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In this study, we investigated the influence of pedological parameters and variation of altitude on the mineral nutrients, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities of olive leaves. Samples of the Chetoui cultivar were collected from eight geographical locations with different altitudes. Levels of phenolic compounds varied according to the altitude. Classification of the locations revealed that altitude 1 (>500 m) was characterized by high levels of secoiridoids and simple phenols, while altitude 2 (500–300 m) and altitude 3 (

In the Mediterranean basin, the treatment and disposal of olive mill pomace (OMP) remain a salient environmental issue for the olive oil- producing industry. This study assesses the effects of olive-processing technology (three- phase and two-phase systems) on the potential use of OMP as a soil amendment. Samples from 12 Croatian olive mills were analysed for their total phenolic content (TPC), residual oil fraction, and elemental concentration. The samples were profiled using FT-IR spectroscopy and structurally characterised using SEM-EDS. Compared to three- phase samples, two-phase OMP was more acidic (pH 4.5 vs pH 5.0), with a higher TPC (3835 vs 1576 mg/kg f.w.), oil content (11.7 vs 7.5 % d.w.), EC (5.1 vs 3.0 mS/cm), and levels of Ca (1.34 vs 1.20 g/kg d.w.) and Cu (10.4 vs 7.0 mg/kg d.w.). Similar values of C/N (61 vs 72), N (10 vs 8.1 g/kg d.w.), P (1040 vs 691 mg/kg d.w.), and K (13.7 vs 8.1 g/kg d.w.) were observed. The amounts of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were below EC limits in both cases. The EDS mapping revealed that Ca was concentrated at sharp-edged OMP particles while K was evenly distributed, suggesting that pelletized OMP compost is preferable for amending soil to obtain a homogeneous distribution of nutrients. It was also possible to distinguish between OMPs based on oil and lignin absorption bands in their FT-IR spectra. According to the obtained results, composting is recommended for both types of OMP to produce a safe product for amendment purposes.

The addition of compost or biochar to soils is a viable strategy to increase soil organic matter (SOM), especially if the amendments are produced from biomass wastes. The need for sustainable land management without sacrificing agricultural production is critical to alleviate negative impacts on soil quality, including loss of SOM and nutrients. Turning sewage sludge (SS) into compost or biochar can help in lowering its potential negative effects on soil and providing a viable strategy for SS management through its recycling in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of SS in its composted or biochar form on the fungal and bacterial communities of the Terra Rossa soil by high-throughput sequencing. A greenhouse pot trial was conducted using a 2-factor experiment consisting of amendment type (compost, biochar) and sampling time (Day 0, 30, and 60) as the main factors. The results showed no effect of SS addition on fungal and bacterial species richness, as well as a shift in relative abundance of the fungal phylum Zygomycota and bacterial phylum Firmicutes and Thermomicrobia. Both bacterial and fungal community analyses showed changes when composted sewage sludge was applied. However, only the fungal community differed from the control soil by the end of the 60-day vegetation period of Chinese cabbage.

The potential effect of pre-inoculation of processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on yield and fruit properties was investigated in conventional production. Tomato seeds were sown in seedling trays filled with a substrate non-inoculated (AMF-) or inoculated (AMF+) by selected mycorrhizal strains. Seedlings were transplanted in Terra rossa soil and grown in conditions with mineral fertilization and irrigation. Tomato fruits were sampled at harvest. Tomato plants under both treatments had high levels of mycorrhizal colonization, due to applied inoculum (AMF+) or indigenous (AMF-) inoculum present in the soil. Applied AMF+ treatment increased P and decreased K content in tomato fruits. Content of trace elements such as As and V significantly increased, while Pb content significantly decreased in the fruits of AMF+ when compared to the AMF- treatment. No significant effect of AMF+ treatment was observed on yield, fruit quality (soluble solids, pH, total acidity, fruit firmness), lycopene and antioxidant activity of tomato fruits. The overall results suggest that processing tomato is highly susceptible to the indigenous AMF, while seedlings inoculation with selected AMF improves only total phenolic and P fruit content. This means that AMF have a potential application in commercial processing tomato production, however a targeted adaptation of management decissions is required for more extensive results.

Copper (Cu) locally contaminates soils and might negatively affect growth and yield of crops. A better understanding of plant copper tolerance and accumulation is needed in order to breed more Cu-tolerant or Cu-efficient crops. Cu tolerance was evaluated in different varieties of seven species (Brassica carinata, B. juncea, B. napus, Cynara cardunculus, Helianthus annuus, Nicotiana tabacum and Raphanus sativus) exposed to a series of CuSO4 concentrations (0.1–8 μM CuSO4) in the nutrient solution. Plants were further exposed to 0.1 μM CuSO4 and to their variety-specific concentrations that reduced root growth to 50% of the maximum rate (EC50). Among all the varieties of all the species the EC50 varied from 0.7 up to 3.1 μM Cu. B. carinata was significantly more Cu-sensitive than the other species, which were not significantly different among each other, and B. carinata and H. annuus accommodated significant intra-specific, inter-varietal variation. There were significant differences between species in Cu uptake efficiency and nutrient status. When under EC50 exposure, all the Brassicaceae, except B. carinata, maintained low Cu concentrations in shoots, whereas the other species and B. carinata exhibited significantly increased shoot Cu concentrations, compared to the control. There was no apparent relationship between Cu tolerance and Cu accumulation in roots and shoots, suggesting that the observed variation in tolerance, both between and within species, is not explained by differential exclusion capacity. Discriminant analysis and treatment comparisons suggest possible contribution of lignin, saturated fatty acids, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in tolerance to high Cu concentrations in shoot.

