Biology of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunk.) and options for its control

Radi sagledavanja kompletne biologije, ekologije i mogućnosti suzbijanja Cuscuta campestris Yunk. urađena je determinacija 23 populacije vilinih kosica primenom svetlosne i skening elektronske mikroskopije, a potom i molekularnim metodama (PCR). Takođe, ispitivan je uticaj različitih temperaturnih režima i rizobakterija (PGPR) na klijanje semena C. campestris, kao i uticaj različitih svetlosnih tretmana (crvene, daleko crvene i plave svetlosti) na klijanje, rast i visinu vezivanja klijanaca viline kosice za stablo lucerke. Proučavan je uticaj C. campestris na morfološke (vizuelna ocena i sveža masa), anatomske (anatomska građa lista i stabla lucerke; lista i lisne drške šećerne repe) i fiziološke parametre (relativni sadržaj hlorofila, ukupni karotenoidi, azot, fosfor, kalijum, organska i mineralna materija i fluorescencija hlorofila) kod biljaka lucerke i šećerne repe u uslovima sa i bez primene herbicida (imazetapira, glifosata, propizamida). Efikasnost imazetapira, glifosata, propizamida i dikvata za suzbijanje viline kosice u lucerištu je ispitivana u poljskim uslovima. Determinacijom 23 populacije vilinih kosica ustanovljene su dve vrste roda Cuscuta i to: Cuscuta campestris Yunk. i Cuscuta epithymum (L.) Nath.. Ustanovljeno je da je optimalna temperatura za klijanje semena C. campestris 30˚C, dok je pri tretmanu sa crvenom svetlošću (1h u toku dana) procenat klijanja semena bio najveći, a u tretmanu sa daleko crvenom svetlošću (45 min u toku dana) je zabeležen najveći procenat vezanih klijanaca za stablo lucerke na visini od 4,65 cm. Takođe, najveći procenat klijanja viline kosice je zabeležen pri tretemanu sa rizobakterijom Azotobacter chroococcum izolovanom iz rizosfere pšenice. Na osnovu analize dobijenih rezultata utvrđeno je da su za većinu merenih parametara (vizuelna ocena i sveža masa; relativni sadržaj hlorofila i ukupnih karotenoida, efektivni prinos i intezitet fluorescencije, varijabilna fluorescencija, odnos varijabilne i maksimalne fluorescencije; debljina epidermisa stabla, debljina primarne kore, debljina centralnog cilindra i prečnik stabla lucerke; debljina epidermisa lica i naličja lista, debljina palisadnog i sunđerastog tkiva, debljina mezofila lista lucerke i šećerne repe; prečnik traheja, hidraulična provodljivost lisne drške, površina ksilema, prečnik ćelija floema i površina floema lisne drške šećerne repe) najveće vrednosti bile kod nezaraženih biljaka lucerke i šećerne repe, zatim kod zaraženih a tretiranih herbicidima i najmanje kod zaraženih sa C. campestris a ne tretiranih biljaka. C. campestris je uticala na smanjenje gotovo svih merenih parametara anatomske građe stabla, listova i lisne drške biljaka domaćina, što nije bio slučaj kod pojedinih fizioloških parametara...Determination of 23 populations of field dodder was conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy and subsequent molecular (PCR) methods in order to fully examine the biology and ecology of Cuscuta campestris and options for its control. The effects of different temperatures and rhizobacteria (PGPR) on germination of C. campestris seeds, as well as effects of different light treatments (red, far-red and blue light) on germination, growth, and height of attachment points of field dodder shoots on alfalfa stems were also investigated. We examined the effects of C. campestris on morphological (visualisation and fresh weight), anatomical (anatomy of leaf and stem of alfalfa; leaf and petiole of sugar beet) and physiological parameters (relative chlorophyll content, total carotenoids, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic and mineral matter and chlorophyll fluorescence) in alfalfa and sugar beet plants exposed and unexposed to herbicides (imazethapyr, glyphosate, propyzamide). The efficacy of imazethapyr, glyphosate, propyzamide and diquat in controlling field dodder in alfalfa crop was examined in field trials. After examining 23 populations of field dodder, two species of the genus Cuscuta were identified: Cuscuta campestris Yunk. and Cuscuta epithymum (L.) Nath. An optimal temperature for germination of C. campestris seeds was found to be 30˚C and treatment with red light (for 1h at daytime) produced the highest percentage of germinated seeds, while the highest percentage of seedlings attached to alfalfa stems at 4.65 cm height was found after treatment with far-red light (for 45 min at daytime). Also, the highest percentage of germinated field dodder seeds was recorded after treatment with the rhizobacterium Azotobacter chroococcum isolated from wheat rhizosphere. An analysis of our data showed that the highest values of most parameters (visualization and fresh weight; relative content of chlorophyll and total carotenoids, effective yield and intensity of fluorescence, variable fluorescence, variable/maximal fluorescence ratio; thickness of stem epidermis, thickness of cortex, thickness of central cylinder and stem diameter of alfalfa; thickness of upper and lower leaf epidermis, thickness of palisade and spongy mesophylls, thickness of mesophyll in alfalfa and sugar beet leaves; diameter of tracheids, petiole hydraulic conductance, xylem area, diameter of phloem cells and petiole phloem area of sugar beet) were found in non-infested alfalfa and sugar beet plants, then in infested plants treated with herbicides, and the lowest in plants infested by C. campestris but untreated with herbicides. C. campestris was found to affect and reduce nearly all parameters of stem, leaf and petiole anatomy of the host plants, in contrast to some physiological parameters..

