Moderate Water Stress Impact on Yield Components of Greenhouse Tomatoes in Relation to Plant Water Status.

The scarcity of water resources affects tomato production. Deficit irrigation may optimize water management with only a low reduction in yield. Deficit irrigation scheduling based on applied water presented no clear conclusions. Water stress management based on plant water status, such as water potential, could improve the scheduling. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological and yield responses of different tomato cultivars to deficit irrigation. Three experiments were carried out in 2020 and 2022 at the University of Seville (Spain). "Cherry" and "chocolate Marmande" cultivars with an indeterminate growth pattern were grown in a greenhouse. Treatments were: Control (full irrigated) and Deficit. Deficit plants were irrigated based on water potential measurements. Moderate water stress did not significantly reduce the yield, although it affected other processes. Fruit size and total soluble solids were the most sensitive parameters to water stress. The latter increased only when persistent water stress was applied. However, truss development and fruit number were not affected by the level of water stress imposed. Such results suggest that moderate water stress, even in sensitive phenological stages such as flowering, would not reduce yield. Deficit irrigation scheduling based on plant water status will allow accurate management of water stress.

Exploring Plants with Flowers: From Therapeutic Nutritional Benefits to Innovative Sustainable Uses.

Flowers have played a significant role in society, focusing on their aesthetic value rather than their food potential. This study's goal was to look into flowering plants for everything from health benefits to other possible applications. This review presents detailed information on 119 species of flowers with agri-food and health relevance. Data were collected on their family, species, common name, commonly used plant part, bioremediation applications, main chemical compounds, medicinal and gastronomic uses, and concentration of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. In this respect, 87% of the floral species studied contain some toxic compounds, sometimes making them inedible, but specific molecules from these species have been used in medicine. Seventy-six percent can be consumed in low doses by infusion. In addition, 97% of the species studied are reported to have medicinal uses (32% immune system), and 63% could be used in the bioremediation of contaminated environments. Significantly, more than 50% of the species were only analysed for total concentrations of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, indicating a significant gap in identifying specific molecules of these bioactive compounds. These potential sources of bioactive compounds could transform the health and nutraceutical industries, offering innovative approaches to combat oxidative stress and promote optimal well-being.

Endocarp Development Study in Full Irrigated Olive Orchards and Impact on Fruit Features at Harvest.

Endocarp development in olive trees includes three periods: growth (Period I), massive sclerification (Period II) and maximum hardening (Period III). The two first are strongly related to yield and irrigation management. Period I was reported to coincide with mesocarp cell division and thus with final fruit size. Period II was considered to be the most drought-resistant phenological stage. However, little is known in olive trees about the length of these periods and their capacity for predicting fruit size at harvest. The aim of this work was to evaluate the length of both periods in different cultivars and different location of full irrigated orchards. We also aimed to study the fruit feature impact on harvest at the end of Period I. Data from full irrigated olive orchards of cv Cornicabra, Arbequina and Manzanilla in two different locations (Ciudad Real, Central Spain, and Seville, South Spain) were used. The pattern of pit-breaking pressure throughout the season was measured with fruit samples for several years (2006 to 2022). These data and climatic data were used to compare different estimation methods for the length of Period I and II of endocarp development. Then, fruit volume and dry weight at the end of Period I were used to estimate fruit features at harvest. Results suggest that the Period I length was less temperature- and cultivar-dependent than expected. The duration of this period was almost constant at around 49 days after full bloom. Thermal time was negatively correlated with fruit size at the end of Period I. On the contrary, a lineal thermal model presented the lowest variability when estimating the Period II length, which was also affected by the cultivar. The best fit between fruit dry weight and volume at Period I vs. harvest was unique for oil cultivars (Cornicabra and Arbequina), while cv Manzanilla presented a different relationship. A temperature increase in the future would not affect the Period I length but would reduce the fruit size at the end of this period and at harvest.

Establishing a Reference Baseline for Midday Stem Water Potential in Olive and Its Use for Plant-Based Irrigation Management.

