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Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of antioxidative phenolics from the leaves of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) was carried out by response surface methodology along with the central composite design. Two independent variables were considered: amplitude (30–77%) and time (7–31 min). The highest extraction yield was 23.61% when the optimal extraction condition (77% amplitude for 31 min) was implemented. The extract containing total phenolic content of 579.55 mg GAE/g dry extract possessed radical scavenging activities and reducing power. The experiment values were in line with the predicted counterparts. Extract contained gallic acid, isoquercetin, tannic acid, quercetin, catechin, apigenin, hydroquinin, eriodictyol, and rutin. The extract with increasing levels inhibited AAPH-induced DNA damage to a higher extent. Thus, UAE was demonstrated to potentially increase the extraction efficacy of phenolics from cashew leaves and the extract could be applied as a natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A reliable mass spectrometric method was developed for serotonin in nuts. • Optimization of extraction procedure from complex nut matrices was performed. • Serotonin content of wide range of edible nuts were reported for the first time. • Serotonin content of nuts and nut products ranged from 0.03 to 155 µg/g fresh weight. Abstract An ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of serotonin in raw and roasted nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, coconut, hazelnut, Macadamia nut, pecan, peanut, pine nut, pistachio and walnut) as well as nut products (nut containing snack bars, chocolate and spreads) for the first time. Water extraction without prior defatting was performed to leach serotonin from complex matrices of nuts. Mean recoveries ranged from 64.2 ± 9.6 to 94.7 ± 20.1%. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were between 0.4 and 2.3 and 1.0–7.4 ng/g, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility values were below 2%. Serotonin content of nuts ranged from 0.05 ± 0.01 (pine nut) to 155 ± 57.0 µg/g (walnut) in raw nuts while it was between 0.03 ± 0.00 (Macadamia nut) and 15.3 ± 1.27 µg/g (pecan) in roasted nuts. Serotonin in nut products was found to range from 0.09 ± 0.00 to 8.99 ± 0.92 µg/g, depending on the nuts they contain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew is an important fruit tree majorly cultivated for edible nuts which provides income to farmers. Productivity and quality of the nuts are threatened by disease infestation; major fungal disease that affects cashew is inflorescence dieback caused by Lasiodiplodia species. Huge crop losses are recorded and problem intensified due to dearth of information on its management in Nigeria. Carbendazim, Mancozeb, extracts of Ageratum conyzoides, Carica papaya, Chromolaena odorata were used in spray application to manage the disease. Records of dieback incidence, severity index, disease reduction and nut yield were taken. Data were analyzed using SAS and mean difference were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The treatment types showed efficacy to reduce incidence, dieback severity and improved yield. Cashew trees treated with integration of mancozeb with C. odorata was consistently higher in severity but produced highest nut yield in 2013 and 2015 seasons. The nut yield record was higher in trees treated with A. conyzoides and C. papaya-only compared to C. odorata, however cashew nut yield was generally higher in integrated systems. However, most effective system that improved yield were integration of Mancozeb with C. odorata, Carbendazim with A. conyzoides, Carbendazim with C. papaya and integration of Mancozeb with A. conyzoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the effectiveness of Berlinia grandiflora (BEG) and cashew (CEG) exudate gums in protecting mild steel from corrosion in 1 M HCl solution using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). The corrosion products were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical profilometry. Results indicate that the exudate gums are effective against the corrosion of mild steel in an HCl solution. The EIS results reveal that the charge transfer resistance of the metal in the acid solution increased from 82.2 Ω cm2 to 1074.0 Ω cm2 and 325.1 Ω cm2 in the presence of 1000 ppm BEG and CEG, respectively corresponding to inhibition efficiency (η) of 92% and 75% at 25 °C. The Gum's performance depends on immersion time and temperature. It improves with an increase in immersion time up to 48 h but thereafter slightly diminishes. The η of 1000 ppm of BEG and CEG after 48 h of immersion is 76% and 