Volatile flavour components of mango fruit

An essence of fresh Venezuelan mango fruit obtained by well-established procedures possessed the characteristic aroma of the fruit. It was analysed by GC/MS using both EI and Cl. The fruit produced a relatively small quantity of aroma volatiles (ca 60 μg/kg fresh fruit), less than that obtained from many similar tropical fruits. Terpene hydrocarbons comprised ca 68% of the sample, eight monoterpenes contributing ca 54% and four sesquiterpenes contributing ca 14%. Important constituents included α-pinene, car-3-ene, limonene, γ-terpinene, α-humulene, β-selinene, acetophenone, benzaldehyde and a dimethylstyrene. Car-3-ene (26%) was the major constituent, and on odour evaluation of separated components at an odour port during GC, the peak due to this compound was described as having an aroma of mango leaves. This compound has not previously been detected among mango volatiles. The only other component providing mango aroma was a dimethylstyrene, and this too is a new mango volatile.     

‘台农1号’芒果果实发育过程中的糖分积累与相关酶活性研究

以‘台农1号’芒果为材料,测定了果实生长发育过程中淀粉、蔗糖、葡萄糖和果糖含量以及淀粉酶、蔗糖代谢相关酶———酸性转化酶(AI)、中性转化酶(NI)、蔗糖合成酶(SS)和蔗糖磷酸合成酶(SPS)的活性,并对果实中糖组分与酶活性的关系进行了分析.结果显示,(1)台农1号芒果果实属于单S型生长曲线,发育前期主要积累淀粉、葡萄糖和果糖,果实成熟软化时,淀粉酶活性降至最低,淀粉水解,蔗糖快速积累.(2)酸性转化酶活性在果实整个发育过程中维持最高,完熟时略有降低;蔗糖磷酸合成酶在果实发育前期略有降低,完熟时升至最高;蔗糖合成酶和中性转化酶活性在整个发育期一直很低且较稳定.(3)淀粉含量与淀粉酶活性呈显著正相关,与SPS活性呈极显著负相关,蔗糖、葡萄糖含量均与SPS、SS呈显著、极显著的正相关;果糖含量与SS呈极显著的正相关.研究表明,芒果成熟时淀粉分解、酸性转化酶活性的降低,且蔗糖合成酶和蔗糖磷酸合成酶活性的增加是引起果实蔗糖积累的主要因子.     

Immunoassay‐based Techniques for Early and Specific Detection of Latent Postharvest Anthracnose in Mango

The postharvest anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides inciting latent or quiescent infection of mango was detected in early stages using immunoassay methods. Twenty‐five pathotypes isolated from different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pondicherry, India, revealed the variation in protein profile analysis (SDS‐PAGE). The polyclonal antibodies (PCA) were raised against the unfractioned mycelial protein (UMP) and a 40‐kDa polypeptide present in all pathotypes. Standardization of antigen and antiserum dilutions revealed that an antigen dilution of 1 : 200 (protein concentration of 20 μg/ml) and antiserum dilution of 1 : 100 (protein concentration of 40 μg/ml raised against UMP) and 1 : 200 (protein concentration of 20 μg/ml raised against 40 kDa polypeptide) was found to be optimum for the detection of anthracnose pathogen. Both antisera detected the C. gloeosporioides antigen in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), dot immunobinding assays (DIBAs) and Western blots. The specificity in reaction was compared by isolating other Colletotrichum spp. from various hosts viz., C. lindemuthianum (beans), C. falcatum (sugarcane), C. musae (banana), C. capsici (chillies) and Botryodiplodia theobromae (mango). The antisera generated against UMP revealed the cross‐reaction with other host isolates and mango stem end rot pathogen (B. theobromae). The PCA raised against 40‐kDa polypeptide exhibited the specific reaction with C. gloeosporioides isolates in all the immunoassay techniques. By utilizing both PCA, the presence of latent infection was observed in healthy‐looking leaves, flowers and fruits in orchard conditions. The fruit tissues recorded high absorbance values followed by flowers and leaves in all the detection methods. The ELISA technique was also useful in assessing the pathogen inoculum at various biocontrol formulations sprayed mango trees under field conditions. The fluorescent pseudomonad strains mixture (KFP1 + FP7) amended with chitin sprayed at 30‐day intervals revealed the significant reduction in pathogen load than other formulations and unsprayed control.     

