Metabolism of propionic acid by golden delicious apples

The headspace of whole Golden Delicious apples treated with propionic acid vapour, was analysed by means of GC, after enrichment on Tenax GC, and its c     

福寿螺的过冷却研究

福寿螺是IUCN认定的世界100种恶性外来入侵物种之一,在华南地区已对水稻生产造成严重危害。福寿螺属于热带软体动物,采用万用电表联接热敏电阻法研究了福寿螺在低温胁迫下的过冷却点,并探讨了不同个体福寿螺在过冷却发生后的死亡率和体内组织损伤。结果表明: 1)各种螺高的福寿螺冷却点均值为-6.96 ℃,范围在-6.21--7.32 ℃之间,恢复最高体温均值为-4.07 ℃,范围在-3.07--4.93 ℃之间,过冷却后维持时间均值为45.97 min,范围在18.60-75.34 min;2)福寿螺的过冷却点大小受螺高影响,螺高35 mm≤H<45 mm的福寿螺过冷却点显著高于5 mm≤H<15 mm、15 mm≤H<25 mm、25 mm≤H<35 mm体型的福寿螺,5-35 mm螺高的福寿螺过冷却点变化稳定;3)福寿螺在发生过冷却阶段的死亡率在23.33%-36.67%之间,不同体型的福寿螺之间没有显著性差异;4)过冷却后福寿螺死亡率随暴露时间的延长而提高,0到15 min内由20.9%提高到100%,过冷却后暴露时间对福寿螺死亡率影响较大;5)发生过冷却15 min后取出的福寿螺,染色后其外套膜有少量红色出现,而肾部和消化腺部未呈现明显红色,低温胁迫已经对福寿螺组织造成了显著损伤。本研究结果对于进一步探索福寿螺的生态适应性、扩散北界及福寿螺的越冬机制有一定参考价值。     

Structures of some carotenoids from the pulp of Persea americana

The identity of chrysanthemaxanthin as a major pigment in avocado pulp has been confirmed by MS and the identity of neoxanthin similarly established. A carbonyl pigment was identified as 3-hydroxy-sintaxanthin. Two new UV fluorescent apocarotenoids were isolated. On the basis of spectrum, behaviour in acid and MS, one of these is assigned the structure 5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro- 10′-apo-β-caroten-3, 10′-diol. The other has an acid labile pentaene chromophore, and structure (1) has been tentatively assigned on similar evidence. These are the first natural allyic apocarotenols whose structures have been established.     

Ripening induced in pre-climacteric immature golden delicious apples by propionic and butyric acids

When intact immature pre-climacteric Golden Delicious apples were treated with propionic or butyric acid vapours, ripening occurred, with attendant respiration climacteric, yellowing and aroma formation in a way almost identical to that when ethylene was used as trigger.     

Kaolin particle films suppress many apple pests, disrupt natural enemies and promote woolly apple aphid

Multiple applications of hydrophobic kaolin particle film in apple orchards suppressed numbers of blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum), brown leaf weevil (Phyllobius oblongus), attelabid weevil (Caenorhinus pauxillus), leafhoppers (Empoasca vitis and Zygina flammigera) and green apple aphid (Aphis pomi) colonies. The kaolin treatments reduced the apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) fruit infestation on cultivar J. Grieve, and the fruit damage caused by oyster scale (Quadraspidiotus ostreaeformis), mussel scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), early caterpillars, leaf rolling moths (Tortricidae), fruitlet‐mining tortrix moth (Pammene rhediella) and codling moth (Cydia pomonella). There was no effect on the number of colonies of rosy leaf curling aphid (Dysaphis devecta), nor on the fruit damage caused by common earwig (Forficula auricularia) and apple sawfly on cv. G. Delicious. The level of infestation of rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea), leaf miner moths (Phyllonorycter blancardella, Lyonetia clerkella), and agromyzid flies (Phytomyza heringiana) increased in the kaolin‐treated plots. Kaolin treatments promoted woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) infestation, which became severe, while it reduced the abundance of polyphagous predators like F. auricularia, predaceous Heteroptera and Coleoptera, the red velvet mite (Allothrombium fuliginosum), spiders (Araneae) and the abundance of common black ant (Lasius niger). The treatments also reduced parasitism of the apple sawfly by the ichneumonid Lathrolestes ensator. Many weeks after ending the kaolin treatments, the number of predaceous Coleoptera and especially the number of spiders remained low in the kaolin‐treated plots.     