Phytochemical, Free Radical Scavenging and Antifungal Profile of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Seeds

This work was conceptualized with the goal to investigate the phytochemical, free radical scavenging and antifungal profile of Cuscuta campestrisYunck. seeds. Total phenolics, amino acid and carbohydrate contents were evaluated in ethanolic, acetone and chloroform extract. Effective antioxidant activity was evaluated throughout seven antioxidant methods. The antifungal activity was assessed against eight fungal strains and Candida albicans. The results showed total phenol, flavonoid, flavonols and phenolic acids contents in amount of 1.51-6.35mg GAE/mL, 78-425g RU/mL, 1.04-2.98mg QU/g and 12.01-30.58g CAE/mL, respectively. The total amino acids and carbohydrates content ranged from 8.29 to 185.45g Gly/mL and from 0.05 to 0.12g Glu/mL. The ethanolic extract showed the best antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum, DPPH free radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation assays. The best activity in ferrous ion chelating and H2O2 assays had the acetone extract, whereas the best hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was observed with the chloroform extract. The ethanolic extract at a concentration of 6mg/mL proved to be the most effective antimycotic, since it inhibited the growth of all tested fungi except Penicillium verrucosum. The obtained results indicate that C.campestris seeds could be attributed to a potential source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical products.This is the peer-reviewed version of the article: Jakovljević, V. D.; Vrvić, M. M.; Vrbničanin, S.; Sarić-Krsmanović, M. Phytochemical, Free Radical Scavenging and Antifungal Profile of Cuscuta Campestris Yunck. Seeds. Chemistry & Biodiversity 2018, 15 (8). [https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201800174]

DOSIMETRY USING HS GafChromic FILMS The influence of readout light on sensitivity of dosimetry

The goal of this study is to compare the sensitometric curves for HS model of GafChromic film using different dose read-out systems. Two commercial densitometers using fluorescent light source were tested and compared with results obtained using spectrophotometry. It was found that sublinear response of densitometers is due to the polychromaticity of emitted light and that response curve can be predicted by analysing absorption spectra of the film.Physical chemistry 2006 : 8th international conference on fundamental and applied aspects of physical chemistry; Belgrade (Serbia); 26-29 September 200

Are uranium-contaminated soil and irrigation water a risk for human vegetable consumers? A study case with Solanum tuberosum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Lactuca sativa L.

