Population differences and learning effects in walnut feeding technique by the Japanese squirrel

Feeding efficiency is an important factor explaining diet selection in seed-eating animals. Behavioral adaptation to process and consume the seed is advantageous to improve their feeding rate. The Japanese walnut (Juglans ailanthifolia), which has a nutritious kernel surrounded by a hard shell, is an important food for the Japanese squirrel (Sciurus lis) in lowland mixed-species forests in Japan. In the present study, population differences in feeding technique were examined. In all squirrels captured from the Takao population (with wild Japanese walnuts in their habitat), the optimal feeding technique for quickly opening the walnut shell was observed. However, only 8% of the squirrels from the Fuji population (without walnuts in their habitat) processed the walnuts by the optimal feeding technique. By a repetitive provision of walnuts for 50 days, 14% of squirrels from the Fuji population acquired the optimal feeding technique. Learning effects did not differ significantly between solitary (without a demonstrator) and social conditions (with a demonstrator). The effects of age on learning the feeding technique were examined using individuals from a zoo population that had been naïve for Japanese walnuts. All five individuals aged 6 months old, and half the individuals aged 1–2 years old, ate walnuts by the optimal feeding technique after a 2-month learning period, but none of the individuals older than 3 years did. Consequently, the walnut feeding techniques of the Japanese squirrel are not entirely genetically fixed behavior and can be improved by learning at a young age.     

Historical effects on local variation in walnut-feeding behavior by the Japanese wood mouse, Apodemus speciosus

The Japanese wood mouse Apodemus speciosus eats large, hard-walled walnuts of Juglans ailanthifolia immediately after finding or after hoarding them. However, not all individuals can efficiently eat the nuts. In this study, to examine local variation in the ability to eat walnuts, feeding behavior was compared among nine wood mouse populations, four from mainland Honshu, where the walnut tree is distributed, and five from the Izu Islands (30-100 km south of Honshu), which lack the tree species. To avoid the effects of pre-capture experience with walnuts, mice from areas lacking the walnut trees were used for testing, even in the Honshu sites. Most mice from Honshu were able to eat walnuts after a 14-day training period, whereas most insular mice could not, with the exception of mice on Kouzushima Island. An analysis of the population genetic structures of these mice based on sequences of the mitochondrial control (D-loop) region revealed that the four insular populations are genetically distinct from the mainland populations, whereas the Kouzushima population remains genetically similar to the mainland populations. The relatively recent colonization of Kouzushima may explain why mice from this island were able to feed on walnuts despite the lack of walnut trees on the island. Thus, walnut-feeding ability appears to have some innate basis in the Japanese wood mouse, and this trait would be selected for in a walnut-available environment as it would better enable mice to survive during food shortages.     

核桃种质资源遗传多样性的SSR分析

应用16对SSR引物对国内不同地理生态型的44个核桃样品、8个铁核桃样品和7个美国核桃样品进行了分析。结果显示,在16个SSR位点上共获得87个等位基因,每个位点扩增等位基因4～9个,平均5.4个。各SSR位点的观察杂合度为0～0.931 0,平均为0.389 4。各位点PIC值在0.376 2～0.786 3之间,平均为0.663 2。59个核桃样品的杂合度在0.133～0.813之间,平均0.387。聚类分析表明,来自秦岭山地的核桃样品与华北核桃属于同一生态类型;巩留的野核桃属于与新疆生态型和华北生态型不同的一个独立的生态型;美国核桃和铁核桃属于核桃种下不同的生态类型。     

