Evaluation of Different Formulations on the Viability of Phages for Use in Agriculture.

Bacteriophages have been proposed as biological controllers to protect plants against different bacterial pathogens. In this scenario, one of the main challenges is the low viability of phages in plants and under adverse environmental conditions. This work explores the use of 12 compounds and 14 different formulations to increase the viability of a phage mixture that demonstrated biocontrol capacity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) in kiwi plants. The results showed that the viability of the phage mixture decreases at 44 °C, at a pH lower than 4, and under UV radiation. However, using excipients such as skim milk, casein, and glutamic acid can prevent the viability loss of the phages under these conditions. Likewise, it was demonstrated that the use of these compounds prolongs the presence of phages in kiwi plants from 48 h to at least 96 h. In addition, it was observed that phages remained stable for seven weeks when stored in powder with skim milk, casein, or sucrose after lyophilization and at 4 °C. Finally, the phages with glutamic acid, sucrose, or skim milk maintained their antimicrobial activity against Psa on kiwi leaves and persisted within kiwi plants when added through roots. This study contributes to overcoming the challenges associated with the use of phages as biological controllers in agriculture.

Sugar-conditioned honey bees can be biased towards a nectarless dioecious crop.

The targeted pollination strategy has shown positive results in directing honey bees to crop flowers offering nectar along with pollen as reward. Kiwifruit is a functionally dioecious species, which relies on bees to transport pollen from staminate to pistillate nectarless flowers. Following the targeted pollination procedures recently validated, we first developed a mimic odor (KM) based on kiwifruit floral volatiles for which bees showed the highest level of generalization to the natural floral scent, although the response towards pistillate flowers was higher than towards staminate flowers. Then, in the field, feeding colonies KM-scented sucrose solution resulted in higher amounts of kiwifruit pollen collected by honey bees compared to control colonies fed unscented sucrose solution. Our results support the hypothesis that olfactory conditioning bees biases their foraging preferences in a nectarless crop, given the higher visitation to target flowers despite having provided the mimic odor paired with a sugar reward.

[Analysis of the electrophoretic profiles of the protein extracts of the species Manihot esculenta (Crantz, 1975), Persea Americana (Mill., 1768) and Actinidia delicious (A. Chevalier., 1984), and their association with the latex-fruit syndrome for searching for potential allergens]. / Análisis de los perfiles electroforéticos de los extractos proteicos de las especies Manihot esculenta (Crantz,1975), Persea americana (Mill.,1768) y Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chevalier., 1984), y su asociación con el síndrome látex-fruta para la búsqueda de alérgenos potenciales.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the electrophoretic profiles of the extracts of Manihot esculenta, Actinidia Deliciosa and Persea Americana and their possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome. METHODS: Protein extracts of M. esculenta, P. Americana and A. Deliciosa were prepared through the processes of maceration and solvent extraction from plant samples. In the case of the avocado, a prior extraction by soxhlet was carried out to eliminate the fat. The extracts were vacuum filtered, dialyzed and finally lyophilized. Separation of proteins based on molecular weight was performed by SDS PAGE electrophoresis. The electrophoretic profiles obtained were compared with the allergenic proteins previously identified in the latex extract, in order to determine a possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome, depending on the molecular weight. RESULTS: The extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana showed a wide range of protein fractions with molecular weights varying from 10 to 250 KD, finding that the region with the highest concentration of bands was between 20 and 89 KD, (60 and 65%), respectively. A 20-band profile was obtained for the M. esculenta extract (Figure 1), with seven bands sharing similar weights with the latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2, Hev b3, Hev b 4, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.03, Hev b 8 and Hev b 10) (3-5). For the P. Americana extract, 20 bands were also observed (Figure 2), seven of which presented approximate weights to the Latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2 Hev b 4 Hev b 6.01 Hev b 6.03 Hev b 8 , Hev b 10 Hev b 11 Hev b 14). The Kiwi extract showed two bands of 19.1 and 22.9 KD, with weights close to latex proteins (figure 3), (Hev b 3 and Hev b 6.01), and allergens (Act d 2 and Act d 6), reported in the literature for this fruit. CONCLUSIONS: When analyzing the relationship between the separated protein fractions and the latex allergens described in the literature, a possible association of 35% was found for the extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana, and 10% for A. Delicious, with great relevance being the association found with the allergens Hev b 4, Hev b 2, Hev 8 and Hev b 11, which are involved in Latex-Fruit Syndrome. The electrophoretic profiles of the prepared extracts were determined and compared with the Latex allergens. This information generates a contribution for the development of new research and advances in the standardization of these extracts on a large scale and for their future use in diagnostic tests.