67%, respectively at 30 °C. With a temperature rise, η of BEG appreciates to 80% while that of CEG depreciates to 57% at 60 °C after 24 h of immersion. Both BEG and CEG retard the metal corrosion through an adsorptive mechanism whereby it blocks the active corrosion reaction sites on the surface. The adsorption was confirmed by SEM/EDX, AFM, UV–vis, and FTIR. BEG and CEG are promising and sustainable sources for metal corrosion inhibitor formulations. [Display omitted] • BEG and CEG were assessed as sustainable corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acid medium. • BEG and CEG are effective in protecting mild steel. Inhibition efficiency increases with concentration. • BEG extract outperformed CEG under all testing conditions. • The exudate gums exhibited features peculiar with mixed-type inhibitors. • The inhibition performance of BEG increased with temperature while CEG decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstrak PT Supa Surya Niaga adalah perusahaan pangan di Gedangan, Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur dengan produk utama kacang mete olahan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui efisiensi pemasok Kediri, pemasok Madura, pemasok Nusa Tenggara Barat dan perusahaan pada rantai pasok kacang mete PT Supa Surya Niaga pada tahun 2014, menganalisis variabel yang paling berpengaruh terhadap nilai efisiensi, serta mengevaluasi nilai target hasil potential improvement yang harus dipertahankan masing-masing variabel input. Metode yang digunakan adalah Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model DEA-CCR (Charnes, Cooper & Rhodes) orientasi input dengan variabel input yaitu cash-to-cash cycle time, lead time, biaya rantai pasok, serta fleksibilitas. Variabel output yang digunakan adalah kesesuaian standar, pemenuhan pesanan, kinerja pengiriman, dan pendapatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai efisiensi rantai pasok untuk pemasok Kediri 93,675%, pemasok Madura 91,842%, pemasok Nusa Tenggara Barat 96,875%, serta untuk perusahaan 94,708% sehingga nilai efisiensi untuk rantai pasok kacang mete di PT Supa Surya Niaga tahun 2014 secara keseluruhan yaitu 94,275%.Variabel input yang paling berpengaruh terhadap nilai efisiensi rantai pasok kacang mete untuk pemasok Kediri adalah cash-to-cash cycle time, pemasok Madura dan Nusa Tenggara Barat yaitu variabel input lead time, sedangkan untuk rantai pasok perusahaan adalah biaya. Nilai target hasil potential improvement variabel input cash-to-cash cycle time, lead time dan fleksibilitas secara berurutan untuk pemasok Kediri yaitu 5, 7 dan 3 hari; Pemasok Madura yaitu 5, 7 dan 3 hari; Pemasok Nusa Tenggara Barat yaitu 7, 14 dan 7 hari; Perusahaan 5, 6 dan 5 hari sedangkan variabel input biaya untuk rantai pasok perusahaan adalah Rp1.225.537.523,07. Kata kunci: efisiensi, kacang mete, rantai pasok Abstract PT Supa Surya Niaga is a food company in Gedangan, Sidoarjo, East Java with processed cashew as it is main product. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of Kediri supplier, Madura Supplier, West Nusa Tenggara Supplier and the company itself in the cashew supply chain at PT Supa Surya Niaga in 2014, analyze the variables that most influence on the efficiency, and evaluate the target value from potential improvement that should be maintained by input variable. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-CCR (Charnes, Cooper & Rhodes method with input oriented was used in this study. Input variables used in this study were cash-to-cash cycle time, lead time, supply chain cost and flexibility, meanwhile the output variables were standards conformance, order fulfillment, delivery performance and revenue. The result of study showed that the efficiency of Kediri supplier, Madura supplier, West Nusa Tenggara supplier, and the company itself were 93.675%, 91.842%, 96.875%, and 94.708% respectively. Overall, cashews supply chain efficiency at PT Supa Surya Niaga 2014 is 94.275%. The most influence Input variable on the efficiency were cash-to-cash cycle time for Kediri Supplier, lead time for Madura and West Nusa Tenggara supplier, and cost for the company. The target value from potential improvement of input variables cash-to-cash cycle time, lead time and flexibility in sequence for Kediri suppliers are 5, 7 and 3 days; Madura suppliers are 5, 7 and 3 days; West Nusa Tenggara Suppliers are 7, 14 and 7 days; The company supply chain is 5, 6 and 5 days while the input cost variable for the company is Rp1.225.537.523.07. Keywords: cashew, efficiency, supply chain