The knowledge of uranium concentration, in the products entering the human diet is of extreme importance because of their chemical hazard to health. Controlled field experiments with potatoes, beans and lettuce (Solanum tuberosum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Lactuca sativa L.) were carried out in a contaminated soil used by local farmers located near a closed Portuguese uranium mine (Cunha Baixa, Mangualde). The soil with high average uranium levels (64–252 mg/kg) was divided in two plots, and irrigated with non-contaminated and uranium-contaminated water (\20 and [900 lg/L). Uranium maximum average concentration in the edible vegetables parts (mg/kg fresh weight) ranged in the following order: lettuce (234 lg/kg)[green bean (30 lg/kg)[potatoes without peel (4 lg/kg). Although uranium in soil, irrigation water and vegetables was high, the assessment of the health risk based on hazard quotient indicates that consumption of these vegetables does not represent potential adverse (no carcinogenic) effects for a local inhabitant during lifetime

The influence of integral and organic growing systems on sugar content in selected tomato types and cultivars

Interest in production of protected crops has grown significantly over the past decade. Different cultivation systems (conventional, integral, and organic) affect the biological activity, which is ultimately reflected in the high quality of the fruits of different vegetable crops. In accordance with the requirements for health-safe products without residues of harmful substances in fruits, there is an increasing need for the production of tomatoes in integral and organic production systems. One of the most important features of these vegetables is their high quality and health safety, high nutritional and biological value. Agricultural production systems and growing practices are critical factors in determining the nutritional quality of tomato fruits [1]. In tomato, the sugar content is one of the important factors and one of the most significant parameters from the aspect of food quality [1]. Therefore, the aim of this work is to monitor fluctuations in sugars content, as parameters that determine the nutritional value in tomato cultivars, induced by growing under integral and organic conditions. For this purpose, a set of sixteen samples of four types of tomatoes - beef, grapolo, mini and midi plum, and cherry - was analyzed. Each type of tomato included two varieties, grown in two agricultural systems - integral and organic. The sugars profile was obtained using High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAECPAD). The content of eleven sugar components was determined. Fructose and glucose were the major sugar compounds [2], while the sugar microcomponents were trehalose, arabinose, melibiose, sucrose, isomaltose, gentiobiose, raffinose, maltose, and panose. The results showed differences between samples produced in integral and organic growing systems, primarily in microsugar components. Higher content of trehalose and melibiose was found in samples obtained from organic production. Fig.1. Principal Component Analysis (A)- The difference between integral (I) and organic (O) type of production; score plot (1a) – tomato samples: integral samples (I) 9-14, organic samples (O) 1-8, and loading plot (1b), and results of the Mann-Whitney U test (B) - sugar markers of type of production. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Zeleni hit d.o.o. from Belgrade, Serbia, for field trials and support. This work has been supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of Republic of Serbia, Contract number: 451-03- 47/2023-01/200168, 451-03-47/2023-01/200288 and 451-03-47/2023-01/ 200045. References: [1] E. Rosa-Martínez, M. D. García-Martínez, A. M. Adalid-Martínez, L. Pereira-Dias, C. Casanova, E. Soler, M. Rosario Figas, M. Dolores Raigon, M. Plazas, S. Soler, J. Prohens, Food Research International, 147 (2021) 110531. [2] C. Agius, S. von Tucher, B. Poppenberger, W. Rozhon, MethodsX, 5 (2018). 537-550

Investigation of the level of knowledge in different countries about edible insects : cluster segmentation