Genetic diversity of superior Persian walnut genotypes in Azadshahr,Iran

Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is known to have originated in central and eastern Asia. Remnants of these wild populations can still be found in the Hyrcanian forest in north-eastern Iran. In this study, 102 individual walnut trees from four geographic populations in the Azadshahr province (Vamenan, Kashidar, Rudbar and Saidabad) were sampled. We characterized individual trees using 28 standard morphological traits. The range of traits varied widely for some economically important characteristics including nut weight (6.1–19.79 g), kernel weight (2.9–9.4 g), and kernel fill percentage (26.51–60.34%). After morphological evaluation, 39 superior individuals based on nut quality and kernel fill percentage were selected for further genetic analysis. Individual superior trees were genotyped using 10 simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) and genetic diversity. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 (WGA005) to 12 (WGA054). Clustering analysis of 10 SSR loci divided the genotypes into three main groups. PCoA analysis clearly sorted genotypes into one of four distinctive groups which aligned with the cluster analysis. All analyses showed that individuals from Saidabad were genetically distinct. Likewise, results indicated that the high level of genetic diversity in Azadshahr region walnuts may provide a diverse source for superior walnuts in walnut breeding programs.     

Predicting walnut (Juglans spp.) crop yield using meteorological and airborne pollen data

Crop yield determines economy by influencing prices on the trade market, and so accurate forecasts of the yield are important for planning various aspects of agricultural production. The main aim of this study is to construct a model for predicting walnut yield in an important walnut production area (the region of Novi Sad in Northern Serbia). Relationships between the amount of walnuts produced annually (2000–2011) and abiotic (e.g. meteorological) and biotic (e.g. airborne pollen data) factors were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Walnut yield data were then entered into linear regression models with variables that had the highest correlations. The models were constructed using 10 years of data, and tested using 2 years of data not included in constructing the model. This paper has shown that walnut yield is greatly dependent on weather conditions, particularly during fertilisation and seed growth, but the amount of available airborne pollen also plays an important role. The introduction of the seasonal pollen index, as a proxy for the amount of pollen available for fertilisation, improved the performance of models predicting walnut yield.     

Incidence of Escherichia coli in Black Walnut Meats

Examination of commercially shelled black walnut meats showed inconsistent numbers of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli; variation occurred among different meat sizes and within each meat size. The incidence of E. coli on meats of commercially hulled black walnuts depended on the physical condition of the nuts. Apparently tightly sealed ones contained only a few or none, whereas those with visibly separated sutures and spoiled meats yielded the most. This contamination was in part correlated to a hulling operation. Large numbers of E. coli on the husk of the walnuts contaminated the hulling water, subsequently also contaminating the meats by way of separated sutures. Chlorination of the hulling wash water was ineffective. Attempts were made to decontaminate the walnut meats without subsequent deleterious changes in flavor or texture. A treatment in coconut oil at 100 C followed by removal of excess surface oil by centrifugation was best.     

Depression of lymphocyte transformation and exacerbation of Behcet's syndrome by ingestion of english walnuts

Extracts of English and black walnuts, almonds and pecans stimulated increased incorporation of tritiated thymidine by cultured leucocytes from both normals and patients with Behcet's syndrome. English walnut extract also stimulated newborn cord blood leucocytes, indicating it to be a nonspecific stimulant. Within 2 days after ingestion of English walnuts by normals and patients with Behcet's syndrome, their in vitro lymphocyte reactivity to both the walnut extract and Candida antigens was significantly decreased. This inhibition of lymphocyte transformation may be more prolonged in the patients than in normal subjects and was associated with an increase in frequency and severity of their symptoms. Hypotheses relating the mechanism of action of these two apparently disparate phenomenon are discussed.     

Improved walnut-feeding skills with experience in wood mice, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apodemus speciosus</Emphasis>

The wood mouse Apodemus speciosus can consume the hard-walled walnut species Juglans ailanthifolia. The mice gnaw holes on two sides of the shell and then pick the meat from the holes. However, not all mice are able to eat these walnuts, because the shells are extremely hard and the process is labour-intensive. To consume all of the meat it is more efficient to eat from holes on the raphe than to attempt to eat from other parts of the shell. We examined the effect of experience on the walnut-feeding skills of mice in the field. Feeding behaviours were compared among mice from habitats with and without walnut trees. Mice from habitats with walnut trees tended to consume nuts more efficiently than mice from habitats without walnut trees. We also observed the feeding behaviour of mice in an experimental area into which walnuts were artificially placed over a period of one year. This manipulation increased the proportion of mice that were able to eat nuts frequently and efficiently. Therefore, the walnut-feeding skills of mice improved with experience. Because individual mice acquired efficient feeding during the 14-day period of walnut conditioning, trial-and-error learning may be an important mechanism contributing to this behaviour.     