Cerambycidae Diastocera trifasciata attacks were studied from October 2015 to September 2017 in three cashew tree orchards in the locality of Brobo in central Côte d’Ivoire. One hundred fifty-three (153) cashew trees, arranged on a diagonal from each orchard, were selected for sampling. The attacked plants and the branches cut per tree were counted every 15 days. Biotic parameters, namely phenological stages of trees, and abiotic factors, which are rainfall, relative humidity and average temperature, were recorded throughout the study. Attacks were observed from mid-September to January from the pre-flowering vegetative stage to the flowering stage. Attack period duration was therefore four and a half months per year. The peak of attacks was recorded in November with an attack rate of 88.02% in 2015 and 75.49% in 2016. No attack was recorded from February to mid-September, corresponding to the flowering, fruiting and post-harvest vegetative growth stages. This description of the attack process and the determination of D. trifasciata attack periods provides essential data for the implementation of an effective and sustainable control method of this species.

Pistachio and cashew contain allergenic proteins, which causes them to be removed from the diet of allergic people. Previous studies have demonstrated that food processing (thermal and non-thermal) can produce structural and/or conformational changes in proteins by altering their allergenic capacity. In this study, the influence of instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) on pistachio and cashew allergenic capacity has been studied. Western blot was carried out using IgG anti-11S and anti-2S and IgE antibodies from sera of patients sensitized to pistachio and cashew. DIC processing causes changes in the electrophoretic pattern, reducing the number and intensity of protein bands, as the pressure and temperature treatment increment, which results in a remarkable decrease in detection of potentially allergenic proteins. The harshest conditions of DIC (7 bar, 120 s) markedly reduce the immunodetection of allergenic proteins, not only by using IgG (anti 11S and anti 2S) but also when IgE sera from sensitized patients were used for Western blots. Such immunodetection is more affected in pistachio than in cashew nuts, but is not completely removed. Therefore, cashew proteins are possibly more resistant than pistachio proteins. According these findings, instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) can be considered a suitable technique in order to obtain hypoallergenic tree nut flour to be used in the food industry.

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

Weaver ants are used for biological control of insect pests in plantation crops. To obtain proper pest control, ant densities need to be high. Food availability and nesting facilities on host plants and management practices may affect ant performance. In the present study, we tested the effect of two host plant species (mango and cashew) and three different management practices (ants only, ants fed with sugar and ants combined with the soft chemical insecticide Spinosad) on weaver ant performance. Performance was assessed over a 22 month period, as an index value based on the number of ant trails per tree and as the number of ant nests per tree. A total of 216 trees (72 per treatment) were observed in each crop. In all treatments, the ants performed better in mango compared to cashew. Using the index based performance measure, ants also performed better in the sugar treatment as compared to the two other treatments, whereas this was not the case in cashew. We conclude that sugar feeding can be used to increase ant populations in mango. We also found that the treatment with Spinosad in combination with ants showed performance equal to the treatments with only ants, suggesting that Spinosad did not negatively affect ant populations. We therefore conclude that Spinosad is compatible with the use of weaver ants in integrated pest management programs.

Surveys were conducted from 2011 to 2015 in cashew plantations to document the parasitoids of cashew leaf miner. Three eulophid parasitoids, viz., Chrysocharis sp., Closterocerus sp. and Aprostocetus sp. were recorded for the first time as parasitoids on the larvae of Cashew Leaf Miner, Acrocercops syngramma Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Among the parasitoids, Chrysocharis sp. was dominant recording 99.0 % abundance. The parasitism of leaf miner larvae was observed from September onwards, which reached its peak during November coinciding with the population of leaf miner larvae. Chrysocharis sp. was found to be a solitary parasitoid, completing its life cycle within the mine of leaf miner and emerging as an adult. Parasitization was noticed only on the third and fourth instar leaf miner larvae but not on the first and second instar larvae. In cashew plantations, leaf miner parasitism ranged from 37 to 58% by Chrysocharis sp.