OBJETIVO: Determinar los perfiles electroforéticos de los extractos de Manihot esculenta, Actinidia deliciosa y Persea americana y su posible relación con el Síndrome de Látex ­ Fruta. MÉTODOS: Se prepararon extractos proteicos de M. esculenta, P. Americana y A. Deliciosa, a través de los procesos de macerado y extracción con solventes a partir muestras vegetales. En el caso del aguacate, se realizó una extracción previa por soxhlet, para eliminar la grasa. Los extractos se filtraron al vacío, se sometieron a diálisis y por último se liofilizaron. La separación de las proteínas en función del peso molecular se realizó mediante electroforesis SDS PAGE. Se compararon los perfiles electroforéticos obtenidos con las proteínas alergénicas previamente identificadas en el extracto de látex, con el fin de determinar una posible relación con el Síndrome de Látex-Fruta, en función del peso molecular. RESULTADOS: Los extractos de M. esculenta y P. americana mostraron una amplia gama de fracciones proteicas con pesos moleculares que varían desde 10 a 250 KD, encontrando que la región con mayor concentración de bandas se situó entre 20 y 89 KD, (60 y 65 %), respectivamente. Se obtuvo un perfil de 20 bandas para el extracto de M. esculenta (figura 1), con siete bandas que comparten pesos similares con los alérgenos del látex (Hev b 1, Hev b 2, Hev b3, Hev b 4, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.03, Hev b 8 y Hev b 10) (3-5). Para el extracto de P. americana, también se observaron 20 bandas (figura 2), siete de las cuales presentaron pesos aproximados a los alérgenos de Látex (Hev b 1, Hev b 2 Hev b 4 Hev b 6.01 Hev b 6.03 Hev b 8, Hev b 10 Hev b 11 Hev b 14). El extracto de Kiwi mostró dos bandas de 19,1 y 22,9 KD, con pesos cercanos a proteínas de látex (figura 3), (Hev b 3 y Hev b 6.01), y los alérgenos (Act d 2 y Act d 6), reportados en la literatura para esta fruta. CONCLUSIONES: Al analizar la relación existente entre las fracciones proteicas separadas y los alérgenos de los látex descritos en la literatura, se encontró una posible asociación del 35% para los extractos de M. esculenta y P. Americana, y del 10% para A. Deliciosa, siendo de gran relevancia la asociación encontrada con los alérgenos Hev b 4, Hev b 2, Hev 8 y Hev b 11, los cuales se encuentran implicados en el Síndrome de Látex-Fruto. Se lograron determinar los perfiles electroforéticos de los extractos elaborados y se compararon con los alérgenos del Látex. Está información genera un aporte para el desarrollo de nuevas investigaciones y avances en la estandarización de estos extractos a gran escala y para su uso futuro en pruebas diagnósticas.

El consumo de dos kiwis diarios podría mejorar el hábito intestinal en personas con estreñimiento crónico / Daily consumption of two kiwifruits could improve bowel habits in people with chronic constipation

A partir del caso de una paciente con síndrome de intestino irritable a predominio de estreñimiento cuyos síntomas mejoraron con el consumo regular de kiwi, el médico de familia se planteó la pregunta de si el kiwi podría mejorar los síntomas asociados a constipación crónica en comparación con el tratamiento habitual. Tras realizar una búsqueda de estudios que analizaran los efectos del consumo de kiwi sobre el hábito intestinal, fueron seleccionados tres artículos que permiten concluir que el consumo de esta fruta tiene una eficacia superior al placebo y comparable al psyllium y las pasas de ciruela para mejorar los síntomas de personas con estreñimiento crónico. (AU)

Based on the case of a patient with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome whose symptoms improved with regular consumption of kiwi, the family doctor wondered if kiwi could improve symptoms associated with chronic constipation compared to usual treatment. After conducting a search for studies that analyzed the effects of kiwi consumption on intestinal habit, three articles were selected that allow us to conclude that the consumption of this fruit has an efficacy superior to placebo and comparable to psyllium and plum raisins to improve the symptoms of people with chronic constipation. (AU)

Fragrance addition improves visitation by honeybees and fruit quality in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa).

