Deficit irrigation strategies in olive orchards: influence on fruit quality

In order to overcome constrains that affect olive groves and its socioeconomic value, new cropping practices focusing on water use efficiency were investigated. The study was conducted in Northeast Portugal and different deficit irrigation strategies (DIS) were investigated: regulated (RDI, 10% ETc during pit hardening and 80% ETc in the remaining stages), sustained (SDI, 27.5% ETc), sustained usually applied by farmer (SDIAF, 21.2% ETc) and fully irrigated (FI, 100% ETc), as control treatment. The fruit metabolites fluctuations and quality parameters were evaluated. Using FI as reference, DIS treatments led to changes in the secondary metabolism in fruits with increased total phenolic compounds (+11% in SDIAF), ortho-diphenols (+25 in SDI and +44% in SDIAF), and flavonoids (+29% in RDI, +26% in SDI, +91% in SDIAF) concentrations, and higher total antioxidant capacity (+41% in SDI). DIS treatments influenced the profile of olive fruit phenolics with changes in oleuropein (-55% in SDIAF), chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3,4‟-di-O-glucoside (non-detected in FI), eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside (+64% in RDI and +95% in SDI), and procyanidin A2 (+59% in RDI and -59% in SDIAF). Olive fruits from DIS treatments also showed higher fat content (22, 29 and 24 % in RDI, SDI and SDIAF, respectively). Fruits from RDI and SDI presented lower palmitoleic and linolenic acids, while no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. When subject to a puncture test in a texture analyser, all DIS fruits presented higher peel break force than FI control. This work show that DIS are essential for sustainable olive growing, as they do not compromise the competitiveness of the sector in terms of olive production and associated quality parameters.This work was funded by the INTERACT project – “Integrative Research in Environment, Agro- Chains and Technology”, no. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017, in its line of research entitled ISAC, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Programa Regional de Ordenamento Florestal. Alentejo - Capítulo D - Análise Prospetiva e Definição de Objetivos

Neste capítulo procede-se à análise de tendências quanto à evolução dos espaços florestais e ao eventual desempenho das suas funções, identificando as Forças Motrizes em função das quais se desenvolve o exercício prospetivo. Pretende-se estruturar e objetivar, procedendo-se à avaliação dos cenários de desenvolvimento sem que seja realizada uma descrição exaustiva da situação de referência e das respetivas perspetivas de desenvolvimento, centrando-se antes na avaliação dos aspetos considerados críticos e determinantes nos eventuais efeitos florestais/ambientais e socioeconómicos, que os cenários e as opções de desenvolvimento, possam provocar no território. A definição dos Cenários de Desenvolvimento Florestal para o ano horizonte deste Programa – 2050, teve por base o inventário florestal e o diagnóstico ambiental, social e económico realizado nos Capítulos A, B e C do Documento Estratégico. Além do diagnóstico da situação atual foram identificadas as respetivas visões, oportunidades, constrangimentos e perspetivas de desenvolvimento, sendo adotados os eixos de desenvolvimento setorial preconizados pela Estratégia Nacional para as Florestas (ENF). A consistência dos cenários elaborados teve em conta a Matriz de Consistência definida na ENF e que será desenvolvida no Capítulo G - “Programa de Execução e Atribuições”. No caso particular do Cenário de Referência (“Business as usual” - BAU) pesou sobretudo a definição exposta para a “Situação atual de referência”. Introduziram-se ainda alguns ajustamentos em função de critérios de consistência e de forma a integrar algumas das expetativas descritas ao nível das “Perspetivas de desenvolvimento”. Este cenário foi delineado ainda de forma a contemplar uma lógica de desenvolvimento desprovido de grandes expetativas multissetoriais otimistas, ainda que incorporando todas as medidas em avançado estado processual/político de concretização

Caracterização molecular de cultivares de soja por meio de marcadores microssatélites com sequência de cauda universal