This study was conducted out to evaluate the soil fertility in under the cashew tree canopy and nutritional contents of cashew trees on the Makonde Plateau in southeast Tanzania. Seven villages were included, all of which were geographically close to one another yet had the same agro-ecology. The cashew plant samples were taken above the same longitudinal segment as the soil samples, which were taken in under canopies of cashew trees. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and micro nutrients (Iron, Zinc, Sodium, and Copper) were all examined in the samples. However, soils were analysed for Organic Carbon, Organic Matter, and pH with soil samples taken at two different depths of 0-30 cm and 30-50 cm, these tests were conducted during the wet and dry seasons. The results confirmed that Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Iron varied significantly with soil depth, as well as with soil depth, seasons, and their interactions, for Organic Carbon and Organic Matter. During the wet season, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Zinc concentrations in cashew trees were all statistically higher. Nitrogen and Phosphorus were significantly strong and positively (r = 0.95) correlated in cashew plants with respect to all other nutrients, suggesting synergistic effects. These results imply that macro nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium, and micronutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Sodium and Copper limit cashew production in the research area. It is necessary to determine site-specific recommendations and dosages for these nutrients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

The global market for tree nuts is growing rapidly with trade in excess of $US32 billion annually. Tree nuts have a high oil content and fatty acid composition that can render them susceptible to oxidative rancidity and rapid deterioration. In spite of their global importance, there is limited information on optimal storage conditions and shelf lives of many species of tree nut. This review explores current knowledge of the major factors that influence the shelf life of tree nuts. Storage conditions greatly influence the quality and shelf life of tree nuts. Tree nut species differ in their storage requirements because of their varying oil and fatty acid compositions. In general, nuts with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids are more stable and less susceptible to oxidative rancidity than nuts containing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Temperatures ranging from 4 to 15 °C, kernel moisture content around 2.5%, relative humidity of about 40–60%, oxygen concentration less than 2.5%, and dark conditions are ideal storage conditions for most tree nuts. Harvesting time, cultivar and storage of nuts either as nut-in shell or as kernel also affect the quality and shelf life of nuts. There is a need for tree-nut industries to derive universal rancidity indicators for quality control. Optimised storage conditions will provide the best nutritional quality and health benefits of tree nuts for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew consumption has been increasing globally, but environmental issues through the whole cashew supply chain, from production, processing and transportation, have been raised. Thus, green supply chain redesign has been put forward but implementation of related practices faces many barriers. Using the case of the Africa cashew industry, which produces over half of global raw cashew nuts but only process less than 10% to kernel, this paper systematically identifies these barriers considering stakeholders through the whole cashew supply chain. Based on evaluation of four experts, results by grey Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory reveal that successful green supply chain redesign implementation needs two elementary efforts by kernel distributors. One is increased collaboration with multi-tier suppliers (producer organizations and processors) and the other is to get strategic support from industry bodies, non-governmental organizations and development agencies. Additionally, in the short-term, kernel distributors need to overcome three key operational barriers, lack of internal top-level management commitment, lack of integrated management information and traceability systems, and uncertainty of economic benefits. Furthermore, barriers such as difficulties to assess environmental sustainability performance and lack of consumer demand for green cashew should be addressed in the long-term. This study contributes to identify barriers to the successful implementation of green supply chain redesign from perspectives of both the focal enterprise and the whole supply chain. A robust multi-criteria decision making method further reveals the most important and fundamental barriers which can offer decision support for kernel distributors and policymakers in the