Acetic and propionic acids,inducers of ripening in pre-climacteric golden delicious apples

When treated with acetic or propionic acid vapours, intact pre-climacteric Golden Delicious apples started ripening prematurely. Experiments with [2?¹⁴C]propionic acid showed that a small part of the added acid is transformed into [¹⁴C]ethylene, and that ripening probably begins in these circumstances as a result of the artificial increase in the endogenous ethylene level. It may be that in unripe apples the small amount of evolved ethylene is mostly derived from simple organic acids, so that the moment at which its triggering concentration is reached depends on the available supply of acids. As this, in turn, is a function of the state of maturity of the fruit, there must be a direct relationship between the start of ripening and the degree of maturity. Thus, even in very unripe apples, catabolic processes are at work or potentially present because of the modified β–oxidation of [1?¹⁴C]propionic acid observed.     

Evolution of pesticide resistance in apple pests and their natural enemies

Evolution of pesticide resistance in 24 apple pest and natural enemy species was simulated with a computer model. Population ecology parameters were varied among species while physiological, biochemical and genetic assumptions were held constant. There was good agreement between the model's predictions and observed historical patterns of azinphosmethyl resistance among pests and natural enemies. Correspondence between predicted and observed was improved by assuming that natural enemies evolved resistance only after their prey/hosts became resistant, but not by assuming greater initial susceptibility in natural enemies. Results suggest that ecological factors may be important in determining rates of resistance evolution. This is paper no. 2843 of the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources journal series, and no. 7245 of the Oreg. Agric. Exp. Sta. journal series.     

A study of the effects of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ on the psyllid Cacopsylla melanoneura (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Cacopsylla melanoneura is a univoltine psyllid vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, the etiological agent of apple proliferation (AP), a severe disease in European apple orchards. The influence of ‘Ca. P. mali’ on the fitness of C. melanoneura was studied. In the spring of 2007, male-female pairs of field-collected adults were exposed to ‘Ca. P. mali’-infected or healthy ‘Golden Delicious’ apple shoots. Exposure to these diseased shoots did not affect the life span of the adult psyllids. However, significantly fewer eggs were laid on the diseased shoots. Furthermore, fewer of the eggs that were laid on the infected plants hatched. Data suggest a detrimental effect of AP phytoplasma on the fitness of C. melanoneura.     

西藏不同生态型区苹果品质评价及其对气象因子的响应

通过对西藏4个不同生态型区‘金冠’苹果果实品质相关指标进行测定,并对果实品质与主要气象因子进行相关性分析及回归分析,以确定西藏‘金冠’苹果栽培主要气象因子评价体系。结果显示,在西藏4个不同生态型区‘金冠’苹果品质差异显著,其中,林芝‘金冠’综合表现较好。在西藏高海拔地区,年均温、7月均温、昼夜温差、≥10℃年均积温、年日照时数、年降水量及海拔是影响‘金冠’果实品质的主要气象因子。其中,海拔2857.9 m、年均气温13.2℃、7月平均气温15.9℃、年均昼夜温差12.7℃、≥10℃年均积温2310.5℃、年均日照时数2532.6 h、年均降水量636.7 mm是‘金冠’苹果形成最佳果实品质的适应气象因子,并且在一定范围内,昼夜温差越大,果实品质越好。本研究建立了西藏‘金冠’苹果栽培主要气象因子评价体系,并提出昼夜温差是影响西藏高海拔地区‘金冠’苹果品质的最主要评价因子。     

Organogenesis of stem and leaf protoplasts of a haploid golden delicious apple clone (Malus Xdomestica Borkh.)