This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about edible insects (EIs) in a sample of people from thirteen countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey applied through online tools between July and November 2021. For data analysis, techniques such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and chi-square tests were used, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 27 items were used to measure knowledge on a five-point Likert scale. Applying factor analysis with principal components and Varimax rotation, a solution that explains about 55% of variance was obtained. This accounts for four factors that retained 22 of the 27 initial items: F1 = Sustainability (8 items), F2 = Nutrition (8 items), F3 = Production Factors (2 items), and F4 = Health Concerns (4 items). Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. The cluster analysis consisted of the application of hierarchical methods followed by k-means and produced three clusters (1—‘fearful’, 2—‘farming,’ and 3—‘ecological’ individuals). The characterisation of the clusters revealed that age did not influence cluster membership, while sex, education, country, living environment, professional area, and income all influenced the composition of the clusters. While participants from Mexico and Spain were fewer in the ‘fearful’ cluster, in those from Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, and Turkey, the situation was opposed. Participants from rural areas were mostly in cluster 2, which also included a higher percentage of participants with lower income. Participants from professional areas linked with biology, food, and nutrition were mostly in cluster 3. In this way, we concluded that the level of knowledge about EIs is highly variable according to the individual characteristics, namely that the social and cultural influences of the different countries lead to distinct levels of knowledge and interpretation of information, thus producing divergent approaches to the consumption of insects—some more reluctant and measuring possible risks. In contrast, others consider EIs a good and sustainable protein-food alternative.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Investigation of the Level of Knowledge in Different Countries about Edible Insects: Cluster Segmentation

This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about edible insects (EIs) in a sample of people from thirteen countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey applied through online tools between July and November 2021. For data analysis, techniques such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and chi-square tests were used, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 27 items were used to measure knowledge on a five-point Likert scale. Applying factor analysis with principal components and Varimax rotation, a solution that explains about 55% of variance was obtained. This accounts for four factors that retained 22 of the 27 initial items: F1 = Sustainability (8 items), F2 = Nutrition (8 items), F3 = Production Factors (2 items), and F4 = Health Concerns (4 items). Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. The cluster analysis consisted of the application of hierarchical methods followed by k-means and produced three clusters (1—‘fearful’, 2—‘farming,’ and 3—‘ecological’ individuals). The characterisation of the clusters revealed that age did not influence cluster membership, while sex, education, country, living environment, professional area, and income all influenced the composition of the clusters. While participants from Mexico and Spain were fewer in the ‘fearful’ cluster, in those from Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, and Turkey, the situation was opposed. Participants from rural areas were mostly in cluster 2, which also included a higher percentage of participants with lower income. Participants from professional areas linked with biology, food, and nutrition were mostly in cluster 3. In this way, we concluded that the level of knowledge about EIs is highly variable according to the individual characteristics, namely that the social and cultural influences of the different countries lead to distinct levels of knowledge and interpretation of information, thus producing divergent approaches to the consumption of insects—some more reluctant and measuring possible risks. In contrast, others consider EIs a good and sustainable protein-food alternative.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Validation of the scale knowledge and perceptions about edible insects through structural equation modelling

Edible insects have been suggested as a more sustainable source of protein, but their consumption varies according to geographical and sociocultural influences. Focusing on the different aspects that can influence people’s attitudes towards edible insects (EI), this work aimed to carry out the statistical validation of an instrument aimed at assessing different dimensions of this field: the KPEI (knowledge and perceptions about EI) scale. The instrument consists of 64 questions distributed by the following dimensions: Culture and Tradition, Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen, Environment and Sustainability, Economic and Social Aspects, Commercialization and Marketing, Nutritional Characteristics, and Health Effects. The data were collected in 13 countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). The validation of the KPEI scale was made through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results revealed two acceptable models, both retaining 37 of the 64 initial items, distrusted by the seven dimensions as: Culture and Tradition (5 items), Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen (5 items), Environment and Sustainability (8 items), Economic and Social Aspects (5 items), Commercialisation and Marketing (4 items), Nutritional Aspects (6 items), Health Effects (4 items). Both multifactorial models resulting from the CFA/SEM analyses showed approximately equal goodness of statistical fit indices with values of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Root Mean Square Residual (RMR), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) partially zero and values of Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) approximately one, i.e., very close to a perfect fit. For the first-order model, the ratio between chi-square and degrees of freedom is χ 2/df = 13.734, GFI = 0.932, CFI = 0.930, RMSEA = 0.043, RMR = 0.042, SRMR = 0.042; and for the second-order model χ 2/df = 14.697, GFI = 0.926, CFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.045, RMR = 0.047, SRMR = 0.046). The values of composite reliability (CR = 0.967) and mean extracted variance (MEV = 0.448) are indicative of a good fit. Finally, the reliability analysis indicated a very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.941). These results confirm the successful validation of the KPEI scale, making it a valuable instrument for future application at the international level.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Validation of the Scale Knowledge and Perceptions about Edible Insects through Structural Equation Modelling

