/LDA, SELECT/LDA and PLS-DA, were built and relevant performances were compared. Among the tested models, SELECT/LDA provided the highest prediction abilities in cross-validation and external validation with mean values of 97.8% and 95.7%, respectively. Moreover, HS-SPME/GC-MS analysis was used to identify potential markers to distinguish the geographical origin of oranges. Although 28 out of 65 identified VOCs showed a different content in samples belonging to different classes, a pattern of analytes able to discriminate simultaneously samples of three origins was not found. These results indicate that the proposed MS-eNose method in combination with multivariate statistical analysis provided an effective and rapid tool for authentication of the orange's geographical origin., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This article presents the abstract of the paper LCA of Integrated Orange Production in the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain), which appeared in the 2005 issue of the International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology. In order to perform a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of integrated orange production in the Comunidad Valenciana, two representative areas were studied. The functional unit was 1 kilogram oranges at the farm gate. Eight scenarios were considered according to type of irrigation, the origin of water and the tillage practice. The production of agrochemicals, the production and use of energy in agriculture and the agricultural practices were included in the study. Hot spots were detected. Although differences were found between scenarios, it was difficult to establish which one is the best because some practices, such as tillage, are more advisable when considering herbicide production, but the herbicides used are more toxic. The lack of environmental information for agricultural LCA in Spain and the need to adapt some aspects of impact methodology to the Spanish soil and climate characteristics have also been pointed out.