BACKGROUND: Kiwifruit is an important horticultural crop all over the world and its development is important in Argentina. This dioecious crop has a short blooming period with nectarless flowers, and its fruit production depends on cross-pollination. Here, we tested whether kiwifruit quality increases by using honeybees exposed to female flowers treated with an artificial fragrance. The three experimental treatments were: A, sprinkled female flowers with 1:1 sugar syrup + Lavandula hybrida extract solution (a new attractant substance especially developed for this study named Lavandin Grosso); B, sprinkled female flowers with 1:1 water + sugar syrup (female flowers with additional sugar syrup reward); C (control; female flowers exposed to honeybees). RESULTS: The results showed a higher number of visits of honeybees to the female flowers sprinkled with the attractant substance, Lavandin Grosso, as well as higher fruit quality (weight, number of seeds, regularity in fruit size). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the potential of fragrance-treated flowers to improve yield production in kiwifruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of Botrytis cinerea and B. prunorum From Healthy Floral Structures and Decayed 'Hayward' Kiwifruit During Post-Harvest Storage.

Gray mold is the primary postharvest disease of 'Hayward' kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) in Chile, with a prevalence of 33.1% in 2016 and 7.1% in 2017. Gray mold develops during postharvest storage, which is characterized by a soft, light to brown watery decay that is caused by Botrytis cinerea and B. prunorum. However, there is no information on the role of B. prunorum during the development and storage of kiwifruit in Chile. For this purpose, asymptomatic flowers and receptacles were collected throughout fruit development and harvest from five orchards over two seasons in the Central Valley of Chile. Additionally, diseased kiwifruits were selected after storage for 100 days at 0°C and 2 days at 20°C. Colonies of Botrytis sp. with high and low conidial production were consistently obtained from apparently healthy petals, sepals, receptacles, and styles and diseased kiwifruit. Morphological and phylogenetic analysis of three partial gene sequences encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, heat shock protein 60, and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit II were able to identify and separate B. cinerea and B. prunorum species. Consistently, B. cinerea was predominantly isolated from all floral parts and fruit in apparently healthy tissue and diseased kiwifruit. During full bloom, the highest colonization by B. cinerea and B. prunorum was obtained from petals, followed by sepals. In storage, both Botrytis species were isolated from the diseased fruit (n = 644), of which 6.8% (n = 44) were identified as B. prunorum. All Botrytis isolates grew from 0°C to 30°C in vitro and were pathogenic on kiwifruit leaves and fruit. Notably, B. cinerea isolates were always more virulent than B. prunorum isolates. This study confirms the presence of B. cinerea and B. prunorum colonizing apparently healthy flowers and floral parts in fruit and causing gray mold during kiwifruit storage in Chile. Therefore, B. prunorum plays a secondary role in the epidemiology of gray mold developing in kiwifruit during cold storage.

Propagation of 'Bruno' kiwifruit: influence of cutting collection time and indolebutyric acid / Propagação de kiwizeiro 'Bruno': influência da época de coleta das estacas e ácido indolbutírico

In Brazil, the propagation of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is achieved through seed-derived rootstocks, which results in low uniformity. An alternative to address this problem is the cuttings technique, a simple and fast method that generates individuals identical to the parent plant, maintaining the agronomic traits. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of cutting collection time and indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of 'Bruno' kiwifruit cuttings. The cuttings were collected in the months of May, August and December 2016 and March 2017 and treated with 0, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg L-1 IBA, as a hydroalcoholic solution, for seven seconds. After 90 days, the percentages of rooted and dead cuttings and cuttings that produced shoots; leaf retention; average length of the three largest roots; average number of primary roots per cutting; and reserve contents before and after rooting were evaluated. The treatments with IBA influenced the rooting of cuttings collected in May, which showed 36.07% rooting at the calculated IBA concentration of 2,320 mg L-1, and in December, which exhibited 57.59% rooting at the concentration of 4000 mg L-1. In the present experimental conditions, it is recommended to root cuttings of 'Bruno' kiwifruit collected in December with the application of 4000 mg L-1 IBA.(AU)