The objective of this work was to standardize a semiautomated method for genotyping soybean, based on universal tail sequence primers (UTSP), and to compare it with the conventional genotyping method that uses electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. Thirty soybean cultivars were genotypically characterized by both methods, using 13 microsatellite loci. For the UTSP method, the number of alleles (NA) was 50 (2–7 per marker) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.40 to 0.74. For the conventional method, the NA was 38 (2–5 per marker) and the PIC varied from 0.39 to 0.67. The genetic dissimilarity matrices obtained by the two methods were highly correlated with each other (0.8026), and the formed groups were coherent with the phenotypic data used for varietal registration. The 13 markers allowed the distinction of all analyzed cultivars. The low cost of the UTSP method, associated with its high accuracy, makes it ideal for the characterization of soybean cultivars and for the determination of genetic purity.O objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar um método semi‑automatizado para genotipagem de soja, baseado na metodologia de iniciadores com sequências de cauda universal (PSCU), e compará‑lo ao método de genotipagem convencional de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. Trinta cultivares de soja foram caracterizadas genotipicamente por ambos os métodos, com o uso de 13 locos microssatélites. Para o método PSCU, o número de alelos (NA) foi de 50 (2–7 por marcador) e o conteúdo de informação polimórfica (PIC) variou de 0,40 a 0,74. Para o método convencional, o NA foi de 38 (2–5 por marcador) e o PIC variou de 0,39 a 0,67. As matrizes de dissimilaridade genética obtidas pelos dois métodos apresentaram alta correlação entre si (0,8026), e os grupos formados foram coerentes com dados fenotípicos utilizados para o registro varietal. Os 13 marcadores permitiram a distinção de todas as cultivares analisadas. O baixo custo do método PSCU, associado a sua alta acurácia, torna‑o ideal para a caracterização de cultivares de soja e a determinação de pureza genética

Olive tree physiology and chemical composition of fruits are modulated by different deficit irrigation strategies

To overcome constrains affecting olive groves, cropping practices focusing on agronomic water use efficiency and their impact on quality parameters must be investigated. We evaluated the response of olive trees (Olea europaea, cv. Cobrançosa) to different water regimes, full irrigation (FI, 100% ETc) and three deficit irrigation strategies (DIS) (regulated (RDI, irrigated with 80% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) in phases I and III of fruit growth and 10% of ETc in the pit hardening stage) and two continuous sustained strategies (SDI), a conventional SDI (27.5% of ETc), and a lowfrequency irrigation adopted by the farmer (SDIAF, 21.2% of ETc). RESULTS The effects of water regimes on the plant water status, photosynthetic performance, metabolites fluctuations and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. All DIS treatments enhanced leaf tissue density, RDI and SDI generally did not affect leaf water status and maintained photosynthetic machinery working properly, while SDIAF treatment impaired olive tree physiological indicators. DIS treatments maintained the levels of primary metabolites in leaves, but SDIAF plants showed signs of oxidative stress. Moreover, DIS treatments led to changes in the secondary metabolism, both in leaves and in fruits, with increased total phenolic compounds, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids concentrations, and higher total antioxidant capacity, as well higher oil content. Phenolic profiles showed the relevance of an early harvest in order to obtain higher oleuropein levels with associated higher health benefits. CONCLUSION Adequate DIS are essential for sustainable olive growing, as they enhance the competitiveness of the sector in terms of olive production and associated quality parameters.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Programa Regional de Ordenamento Florestal. Alentejo - Capítulo B – Caracterização Biofísica, Socioeconómica e dos Recursos Florestais

Este ponto do Relatório do PROF caracteriza sumariamente o clima da região do Programa Regional de Ordenamento Florestal do Alentejo (PROF-ALT) de acordo com as normais climatológicas mais recentes, e identifica as tendências verificadas nas últimas décadas para os principais elementos climáticos (temperatura e precipitação) e para fenómenos extremos (ondas de calor, ondas de frio, …). Os cenários de evolução climática são descritos tendo em conta as variáveis climáticas mais relevantes. Obtém-se, assim, uma sistematização de informação que facilita a interpretação do território englobado na região do PROF-ALT do ponto de vista biofísico. A caracterização e a avaliação dos recursos florestais apresentam, no âmbito do PROF-ALT, o objetivo de efetivar o reconhecimento do território relativamente à ocupação e distribuição das áreas ocupadas pelas principais espécies florestais. Será sobre estas áreas que posteriormente irão incidir as orientações de ordenamento e de gestão florestal para a região do PROF-ALT. O desenvolvimento deste ponto é, desta forma, essencial para a análise funcional dos espaços florestais e para fundamentar as opções de planeamento. O setor florestal é um setor chave da economia nacional. Os seus principais indicadores demonstram uma vocação florestal dos territórios e a subsequente valorização económica das suas produções. A região PROF-ALT embora tenha uma elevada ocupação do seu território por espaços florestais, tal realidade não se traduz em riqueza criada na região. As atividades transformadoras de base florestal são muito incipientes, o que também acontece na geração de emprego, onde o maior contingente é consequência da concentração em atividades de silvicultura e exploração florestal