Midday stem water potential (SWP) is rapidly becoming adopted as a standard tool for plant-based irrigation management in many woody perennial crops. A reference or "baseline" SWP has been used in some crops (almond, prune, grape, and walnut) to account for the climatic influence of air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) on SWP under non-limiting soil moisture conditions. The baseline can be determined empirically for field trees maintained under such non-limiting conditions, but such conditions are difficult to achieve for an entire season. We present the results of an alternative survey-based approach, using a large set of SWP and VPD data collected over multiple years, from irrigation experiments in olive orchards located in multiple countries [Spain, United States (California), Italy, and Argentina]. The relation of SWP to midday VPD across the entire data set was consistent with an upper limit SWP which declined with VPD, with the upper limit being similar to that found in Prunus. A best fit linear regression estimate for this upper limit (baseline) was found by selecting the maximum R 2 and minimum probability for various upper fractions of the SWP/VPD relation. In addition to being surprisingly similar to the Prunus baseline, the olive baseline was also similar (within 0.1 MPa) to a recently published mechanistic olive soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum (SPAC) model for "super high density" orchard systems. Despite similarities in the baseline, the overall physiological range of SWP exhibited by olive extends to about -8 MPa, compared to about -4 MPa for economically producing almond. This may indicate that, despite species differences in physiological responses to low water availability (drought), there may be convergent adaptations/acclimations across species to high levels of water availability. Similar to its use in other crops, the olive baseline will enable more accurate and reproducible plant-based irrigation management for both full and deficit irrigation practices, and we present tentative SWP guidelines for this purpose.

Screening for Innovative Sources of Carotenoids and Phenolic Antioxidants among Flowers.

Flowers have been used for centuries in decoration and traditional medicine, and as components of dishes. In this study, carotenoids and phenolics from 125 flowers were determined by liquid chromatography (RRLC and UHPLC). After comparing four different extractants, the carotenoids were extracted with acetone: methanol (2:1), which led to a recovery of 83%. The phenolic compounds were extracted with 0.1% acidified methanol. The petals of the edible flowers Renealmia alpinia and Lantana camara showed the highest values of theoretical vitamin A activity expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAE), i.e., 19.1 and 4.1 RAE/g fresh weight, respectively. The sample with the highest total phenolic contents was Punica granatum orange (146.7 mg/g dry weight). It was concluded that in most cases, flowers with high carotenoid contents did not contain high phenolic content and vice versa. The results of this study can help to develop innovative concepts and products for the industry.

Chemical and sensorial characterization of spray dried hydroSOStainable almond milk.

BACKGROUND: Water scarcity is a worldwide problem that leads to environmental and economic issues. Agriculture is one of the main consumers of water for irrigation and fertilization and almond is the major tree nut crop in the Mediterranean area. Furthermore, there is a continuous growing demand for healthy, vegan and sustainable products. Consequently, the present study aimed to chemically characterize almond milk powder enriched with probiotics manufactured from hydroSOStainable almonds (i.e. generated under water stress conditions). Almond milk powder enriched with probiotic bacteria was produced with almonds grown under optimal irrigation conditions (100% of the crop evapotranspiration) and was chemically compared to the samples made from hydroSOStainable almonds. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), minerals, organic acids and sugars, fatty acids, and descriptive sensory analysis were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that almond milk powder produced from hydroSOStainable almonds had a higher content of TPC, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), PUFAs/saturated fatty acids (SFAs) ratio and PUFAs/monounsaturated fatty acids ratio, as well as almond and nutty flavors. Moderate and sustained deficit irrigation leads to powders with a higher content of PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs ratio, which are parameters of utmost importance for health. CONCLUSION: Using these strategies, between 66% and 76% of the irrigation water can be saved, producing hydroSOStainable almond milk powder higher in TPC and PUFAs, as well as positive sensory attributes, compared to that from fully irrigated almonds. These findings may have a positive impact in both agriculture and food industry, allowing water savings and high quality and sustainable food products to be obtained. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

How does water stress affect the low molecular weight phenolics of hydroSOStainable almonds?

Water scarcity is a threat for food production because, water, is more and more limited and force farmers to use new deficit irrigation (DI) strategies without affecting fruit yield and quality. No information exists on almond polyphenols and proanthocyanidins (PAs) produced under DI. The present work studied the effect of 2 regulated DI (RDI) and one sustained (SDI) on the low molecular weight phenolics together with the antioxidant activity (AA) in almonds. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified (13 flavonoids and 2 non-flavonoids) and 10 PAs. Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside was the predominant compound in almond skin and whole kernel but it was not found in deskinned kernels. The use of moderate RDI significantly increased the total phenolic content in skin (∼9.8%), PAs, and the AA. Consequently, after one season the application of DI positively affected the almond cv. Vairo phenols, however, several seasons must be evaluated in order to corroborate the present results.