In recent years, the production and application of biochar as a soil amendment produced from pruning residues has gained attention worldwide. Since the effect of grapevine rootstock type on grapevine-pruning residues used as feedstock for biochar production had not yet been researched, the present research was performed. Two grapevine rootstocks, different in vigor, were selected, with the hypothesis that they would affect their chemical composition and, consequently, the composition of the produced biochar. In this work, grapevine-pruning residues of the indigenous variety “Istrian Malvasia” (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted on 420A and SO4 rootstocks were analyzed and used for biochar production under three peak temperature programs (400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C). Higher pyrolysis temperature decreased yield but increased EC, ash, and TC content, as well as the content of most of the studied elements. On the other hand, grapevine rootstock type affected biochar EC, ash content, and specific surface area. Results showed that a more vigorous rootstock affects the produced biochar qualities by enhancing the above-mentioned properties. The present research showed that biochar produced from grapevine-pruning residues, especially at 500 °C or 600 °C, could be a valuable tool for the valorization of this biomass as a soil amendment.

Current farm systems rely on the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) to secure high productivity and control threats to the quality of the crops. However, PPP use may have considerable impacts on human health and the environment. A study protocol is presented aiming to determine the occurrence and levels of PPP residues in plants (crops), animals (livestock), humans and other non-target species (ecosystem representatives) for exposure modelling and impact assessment. To achieve this, we designed a cross-sectional study to compare conventional and organic farm systems across Europe. Environmental and biological samples were/are being/will be collected during the 2021 growing season, at 10 case study sites in Europe covering a range of climate zones and crops. An additional study site in Argentina will inform the impact of PPP use on growing soybean which is an important European protein-source in animal feed. We will study the impact of PPP mixtures using an integrated risk assessment methodology. The fate of PPP in environmental media (soil, water and air) and in the homes of farmers will be monitored. This will be complemented by biomonitoring to estimate PPP uptake by humans and farm animals (cow, goat, sheep and chicken), and by collection of samples from non-target species (earthworms, fish, aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, bats, and farm cats). We will use data on PPP residues in environmental and biological matrices to estimate exposures by modelling. These exposure estimates together with health and toxicity data will be used to predict the impact of PPP use on environment, plant, animal and human health. The outcome of this study will then be integrated with socio-economic information leading to an overall assessment used to identify transition pathways towards more sustainable plant protection and inform decision makers, practitioners and other stakeholders regarding farming practices and land use policy. EEA Balcarce Fil: Silva, Vera. Wageningen University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Alaoui, Abdallah. University of Bern. Institute of Geography. Centre for Development and Environment; Suiza. Fil: Schlünssen, Vivi. Aarhus University. Department of Public Health; Dinamarca. National Research Centre for the Working Environment; Dinamarca. Fil: Vested, Anne. Aarhus University. Department of Public Health; Dinamarca. Fil: Graumans, Martien. Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; Países Bajos. Fil: Van Dael, Maurice. Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; Países Bajos. Fil: Trevisan, Marco. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Department for Sustainable Food Process; Italia. Fil: Suciu, Nicoleta. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Department for Sustainable Food Process; Italia. Fil: Mol, Hans. Wageningen University and Research. Wageningen Food Safety Research; Países Bajos. Fil: Beekmann, Karsten. Wageningen University and Research. Wageningen Food Safety Research; Países Bajos. Fil: Figueiredo, Daniel. Utrecht University. Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences; Países Bajos. Fil: Harkes, Paula. Wageningen University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Hofman, Jakub. Masaryk University. Faculty of Science. Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment; Republica Checa. Fil: Kandeler, Ellen. University of Hohenheim. Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation; Alemania. Fil: Abrantes, Nelson. University of Aveiro. Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Environment and Planning; Portugal. Fil: Campos, Isabel. University of Aveiro. Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Environment and Planning; Portugal. Fil: Martínez, María Ángeles. Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas; España. Fil: Pereira, Joana Luísa. Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Environment and Planning; Portugal. Fil: Goossens, Dirk. Wageningen University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group. Países Bajos. KU Leuven Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Belgica. Fil: Gandrass, Juergen. Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry; Alemania. Fil: Debler, Freya. Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry; Alemania. Fil: Huerta Lwanga, Esperanza. Wageningen University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Jonker, Marlot. Dutch Mammal Society; Países Bajos. Fil: Van Langevelde, Frank. Wageningen University and Research. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Sorensen, Martin. Aarhus University. Department of Animal Science; Dinamarca. Fil: Wells, Jerry. Wageningen University and Research. Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Sciences Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Boekhorst, Jos. Wageningen University and Research. Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Sciences Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Huss, Anke. Utrecht University. Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences; Países Bajos. Fil: Mandrioli, Daniele. Ramazzini Institute. Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center; Italia. Fil: Sgargi, Daria. Ramazzini Institute. Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center; Italia. Fil: Nathanail, Paul. Land Quality Management; Reino Unido. Fil: Nathanail, Judith. Land Quality Management; Reino Unido. Fil: Tamm, Lucius. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture; Suiza. Fil: Fantke, Peter. Technical University of Denmark. Department of Technology, Management and Economics; Dinamarca. Fil: Mark, Jennifer. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture; Suiza. Fil: Grovermann, Christian. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture; Suiza. Fil: Larsen, Ana Frelih. Ecologic Institute; Alemania. Fil: Herb, Irina. Ecologic Institute; Alemania. Fil: Chivers, Charlotte Anne. University of Gloucestershire. Countryside and Community Research Institute; Reino Unido. Fil: Mills, Jane. University of Gloucestershire. Countryside and Community Research Institute; Reino Unido. Fil: Alcon, Francisco. Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena; España. Fil: Contreras, Josefina. Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena; España. Fil: Baldi, Isabelle. Bordeaux University. INSERM U1219; Francia. Fil: Pasković, Igor. Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Department of Agriculture and Nutrition; Croacia. Fil: Matjaz, Glavan. University of Ljubljana. Biotechnical Faculty; Eslovenia. Fil: Norgaard, Trine. Aarhus University. Department of Agroecology; Dinamarca. Fil: Aparicio, Virginia Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina. Fil: Ritsema, Coen. Wageningen University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Geissen, Violette. University and Research. Soil Physics and Land Management Group; Países Bajos. Fil: Scheepers, Paul. Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; Países Bajos.