No Brasil, para a propagação de kiwizeiros (Actinidia deliciosa) são utilizados porta-enxertos oriundos de sementes, resultando em baixa uniformidade. Uma alternativa é a estaquia, por ser método simples, rápido, que gera indivíduos idênticos à planta matriz, mantendo as características agronômicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a época de coleta das estacas e o efeito do ácido indolbutírico (AIB) sobre o enraizamento de estacas de kiwizeiro 'Bruno'. As estacas foram coletadas nos meses de maio, agosto e dezembro de 2016 e março de 2017; e tratadas com zero, 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 mg L-1 de AIB, na forma de solução hidroalcoólica, por sete segundos. Após 90 dias, avaliou-se a percentagem de estacas enraizadas; mortas; brotadas; retenção foliar; comprimento médio das três maiores raízes; número médio de raízes primárias por estaca, além do conteúdo de reservas antes e após o enraizamento. Os tratamentos com AIB influenciam o enraizamento das estacas coletadas em maio, com 36,07% de enraizamento na concentração calculada de 2.320 mg L-1, e em dezembro, atingindo 57,59% de enraizamento na concentração de 4.000 mg L-1 de AIB. Nas condições do presente experimento recomenda-se o enraizamento de estacas de kiwizeiro 'Bruno' coletadas em dezembro, aplicando-se 4.000 mg L-1 de AIB.(AU)

Complete genome sequencing of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3, P155, kiwifruit pathogen originating from China / Sequenciamento completo do genoma Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3, P155, agente patogênico do kiwi, originário da China

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae is a bacterial pathogen of kiwifruit. Based on the results of the pathogenicity assay, we sequenced the strain Pseudomonas syringae (Psa3) P155 which possesses a series of virulence and resistance genes, CRISPR candidate elements, prophage related sequences, methylation modifications, genomic islands as well as one plasmid. Most importantly, the copper resistance genes copA, copB, copC, copD, and copZ as well as aminoglycoside resistance gene ksgA were identified in strain P155, which would pose a threat to kiwifruit production. The complete sequence we reported here will provide valuable information for a better understanding of the genetic structure and pathogenic characteristics of the genome of P155.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae agente causal do cancro bacteriano do kiwi. Com base nos resultados do teste de patogenicidade, foi sequenciado um isolado de Pseudomonas syringae (Psa3) P155, que abriga a uma série de genes de virulência e resistência, elementos candidatos CRISPR, sequências relacionadas a profagos, modificações na metilação, ilhas genômicas, e também um plasmídeo. O mais importante foram os genes de resistência ao cobre, copA, copB, copC, copD e copZ, bem como, o gene de resistência aminoglicosídea ksgA identificados na estirpe P155, os quais representariam uma ameaça à produção de kiwi. A sequência completa relatada fornecerá informações valiosas para uma melhor compreensão da estrutura genética e as características patogênicas do genoma de P155.

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of byproducts from two different kiwi varieties.

Kiwis are an example of fruits with excellent bioactive properties worldwide appreciated and consumed generating tons of waste. Thus, the objective of this work was to compare two varieties of kiwi: Actinidia deliciosa cv. "Hayward" (green) and Actinidia spp. (red) regarding the nutritional value of their pulps, chemical composition and bioactivities of each pulp and peel. The results revealed that pulps have a high water content and low amount of other macronutrients. Both parts of red kiwi presented the highest tocopherols content and red kiwi pulp presented the highest content in ascorbic acid. In general, the peels exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and green kiwi peels showed cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity, which could be related to its higher content in phenolic compounds, especially B-type (epi)catechin dimer. Therefore, kiwi components currently underutilized may be indicated as a source of natural functionalizing ingredients with several benefits for human health.

Desenvolvimento de sucos mistos à base de frutas e especiarias: caracterização físico-química e de compostos bioativos / Development of mixed juices based on fruits and spices: physicochemical characterization and bioactive compounds

O objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver formulações de bebidas mistas a base de frutas e especiarias e avaliar sua qualidade físico-química e de compostos bioativos. Foram utilizadas polpas de abacaxi, melancia, melão, kiwi, limão e extratos de gengibre e hortelã. As polpas e extratos foram utilizados como matrizes para as formulações das bebidas mistas, variando de acordo com os tratamentos. Foram testadas doze formulações com diferentes concentrações de polpas de frutos, padronizando para um teor de sólidos solúveis de 15%. De acordo com os resultados, verificou-se que as formulações que apresentaram melhores valores para quantificação de compostos fenólicos foram as formulações F4(abacaxi, kiwi, hortelã), F5(abacaxi, kiwi, gengibre), F6(abacaxi, kiwi, limão).

Síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias por ingesta de kiwi como causa de evento potencialmente grave inexplicado en una niña / Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome due to ingestion of kiwi causing potentially severe unexplained event in a child

El síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias es una alergia alimentaria no mediada por inmunoglobulina E que se manifiesta clínicamente con vómitos profusos y repetitivos, en ocasiones, asociados a diarrea, y puede llegar a asociar deshidratación y letargia, con riesgo de desarrollo de shock. A pesar de su potencial gravedad, el índice de sospecha de este síndrome es bajo, lo que demora su diagnóstico, especialmente, en aquellos casos que son desencadenados por alimentos sólidos. La presencia de vómitos y la duración de más de un minuto son los datos clave que pueden diferenciarlo de los episodios breves, resueltos e inexplicados. Se presenta el caso de una lactante de 6 meses de vida con diagnóstico final de síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias por ingesta de kiwi.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE food allergy manifesting as profuse, repetitive vomiting, sometimes with diarrhea, leading to dehydration and lethargy that can be severe and lead to shock. Despite the potential severity, awareness of FPIES is low and diagnosis is often delayed, especially in those triggered by solid foods. Presence of vomits and duration of more than 1 minute are the key differential factors to distinguish FPIES from brief resolved unexplained events. We report a case of a 6-month-old infant finally diagnosed as having kiwi induced FPIES.

[Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome due to ingestion of kiwi causing potentially severe unexplained event in a child]. / Síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias por ingesta de kiwi como causa de evento potencialmente grave inexplicado en una niña.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE food allergy manifesting as profuse, repetitive vomiting, sometimes with diarrhea, leading to dehydration and lethargy that can be severe and lead to shock. Despite the potential severity, awareness of FPIES is low and diagnosis is often delayed, especially in those triggered by solid foods. Presence of vomits and duration of more than 1 minute are the key differential factors to distinguish FPIES from brief resolved unexplained events. We report a case of a 6-month-old infant finally diagnosed as having kiwi induced FPIES.

El síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias es una alergia alimentaria no mediada por inmunoglobulina E que se manifiesta clínicamente con vómitos profusos y repetitivos, en ocasiones, asociados a diarrea, y puede llegar a asociar deshidratación y letargia, con riesgo de desarrollo de shock. A pesar de su potencial gravedad, el índice de sospecha de este síndrome es bajo, lo que demora su diagnóstico, especialmente, en aquellos casos que son desencadenados por alimentos sólidos. La presencia de vómitos y la duración de más de un minuto son los datos clave que pueden diferenciarlo de los episodios breves, resueltos e inexplicados. Se presenta el caso de una lactante de 6 meses de vida con diagnóstico final de síndrome de enterocolitis inducida por proteínas alimentarias por ingesta de kiwi.

Temperatura base inferior, soma térmica e fenologia de cultivares de videira e quivizeiro / Lower base temperature, thermal time and grapevine phenology and kiwi cultivars

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a temperatura-base inferior (Tb), soma térmica e fenologia de cultivares de videira e de quivizeiro. Estacas com 25-35 cm das cultivares de videira Chardonnay (CH), Isabel (IS), Niágara Branca (NB), Concord (CO) e Bordô (BO) e de quivizeiro Bruno (BR), Monty (MO), Elmwood (EL), MG06 (MG) e Yellow Queen (YQ) foram coletadas em pomares localizados em Veranópolis, RS, em 03/06/2015. As estacas intactas foram submetidas a 0 °C por 1.008 Horas de Frio (HF), em câmaras incubadoras para a superação da dormência, embaladas em filme plástico preto. Na sequência, foram transferidas para as temperaturas de 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 °C, em estacas de nós-isolados, plantadas em espuma fenólica. Durante 150 dias, as gemas foram avaliadas a cada 2-3 dias quanto à brotação, no estádio de ponta verde e seus dados (1/dias para brotação) inseridos em curvas de regressão para estimativa da Tb para cada genótipo. Séries históricas de fenologia de 10 anos das cultivares e dados meteorológicos dos locais de cultivo foram utilizados para o cálculo da soma térmica (graus-dia) das frutíferas durante o ciclo vegetativo. A Tb se diferenciou entre as espécies frutíferas. A Tb foi menor para cultivares de quivizeiro (BR=3,0 °C; MO=3,3 ºC; EL=3,1 °C; MG=3,2 °C e YQ=3,0 °C) e maior para cultivares de videira (CH=4,2 °C; IS=4,3 °C; NB=4,1 °C; CO=6,2 °C e BO=4,4 °C). A soma de graus-dia (GD) variou de 1670,9 a 2060,7 para as cultivares de videira e de 3179,6 a 3762,0 para as cultivares de quivizeiro. A maior soma de GD para a cultura do quivizeiro é dada pelo maior número de dias do seu ciclo vegetativo associada a menor Tb dos genótipos, se comparada à cultura da videira. O subperíodo fenológico (brotação à maturação) das frutíferas, em 100% dos casos, respondeu mais ao tempo térmico (graus-dia) do que ao tempo cronológico (dias) para completar o ciclo vegetativo.

