Morphometric and chemical fruit variability of selected stone pine trees (Pinus pinea L.) grown in non-native environments

Few studies have been conducted on Stone pine (Pinus pinea) morphology, cone to kernel yield (KY) and composition. To study the species variability, a morphometric and chemical characterization of pine nuts was performed across the species distribution in Chile. Seventy-six highly productive trees were selected in three macrozones. Ten cones per tree were harvested, and cone weight, in-shell pine nut number cone^?1 and size and weight of in-shell pine nuts and kernels were measured; KY was determined. Chemical and nutritional characterization of pine nuts was performed in 38 trees. Differences among macrozones were tested with mixed linear models. Partial correlation was used to test for correlation between cone and pine nut morphometric data, chemical features, and climate. Canonical correlation coefficients between groups were tested. Selected trees differed in cone and in-shell pine nut size, kernel morphometry, and KY, with lowest trait values being generally found in the coast. KY was higher than in Europe. Chemical composition was similar to values reported in producer countries, homogeneous among macrozones, with the exception of oleic acid and potassium. Detected differences would respond to the environment and to the interaction genotype?×?environment given the restricted origins of the genetic material, confirming the species adaptability.     

Spiro[pyrrolidine-3,3′-oxindoles] as 5-HT7 receptor ligands

Here we report the design and synthesis of spiro[pyrrolidine-3,3′-oxindole] derivatives representing a novel scaffold of 5-HT₇ receptor ligands. The synthesized analogues were validated as low nanomolar ligands showing selectivity in a panel of related serotonin receptor subtypes including 5-HT_1AR, 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT₆R.     

Transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus by Frankliniella occidentalism median acquisition and inoculation access period

To quantify the transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) by Frankliniella occidentalis, the median acquisition access period (AAP₅₀) and median inoculation access period (IAP₅₀) were determined. These parameters were established using transmission rates obtained after AAPs and in IAPs which both ranged from 5 to 2560 min. An AAP₅₀ of 106 min was found when larvae acquired virus from TSWV-infected Impatiens plants. IAP₅₀s of 58 or 137 min, respectively, were calculated when petunia or Datura stramonium leaf disks were used to test the inoculation efficiency of viruliferous thrips. The virus could successfully be acquired or inoculated in periods of 5 min. Transmission reached an optimum after an AAP of 21.3 h (AAP_opt) and in an IAP of 42.7 h (IAP_opt). These results show that TSWV can be acquired and transmitted efficiently by F. occidentalis in short feeding periods.     

Fruit morphology in Tragopogon L. (Compositae: Lactuceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Achenes of all the Tragopogon species from the Iberian Peninsula were examined by means of scanning-electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy. The achenes of the eight species are described, illustrated and compared. The results are contrasted with the systematics of this genus. The isolated position of T. lamottei with regard to the other seven species is noted. A key is provided to enable the different species to be distinguished.