cashew industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of mycotoxin contaminated foodstuffs is common in regions where foods are not adequately controlled and routinely monitored, and this could have adverse effects on the health of consumers. In this study, 100 samples of roasted nuts (50 cashew nuts and 50 peanuts) vended within two cities of Sierra Leone were analysed for mycotoxins and other microbial metabolites by a LC-MS/MS method. The peanut samples contained detectable levels of 17 microbial metabolites, including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 and alternariol, while none of these metabolites were found in the cashew samples. Aflatoxins (max: 5,729 μg/kg; mean: 487.8 μg/kg) and alternariol (3 μg/kg) were found in 24% and 2% of the peanut samples, respectively. One-third of the aflatoxin-contaminated peanut samples contained aflatoxins at levels exceeding the total aflatoxin limit of 4 μg/kg set by the European Union. Aflatoxin contamination of Sierra Leonean peanuts is high and requires urgent intervention to reduce consequent exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research is the nodal agency for conducting cashew research and manages the largest field gene bank in India. Cashew is a perennial tree and needs more land and other resources to maintain accessions. Conservation through seeds is not feasible because of cross-pollination. Tissue culture efforts to regenerate plants from mature explants are not successful. Therefore, efficient management of the filed gene bank particularly utilization requires designation of the core collection representing the spectrum of diversity present in the entire collection. In this study, a relatively new technique, the advanced M strategy with heuristic approach was deployed to develop the core collection. Sixty-eight morphometric characters of 478 accessions were subjected to analysis resulting in the core collection of 49 accessions. Further, another core collection of same number was constituted by K -Means clustering to compare the efficiency of two approaches. The validation parameters like mean difference, variance difference, coincidence rate, variable rate and class coverage among others were employed for comparative analysis. The results of these parameters revealed that the core collection designated by heuristic approach was better able to efficiently represent and retain the diversity of the entire collection compared with the core identified by clustering approach. Future conservation and breeding efforts will be focused on establishing a separate block in the field gene bank having 49 accessions of cashew core collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant whitefly, Aleurodicus cocois, is one of the main pests of cashew trees around the world. In the present study we evaluated the biological potential of the predaceous mites Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius concordis against A. cocois. The consumption and functional responses to prey egg densities of A. largoensis and E. concordis were investigated in laboratory experiments. Logistic regression indicated that both predators exhibited a type II response to prey eggs, and the eggs consumption increased with egg density up to a maximum, after which it slowly decreased. The value of the attack rate (a') was higher for A. largoensis than that for E. concordis, but the handling time (Th) did not differ between the two predators. The predicted maximum daily consumption was 35 eggs for A. largoensis and 32 eggs for E. concordis. Our results indicate that A. largoensis and E. concordis could be effective biocontrol agents of the cashew tree giant whitefly, especially in conditions of low pest population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly concerned about healthy eating habits. The incorporation and stability of 2% antihypertensive whey peptide extract in a new coating of cashew nuts with reduced salt (less 15 and 30%) was studied. The evaluation of nutritional value, in vitro antihypertensive activity and consumer acceptance of final products was assessed. Incorporation of peptide fraction assured the production of a snack with an ACE-inhibitory activity (532.2 μg mL −1 IC 50 value). The amount of lipids present in coated cashew nuts was composed mainly by essential fatty acids, mostly monounsaturated. Glutamic acid, leucine, arginine and aspartic acid were the most abundant essential aminoacids. 