Leaves and infusions of six Croatian olive cultivars grown in an organic orchard under the same agronomic conditions were characterised by high- performance liquid chromatography- ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry (HPLC- UV/VIS). The total identified phenols in leaves ranged from 3 818 mg 100 g–1 [cultivar Istarska crnica (IC)] to 10 572 mg 100 g–1 of dry mass [cultivar Oblica (OB)]. The canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) provided a distinct separation of cultivars based on leaves' phenolic profiles. Hot- and cold-water infusions (200 mL) were prepared from 1 g of dry leaves. The average transfer rate of the total phenols in the cold-water infusions was 40% (25 °C/30 min), while in the hot-water infusions was 63% (75 °C/3 min) and 76% (100 °C/3 min). Although the cold-water infusions had the lowest transfer rate, they contained important levels of hydroxytyrosol derivatives ranging from 16.6 mg 200 mL–1 to 36.5 mg 200 mL–1 depending on the cultivar. Therefore, both hot and cold preparations are effective in obtaining antioxidant-rich natural beverages

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that intervenes in several plant metabolic processes. The olive tree, and its fruits and leaves, are known as a source of nutraceuticals since they are rich in biophenols. However, there is still a serious lack of data about biophenolic distribution in olive stems and roots under Mn fertilisation. In this context, our study aimed to examine the effects of Mn fertilisation on the biophenolic profile in the leaves, stems, and roots of the ‘Istarska bjelica’ olive cultivar. The experiment was set up in a greenhouse, during a period of five months, as a random block design consisting of three treatments with varying Mn concentrations in full-strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution (0.2 µM Mn, 12 µM Mn, and 24 µM Mn). The obtained results indicate that the amount of Mn in the examined olive plant tissues was significantly higher under 12 µM Mn and 24 µM Mn treatments compared to that of the 0.2 µM Mn treatment. While the concentration of biophenols varied in roots depending on the compound in question, a strong positive impact of the increased Mn concentration in nutrient solution (12 µM Mn and 24 µM Mn) on the concentrations of the main biophenolic compounds was observed in stems. The concentration of oleuropein in leaves almost doubled at 24 µM Mn, with the highest Mn concentration, as compared to the 0.2 µM Mn treatment. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the supply of Mn could enhance the concentration of some biologically active compounds in olives grown hydroponically, implying a critical need for further investigation of Mn fertilisation practices in the conventional olive farming system.