The influence of climate on the regional distribution of nut crops in Turkey

The distribution in Turkey of filbert, pistachio, chestnut, almond and walnut is discussed in relation to their method of propagation and climatic parameters. The effect of temperature and rainfall severely limits the present production areas of filbert and pistachio, both of which are vegetatively propagated. In contrast, almonds and walnuts are mainly propagated from seed and are more widely distributed throughout the country. Their distribution is discussed in relation to the genetic diversity and the adaptability of local tree populations to varied climatic conditions. Data are presented on the range of variability of nut and kernel weight of almonds and walnuts.     

岩松鼠的食物贮藏行为

食物贮藏是许多动物对不可预见的食物供应变化的一种重要适应.岩松鼠(Sciurotamias davidianus)为中国特有物种,广泛分布于华北地区的山地和丘陵地带.作者在北京市东灵山地区建造半自然围栏(4 m×3 m× 1 m),以核桃(Juglans regia)和山杏(Prunus armeniaca)种子为备选食物,对岩松鼠(12只)的食物贮藏行为进行了研究.数据的统计分析采用SPSS for Windows进行.研究结果表明1)岩松鼠表现出集中和分散两种食物贮藏方式,而分散贮藏是其偏好的贮藏方式;2) 当遇到贮藏食物被盗窃时,岩松鼠倾向于搬运更多的食物进行集中和分散贮藏;3)岩松鼠没有在食盘就地取食任何一种食物;把食物搬离后,岩松鼠所取食的山杏种子数量明显多于所取食的核桃数量;4)岩松鼠只选择核桃进行分散贮藏;5)岩松鼠对核桃的搬运距离大于山杏种子.本研究结果提示,在自然条件下,岩松鼠对核桃和山杏的天然更新起着不同的作用[动物学报 51(3)376-382,2005].     

Walnut-enriched diet increases the association of LDL from hypercholesterolemic men with human HepG2 cells.

In a randomized, cross-over feeding trial involving 10 men with polygenic hypercholesterolemia, a control, Mediterranean-type cholesterol-lowering diet, and a diet of similar composition in which walnuts replaced approximately 35% of energy from unsaturated fat, were given for 6 weeks each. Compared with the control diet, the walnut diet reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol by 4.2% (P = 0.176), and 6.0% (P = 0.087), respectively. No changes were observed in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein A-I levels or in the relative proportion of protein, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesteryl esters in LDL particles. The apolipoprotein B level declined in parallel with LDL cholesterol (6.0% reduction). Whole LDL, particularly the triglyceride fraction, was enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids). In comparison with LDL obtained during the control diet, LDL obtained during the walnut diet showed a 50% increase in association rates to the LDL receptor in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. LDL uptake by HepG2 cells was correlated with alpha-linolenic acid content of the triglyceride plus cholesteryl ester fractions of LDL particles (r(2) = 0.42, P < 0.05). Changes in the quantity and quality of LDL lipid fatty acids after a walnut-enriched diet facilitate receptor-mediated LDL clearance and may contribute to the cholesterol-lowering effect of walnut consumption.     