Summary Highly viable protoplasts were isolated in large numbers from in vitro-grown leaf and stem tissues of a haploid clone of the apple scion cultivar Golden Delicious (Malus Xdomestica Borkh.). Protoplasts from both sources divided rapidly to give microcallus, when cultured in a modified Kao and Michayluk-based medium. Following two successive subcultures for callusing, shoot buds were regenerated from such calli, on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with an increased concentration of group B vitamins and containing 5.0 mg.l^-1 6-benzyl-aminopurine and 0.1 mg.l^-1 l-naphthaleneacetic acid (for the leaf protoplast-derived calli) or 4-indole-3yl-butyric acid (for stem protoplast-derived calli). The mesophyll protoplast-derived shoots were enfeebled and vitrified, in time with their ultimate death. Conversely, for those shoots deriving from the stem protoplasts, in vitro propagation was successfully achieved. This is the first report on the successful isolation, culture and organogenesis from stem protoplasts of a woody plant genotype.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - FPE final plating efficiency - IBA 4-indole-3yl-butyric acid - IPE initial plating efficiency - f wt fresh weight - KM Kao and Michayluk (1975) - MES 2-N-morpholino ethane sulfonic acid - MPE intermediate plating efficiency - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA l-naphthaleneacetic acid - PVP-10 polyvinylpyrrolidone (Av MW 10,000)     

Exo-polygalacturonase of apple

Exo-polygalacturonase was extracted from apple cortical tissue. The enzyme hydrolyses polygalacturonic acid and has a pH optimum of 4.5–5 with this substrate. It is inhibited by EDTA and citrate and is activated by Ca²⁺ and to a lesser extent by Sr²⁺. The enzyme which has a MW of 58 000 degrades apple cortical cell wall preparations releasing low MW uronic acid residues and polyuronide.     

Effect of root volume and nitrate solution concentration on growth,fruit yield,and temporal N and water uptake rates by apple trees

Meager information is available on the specific effects of root volume (V) and N concentration in the water (C_N) on uptake rates of water and N by apple trees, as related to fruit yield and tree growth. To investigate this relationship, Golden Delicious/Hashabi trees were grown for 5 years in containers of 200, 50 and 101. Trees in the 200–1 containers were irrigated with a nutrient solution containing 10.7±1.3, 7.1±1.5 or 2.5±1.0 mM NO₃. Trees in the remaining two container-volume treatments were uniformly supplied with a solution of 7.1±1.5 mM NO₃. Elevated C_N had no effect on the rate of water uptake, but increased the rate of N absorption by the trees from 2.4 to 4.8 g N tree⁻¹ day⁻¹ during July. The stimulated N uptake rate stemmed from enhanced fluxes of N uptake by the roots. C_N had a negligible effect on root weight and root permeability to NO₃ and water. The elevated N uptake rate did not result in greater fruit yield and growth, or greater N content in tree organs, indicating considerable release of N from living and decaying roots to the growth medium. Reducing the container volume decreased yield, total dry matter production and N and water uptake rates, but increased root permeability to NO₃ and water, and total soluble solids in fruits. The all-season average C_N in the irrigation solution above which N concentration in the transpiration stream was lower than the inflowing C_N was 4.2 mM NO₃.     