The effects of different fertilisation treatments with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on AMF root colonisation, fruit yield, nutrient and total phenol contents, volatile compound composition, and sensory attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were investigated. Mineral, organic, and mineral + organic fertiliser application positively affected tomato yield (35%–50%) and phosphorus concentration (24%–29%) compared with controls. AMF application had a significant impact on the total nitrogen (+9%), manganese (+12%), and hydrophilic phenol (+8%) contents in the fruit. Volatile compounds were affected by the interactive effects of fertilisation and AMF application. The response of tomato fruit sensory quality indicators was relatively modest, with only a few sensory characteristics affected to a lesser extent. Although tomato showed susceptibility to field-native AMF, particular combinations of fertilisation and AMF inoculation were more effective at improving the quality parameters of tomatoes under field conditions applied in this study.

The interactive effects of cultivar, collecting period, and geographical location on the content and composition of biophenols and macro and micronutrients in olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf were investigated. Leaves of six cultivars were collected at three periods in two locations in Croatia. The leaves of Istarska bjelica cultivar had the greatest biophenol (oleuropein) potential, especially those sampled in January and in March at the location of Pag. All the cultivars yielded leaves with the highest concentration of biophenols in March, which coincided with the pruning period. Except for high oleuropein concentration in Istarska bjelica, flavonoids were found to be most useful for differentiating olive leaves according to cultivar. Verbascoside turned out to be the most potent differentiator of collecting periods, while phosphorus and zinc turned out to be most useful for differentiating locations. Despite different agroecological conditions at the two locations, cultivar exhibited a significant effect on olive leaf nutrient composition, which was certainly causally related to that of the biophenols. The results obtained showed that it is possible to plan more well-timed and efficient exploitation of biophenols from olive leaf based on the knowledge about the interactive effects of the three studied factors.

In order to investigate the potential of various olive cultivars and leaf sampling times for phytochemical farming practice in Croatia, phenolic and mineral composition was determined in olive leaves of four Croatian cultivars and Italian cultivar Leccino collected at three occasions, in October 2017, January 2018, and March 2018. Istarska bjelica turned out to have the largest phytochemical potential among the investigated cultivars due to steady high oleuropein concentrations found in its leaves. The concentration of main phenolic components in Istarska bjelica leaves changed only slightly during the sampling period, suggesting the possibility of its higher capability for low air temperatures stress resistance and different metabolic response compared to the other studied cultivars. Low air temperatures increased the oleuropein level and antioxidant activity in leaves of Leccino, Oblica, Levantinka, and Drobnica cultivars, which may be of crucial phytochemical farming interest. Each of the investigated olive cultivars was characterized by a specific leaf mineral nutrient composition, which could have had a specific role in their interplay with phenols.

Bor (B) je esencijalni biogeni element neophodan za rast i razvoj masline, a nedostatak B općenito se smatra jednim od najčešćih nedostataka mikroelemenata u maslinarstvu. Iako nedostatak B može dovesti do promjene koncentracije različitih fenolnih spojeva u listu masline utjecaj ishranjenosti masline B na fenolni profil lista udomaćenih sorata masline nije dovoljno istražen. Stoga, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj primjene hranive otopine s (B+) (30 μM B) ili bez (B-) (0 μM B) bora na fenolni profil lista masline (Olea europaea L.) sorte 'Istarska bjelica'. Pokus je postavljen kao slučajni blokni raspored u četiri ponavljanja na ukupno 40 sadnica masline sorte 'Istarska bjelica'. Uzorkovanje lista provedeno je nakon 60 dana od početka pokusa. Koncentracija B u listu masline bila je značajno veća u B+ tretmanu, dok su utvrđene koncentracije ukupnih fenola i verbaskozida u listu masline bile značajno veće u B- tretmanu. Gnojidba B nije značajno utjecala na koncentraciju ostalih fenolnih spojeva. Značajno veća koncentracija ukupnih fenola i verbaskozida u listu sorte 'Istarska bjelica' kod B- tretmana može se povezati s fiziološkim odgovorom biljke na nedostatak B., Boron (B) is an essential nutrient for growth and development of olive, whereas B deficiency is among the most common micronutrient disorders in olive production. Boron deficiency contributes changes in the concentration of different phenolic compounds in olive leaves, the impact of B nutrition on the phenolic leaf profile of autochthonous olive varieties is mainly unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of nutrient solutions, with (B+) and without (B-) boron addition, on the phenolic profile in olive leaves of cultivar ‘Istarska bjelica’. The experiment was set up in random block design in four repetitions, on 40 olive plantlets of cultivar ‘Istarska bjelica’. Olive leaves were sampled 60 days after the beginning of the experiment. Boron concentration in olive leaves was significantly higher in the B+ treatment, whereas total phenolic content and verbascoside concentration were significantly higher in the olive leaves of the B- treatment. Boron nutrition had no significant impact on other phenolic compounds. A significantly higher total phenolic content and verbascoside concentration, determined in olive leaves of cultivar ‘Istarska bjelica’, indicate the relation between physiological plant response and B deficiency.