Walnut Consumption Increases Satiation but Has No Effect on Insulin Resistance or the Metabolic Profile Over a 4‐day Period

Obesity and diabetes have been associated with increased consumption of highly processed foods, and reduced consumption of whole grains and nuts. It has been proposed, mainly on the basis of observational studies, that nuts may provide superior satiation, may lead to reduced calorie consumption, and may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes; but evidence from randomized, interventional studies is lacking. A total of 20 men and women with the metabolic syndrome participated in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study of walnut consumption. Subjects had two 4‐day admissions to the clinical research center where they were fed an isocaloric diet. In addition, they consumed shakes for breakfast containing either walnuts or placebo (shakes were standardized for calories, carbohydrate, and fat content). Appetite, insulin resistance, and metabolic parameters were measured. We found an increased level of satiety (overall P value = 0.0079) and sense of fullness (P = 0.05) in prelunch questionnaires following the walnut breakfast as compared to the placebo breakfast, with the walnut effect achieving significance on day 3 and 4 (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03). We did not find any change in resting energy expenditure, hormones known to mediate satiety, or insulin resistance when comparing the walnut vs. placebo diet. Walnut consumption over 4 days increased satiety by day 3. Long‐term studies are needed to confirm the physiologic role of walnuts, the duration of time needed for these effects to occur, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.     

分子标记及其在核桃遗传多样性研究中的应用

核桃是我国重要的坚果和木本油料树种之一,具有重要的学术研究和经济价值。现代分子标记技术的迅速发展为核桃的种质鉴定、遗传育种、遗传多样性分析、亲缘鉴定等提供了崭新途径。本文主要介绍RFLP、RAPD、AFLP及SSR等几种分子标记技术的主要原理、特点以及在核桃遗传多样性方面的研究进展,分析了分子标记在核桃遗传多样性研究中的主要问题,并对其发展提出了展望。     

Alfalfa N2-fixation enhances the phosphorus uptake of walnut in interplantings

Walnut tree seedlings exhibited greater phosphorus (P) uptake from³²P-labelled hydroxyapatite when interplanted with alfalfa than with other walnuts, black locust, or orchard grass. Three mechanisms are proposed as possible explanations of this enhnaced P uptake by walnut. In this study, diffusion of solubilized apatite-P to the roots of walnut at points of walnut-alfalfa root intersection is believed to be the operative mechanism. Phosphorus is solubilized due to rhizosphere acidification of alfalfa during nitrogen fixation. These results underscore the interdependence of nutrient cycles. Enhancement of the phosphorus cycle through manipulation of the nitrogen cycle has important implications for world food and fiber production.     

贵州核桃种质资源表型性状多样性研究

该研究以贵州省内的3个山脉(乌蒙山、苗岭山和武陵山)、19个核桃和泡核桃实生居群、245棵实生单株为研究材料,对坚果表型性状29个指标的多样性、相关性、聚类及变异进行分析,以揭示贵州核桃资源的表型遗传多样性水平,为贵州核桃资源的保存与利用及核心种质构建提供依据。结果显示：(1)核桃和泡核桃实生居群245份种质资源的18个表型质量性状Simpson指数为0.26～0.82,Shannon-Wiener指数为0.12～1.79;核桃小叶形状多样,易发生顶叶退化,坚果核壳表面特征、坚果形状及核仁皮色多样性丰富。(2)坚果表型变异系数为3.32%～47.67%,平均为21.28%且差异显著(P<0.05),居群间变异系数为9.42%～31.61%且差异显著(P<0.05);居群内和居群间变异均是核桃表型多样性的来源,但坚果性状在居群间差异显著性均高于居群内,说明居群间变异是该区域坚果表型变异的主要来源。(3)3个山脉区域核桃表型均有不同程度变异,其中,苗岭山核桃表型变异程度低,乌蒙山核桃表型变异程度高;UPGMA聚类结果显示,19个核桃实生居群依据贵州山脉区域划分为三类,表明贵州核...     