70% of the consumers considered both samples (15 and 30%) as “ideal taste”. The results suggest that the new coating allowed the development of a new snack with reduced salt content, opening new opportunities as carrier of other ingredients to develop more diversified and efficient functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study tested the effects of the application of Laurus nobilis aqueous extract and edible coating of chitosan had on the chemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of cashew's shelf life. An aqueous extract of L. nobilis leaf (0, 0.5, and 1% w/w) was added to chitosan solution (0, 0.5, 1% w/w) in the cashew's coating. Cashews were dipped into the coating solution and were kept in polyethylene terephthalate containers. The result showed that chitosan and aqueous extract of L. nobilis coating had significant effects on peroxide and thiobarbituric acid value (p < .05). There was significant reduction in the growth of mold/yeast and mesophilic bacteria with higher concentration of chitosan and L. nobilis aqueous extract (p < .05). The results of this study show chitosan aqueous extract of L. nobilis coating could be an effective preservative method for extending shelf life and improving the stability of cashew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew is a high-value and the third largest edible tree nut that is universally consumed as a snack or included in food preparations. Classification of whole and split cashews in industries is carried out manually by visual inspection and hand-picking, which is time-consuming, tedious, challenging, and laborious. A machine vision methodology of capturing cashew shadows and associated image processing ImageJ plugin to classify cashews into whole and splits were developed and tested. The developed classification algorithm was based on a novel idea of using surface grayscale-intensity-profile for split-up cashews and object shadows for split-down and whole cashews. Out of several features derived from grayscale-intensity-profile values, the “length of curve” best classified the split-up cashews from others. The challenge of classifying the whole and split-down cashews was addressed by a new “shadow to total-area ratio.” An accuracy of 100 % was achieved by the algorithm. A process scale-up by increasing the height and power of light source was also proposed. The promising results suggest that the developed algorithm can be coupled with a suitable hardware system to perform accurate classification of the whole and split cashews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri is a vector of the bacterial causative agent of Huanglongbing (HLB = Citrus greening), a severe disease affecting citrus crops. As there is no known control for HLB, manipulating insect behaviour through deployment of semiochemicals offers a promising opportunity for protecting citrus crops. The behavioural responses of D. citri to plant volatiles, and the identity of these plant volatiles were investigated. Volatiles were collected from host plants Murraya paniculata, Citrus sinensis, C. reshni, C. limettioides, Poncirus trifoliata, and from non-host plants Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale. In behavioural assays, female D. citri spent more time in the arms containing volatiles from either M. paniculata or C. sinensis compared to the control arms. When D. citri was exposed to volatiles collected from A. occidentale, they preferred the control arm. Volatiles emitted from the other studied plants did not influence the foraging behaviour of D. citri. Chemical analyses of volatile extracts from C. sinensis, M. paniculata, and A. occidentale revealed the presence of the terpenoids (E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene (DMNT) and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene (TMTT) in higher amounts in A. occidentale. In further behavioural bioassays, female D. citri spent less time in arms containing a synthetic blend of DMNT and TMTT compared to the control arms. Female D. citri also spent less time in arms containing the synthetic blend in combination with volatile extracts from either M. paniculata or C. sinensis compared to the control arms. Results suggest that higher release of the two terpenoids by A. occidentale make this species unattractive to D. citri, and that the terpenoids could be used in reducing colonisation of citrus plants and therefore HLB infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The protein content and allergen composition was studied of cashews from 8 different origins (Benin, Brazil, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam), subjected to different in‐shell heat treatments (steamed, fried, drum‐roasted). On 2D electrophoresis, 9 isoforms of Ana o 1, 29 isoforms of Ana o 2 (11 of the acidic subunit, 18 of the basic subunit), and 8 isoforms of the large subunit of Ana o 3 were tentatively identified. Based on 1D and 2D electrophoresis, no difference in allergen content (Ana o 1, 2, 3) was detected between the cashews of different origins (P > 0.5), some small but significant differences were detected in allergen solubility between differently heated cashews. No major differences in N‐ and C‐terminal microheterogeneity of Ana o 3 were detected between cashews of different origins. Between the different heat treatments, no difference was detected in glycation, pepsin digestibility, or IgE binding of