Phytoprostanes and Phytofurans-Oxidative Stress and Bioactive Compounds-in Almonds are Affected by Deficit Irrigation in Almond Trees.

Almonds have gained consumers' attention due to their health benefits (they are rich in bioactive compounds) and sensory properties. Nevertheless, information about phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) (new plant markers of oxidative stress and compounds with biological properties for human health) in almonds under deficit irrigation is scarce or does not exist. These compounds are plant oxylipins synthesized by the oxidation of α-linolenic acid (ALA). Besides, they are biomarkers of plant oxidative degradation and biologically active molecules involved in several plant defense mechanisms. hydroSOStainable or hydroSOS mean plant foods made from from plants under controlled water stress. Almonds are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty (PUFAs) acids, including a high content of ALA. This paper aimed to describe the influence of diverse irrigation treatments on in vitro anti-oxidant activity (AAc) and total phenolic content (TPC), as well as on the level of ALA, PhytoP, and PhytoF in "Vairo" almonds. The AAc and TPC were not affected by the irrigation strategy, while the in vivo oxidative stress makers, PhytoPs and PhytoFs, exhibited significant differences in response to water shortage. The total PhytoP and PhytoF contents ranged from 4551 to 8151 ng/100 g dry weight (dw) and from 33 to 56 ng/100 g dw, respectively. The PhytoP and PhytoF profiles identified in almonds showed significant differences among treatments. Individual PhytoPs and PhytoFs were present above the limit of detection only in almonds obtained from trees maintained under deficit irrigation (DI) conditions (regulated deficit irrigation, RDI, and sustained deficit irrigation, SDI) but not in control almonds obtained from fully irrigated trees. Therefore, these results confirm PhytoPs and PhytoFs as valuable biomarkers to detect whether an almond-based product is hydroSOStainable. As a final conclusion, it can be stated that almond quality and functionality can be improved and water irrigation consumption can be reduced if controlled DI strategies are applied in almond orchards.

Nutrition Quality Parameters of Almonds as Affected by Deficit Irrigation Strategies.

The influence of full irrigation, double-regulated (RDI) and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) treatments on almond quality was assessed by analyzing different parameters: sugars, organic acids, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and volatile compounds. Almond quality studies for plants submitted to water stress are scarce, and it is essential to understand the biochemical responses of plants to water stress in maintaining fruit yield and quality. Citric acid, sucrose, antioxidant activity, and TPC were not affected by the application of studied deficit irrigation strategies (DI). An increase in malic acid and a decrease in glucose was observed for stressed samples (T3 and T4), while a higher number of total volatiles compounds was found for moderate RDI (T2). Using deficit irrigation strategies, the almond yield and quality was not changed, and in fact, some parameters, such as glucose and key volatile compounds, slightly increased under moderate RDI. This finding might encourage farmers to implement these strategies and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Quality Attributes and Fatty Acid, Volatile and Sensory Profiles of "Arbequina" hydroSOStainable Olive Oil.

The use of deficit irrigation techniques on olive orchards is the main trend aiming to optimize water savings while improving functional and sensory characteristics of oils from trees under deficit irrigation techniques. The brand hydroSOStainable has been defined for crops produced under water restriction conditions. HydroSOStainable olive oils obtained under two new regulated deficit irrigation and one sustained deficit irrigation treatments in "Arbequina" olive trees were evaluated by analyzing quality parameters, antioxidant activity, total phenol content, fatty acid profile, volatile compounds, and sensory descriptors. Results showed that some of these irrigation strategies improved the phenol content at "moderate" stress levels, slightly enriched the fatty acid profile (~3.5% increased oleic acid and simultaneously decreased saturated fatty acids), and increased some key volatile compounds and also several key sensory attributes. Therefore, hydroSOStainable olive oil may be more attractive to consumers as it is environmentally friendly, has a higher content of several bioactive compounds, and has improved sensory characteristics as compared to control (fully irrigated) oils.

Sensory Profile and Acceptability of HydroSOStainable Almonds.