Interaction between natural and synthetic fruit odor influences response of apple maggot flies to visual traps

In order to improve perimeter trapping for apple maggot fly behavioral control, we designed a set of experiments which aimed to reach a better understanding of the nature of the interaction between the natural host odor released by susceptible and low‐susceptibility apple cultivars, and an artificial host odor currently employed as a lure along with visual traps for apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae), perimeter trapping programs. The response of apple maggot flies to lured and unlured visual traps deployed in different rectangular arrays of susceptible and low‐susceptibility apple cultivars (two central trees of a particular cultivar surrounded by four perimeter trees of the same or a different cultivar) was evaluated over 2 years under field conditions. In uniform blocks of susceptible (Tidemann Red, Jersey Mac) or low‐susceptibility (Marshall McIntosh) cultivars, lured traps recovered a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured traps, irrespective of lure position (center or perimeter trees). Unlured traps on central susceptible apple cultivars (Red Astrachan, Gala, Fuji) recovered a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured traps on surrounding low‐susceptibility cultivars (Marshall McIntosh, Paula Red, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious). Placing the lures near traps on low‐susceptibility cultivar trees surrounding unlured traps on central susceptible cultivar trees reduced apple maggot fly visits to traps on central trees, but the latter still recovered a similar proportion of the total capture as lured traps on perimeter trees. By contrast, placing the lures near traps on central susceptible cultivar trees surrounded by unlured traps on low‐susceptibility cultivar trees allowed lured central traps to receive a significantly greater proportion of the total capture than unlured perimeter traps. We conclude that the synthetic and natural host odor of susceptible cultivars interact additively in attracting apple maggot flies to visual traps, and that, when given the choice, traps and lures should be deployed on preferred rather than on less preferred cultivar trees. Implications for trap deployment strategies for tephritid monitoring and control are discussed in the light of our findings.     

A dense-cored filamentous body in Leydig cells of the golden hamster

Summary A unique cytoplasmic structure has been observed in Leydig cells of the golden hamster. It consists of a laminar core made up of electron dense material surrounded by a filamentous matrix of lower density, and is tentatively called a dense-cored filamentous body (DCFB). DCFBs vary in overall size and in configuration of the centrally disposed dense lamina. They are typically located in the vicinity of the centrosome and the Golgi complex. The body has no limiting membrane, and may be in contact with virtually every type of organelle. The DCFB is well developed in active Leydig cells, whereas it is small in the quiescent stage of the secretory cell. It is likely that the DCFB is a constant organelle in the hamster Leydig cell and may be involved in the physiological function of the Leydig cell, which remains to be specified.This work was supported in part by a grant from the National Science Council, the Republic of China (NSC-66B-0412-02-13)     

Aliphatic composition of cutin from inner seed coat of apple

Lithium aluminum deuteride reduction released aliphatic monomers from the inner seed coat fraction but not from the outer seed coat fraction of mature apples. These monomers were identified by GC/MS and the results indicate that the inner coat of apple seed contains a cutin polymer with the major monomer acids being 18-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic (31%), 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic (28%) and 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic (20 %). The monomer composition of this seed coat cuticular polymer was very similar in seeds taken from freshly harvested fruit and in those taken from fruit which had been stored at 4° for 6 months.     

外源脯氨酸对镉胁迫下小麦幼苗生长的影响

以高蛋白小麦品种“北农9549”为试材,研究喷施不同浓度脯氨酸(0、1.0、5.0和10.0 mmol·L^-1)对镉胁迫下小麦幼苗生长和重金属吸收的影响.结果表明： 以不施镉为对照,1.0 mmol·L^-1CdCl₂胁迫下,小麦幼苗的根长、株高和干质量分别显著下降24.0%、15.0%和27.5%,叶绿素a、b和类胡萝卜素含量分别显著下降23.3%、6.7%和30.8%,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性降低了18.4%,内源脯氨酸、抗坏血酸和丙二醛(MDA)含量分别显著上升78.6%、31.5%和17.9%,细胞膜相对透性显著升高24.8%,过氧化物酶(POD)活性为对照的2.4倍,并且促进对铜的吸收,抑制锌的吸收.随外源脯氨酸浓度的增加,小麦幼苗的根长、株高、干质量、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量均逐渐恢复到对照水平,抗坏血酸、内源游离脯氨酸含量和SOD活性均上升,可溶性蛋白含量先上升后下降,POD活性、MDA含量和细胞膜相对透性下降,而锌积累量升高,镉、铜积累量下降.叶面喷施外源脯氨酸可缓解镉对小麦幼苗生长的胁迫,以喷施5.0～10.0 mmol·L^-1外源脯氨酸效果最佳.     