Kukci iz reda Hemiptera i Thysanoptera vektori su brojnih patogenih virusa, bakterija, gljivica, fitoplazmi te spiroplazmi. Karakterizira ih brza reprodukcija te širok spektar biljaka domaćina na kojima čine direktne štete hranjenjem ili indirektne prijenosom patogenih organizama. Današnja istraživanja kukaca vektora biljnih bolesti usmjerena su na razumijevanje mehanizama kojima različiti patogeni utječu na vektore zbog unapređenja vlastitog prijenosa na prigodna domaćina, ali i na praćenje pojava novih vektora te identifikaciju uzročnika biljnih bolesti koje prenose. Lisne uši (Aphididae), štitasti moljci (Aleyroidae) i tripsi (Thripidae) vektori su mnogobrojnih biljnih virusa. Cikade vektori virusa pripadaju podporodicama Agallinae i Deltocephalinae dok su mnogobrojne ostale vrste unutar porodice Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae i Cercopidae prijenosnici brojnih fitoplazmi i bakterija, uključujući i karantenske patogene poput bakterije Xylella fastidiosa. Istraživanja kukaca vektora uključuju proučavanja opsežnih interakcija unutar patosustava, istraživanja genskih predispozicija vektora za prijenos specifičnog patogena, sinergijske odnose virusa i endosimbiotskih bakterija u tijelu vektora, procjenjuju dinamične učinke patogena na biljke domaćine tijekom razvoja bolesti te molekularne mehanizme kojima patogeni direktno utječu na ponašanje i navike vektora. U ovom radu prikazane su biološke predispozicije različitih vektora za prijenos patogena, istaknuti su odnosi i mehanizmi utjecaja patogena na vektore te načini njihova prijenosa., Insects from the Hemiptera and Thysanoptera order are vectors of numerous pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas. They are characterized by fast reproduction and a broad plant-host spectre which they damage either directly by feeding or indirectly through transmittance of pathogenic organisms. Modern-day research of insect vectors is focused on investigating the mechanisms underlying the pathogen’s influence over its vector. It also aims to discover the molecular and metabolic components in plants, pathogens and their vectors which facilitate pathogen transmission and disease spread. Aphids (Aphididae), whiteflies (Aleyroidae) and thrips (Thripidae) are most important vectors of numerous plant viruses. Leafhoppers belonging only to Agallinae and Deltocephalinae subfamilies transmit viruses whereas numerous species within Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae and Cercopidae family, transmit phytoplasmas, bacteria as well as quarantine pathogens such as the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa. All pathogens transmitted by insect vectors use complex strategies to enhance effectiveness of their transmission and spread. Most pathogens show high specificity towards their insect vectors since certain anatomical and genetic predispositions must be appeased in order to achieve successful transmission. Pathogens also devised intriguing ways to manipulate vector behaviour and change its feeding and reproductive habits. In this review, we present biological predispositions of different vector-insects for pathogen transmission, highlight mechanisms in plant-vector-pathogen interactions and point out distinct ways of pathogen transmission.

Monovarietal virgin olive oils have special importance in preservation of olive biodiversity. The influences of cultivar, year and location on ‘Oblica’ and ‘Leccino’ fruit quality parameters during fruit ripening were studied. Maturity index (MI), fruit dry matter content (DMC), and oil content expressed on an olive dry matter basis were analyzed. Oil was extracted from each fruit batch using an Abencor system, after which the extractability was calculated. Olive fruit parameters depended significantly on the cultivar, year, and fruit MI. The DMC in ‘Oblica’ ranged from 32.0 to 45.6%, and the mean value was 38.67%, while the DMC in ‘Leccino’ ranged from 38.7 to 52.9%, with a mean value of 43.93%. Higher DMC was recorded in years with lower rainfall. In ‘Leccino’ fruits, a moderate decrease in DMC with increasing MI was recorded. The mean oil content was 41.5% in ‘Oblica’ and 36.4% in ‘Leccino’. There were significant differences in the oil content of olive fruits harvested at different locations and at different maturity stages of both cultivars. However, ‘Oblica’ oil content was higher on average at the lower-altitude location (Kaštela) compared with Šestanovac, where ‘Leccino’ synthesized more oil. Significant positive correlations of the MI with the DMC and oil content were noted. A wide range of extractability, from 35 to 87%, was recorded, strongly influenced by the studied effects.

