Epicuticular wax content and morphology as related to ethylene and storage performance of ‘Navelate’ orange fruit

8 pages, 6 figures, 1 table. -- Available online 15 September 2009.The effect of ethylene (2 μL L−1) on total and soft epicuticular wax content and wax morphology has been investigated in mature ‘Navelate’ (Citrus sinensis, L. Osbeck) oranges held under non-stressful environmental conditions (22 °C and constant high relative humidity (90–95% RH)). In addition, the objective of the study was to understand whether the ethylene-induced changes in epicuticular wax might participate in the beneficial effect of ethylene reducing non-chilling peel pitting, by modifying peel water, osmotic or turgor potential, or disease incidence caused by Penicillium digitatum (Pers.:Fr.) Sacc. Ethylene increased total and soft epicuticular wax content in ‘Navelate’ fruit and induced structural changes in surface wax that might be related to the formation of new waxes. Changes in epicuticular wax morphology, but not in its content, might be involved in the protective role of ethylene reducing non-chilling peel pitting, although the beneficial effect of the hormone is not related to water stress. Cell water and turgor potentials in freshly harvested fruit and fruit stored in air under non-stressful conditions suggest that water stress is not a limiting factor leading to the development of this physiological disorder. In addition, the results indicated that formation of new waxes in fruit treated with ethylene may partially cover stomata, cracks or areas lacking wax occurring in stored fruit and is likely to improve physical barriers to P. digitatum penetration.This work was supported by research grant AGL2002-1727 from the Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología (CICYT), Spain. Cajuste was the recipient of a fellowship from the Program SUPERA, México.Peer reviewe

Diagnóstico de la actividad agropecuaria en cuenca hidrográfica Guamá

The present work was carried out in the Guamá River Basin with 305 km2 of extension, bounded on the north by the divide or part of the central waters in the heights of the slates next to the community of El Moncada, on the south it is limited by the intersection of the river Ugly with Guamá, on the east with the Paso Viejo River basin and on the west with the Rio Feo Basin. It includes the municipalities of Viñales, Pinar del Río and San Luis. The research aims to diagnose the main problems that justify the implementation of a project for agroecological management in the agricultural activity of the Guamá watershed in the sections belonging to the Pinar del Río and San Luis municipalities. To achieve this objective, historical, dialectical and empirical methods were used. In addition, the studies carried out in the Guamá watershed were systematized and it was determined that the current situation of the basin is unfavorable, characterized by a decrease in productive yields, the increase in soil erosion, as well as insufficient and inadequate agricultural practices that guarantee sustainable management of resources and production.El presente trabajo se realizó en la Cuenca del Río Guamá con 305 Km2 de extensión, limita al Norte con la divisoria o parte aguas central en las alturas de las pizarras próximo a la comunidad El Moncada, por el Sur está limitada por la intersección del Río Feo con el Guamá, por el este con la cuenca del Río Paso Viejo y por el oeste con la Cuenca del Río Feo. Contempla los municipios de Viñales, Pinar del Río y San Luis. En la investigación se pretende diagnosticar los principales problemas que permitan justificar la implementación de un proyecto para el manejo agroecológico en la actividad agropecuaria de la cuenca hidrográfica Guamá en las secciones pertenecientes a los municipios Pinar del Río y San Luis. Para alcanzar este objetivo se emplearon métodos de carácter histórico, dialéctico y empírico. Además se sistematizaron los estudios realizados en la cuenca hidrográfica Guamá y se determinó que la situación actual de la cuenca es poco favorable, caracterizándose por una disminución de los rendimientos productivos, el incremento de la erosión de los suelos, así como insuficientes e inadecuadas prácticas agrícolas que garanticen un manejo sostenible de los recursos y la producción

Diagnosis of agricultural activity in the Guamá watershed

The present work was carried out in the Guamá River Basin with 305 km2 of extension, bounded on the north by the divide or part of the central waters in the heights of the slates next to the community of El Moncada, on the south it is limited by the intersection of the river Ugly with Guamá, on the east with the Paso Viejo River basin and on the west with the Rio Feo Basin. It includes the municipalities of Viñales, Pinar del Río and San Luis. The research aims to diagnose the main problems that justify the implementation of a project for agroecological management in the agricultural activity of the Guamá watershed in the sections belonging to the Pinar del Río and San Luis municipalities. To achieve this objective, historical, dialectical and empirical methods were used. In addition, the studies carried out in the Guamá watershed were systematized and it was determined that the current situation of the basin is unfavorable, characterized by a decrease in productive yields, the increase in soil erosion, as well as insufficient and inadequate agricultural practices that guarantee sustainable management of resources and production

Agronomic evaluation of cucumber hybrids under house of culture, Pinar del Río, Cuba

The objective of this project was to: evaluate the productive response of six cucumber hybrids in the cultivation houses of the "Enrique Troncoso" Citrus company