Planos alimentares no consumo, na digestibilidade e no desempenho de novilhas leiteiras de distintos grupos raciais

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of nutritional plans and breed composition on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, and performance of dairy heifers in tropical conditions. Thirty-six heifers – 12 Holstein, 12 Gyr, and 12 Gyrolando F1 (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) – were housed in a tie-stall system and randomly distributed, adopting a completely randomized design in a 3×3 factorial arrangement (nutritional plans and breed composition). The diets were formulated to enable weight gains of 200, 400, and 800 g per day, corresponding to the nutritional plans 11, 14, and 19 g kg-1 body weight (BW), respectively. The intake of dry matter, fibrous fractions (g kg-1 BW-0.75), and metabolizable energy (kcal-1 BW-0.75) in the 11-g kg-1 plan were greater for Gyr heifers than for Gyrolando and Holstein heifers. Ether extract digestibility was 13.85% higher for Gyr heifers compared with Gyrolando F1 in the 19-g kg-1 plan. The increase in the nutritional plans shows a quadratic response to nutrient intake and a linear response to average daily gain, but does not affect the digestibility coefficients. Gyr and Gyrolando F1 heifers present similar nutritional efficiency to that of Holstein heifers.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do plano alimentar e do grupo racial sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o balanço de nitrogênio e o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras em condições tropicais. Trinta e seis novilhas – 12 Holandês, 12 Gir e 12 Girolando F1 (½ Holandês × ½ Gir) – foram alojadas em sistema “tie-stall” e distribuídas aleatoriamente, tendo-se adotado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3x3 (planos alimentares e grupos raciais). As dietas foram formuladas para possibilitar ganhos de peso de 200, 400 e 800 g por dia, correspondentes aos planos alimentares de 11, 14 e 19 g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC), respectivamente. As novilhas Gir dentro do plano de 11 g kg-1 consumiram mais matéria seca, fração fibrosa (g kg-1 de PC-0,75) e energia metabolizável (kcal de PC-0,75) do que as novilhas Girolando e Holandês. A digestibilidade do extrato etéreo foi 13,85% superior para as novilhas Gir, em comparação às Girolando F1 no plano de 19 g kg-1. O aumento do plano nutricional tem efeito quadrático no consumo de nutrientes e linear no ganho de peso médio diário, mas não influencia o coeficiente de digestibilidade. Novilhas Gir leiteiras e Girolando F1 apresentam eficiência nutricional semelhante à das novilhas Holandês

Kinin B1 receptor deficiency protects mice fed by cafeteria diet from abnormal glucose homeostasis

The kallikrein–kinin system has been implicated in body weight and glucose homeostasis. Their major effectors act by binding to the kinin B2 and B1 receptors. It was assessed the role of the kinin B1 receptor in weight and glucose homeostasis in B1 receptor knockout mice (B1RKO) subjected to a cafeteria diet (CAF). Wild-type (WT) and B1RKO male mice (C57BL/6 background; 8 weeks old) were fed a standard diet (SD) or CAF for 14 weeks, ad libitum, and four groups were formed: WT-SD; B1RKO-SD; WT-CAF; B1RKO-CAF. Body weight and food intake were assessed weekly. It was performed glucose tolerance (GTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), and HOMA-IR, HOMA-β and HOMA-β* 1/HOMA-IR were calculated. Islets from WT and B1RKO were isolated in order to measure the insulin secretion. Western blot was used to assess the hepatic AKT phosphorylation and qPCR to assess gene expression. CAF induced a higher body mass gain in B1RKO compared to WT mice. CAF diet increased epididymal fat depot mass, hepatic fat infiltration and hepatic AKT phosphorylation in both genotypes. However, B1RKO mice presented lower glycemic response during GTT when fed with CAF, and a lower glucose decrease in the ITT. This higher resistance was overcomed with higher insulin secretion when stimulated by high glucose, resulting in higher glucose uptake in the GTT when submitted to CAF, despite lower insulin sensitivity. Islets from B1RKO delivered 4 times more insulin in 3-month-old mice than islets from WT. The higher insulin disposition index and high insulin delivery of B1RKO can explain the decreased glucose excursion during GTT. In conclusion, CAF increased the β-cell function in B1RKO mice, compensated by the diet-induced insulin resistance and resulting in a healthier glycemic response despite the higher weight gain