This study set out to evaluate the effect of using sewage sludge-derived compost (SSC) or biochar (SSB) as a soil amendment on the phytoaccumulation of potentially toxic elements, PTE (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and natural radionuclides (U-238 and Th-232) by Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) in terra rossa and rendzina soils, which are the two common soil types in Croatia. The experiment consisted of a greenhouse pot trial using a three-factor design where soil type, sludge post-stabilisation procedure and amendment rate (12 and 120 mgP/L) were the main factors. At harvest, the concentrations of analytes in the substrate, leaves and roots were measured, from which the edible tissue uptake (ETU) and concentration ratios (CR) were determined. Also, the average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) were determined to assess the health risk, as well as soil contamination factor (CF). The results showed that neither adding SSC nor SSB affected the soil loading at the rates applied, suggesting a low risk of soil contamination (CF ≤1). The ETU of Cd, Cu, and Zn were 0.0061, 1.23, and 0.91 mg/plant from compost-amended soil and 0.0046, 0.78 and 0.65 mg/plant for biochar-amended soil, respectively. This difference suggests that their ETU was higher in compost-amended soils than in soils treated with biochar. The CR data indicate that the bioavailability of Cu (CR of 5.30) is highest at an amendment rate of 12 mgP/L, while for Zn (CR of 0.69), the highest bioaccumulation was observed with an amendment rate of 120 mgP/L. Translocation of Cr, Ni, Pb and 238U to the leaves was limited. Overall, the HQ (

Reactions that occur when the plant is subjected to Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infection often result in triggering numerous defence mechanisms to fight the infection. The reactions vary regarding virus strain, host genotype, time exposure to the infection and environmental conditions. No study has examined, to date and in detail, the consequence of ten-year exposure to CTV infection on biochemical and physiological status of susceptible Mexican lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia). To understand such kind of infection changes in nutrient status, total proteins, enzyme activity involved in scavenging stressed condition, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll content, membrane permeability and water content were analysed between different CTV strains and healthy plants. The activity of superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase significantly decreased in the infected leaves, as well as membrane permeability which were lower in the infected plants. Macro- and micro-nutrient elements were significantly changed: concentrations of leaf nitrogen, zinc, magnesium and iron were elevated but potassium concentration depressed in relation to non-infected control leaves. No changes were found with other analysed nutrient elements, enzymes, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content and relative water content. As shown in this study clear physiological changes were found among infected and non-infected control plants but none between different CTV strains. Data suggests that some of the defence mechanism investigated here were supressed due to the continuous and long-term pressure of biotic stress. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Food safety is one of the main concerns in the world and in wine it depends mostly on metabolites of microbial origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of natural contaminants, ochratoxin A and biogenic amines (cadaverine, histamine, putrescine and tyramine), in Croatian commercial red wines originating from different Croatian wine-making regions. Ochratoxin A was detected in 92.8% of samples, however its concentrations in all samples were more than 10-fold lower than the limit set by the European Union (2 &micro, g/kg), marking these wines as safe for consumption. The frequency of occurrence and measured concentrations of ochratoxin A were higher in wines produced in southern regions with highest values obtained in wines from southern Dalmatian islands. All samples were contaminated with cadaverine and putrescine, while 88.2% and 82.7% were contaminated with histamine and tyramine, respectively. Histamine concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection to 8.5 mg/L. Higher histamine concentrations were measured in wines with higher pH values which coincided with southern geographic origin. These results reinforce the need for routine detection and quantification of biogenic amines in Croatian wines to achieve better control of vinification and minimize their formation.

This study assesses the potential use of different types of stabilized sewage sludge as a soil amendment by considering their physicochemical characteristics, nutritional status, and their trace metal and radionuclide content. The concentrations of trace metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-OES and gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively. For determining nutritional status and chemical characterization, this study followed standard ISO-recommended procedures. Data analysis revealed that anaerobic sludge contains higher concentrations of Cr, Hg, and Ni compared to aerobic and non-biologically stabilized sludge. A similar observation was observed in the case of 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, and 228Th. Furthermore, the high levels of P and N in aerobic sludge suggest that biologically stabilized sludge has the potential to be a good fertilizer. In addition, the study finds strong evidence that nutrients are involved in the adsorption of metals and radionuclides onto sludge biomass. Overall, eight of the nine studied sludge samples are safe for agricultural use since the concentrations of trace metals fall well below the limits set by Croatian legislation (NN 38/08). In addition, the levels of radionuclides do not pose a radiological risk. This means that soil conditioning with sewage sludge remains a viable strategy for nutrient recovery from municipal waste, although long-term impact assessments of repeated applications are necessary.

Four terroirs where cv. Malvasia Istriana is grown under equal viticultural practices and climatic conditions, but on different soil types, were studied. Grape juice samples were taken during ripening at three grapevine growth stages (S35 – berries begin to colour and enlarge ; S36 – berries with intermediate Brix values ; and S38 – berries harvest ripe). Malvasia Istriana grape juice showed a specific free amino acid profile during all three grapevine growth stages, where arginine was the most abundant free amino acid, followed by alanine, threonine, tyrosine, aspartic acid, serine, histidine and glutamic acid. Leucine was the least abundant free amino acid on all studied terroirs at all grapevine growth stages. Total free amino acids decreased at S38, compared to both S35 and S36, on all terroirs, except Fiorini terroir where total free amino acids concentration at S38 was significantly lower compared to S36, but significantly higher compared to S35.