This study aimed to evaluate the lower base temperature (Tb), thermal time and grapevine phenology and kiwi cultivars. Twigs 25-35-cm long for the following cultivars: grapevine, Chardonnay (CH), Isabel (IS), Niágara Branca (NB), Concord (CO) and Bordô (BO); and kiwi, Bruno (BR), Monty (MO), Elmwood (EL), MG06 (MG) and Yellow Queen (YQ) were collected in orchards in Veranópolis, RS State, on 06/03/2015. Intact twigs packed in black plastic film were subjected to 1,008 chilling hours (HC) at 0°C in incubators to overcome dormancy and then transferred to temperatures of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12°C on single-node cuttings planted in phenolic foam. Over 150 d, budburst of the buds was evaluated in 2-3-d intervals in the green-tip stage. The resulted inverse data for number of days to budburst (1/days to budburst) was inserted into regression curves to estimate Tb for each genotype. Historical phonological series comprised of 10-years for the analyzed cultivars and meteorological data of the cultivation sites were used to determine thermal time (degree-days) for the fruit trees during the growing season. Temperate fruit species exhibited different Tb. Tb was lower for kiwi cultivars (BR=3,0°C; MO=3,3ºC; EL=3,1°C; MG=3,2°C and YQ=3°C) and higher for grapevine cultivars (CH=4,2°C; IS=4,3°C; NB=4,1°C; CO=6,2°C; and BO=4,4°C). The thermal time, in degree-days (DD), varied from 1670.9 to 2060.7 for grapevine cultivars and from 3179.6 to 3762.0 for kiwi cultivars. The higher DD sum for kiwi crop was given by the higher number of days of its vegetative cycle associated to lower Tb of the genotypes, when compared to the grapevine crop. The phenological subperiod (budburst to maturation) of the fruit trees in 100% of the assessed cases responded more to thermal time (degree-days) than to chronological time (d) to complete the vegetative cycle.

Temperatura base inferior, soma térmica e fenologia de cultivares de videira e quivizeiro / Lower base temperature, thermal time and grapevine phenology and kiwi cultivars