Single cell protein production by Candida robusta isolated from sugar cane (Saccharum sp.) for animal feed / Produção de Biomassa por Candida robusta isolada da Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum sp.) para alimentação animal

The protein obtained from the microorganisms is not only cheap but can be used as additive to provide a balanced nutrition for many animals feeding. The aim of this work was the single cell protein (SCP) production by Candida robusta URM5293 using sugarcane bagasse as substrate. The yeast C. robusta URM5293 was isolated from root sugarcane and was identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Biomass production was done into Erlenmayers flasks (250 mL) containing culture medium supplemented of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzate. Fermentations were carried varying culture conditions through the study of four different variables: temperature (25, 30, and 35°C), agitation intensity (110, 140 or 170 rpm), pH (6.0, 7.0, and 8.0) and production time (72, 96, and 120h), according to a 24-1 fractional factorial design. Results demonstrated that this yeast was able to ensure the highest level of biomass (141 g/L) when cultivated at 25°C, pH 6.0, 170 rpm of agitation intensity after 72h of cultivation using sugarcane bagasse. The present results demonstrate the potential of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolyzate as a substrate for the production of microbial protein by C. robusta URM5293

TREINAMENTO FÍSICO COMBINADO MELHOROU O PERFIL LIPÍDICO E REDUZIU A PRESSÃO ARTERIAL DE IDOSAS COM DOENÇAS CRÔNICAS NÃO TRANSMISSÍVEIS

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito de exercícios físicos sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos e hemodinâmicos de mulheres idosas. Treze idosas realizaram treinamento físico combinado (TFC), 1h/dia, 5X/semana, durante 16 semanas. Foram analisados pré e pós TFC: glicemia de jejum (GJ), colesterol total (CT) e frações (HDL e LDL) e triglicerídeos (TG), pressões arteriais sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD); as aferições foram realizadas entre 72 a 96 horas após o último dia do TFC. Utilizou-se teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov seguido de teste T de Student (p<0,05). Ao final do TFC, observamos reduções significativas nos valores de CT, LDL, PAS e PAD. Os valores de GJ, HDL, e TG não apresentaram diferenças significativas nos momentos pré e pós TFC. A realização de um programa de TFC com a duração de 16 semanas produziu benefícios para a condição de saúde de idosas, confirmando sua eficácia na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares

Single cell protein production by Candida robusta isolated from sugar cane (Saccharum sp.) for animal feed: Produção de Biomassa por Candida robusta isolada da Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum sp.) para alimentação animal

The protein obtained from the microorganisms is not only cheap but can be used as additive to provide a balanced nutrition for many animals feeding. The aim of this work was the single cell protein (SCP) production by Candida robusta URM5293 using sugarcane bagasse as substrate. The yeast C. robusta URM5293 was isolated from root sugarcane and was identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Biomass production was done into Erlenmayers flasks (250 mL) containing culture medium supplemented of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzate. Fermentations were carried varying culture conditions through the study of four different variables: temperature (25, 30, and 35°C), agitation intensity (110, 140 or 170 rpm), pH (6.0, 7.0, and 8.0) and production time (72, 96, and 120h), according to a 24-1 fractional factorial design. Results demonstrated that this yeast was able to ensure the highest level of biomass (141 g/L) when cultivated at 25°C, pH 6.0, 170 rpm of agitation intensity after 72h of cultivation using sugarcane bagasse. The present results demonstrate the potential of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolyzate as a substrate for the production of microbial protein by C. robusta URM5293