The present study investigated the effect of boron (B) foliar application on the dynamic changes in the concentration of phenols, especially oleuropein, and volatile compounds of olive leaves during a 90-day period. The trial was conducted in a greenhouse on one year old olive plantlets, sprayed with B at 41.62 mM against a water treated control. It was revealed that total phenols and oleuropein concentration in old and in young olive leaves increased in B treated leaves 90 days after application. Furthermore, B enhanced the concentration of particular terpene and norisoprenoid volatiles in olive leaf infusion. The obtained results may give a new perspective in biochemical farming practice, with a possibility to increase the amounts of phenols and terpenes in olive leaves intended for medical uses, and to enhance olive plant resistance to pathogens and insects.

Organic amendments are often reported to improve soil properties, promote plant growth, and improve crop yield. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the biochar and compost produced from sewage sludge and olive pomace on soil hydraulic properties, water flow, and P transport (i.e., sorption) using numerical modeling (HYDRUS-1D) applied to two soil types (Terra Rosa and Rendzina). Evaporation and leaching experiments on soil cores and repacked soil columns were performed to determine the soil water retention, hydraulic conductivity, P leaching potential, and P sorption capacity of these mixtures. In the majority of treatments, the soil water retention showed a small increase compared to the control soil. A reliable fit with the modified van Genuchten model was found, which was also confirmed by water flow modeling of leaching experiments (R2 0.99). The results showed a high P sorption in all the treatments (Kd 21.24 to 53.68 cm3 g&ndash, 1), and a high model reliability when the inverse modeling procedure was used (R2 0.93 - 0.99). Overall, adding sewage sludge or olive pomace as compost or biochar improved the Terra Rosa and Rendzina water retention and did not increase the P mobility in these soils, proving to be a sustainable source of carbon and P-rich materials.

Arbuskularne mikorizne gljive (AMG) su korisni mikroorganizmi tla koji žive u obliku simbioze s korijenjem velikog broja biljnih vrsta, uključujući i većinu ekonomski važnih poljoprivrednih kultura, u koje se za područje Hrvatske ubraja i rajčica. Rajčica ima visoki stupanj prirodne sposobnosti vezivanja s AMG, čije su prednosti najvećim dijelom povezane s boljom kondicijom biljaka i otpornosti na različite biotske i abiotske čimbenike. Primjena AMG je ograničena proizvodnim uvjetima, između ostalih primjenom fungicida koja se redovito provodi u proizvodnji rajčice za suzbijanje gljivičnih bolesti. Iako se fungicidi u proizvodnji rajčice uglavnom primjenjuju folijarno, značajne količine primijenjene djelatne tvari mogu indirektno dospjeti u gornji sloj tla i negativno utjecati na razvoj AMG. Cilj ovog preglednog rada je, temeljem dostupnih literaturnih podataka i dosadašnjih istraživanja, prikazati kompatibilnost AMG i fungicida dozvoljenih u Hrvatskoj za primjenu u proizvodnji rajčice na otvorenome., Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial soil microorganisms that persist on roots of a significant number of plant species through symbiosis, including most of the economically important agricultural crops, where tomato takes a significant place for the Croatian area. Tomato has a high natural ability to interact with AMF, the benefits of which are significantly related to improved plant condition and resistance to different biotic and abiotic factors. Implementation of AMF is limited by production conditions, such as by application of fungicides that is regularly conduced in tomato production for fungal disease management. Although in tomato production mainly foliar fungicides are applied, significant quantity of applied active ingredient may indirectly reach the upper soil layer and negatively affect AMF development. The aim of this paper was to, based on available literature and research findings, describe the compatibility of AMF with fungicides allowed for application in open-field tomato production.

The present study aimed to examine the effect of foliar (Mn_fol) and soil Zeolite-Mn (Mn_ZA) application on leaf mineral, total phenolic and oleuropein content, and mycorrhizae colonization of self-rooted cv. Leccino plantlets grown on calcareous soil. RESULTS The dissolution of zeolite was 97% when citric acid was applied at 0.05?mM?dm?3, suggesting that organic acids excreted by roots can dissolve modified zeolite (Mn_ZA), making Mn available for plant uptake. The leaf Mn concentration was the highest for Mn_fol treatment at 90 days after transplanting (DAT) (172?mg?kg?1) and 150 DAT (70?mg?kg?1) compared to other treatments. Mn_ZA soil application increased leaf Mn concentration at 150 DAT compared to control and NPK treatments. The oleuropein leaf content was highest for Mn_fol compared to other treatments at 90 DAT and lowest at 150 DAT. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization was higher for Mn_fol treatment at 150 DAT compared to all other treatments. CONCLUSION Changes in the arbuscular colonization percentage and oleuropein content may be connected to stress conditions provoked by a high leaf Mn concentration in the Mn_fol treatment at 90 DAT. Mn_ZA application increased leaf Mn concentration at 150 DAT compared to control and NPK treatments. It can be assumed that the dominant mechanism in Mn uptake from modified zeolite is Mn_ZA dissolution through root exudates. ? 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