the cashew proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cashew and pistachio allergies are considered a serious health problem. Previous studies have shown that thermal processing, pressurization and enzymatic hydrolysis may reduce the allergenic properties of food by changing the protein structure. This study assesses the allergenic properties of cashew and pistachio after thermal treatment (boiling and autoclaving), with or without pressure (autoclaving), and multiple enzymatic treatments under sonication, by SDS-PAGE, western blot and ELISA, with serum IgE of allergic individuals, and mass spectroscopy. Autoclaving and enzymatic hydrolysis under sonication separately induced a measurable reduction in the IgE binding properties of pastes made from treated cashew and pistachio nuts. These treatments were more effective with pistachio allergens. However, heat combined with enzymatic digestion was necessary to markedly lower IgE binding to cashew allergens. The findings identify highly effective simultaneous processing conditions to reduce or even abolish the allergenic potency of cashew and pistachio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at the one-step chemical modification of the surface of cashew wood flour particles using the technical grade cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The goal is to develop an alternative way to introduce chemically active sites on the surface of the particles, which allows the addition of new functionalities to such particles. The influence of time and temperature and catalyst on the substitution of lignocellulosic hydroxyls with cardanol/cardol urethane derivatives was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements. The mechanical behavior of the modified particles in polypropylene composites was also evaluated by mechanical testing and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The FTIR, thermogravimetry, and contact angle results indicated changes on the particle surface, and the mechanical and thermomechanical behavior of the mercerized and modified particles in the composites was found to be similar. These results point that the CNSL approach is a viable way to chemically modify cashew wood flour particle surfaces, while maintaining their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cashew nuts are important both nutritionally and industrially, but can also cause food allergies in some individuals. The present study aimed to assess the effect(s) of industrial processing on anacardic acids and allergens present in cashew nuts. Sample analyses were performed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, SDS-PAGE and immunoassay. The anacardic acid concentration ranged from 6.2 to 82.6 mg/g during processing, and this variation was attributed to cashew nut shell liquid incorporation during storage and humidification. Dehydrated and selected samples did not significantly differ in anacardic acid content, having values similar to the raw sample. SDS-PAGE and immunoassay analysis with rabbit polyclonal sera and human IgE indicated only minor differences in protein solubility and antibody binding following processing steps. The findings indicate that appreciable amounts of anacardic acid remain in processed nuts, and that changes to cashew allergens during industrial processing may only mildly affect antibody recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has documented egg parasitism in Tropical Tasar Silkworm for the first time. The parasitoid is Anastatus leithi (Walker) belonging to Eupelmidae family. It is a solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid, emerges out as adults from the tasar eggs in 17-20 days during August- September. The parasitism rate was recorded at 11.90 percentage.

The micronutrient status of the soils and leaf of cocoa, kola, cashew and coffee plantations to study the soil-plant micronutrient content relationship in the plantation soils for proper management towards optimum production of the crops was investigated at Uhonmora, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil and leaf samples were collected from these plantations and analyzed according to standard laboratory procedures. The soil samples were analyzed for the micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) and in addition pH, organic carbon, sand, silt and clay contents, while the leaves were analyzed for only the micronutrient contents. Results indicated that the soils were sandy loam, acidic, low in organic carbon, deficient in Cu and Mn but very high in Fe and Zn contents. This probably resulted in nutrient imbalance in the soils and the deficiency of the nutrients in the crops. The plantations therefore require application of organic manures and micronutrient fertilizers to rectify the inadequate soil organic matter and to supply sufficient amount of Cu and Mn in the soils, to obtain quality fruit yield at optimum level from the plantations.