Edible insects have been suggested as a more sustainable source of protein, but their consumption varies according to geographical and sociocultural influences. Focusing on the different aspects that can influence people’s attitudes towards edible insects (EI), this work aimed to carry out the statistical validation of an instrument aimed at assessing different dimensions of this field: the KPEI (knowledge and perceptions about EI) scale. The instrument consists of 64 questions distributed by the following dimensions: Culture and Tradition, Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen, Environment and Sustainability, Economic and Social Aspects, Commercialization and Marketing, Nutritional Characteristics, and Health Effects. The data were collected in 13 countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). The validation of the KPEI scale was made through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results revealed two acceptable models, both retaining 37 of the 64 initial items, distrusted by the seven dimensions as: Culture and Tradition (5 items), Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen (5 items), Environment and Sustainability (8 items), Economic and Social Aspects (5 items), Commercialisation and Marketing (4 items), Nutritional Aspects (6 items), Health Effects (4 items). Both multifactorial models resulting from the CFA/SEM analyses showed approximately equal goodness of statistical fit indices with values of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Root Mean Square Residual (RMR), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) partially zero and values of Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) approximately one, i.e., very close to a perfect fit. For the first-order model, the ratio between chi-square and degrees of freedom is χ2/df = 13.734, GFI = 0.932, CFI = 0.930, RMSEA = 0.043, RMR = 0.042, SRMR = 0.042; and for the second-order model χ2/df = 14.697, GFI = 0.926, CFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.045, RMR = 0.047, SRMR = 0.046). The values of composite reliability (CR = 0.967) and mean extracted variance (MEV = 0.448) are indicative of a good fit. Finally, the reliability analysis indicated a very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.941). These results confirm the successful validation of the KPEI scale, making it a valuable instrument for future application at the international level.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Are Consumers Aware of Sustainability Aspects Related to Edible Insects? Results from a Study Involving 14 Countries

In recent years, edible insects have been suggested as an alternative food that is more sustainable compared with other sources of animal protein. However, knowledge about the sustainability aspects associated with this source of food may play a role in convincing consumers to adopt insects as part of their diet. In this context, the present study investigated the level of knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects in a group of people originating from 14 countries, with some naturally entomophagous and others not. To measure the knowledge, 11 items were selected and the scores obtained were tested with statistical tools (t-test for independent samples, analysis of variance—ANOVA) to search for differences according to sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, geographical origin, and consumption habits of edible insects. The obtained results showed that, in general, knowledge is moderate, with the values of the average scores for the 11 items investigated ranging from 0.23 ± 0.99 to 0.66 ± 1.02, on a scale ranging from –2 (=very low knowledge) to 2 (=very high knowledge). The highest scores were found for items relating to the lower use of animal feed and lower emission of greenhouse gases required for the production of insects compared with beef. When investigating the differences between groups of participants, significant differences were generally found, revealing a trend for higher knowledge among males and young adults, for participants residing in urban areas and in countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Poland, and for participants with higher education levels and higher incomes. When testing the influence of consumption variables on the level of knowledge, the results showed a higher knowledge for participants who had already consumed insects or are willing to consume them. Finally, it was observed that higher knowledge was found for participants whose motivation to consume insects related to curiosity, a wish to preserve the planet, the gastronomic characteristics of insects, and their nutritional value. In conclusion, these results clearly indicate a very marked influence of a number of variables on the knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects, and this may be helpful to delineate strategies to effectively raise knowledge and eventually increase the willingness to consider insects as a more sustainable alternative to partially replace other protein foods, even in countries where this is a not a traditional practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio