Acetic Acid Bacteria and the Production and Quality of Wine Vinegar

The production of vinegar depends on an oxidation process that is mainly performed by acetic acid bacteria. Despite the different methods of vinegar production (more or less designated as either “fast” or “traditional”), the use of pure starter cultures remains far from being a reality. Uncontrolled mixed cultures are normally used, but this review proposes the use of controlled mixed cultures. The acetic acid bacteria species determine the quality of vinegar, although the final quality is a combined result of technological process, wood contact, and aging. This discussion centers on wine vinegar and evaluates the effects of these different processes on its chemical and sensory properties

Heat-priming during somatic embryogenesis increased resilience to drought stress in the generated maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) plants

Drought stress is becoming the most important factor of global warming in forests, hampering the production of reproductive material with improved resilience. Previously, we reported that heat-priming maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) megagametophytes during SE produced epigenetic changes that generated plants better adapted to subsequent heat stress. In this work, we tested, in an experiment performed under greenhouse conditions, whether heat-priming will produce cross-tolerance to mild drought stress (30 days) in 3-year-old priming-derived plants. We found that they maintain constitutive physiological differences as compared to controls, such as higher proline, abscisic acid, starch, and reduced glutathione and total protein contents, as well as higher ΦPSII yield. Primed plants also displayed a constitutive upregulation of the WRKY transcription factor and the Responsive to Dehydration 22 (RD22) genes, as well as of those coding for antioxidant enzymes (APX, SOD, and GST) and for proteins that avoid cell damage (HSP70 and DHNs). Furthermore, osmoprotectants as total soluble sugars and proteins were early accumulated in primed plants during the stress. Prolongated water withdrawal increased ABA accumulation and negatively affected photosynthesis in all plants but primed-derived plants recovered faster than controls. We concluded that high temperature pulses during somatic embryogenesis resulted in transcriptomic and physiological changes in maritime pine plants that can increase their resilience to drought stress, since heat-primed plants exhibit permanent activation of mechanisms for cell protection and overexpression of stress pathways that pre-adapt them to respond more efficiently to soil water deficit

Micropropagation, Characterization, and Conservation of Phytophthora cinnamomi-Tolerant Holm Oak Mature Trees

Holm oak populations have deteriorated drastically due to oak decline syndrome. The first objective of the present study was to investigate the use of axillary budding and somatic embryogenesis (SE) to propagate asymptomatic holm oak genotypes identified in disease hotspots in Spain. Axillary budding was achieved in two out of six tolerant genotypes from the south-western region and in two out of four genotypes from the Mediterranean region. Rooting of shoots cultured on medium supplemented with 3 mg L 121 of indole-3-acetic acid plus 0.1 mg L 121 a-naphthalene acetic acid was achieved, with rates ranging from 8 to 36%. Shoot cultures remained viable after cold storage for 9-12 months; this procedure is therefore suitable for medium-term conservation of holm oak germplasm. SE was induced in two out of the three genotypes tested, by using nodes and shoot tips cultured in medium without plant growth regulators. In vitro cloned progenies of the tolerant genotypes PL-T2 and VA5 inhibited growth of Phytophthora cinnamomi mycelia when exposed to the oomycete in vitro. Significant differences in total phenol contents and in the expression profiles of genes regulating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were observed between in vitro cultured shoots derived from tolerant trees and cultures established from control genotypes

Bioactive compounds derived from the yeast metabolism of aromatic amino acids during alcoholic fermentation

Metabolites resulting from nitrogen metabolism in yeast are currently found in some fermented beverages such as wine and beer. Their study has recently attracted the attention of researchers. Some metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids are bioactive compounds that can behave as hormones or even mimic their role in humans and may also act as regulators in yeast. Although the metabolic pathways for their formation are well known, the physiological significance is still far from being understood. The understanding of this relevance will be a key element in managing the production of these compounds under controlled conditions, to offer fermented food with specific enrichment in these compounds or even to use the yeast as nutritional complement

A Multi-Species Analysis Defines Anaplerotic Enzymes and Amides as Metabolic Markers for Ammonium Nutrition

Nitrate and ammonium are the main nitrogen sources in agricultural soils. In the last decade, ammonium (NH4+), a double-sided metabolite, has attracted considerable attention by researchers. Its ubiquitous presence in plant metabolism and its metabolic energy economy for being assimilated contrast with its toxicity when present in high amounts in the external medium. Plant species can adopt different strategies to maintain NH4+ homeostasis, as the maximization of its compartmentalization and assimilation in organic compounds, primarily as amino acids and proteins. In the present study, we report an integrative metabolic response to ammonium nutrition of seven plant species, belonging to four different families: Gramineae (ryegrass, wheat, Brachypodium distachyon), Leguminosae (clover), Solanaceae (tomato), and Brassicaceae (oilseed rape, Arabidopsis thaliana). We use principal component analysis (PCA) and correlations among metabolic and biochemical data from 40 experimental conditions to understand the whole-plant response. The nature of main amino acids is analyzed among species, under the hypothesis that those Asn-accumulating species will show a better response to ammonium nutrition. Given the provision of carbon (C) skeletons is crucial for promotion of the nitrogen assimilation, the role of different anaplerotic enzymes is discussed in relation to ammonium nutrition at a whole-plant level. Among these enzymes, isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) shows to be a good candidate to increase nitrogen assimilation in plants. Overall, metabolic adaptation of different carbon anaplerotic activities is linked with the preference to synthesize Asn or Gln in their organs. Lastly, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) reveals as an important enzyme to surpass C limitation during ammonium assimilation in roots, with a disparate collaboration of glutamine synthetase (GS).The design of the study, analysis, and interpretation of data and writing of the manuscript was supported by the Basque Government [IT932-16] or GIC15/179, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [AGL2015-64582-C3-2-R] and [BIO2017-84035-R]. IVM held a postdoctoral grant from the Basque Government (conv. 2018) and MDLP held a PhD grant by COLCIENCIAS (conv. 672)

Dimethylpyrazole-based nitrification inhibitors have a dual role in N2O emissions mitigation in forage systems under Atlantic climate conditions

[EN]Nitrogen fertilization is the most important factor increasing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agriculture, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. These emissions are mainly produced by the soil microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification, and the application of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) together with an ammonium-based fertilizer has been proved as an efficient way to decrease them. In this work the NIs dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and dimethylpyrazole succinic acid (DMPSA) were evaluated in a temperate grassland under environmental changing field conditions in terms of their efficiency reducing N2O emissions and their effect on the amount of nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial populations responsible of these emissions. The stimulation of nitrifying bacteria induced by the application of ammonium sulphate as fertilizer was efficiently avoided by the application of both DMPP and DMPSA whatever the soil water content. The denitrifying bacteria population capable of reducing N2O up to N-2 was also enhanced by both NIs provided that sufficiently high soil water conditions and low nitrate content were occurring. Therefore, both NIs showed the capacity to promote the denitrification process up to N-2 as a mechanism to mitigate N2O emissions. DMPSA proved to be a promising NI, since it showed a more significant effect than DMPP in decreasing N2O emissions and increasing ryegrass yield.This work was funded by the Spanish Government (AGL2015-64582-C3-2-R MINECO/FEDER and RTI2018-094623-B-C21 MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) , by the Basque Government (IT-932-16) and by EuroChem Agro Iberia S.L.-UPV/EHU 2015.0248 and 2016.0339. Ximena Huerfano was recipient of a specialization fellowship from the UPV/EHU for Ph.D. researchers

Effect of x-irradiation at moderate doses on bioactive compounds of ‘Clemenules’ mandarins

[SPA] Los cítricos son reconocidos por sus propiedades beneficiosas para la salud, principalmente debido a su alto contenido en vitamina C y a otros componentes bioactivos, la mayoría de ellos con actividad antioxidante. Las tecnologías poscosecha, además de extender la vida útil de las frutas y hortalizas, deben asegurar su calidad nutricional hasta llegar al consumidor. Entre las tecnologías poscosecha, la ionización con rayos X a dosis moderadas se presenta como una herramienta eficaz con gran potencial para extender la vida útil de frutas y hortalizas. En el caso de los cítricos españoles, también puede ser un tratamiento cuarentenario eficaz contra la mosca mediterránea de la fruta Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto del tratamiento con rayos X sobre los componentes bioactivos de mandarinas clementinas ‘Clemenules’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco), éstas se trataron con rayos X a 0, 195 y 395 Gy y se almacenaron a 20ºC o 5ºC durante 14 o 30 días respectivamente. Durante estos periodos se analizaron la capacidad antioxidante (método DPPH) y la vitamina C total y los flavonoides mayoritarios (hesperidina y narirutina) por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). En general, los tratamientos ionizantes empleados no ejercieron efecto en los parámetros analizados, por lo que su utilización no deteriora la calidad nutricional y funcional de mandarinas ‘Clemenules’. [ENG] Citrus fruit are an important source of vitamin C as well as health-promoting compounds, most of them with antioxidant properties. Treatments applied on citrus would preserve these bioactive compounds ensuring its benefits to the consumer. Among the postharvest technologies, X-irradiation at moderate doses may be a useful tool for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, this treatment may be used as a quarantine treatment against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. In this work, ‘Clemenules’ mandarins (Citrus reticulata Blanco) were irradiated with X-rays at 0, 195 and 395 Gy in order to evaluate the effect of ionizing radiation on fruit nutritive and functional properties. Mandarins were stored at 20ºC or 5ºC, for 14 or 30 days, respectively. During storage, the content of flavonoids and vitamin C total were measured by HPLC as well as total antioxidant capacity using the DPPH method. The application of X-rays at the experimental doses did not affect the bioactive parameters analyzed; therefore this technology preserves the health benefits of citrus