Resilience of the natural arthropod community on apple to external disturbance

Abstract.

• 1 A naturally evolved arthropod community in a 6-year-old apple orchard was treated with three applications of permethrin; a second naturally evolved community was studied as an untreated control. Disturbance to the community was measured with Shannon's index of species diversity for the phytophagous and beneficial portions of the community.
• 2 Initially, there was a reduction in diversity of both phytophagous and beneficial arthropods because of the insecticide. Reduction in diversity was a result of both lower number of species and lower evenness of species abundance.
• 3 Two months after the last permethrin spray, there was no difference between diversity in the phytophagous community, but the beneficial community was more diverse in the treated orchard than in the untreated control.
• 4 The year after treatment there were few differences between the phytophagous communities, but the beneficial community was more diverse in the treated orchard than in the untreated orchard in May and early June; however, by September the beneficial community was less diverse in the treated orchard.
• 5 Although diversity statistics of the phytophagous communities were similar 15 months after treatment, differences still remained with the treated community being dominated by more r-selected species and the control orchard dominated by more K-selected species.
• 6 The arthropod community on apple has a high level of stability as reflected by its resilience to a severe external disturbance. This stability would allow for large, but infrequent, disturbances for pest management and still maintain long-term ecological equilibrium in the community.

     

自然贮存条件下苹果的营养成分分析

对自然贮存条件下分别贮存了 2个月、4个月及 6个月的秦冠、红富士、新红星、北斗及黄元帅苹果果实的硬度以及主要营养成分 (果胶质、总糖、粗蛋白 )进行了统计分析和对比研究 ,结果表明 :在自然贮存条件下 ,苹果果实的硬度、果胶质、总糖及粗蛋白的含量均随贮存时间的延长而下降 ,不同的品种间及同一品种或不同品种在不同贮存时期的差异均极显著( P<0 .0 1 ) ;3种不同营养成分彼此间密切相关 ( R>0 .80 ) ,因此可以任取其中之一作为测试这些营养成分的指标。对于不同的品种而言 ,红富士、秦冠果实的硬度较大 ,其果胶质、总糖及粗蛋白含量也较高 ,说明秦冠和红富士为较好的耐贮品种。     

Flower strips increase the control of rosy apple aphids after parasitoid releases in an apple orchard

Mass releases of two parasitoid species, Aphidius matricariae and Ephedrus cerasicola, may provide an alternative measure to pesticides to control the rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea in organic apple orchards. As an exploratory study, we tested if the presence of flower strips between apple tree rows could improve the action of three early parasitoid releases––and of other naturally present aphid enemies––on the control of aphid colonies and the number of aphids per tree. Apple trees located at various distances from parasitoid release points were monitored in plots with and without flower strips in an organic apple orchard over two years, along the season of aphid infestation (March to July). Our case study demonstrated that the presence of flowering plant mixes in the alleyways of the apple orchard reduced the presence of D. plantaginea by 33.4%, compared to plots without flower strips, at the infestation peak date. We also showed a negative effect of increasing the distance to parasitoid release points on aphid control. However, our results at the infestation peak date suggest that the presence of flower strips could marginally compensate for the detrimental effect of increasing distance to the release point, probably by improving the persistence and dispersal capacities of natural enemies. Despite high variations in aphid population dynamics between years, we conclude that combining flower strips with early parasitoid releases in apple orchards is promising for biological control of the rosy apple aphid, although the method merits to be further refined.