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a temperatura-base inferior (Tb), soma térmica e fenologia de cultivares de videira e de quivizeiro. Estacas com 25-35 cm das cultivares de videira Chardonnay (CH), Isabel (IS), Niágara Branca (NB), Concord (CO) e Bordô (BO) e de quivizeiro Bruno (BR), Monty (MO), Elmwood (EL), MG06 (MG) e Yellow Queen (YQ) foram coletadas em pomares localizados em Veranópolis, RS, em 03/06/2015. As estacas intactas foram submetidas a 0 °C por 1.008 Horas de Frio (HF), em câmaras incubadoras para a superação da dormência, embaladas em filme plástico preto. Na sequência, foram transferidas para as temperaturas de 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 °C, em estacas de nós-isolados, plantadas em espuma fenólica. Durante 150 dias, as gemas foram avaliadas a cada 2-3 dias quanto à brotação, no estádio de ponta verde e seus dados (1/dias para brotação) inseridos em curvas de regressão para estimativa da Tb para cada genótipo. Séries históricas de fenologia de 10 anos das cultivares e dados meteorológicos dos locais de cultivo foram utilizados para o cálculo da soma térmica (graus-dia) das frutíferas durante o ciclo vegetativo. A Tb se diferenciou entre as espécies frutíferas. A Tb foi menor para cultivares de quivizeiro (BR=3,0 °C; MO=3,3 ºC; EL=3,1 °C; MG=3,2 °C e YQ=3,0 °C) e maior para cultivares de videira (CH=4,2 °C; IS=4,3 °C; NB=4,1 °C; CO=6,2 °C e BO=4,4 °C). A soma de graus-dia (GD) variou de 1670,9 a 2060,7 para as cultivares de videira e de 3179,6 a 3762,0 para as cultivares de quivizeiro. A maior soma de GD para a cultura do quivizeiro é dada pelo maior número de dias do seu ciclo vegetativo associada a menor Tb dos genótipos, se comparada à cultura da videira. O subperíodo fenológico (brotação à maturação) das frutíferas, em 100% dos casos, respondeu mais ao tempo térmico (graus-dia) do que ao tempo cronológico (dias) para completar o ciclo vegetativo.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the lower base temperature (Tb), thermal time and grapevine phenology and kiwi cultivars. Twigs 25-35-cm long for the following cultivars: grapevine, Chardonnay (CH), Isabel (IS), Niágara Branca (NB), Concord (CO) and Bordô (BO); and kiwi, Bruno (BR), Monty (MO), Elmwood (EL), MG06 (MG) and Yellow Queen (YQ) were collected in orchards in Veranópolis, RS State, on 06/03/2015. Intact twigs packed in black plastic film were subjected to 1,008 chilling hours (HC) at 0°C in incubators to overcome dormancy and then transferred to temperatures of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12°C on single-node cuttings planted in phenolic foam. Over 150 d, budburst of the buds was evaluated in 2-3-d intervals in the green-tip stage. The resulted inverse data for number of days to budburst (1/days to budburst) was inserted into regression curves to estimate Tb for each genotype. Historical phonological series comprised of 10-years for the analyzed cultivars and meteorological data of the cultivation sites were used to determine thermal time (degree-days) for the fruit trees during the growing season. Temperate fruit species exhibited different Tb. Tb was lower for kiwi cultivars (BR=3,0°C; MO=3,3ºC; EL=3,1°C; MG=3,2°C and YQ=3°C) and higher for grapevine cultivars (CH=4,2°C; IS=4,3°C; NB=4,1°C; CO=6,2°C; and BO=4,4°C). The thermal time, in degree-days (DD), varied from 1670.9 to 2060.7 for grapevine cultivars and from 3179.6 to 3762.0 for kiwi cultivars. The higher DD sum for kiwi crop was given by the higher number of days of its vegetative cycle associated to lower Tb of the genotypes, when compared to the grapevine crop. The phenological subperiod (budburst to maturation) of the fruit trees in 100% of the assessed cases responded more to thermal time (degree-days) than to chronological time (d) to complete the vegetative cycle.(AU)

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit / O tratamento com niacina exógena NADPH oxidase em kiwis

Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.(AU)

Kiwis são uma fruta popular em todo o mundo; No entanto, o crescimento das plantas é ameaçado por estresses abióticos como a seca e as altas temperaturas. O tratamento com niacina em plantas mostrou aumentar os níveis de NADPH, aumentando assim a tolerância a stress abiótico. Aqui, avaliamos o efeito do tratamento com spray de solução de niacina sobre os níveis de NADPH nos cultivares de kiwis Hayward e Xuxiang. Descobrimos que o tratamento por spray com solução de niacina promoveu níveis de NADPH e NADP + e diminuiu a produção de O2·- e os teores de H2O2 nas folhas durante um curto período. Nos frutos, os teores de NADPH aumentaram durante o desenvolvimento precoce, mas diminuíram mais tarde. No entanto, não se observou qualquer efeito nos níveis de NADP + ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Em resumo, este relatório sugere que a niacina pode ser utilizada para aumentar NADPH oxidases, aumentando assim a tolerância ao estresse em kiwis durante o encontro de condições estressantes de curto prazo.(AU)

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit / O tratamento com niacina exógena NADPH oxidase em kiwis

Abstract Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.

Resumo Kiwis são uma fruta popular em todo o mundo; No entanto, o crescimento das plantas é ameaçado por estresses abióticos como a seca e as altas temperaturas. O tratamento com niacina em plantas mostrou aumentar os níveis de NADPH, aumentando assim a tolerância a stress abiótico. Aqui, avaliamos o efeito do tratamento com spray de solução de niacina sobre os níveis de NADPH nos cultivares de kiwis Hayward e Xuxiang. Descobrimos que o tratamento por spray com solução de niacina promoveu níveis de NADPH e NADP + e diminuiu a produção de O2·- e os teores de H2O2 nas folhas durante um curto período. Nos frutos, os teores de NADPH aumentaram durante o desenvolvimento precoce, mas diminuíram mais tarde. No entanto, não se observou qualquer efeito nos níveis de NADP + ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Em resumo, este relatório sugere que a niacina pode ser utilizada para aumentar NADPH oxidases, aumentando assim a tolerância ao estresse em kiwis durante o encontro de condições estressantes de curto prazo.