New records of mango shield scale Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and Brevennia rehi (Lindinger) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in north Queensland

Abstract  The first Australian records of mango shield scale ( Milviscutulus mangiferae ) from north Queensland and additional records from parts of Papua New Guinea are presented. The majority of specimens were collected from mango leaves ( Mangifera indica ). A summary of its known distribution, other hosts, identification and damage levels is also presented. Also, the detection of rice mealybug ( Brevennia rehi ) in far north Queensland is reported for the first time. This pest is known to occur in the Northern Territory. The north Queensland detections are from native grasses. The records presented here, for both species, are regarded as new detections, rather than new incursions.     

Nutrient levels in malformed and healthy tissues of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Samples of malformed and healthy panicles of mango (Mangifera indica L.) as well as leaves and shoots bearing them were collected at different stages of development (fully swollen buds, bud inception, fully grown panicles prior to full bloom and at full bloom) over two consecutive years and were analysed for their macro- and micronutrient status. In addition, malformed and healthy seedlings were collected and analysed. Malformed panicles were found to be significantly higher in N at all the developmental stages except at bud inception. Phosphorus and K also tended to accumulate in malformed panicles at later stages of their development. In general, malformed panicles exhibited lower levels of P, K and Ca than healthy panicles. The differences in levels of Mg and S in malformed and healthy panicles were not significant. All micronutrients were in much lower concentrations in malformed panicles except for Mn which appears to accumulate in malformed panicles particularly at the early stages of development. The leaves on the shoots bearing malformed panicles also showed a tendency to accumulate N, while P, Mg and S were always higher in leaves on shoots bearing healthy panicles. The leaves on shoots bearing healthy panicles had lower levels of Fe, Cu and Mn, whereas levels of Zn and B tended to be higher in leaves on shoots bearing malformed panicles. The nutrient concentration differences between the two kinds of shoots were generally nonsignificant (P=0.05), except for K and S which were significantly lower in shoots bearing malformed panicles. The shoots bearing malformed panicles showed significantly (P=0.05) higher levels of almost all nutrients compared with shoots bearing healthy panicles. Vegetative malformation was found to be associated significantly (p=0.05) with higher amounts of all nutrients except Ca which was significantly higher in healthy seedlings. The present study, therefore, seems to point to lower Ca as one of the pre-disposing factors causing malformation in mango.A part of Ph.D. thesis of the senior author.A part of Ph.D. thesis of the senior author.     

Biodegradation of mango kernel by Syncephalastrum racemosum and its biological control