Whole peanut or cashew extracts are usually used in immunotherapy. Reducing major allergen(s) in the extracts may lessen their side effects. Three methods were evaluated to reduce major allergens in peanut extracts: (1) p-aminobenzamidine; (2) magnetic agarose beads; and (3) extraction of a commercial peanut flour at pH 7, respectively. The first two methods were also used to reduce major allergens in cashew extracts. After treatments, samples were evaluated by SDS- PAGE. pABA-treated samples were also analyzed for IgE binding in western blot. We found that the methods resulted in peanut extracts lacking detectable Ara h 1 but containing Ara h 2/6 and cashew extract lacking Ana o 1/2, but containing Ana o 3. Consequently, reduced IgE binding was observed. We conclude that the methods are useful for producing peanut or cashew extract with little Ara h 1 or Ana o 1/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the West African region has highly diverse agro-climatic conditions, which grant the potential for a remarkable agricultural production of a great diversity of crops. Since the 1980s, the production volumes of most crops have grown vigorously for both domestic and export markets. Traditional food crops—such as rice, groundnuts and sorghum—have been replaced by cash crops, namely cashew. Among the main cashew production areas, West Africa is the most recent and dynamic in the world, accounting for 45% of the worldwide production of cashew nuts in 2015. In consequence, cashew cultivation has acquired an important position in West African smallholder farming, providing positive economic and social effects. In this paper, we provide an overview of the cashew production system in the West African region, using Guinea-Bissau as a case study. In particular, we present some viewpoints concerning the impact of cashew production and discuss how the strong dependence on a single cash crop can compromise the local livelihoods and food security. Finally, some insights are given towards the sustainable production of cashew in the face of the recent risks affecting the agricultural sector in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of extraction of antioxidative phenolic compounds from cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) leaves was performed using response surface methodology (RSM). The central composite design (CCD) was used to establish treatments based on three independent variables, including extraction temperature, time, and ethanol-to-solid ratio. Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidative activities (DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP), and % yield were monitored. The extraction yield was 8.64% under the following optimized condition: extraction at 34.7°C for 64 min with an ethanol-to-solid ratio of 18:1 vol/wt. TPC was 564.60 mg GAE/g dry extract and DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP were 11.74, 5.56, and 8.11 mmol TE/g dry extract, respectively. The experiment values were in accordance with the predicted values. Isoquercetin, catechin, hydroquinin, gallic acid, tannic acid, and rutin were found in the extract. The extract could therefore be used as natural antioxidant for food application or as nutraceutical. Practical applications Cashew leaf is a potential source of phenolics with antioxidative activity. Extraction method is the first important step in isolation of interested compound, in which the target compounds are extracted with high recovery and without interferences. Optimization of extraction is the procedure that can be used to extract the bioactive compounds having antioxidant capacity with high efficiency. Cashew leaf extract also can be used for food application or serve as nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The prebiotic effects of a cashew apple ( Anacardium occidentale L.) agro-industrial byproduct powder ( CAP) on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains, namely Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, Lactobacillus casei L-26 and Lactobacillus paracasei L-10, were assessed using in vitro experimental models. Accordingly, the growth of the Lactobacillus strains when cultivated in a broth containing CAP (20 or 30 g L−1), glucose (20 g L−1) or fructooligosaccharides ( FOS) (20 g L−1) was monitored over 48 h; the prebiotic activity scores of CAP were determined; and the changes in pH values, production of organic acids and consumption of sugars in growth media were verified. RESULTS During the 48-h cultivation, similar viable cell counts were observed for the Lactobacillus strains grown in the different media tested. The CAP presented positive prebiotic activity scores toward all the tested Lactobacillus strains, indicating a desirable selective fermentable activity relative to enteric organisms. The cultivation of the Lactobacillus strains in broth containing glucose, FOS or CAP resulted in high viable cell counts, a decreased pH, the production of organic acids and the consumption of sugars over time, revealing intense bacterial metabolic activity. CONCLUSION The CAP exerts potential prebiotic effects on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains and should be an added-value ingredient for the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus infections has evolved in recent years, as this species is a major Gram-positive pathogen associated with healthcare services. The antimicrobial resistance of this species raises an urgent need for new treatment strategies. Fruits play important nutritional and economic roles in society, but their biological and pharmacological features are poorly explored when compared to nonedible parts of plants such as barks and leaves. In this study, we show that the cashew apple juice [cashew juice pulp (CJP)] extract is active against the planktonic cells of S. aureus strains, and for the first time, we show that CJP is also active against S. aureus biofilms. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were conducted to prospect for polyphenols and free carbohydrates, respectively. Cashew apple juice, which is rich in nutrients, is widely consumed in Brazil; therefore, the quality attributes of CJPs were investigated. Samples were evaluated for pH, total titratable acidity, vitamin C levels, and total soluble solids. We also detected an antagonistic interference of CJP when it was combined with different antimicrobial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]