[Prevalence of sensitization and allergy to kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) in adults with allergic diseases]. / Prevalencia de sensibilización y alergia al kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) en adultos con enfermedades alérgicas.

BACKGROUND: The kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a food that has been recognized for its allergenic capability for more than 30 years. In general, kiwi allergy is characterized by local discomfort, but systemic reactions such as rash, angioedema, rhinitis, conjunctivitis or anaphylaxis can be triggered. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sensitization and allergy to kiwi in adults with allergic diseases. METHODS: By means of a cross-sectional, retrolective study, data corresponding to 370 patients aged ≥16 years were analyzed. RESULTS: 226 patients had positive skin reaction against aeroallergens. The prevalence of food sensitization was 84/226 (37.2%; 95 % CI = 31.1 to 43.6). Overall, the prevalence of sensitization to kiwi fruit was 15/226 (6.6%; 95% CI = 3.9 to 10.7), and of kiwi allergy, 2/15 (13.3%; 95% CI = 2.5 to 39.1); one patient had symptoms consistent with oral allergy syndrome, and another, gastrointestinal and cutaneous manifestations. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sensitization to kiwi fruit is not a rare event; in contrast, symptoms related to its consumption are uncommon.

Antecedentes: El kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) es un alimento reconocido por su capacidad alergénica desde hace más de 30 años. Por lo general, la alergia al kiwi se caracteriza por molestias locales, pero pueden desencadenarse reacciones sistémicas como urticaria, angioedema, rinitis, conjuntivitis o anafilaxia. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de sensibilización y alergia al kiwi en adultos con enfermedades alérgicas. Métodos: Mediante un estudio transversal se analizaron los datos correspondientes a 370 pacientes ≥ 16 años de edad. Resultados: Tuvieron reacción cutánea positiva contra aeroalérgenos 226/370 pacientes. La prevalencia de sensibilización a alimentos fue 84/226 (37.2 %; IC 95 % = 31.1 a 43.6 %). En general, la prevalencia de sensibilización al kiwi fue de 15/226 (6.6 %; IC 95 % = 3.9 a 10.7 %) y de alergia al kiwi de 2/226 (0.9 %; IC 95 % = 0.03% a 3.4 %), un paciente tuvo síntomas compatibles con síndrome de la alergia oral y otro, manifestaciones gastrointestinales y cutáneas. Conclusión: La prevalencia de sensibilización al kiwi no es un evento raro; en contraste, los síntomas relacionados con el consumo del fruto son poco frecuentes.

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit.

Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.

Draft Whole Genome Sequence Analyses on Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Hypersensitive Response Negative Strains Detected from Kiwifruit Bleeding Sap Samples.

Kiwifruit bleeding sap samples, collected in Italian and Chilean orchards from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants, were evaluated for the presence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the causal agent of bacterial canker. The saps were sampled during the spring in both hemispheres, before the bud sprouting, during the optimal time window for the collection of an adequate volume of sample for the early detection of the pathogen, preliminarily by molecular assays, and then through its direct isolation and identification. The results of molecular analyses showed more effectiveness in the P. syringae pv. actinidiae detection when compared with those of microbiological analyses through the pathogen isolation on the nutritive and semiselective media selected. The bleeding sap analyses allowed the isolation and identification of two hypersensitive response (HR) negative and hypovirulent P. syringae pv. actinidiae strains from different regions in Italy. Moreover, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and whole genome sequence (WGS) were carried out on selected Italian and Chilean P. syringae pv. actinidiae virulent strains to verify the presence of genetic variability compared with the HR negative strains and to compare the variability of selected gene clusters between strains isolated in both countries. All the strains showed the lack of argK and coronatine gene clusters as reported for the biovar 3 P. syringae pv. actinidiae strains. Despite the biologic differences obtained in the tobacco bioassays and in pathogenicity assays, the MLSA and WGS analyses did not show significant differences between the WGS of the HR negative and HR positive strains; the difference, on the other hand, between PAC_ICE sequences of Italian and Chilean P. syringae pv. actinidiae strains was confirmed. The inability of the hypovirulent strains IPV-BO 8893 and IPV-BO 9286 to provoke HR in tobacco and the low virulence shown in this host could not be associated with mutations or recombinations in T3SS island.