核桃叶多酚含量的测定和抗氧化能力的研究

核桃又称胡桃,全身是宝,除核桃仁可以直接食用外,其青皮、叶、枝、花、壳等均可入药,具有重要的经济和药用价值。为了进一步开发和利用核桃属植物资源,该研究以核桃叶为材料,采用Folin-酚法,测定核桃叶75%乙醇提取物及石油醚、乙酸乙酯、正丁醇萃取后的各部分多酚的含量,通过DPPH·和ABTS·自由基清除法评价其抗氧化能力,并分析多酚含量与抗氧化能力的关系。结果表明:核桃叶提取物及其各萃取部分均表现出一定的抗氧化活性,其中乙酸乙酯部分、正丁醇部分的IC_(50)均高于VC,核桃叶75%乙醇粗提物(Ext.)与VC相当,且多酚的含量和抗氧化能力呈现正相关关系。这说明核桃叶的提取物可以作为天然的抗氧化剂应用于食品、医疗、化妆品、保健品等行业。该研究结果为进一步开发利用核桃资源和提高核桃的经济效益提供了一定的理论基础。     

Changes in the gut microbial communities following addition of walnuts to the diet

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals and antioxidants making them unique compared to other foods. Consuming walnuts has been associated with health benefits including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome has been linked to several chronic diseases. One potential mechanism by which walnuts may exert their health benefit is through modifying the gut microbiome. This study identified the changes in the gut microbial communities that occur following the inclusion of walnuts in the diet. Male Fischer 344 rats (n=20) were randomly assigned to one of two diets for as long as 10 weeks: (1) walnut (W), and (2) replacement (R) in which the fat, fiber, and protein in walnuts were matched with corn oil, protein casein, and a cellulose fiber source. Intestinal samples were collected from the descending colon, the DNA isolated, and the V3-V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA gene deep sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq for characterization of the gut microbiota. Body weight and food intake did not differ significantly between the two diet groups. The diet groups had distinct microbial communities with animals consuming walnuts displaying significantly greater species diversity. Walnuts increased the abundance of Firmicutes and reduced the abundance of Bacteriodetes. Walnuts enriched the microbiota for probiotic-type bacteria including Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, and Roseburia while significantly reducing Bacteroides and Anaerotruncus. The class Alphaproteobacteria was also reduced. Walnut consumption altered the gut microbial community suggesting a new mechanism by which walnuts may confer their beneficial health effects.     

Antioxidative polyphenols from walnuts (Juglans regia L.)

Three hydrolyzable tannins, glansrins A-C, together with adenosine, adenine, and 13 known tannins were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of walnuts (the seeds of Juglans regia L.). Glansrins A-C were characterized as ellagitannins with a tergalloyl group, or related polyphenolic acyl group, based on spectral and chemical evidence. The 14 walnut polyphenols had superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity with EC(50) 21.4-190 microM and a remarkable radical scavenging effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC(50) 0.34-4.72 microM).     

Nitric oxide fumigation for control of navel orangeworm,Amyelois transitella,on walnut

The navel orangeworm (NOW), Amyelois transitella (Walker), is a major post-harvest pest of tree nuts including walnut, almonds and pistachios. Nitric oxide (NO) was recently discovered to be a potential fumigant under ultralow oxygen conditions for post-harvest pest control. In this study, NO fumigation was evaluated for efficacy against eggs, larvae and pupae of NOW. NO fumigation was found to be similarly effective against NOW on artificial diet and in infested walnuts. Fumigations of 4, 8 and 16 hr with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, achieved complete control of small and large larvae in artificial diet. Complete control of pupae on artificial diet was achieved in 8, 16 and 24 hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively. For NOW in infested walnuts, complete control was achieved in 6, 8 and 16 hr fumigations with 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for small larvae; in 4-, 8- and 24-hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for large larvae; and in 8-, 16- and 24-hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for pupae. Eggs were more tolerant to NO fumigation than larvae and pupae, and complete control of NOW eggs was achieved in 8- and 16-hr fumigation with 3.0 and 2.0% NO, respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of NO fumigation against NOW on walnut and its potential as an alternative post-harvest treatment for the pest.