Poor germination of mango seed due to fungal decay is a common problem in mango nurseries. The main causal fungus behind this problem is a black spore producing fungus, Syncephalastrum racemosum. This fungus exhibited high amylolytic activity and hence utilised the starch present in mango kernel for its own growth, thereby resulting in the death of emerging radical and plumule, which ultimately causes the death of emerging seedlings. A simple biocontrol device has been worked out by modifying the storage conditions of the mango seeds from aerobic to facultative. This change resulted in yeast growth on the pulp sticking to the mango seed, which in turn produced alcohol and prevented the growth of this fungus. The germination of such seeds has been found to be about 85–90%.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Summary The ‘Carabao’ or ‘Manila Super’ mango (Mangifera indica L.), a virtually neglected fruit before the advent of KNO₃ flower induction in the early 1970s, is now the third leading Philippine export fruit after banana and pineapple. To apply biotechnology for improvement, a reliable embryogenesis and regeneration protocol is required. We have developed a protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango: eight strains of ‘Carabao’ and two unidentified varieties, PHL 12384 and PHL 12378. Over 40 batches of nucellar explants from immature fruis (0.75–5.0 cm long) were cultured in vitro from April 1999 to April 2000. Two media were used, MMSE. Mango Medium for Somatic Embryo Induction, Proliferation and Germination and MMPR, Mango Medium for Plantlet Regeneration. These are now routinely used. The protocol is reproducible in 14 other varieties of mango. Shifting the base medium from Gamborg's B5 medium to our own formulation. BP medium (Barba and Pate?a's formulation) effectively controlled browning. Browning has limited the successful in vitro culture of many woody species including the mango. Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) 2001 Best Paper Award, Asian Agriculture Congress, Westin Philippine Plaza, Manila, Philippines, April 24–27, 2001 and Philippine Fruit Association 2000 Best Poster Award, 8th National Symposium. PCARRD, Los Ba?os, Laguna, Philippines, November 14–16, 2000.     

A historical review of research on the weaver ant Oecophylla in biological control

1 Although the weaver ant Oecophylla is the first written record of biological control, dating from 304 ad , there have been fewer than 70 scientific publications on this predator as a biological control agent in Asia, from the early 1970s onwards, and fewer than 25 in Africa. 2 Apart from crop‐specific ecological and perceptual factors, a historical review shows that political and market forces have also determined the extent to which Oecophylla was incorporated into research and development programmes. 3 In Africa, research on weaver ants in biological control concentrated on export crops, such as coconut and cocoa, whereas, in Asia and Australia, research focused on fruit and nut crops, primarily destined for domestic markets. 4 Increased evidence of pesticide inefficiency under tropical smallholder conditions, changing paradigm shifts in participatory research and a growing scientific interest in local knowledge in the early 1990s opened up new avenues for research on conservation biological control. 5 Lobbying and advocacy have been needed to ensure that Oecophylla was recognized as an effective biological control agent. 6 With an increased market demand for organic produce, holistic approaches such as conservation biological control, particularly the use of Oecophylla, are increasing in importance. 7 Multi‐stakeholder strategies for collaborative learning are proposed for a better control of major fruit, nut and timber tree pests in Africa, Asia and Australia.     

Plant regeneration of Mangifera indica using liquid shaker culture to reduce phenolic exudation

The exudation of phenolics from the cut ends of mango explants greatly hinders their regenerative ability in any in vitro growth medium. However, pretreatment of explants using liquid shaker culture helps in overcoming this problem. Explants kept in liquid MS medium supplemented with 1% polyvinylpyrolidone in 250 ml conical flasks on an automated shaker at 75 rpm were able to produce shoots when inoculated on gelled MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of growth regulators.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - IAA indoleacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid     

云南芒果采后炭疽病病原菌的鉴定及室内生防菌的筛选

随着对云南芒果需求量的增加,其种植面积日趋扩大,并不断引入新品种,这也导致云南省芒果炭疽病害发生日趋加重。为了有针对性地开展芒果炭疽病的生物防治,采用组织块分离法分离芒果采后炭疽病病原菌,通过形态学观察初步鉴定,并遵循柯赫氏法则对病原菌进行验证。随后,利用rDNA-ITS序列和系统发育树分析明确病原菌的分类学地位。最后,采用5种生防细菌对病原菌进行拮抗试验。通过对芒果采后炭疽病病原菌进行分离鉴定,确定胶孢炭疽菌(Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)是引起云南芒果采后炭疽病的病原菌,该菌株内转录间隔区(internal transcribed spacer,ITS)序列长度为536 bp,登录号为MH744668;5株生防细菌对芒果炭疽病病原菌都有一定的抑菌作用,具有较好的生防开发潜能,其中抗生素溶杆菌L-44的抑菌效果最好,抑制率达53.7%。研究结果为云南省芒果采后病害的生物防治提供了新的思路。