The aim of this study was to determine the abundance and diversity of root endophytic fungi in organic versus conventional vineyards on the eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia). Samples were collected from four locations in the karst region along the coast. Each of these locations included both organically and conventionally managed vineyards of cv. ‘Plavac mali’ on Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris rootstock. The total root colonization ranged from 39% to 78% for the grapevines, and from 9% to 99% for the dominant weeds, with generally significantly higher fungal colonization in the organic than the conventional vineyards. Increased abundance of the smallest class of fungal spore (diameter, 40–100 μm) was observed in organic vineyards. There was a similar pattern for fungal diversity, with the overall dominance of Ascomycota, and an average of 8.5% of all sequences belonging to Glomeromycota. Our study confirms the initial hypothesis that the change in vineyard soil management toward more sustainable practices improves the abundance and diversity of endophytic fungi, thus suggesting their greater ecological importance in environments with significantly reduced inputs.

Deficijencije cinka i mangana u alkalnim tlima česta su pojava, najčešće kao posljedica visokog pH te visoke koncentracije CaCO3 u tlu. U Dalmaciji, upravo na takvim tlima, kao jedna od vodećih kultura uzgaja se maslina. O distribuciji biljnih hraniva u tkivima masline i o utjecaju gnojidbe s cinkovim i manganovim pripravcima na stanje njene ishranjenosti zna se vrlo malo. Iako su Zn i Mn esencijalni elementi, njihovi učinci u uzgoju masline su do sada nedovoljno istraženi. U tu svrhu postavljen je gnojidbeni pokus, u kontroliranim uvjetima, s tri roka uzorkovanja: nakon 3 (UZ-1), 5 (UZ-2) i 12 mjeseci (UZ-3). Istraživanje je provedeno s ukorijenjenim reznicama sorte „Leccino“. Pokus je uključio 6 gnojidbenih tretmana (Kontrola, NPK, Mn_Z, Zn_Z, Mn_fol, Zn_fol) u 3 repeticije po shemi Latinskog pravokutnika. Glavni cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj gnojidbe modificiranim zeolitima s Mn i Zn, apliciranih putem tla, na kemijska i biološka svojstva masline. Rezultati pokazuju da su zeolitni gnojidbeni tretmani (Mn_Z, Zn_Z) značajno povećali količinu Mn odnosno Zn u suhoj tvari korijena, odnosno da su signifikantno povećali dužinu i oplošje (Mn_Z) kao i promjer i volumen (Zn_Z) korijena u odnosu na sve ostale gnojidbene tretmane. Utjecaj Mn_Z na količinu Mn u listu vidljiv je u UZ-2, a utjecaj Zn_Z na količinu Zn u listu i mladici u UZ-3. Također, primjena modificiranih zeolita ukazuje na mogućnost pozitivnog utjecaja na usvajanje P iz tla. Svoje djelovanje na količinu Mn ili Zn u listu folijarni gnojidbeni tretmani pokazali su u UZ-1 i UZ-2 (Mn_fol) odnosno UZ-1 (Zn-fol). Gnojidbeni tretman Zn_fol pozitivno je djelovao i na količinu Zn u mladici u UZ-3. S obzirom na dobivene rezultate primjene modificiranih zeolita, nameće se potreba daljnjih istraživanja u različitim agroekološkim uvjetima maslinika.

Mineralni sastav povrća općenito predstavlja važan izvor minerala koji su uključeni u razne osnovne metaboličke procese u ljudskom tijelu. Ipak prilikom uzgoja povrća na alkalnim, karbonatnim tlima deficijencije P, Fe, Zn, Mn česta su pojava, zbog formiranja teško topivih spojeva i slabije dostupnosti navedenih minerala biljkama. S toga je cilj našeg istraživanja bio utvrditi utjecaj različitih gnojidbi na mineralni sastav i nutritivnu vrijednost radiča kao visoko vrijedne namirnice. Rezultati su pokazali da je primjena organskog gnojiva (s huminskom i fulvičnom kiselinom i dodatkom makro i mikoelementa) putem tla signifikantno povećala koncentraciju P, K i Mg u lišću radiča. Također, uočljiv je i relativni porast količine Fe pri primjeni navedenog organskog gnojiva putem tla u odnosu na ostale gnojidbene tretmane., Vegetable mineral content represents an important source of minerals that are involved in basic metabolic processes in human body. Nevertheless, growing vegetable on alkaline, calcareous soils may result with P, Zn, Mn and Fe plant deficiency since these elements are firmly bound in precipitates of low solubility and consequently their availability to plants is markedly decreased. Therefore, the aim of our experiment was to determine influence of different fertilization treatments on mineral and nutritional value of radicchio as valuable food. The results showed that soil application of organic fertilizer (with humic and fulvic acid + macro and microelements) significantly increased P, K and Mg radicchio leaf concentration. Furthermore, in comparison to the other treatments, relative increase of iron content within organic fertilizer soil application is noticeable.