Evidences towards deciphering the mode of action of dimethylpyrazole-based nitrification inhibitors in soil and pure cultures of Nitrosomonas europaea

Background: Agriculture relies on the intensive use of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to maximize crop yields, which has led to the transformation of agricultural soils into high-nitrifying environments. Nevertheless, nitrification inhibitors (Nis) have been developed to suppress soil-nitrifier activity and decrease N losses. The Nis 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 2-(3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) succinic acid isomeric mixture (DMPSA) are able to reduce N2O emissions and maintain soil NH4+ for a longer time. Although both Nls have been proven to be effective to inhibit soil nitrification, their exact mode of action has not been confirmed. We aimed to provide novel insights to further understand the mode of action of DMP-based Nis. We evaluated the performance of DMPP and DMPSA in soil and pure cultures of nitrifying bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea. Results: DMPSA did not inhibit nitrification in pure cultures of N. europaea. In the soil, we evidenced that DMPSA needs to be broken into DMP to achieve the inhibition of nitrification, which is mediated by a soil biological process that remains to be identified. Moreover, both DMPP and DMPSA are thought to inhibit nitrification due to their ability to chelate the Cu2+ cations that the ammonia monooxygenase enzyme (AMO) needs to carry on the first step of NH4+ oxidation. However, the efficiency of DMPP was not altered regardless the Cu2+ concentration in the medium. In addition, we also showed that DMPP targets AMO but not hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzyme (HAO). Conclusions: The inability of DMPSA to inhibit nitrification in pure cultures together with the high efficiency of DMPP to inhibit nitrification even in presence of toxic Cu2+ concentration in the medium, suggest that the mode of action of DMP-based Nis does not rely on their capacity as metal chelators.This project was funded by the Spanish Government (RTI2018-094623-B-C21 MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Basque Government (IT-932-16), and by EuroChem Agro Iberia S.L.U. Dr. Adrian Bozal-Leorri held a grant from the Basque Government (PRE-2020-2-0142)

Biochar reduces the efficiency of nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) mitigating N2O emissions

Among strategies suggested to decrease agricultural soil N2O losses, the use of nitrification inhibitors such as DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) has been proposed. However, the efficiency of DMPP might be affected by soil amendments, such as biochar, which has been shown to reduce N2O emissions. This study evaluated the synergic effect of a woody biochar applied with DMPP on soil N2O emissions. A incubation study was conducted with a silt loam soil and a biochar obtained from Pinus taeda at 500 degrees C. Two biochar rates (0 and 2% (w/w)) and three different nitrogen treatments (unfertilized, fertilized and fertilized + DMPP) were assayed under two contrasting soil water content levels (40% and 80% of water filled pore space (WFPS)) over a 163 day incubation period. Results showed that DMPP reduced N2O emissions by reducing ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) populations and promoting the last step of denitrification (measured by the ratio nosZI + nosZII/nirS + nirK genes). Biochar mitigated N2O emissions only at 40% WFPS due to a reduction in AOB population. However, when DMPP was applied to the biochar amended soil, a counteracting effect was observed, since the N2O mitigation induced by DMPP was lower than in control soil, demonstrating that this biochar diminishes the efficiency of the DMPP both at low and high soil water contents.This work was funded by the Spanish Government (AGL2015-64582-C3-2-R MINECO/FEDER), by the Basque Government (IT-932-16) and by the European Union (FACCE-CSA no 276610/MIT04-DESIGN-UPVASC, FACCE-CSA no 2814ERA01A and 2814ERA02A). This work is also supported by the USDA/NIFA Interagency Climate Change Grant Proposal number 2014-02114 [Project number 6657-12130-002-08I, Accession number 1003011] under the Multi-Partner Call on Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research of the FACCE-Joint Program Initiative. Any opinions, findings, or recommendation expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA. MLC was supported by a Ramon y Cajal contract from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and thanks Fundacion Seneca for financing the project 19281/PI/14

¿Qué queda de mí?

Este libro es una reclamación a quienes hemos sido, somos o seremos docentes. A quienes no hemos respetado a las personas que se han puesto junto a nosotros y nosotras, confiando su bien más preciado: la libertad. Estas páginas denuncian cada vez que convertimos una visión en la visión, una emoción en la emoción, un saber en el saber, un comportamiento en el comportamiento. Es un grito contra la imposición, la normalización, la neutralización y la universalización de una perspectiva particular. Una pugna contra cada proceso que no se ha conectado con las vidas de los aprendices. Un texto colaborativo realizado por alumnado de Educación y Cambio Social en el Grado en Educación Infantil de la Universidad de Málaga y coordinado por Ignacio Calderón Almendros