Fresh water availability is considered highly risky because it is a finite resource, and a deficiency in water leads to numerous economic and environmental issues. Agriculture is one of the main consumers of fresh water in practices such as irrigation and fertilization. In this context, the main objectives of this study were (i) to determine the descriptive sensory profiles of four almond types grown using different irrigation strategies and (ii) to study their acceptance in a cross-cultural study (Romania and Spain). Consumers' willingness to pay for hydroSOS almonds was also evaluated. The four irrigation strategies evaluated were a control sample, two samples grown under regulated deficit irrigation strategies (RDI), and a sample grown under a sustained deficit irrigation strategy (SDI). The main conclusion was that neither descriptive nor affective sensory results showed significant differences among treatments. These findings should encourage farmers to reduce their water usage by demonstrating that sensory quality was not significantly affected by any of the studied treatments, compared to the control. Regarding willingness to pay, both Spanish and Romanian consumers were willing to pay a higher price for the hydroSOS almonds.

Effect of Spanish-style processing on the quality attributes of HydroSOStainable green olives.

BACKGROUND: Three treatments of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) were assayed on olive trees for table olive production. RDI provides hydroSOStainable crops. The effect of RDI treatments on the quality of raw and table olives was determined based on their: weight, pit weight, fruit/pit ratio, size, texture, colour, mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenol content and organic acid and sugar profile. RESULTS: HydroSOStainable olives showed the most attractive shape and colour: highest fruit weight, roundest fruit, hardest texture and a lightest and greenest colour than control olives. Minerals, antioxidants, phenols and organic acids and sugars of hydroSOStainable olives were similar to control olives. After processing to table olives, calcium, potassium, antioxidants and phenols contents decreased, whereas sugars and organic acids profiles changed in both types of olives. CONCLUSIONS: HydroSOStainable table olives offer environmental and quality advantages over control olives given the reduced use of fresh water and favourable morphological traits, which are more attractive for consumers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study of commercial quality parameters, sugars, phenolics, carotenoids and plastids in different tomato varieties.

The aim of this study was to assess commercial quality parameters, sugars, phenolics, carotenoids and plastid in diverse and little studied tomato varieties to gain insight into their commercial and functional quality and reveal possible noticeable differences. Five cherry tomato varieties and six common (i.e., non-cherry) tomatoes were evaluated. The highest levels of lycopene were detected in 'Tigerella' and 'Byelsa', and those of phytoene in 'Orange', those of phenolics in 'Green Zebra', all of them common tomatoes. The levels of sugars in both groups of tomatoes were comparable. Interesting differences in plastid carotenoid-accumulating sub-structures as a function of the carotenoid profile were observed. Given the importance of chromoplasts in the deposition of carotenoids in plants and their release during digestion, this information can be valuable in investigations on the regulation of the biosynthesis and the bioavailability of tomato carotenoids.

Antioxidants (carotenoids and phenolics) profile of cherry tomatoes as influenced by deficit irrigation, ripening and cluster.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the effect of regulated deficit irrigation, cluster, developmental stages and two seasons (autumn 2015 and spring 2016) on the commercial and functional quality (carotenoids and plenolics levels) in 'Lazarino' and 'Summerbrix' tomatoes. Autumn had a positive effect on the commercial quality, with larger fruits (22% in 'Summerbrix'; 26% in 'Lazarino') and higher soluble solids (16% in 'Summerbrix'; 12% in 'Lazarino'). Total carotenoids did not change significantly with irrigation and variety while total phenolics did with the cluster and season. In most cases, the main amounts of carotenoids and phenolic were found in the higher cluster and carotenoids in ripe fruit. Thus, irrigation of such varieties could be reduced drastically (ca. 80%) without affecting considerably the overall quality of their fruits (changes not greater than 30%).

Effect of the fruit position on the cluster on fruit quality, carotenoids, phenolics and sugars in cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Cherry tomato varieties are widely consumed in many countries. They contain nutrients and health-promoting compounds like phenolics and carotenoids. The main purpose of this study was to determine how the fruit position on the cluster affected quality parameters of diverse nature (weight, soluble solids, firmness, colour, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and sugars). For this purpose the fourth cluster of two cherry varieties (Summerbrix and Lazarino) were studied. The results indicated that the fruit position on the cluster decreased the fruit size between 14 and 16% and weight 40%; firmness in 'Lazarino' increased 56%; C*ab increased 12% in 'Lazarino' and decreased 13% in 'Summerbrix'; hab increased 9% in 'Summerbrix'. Total carotenoid levels were not statistically different in two positions, and in the other position the contents were higher, with a difference of 36% between these two values. The highest total phenolic levels were observed in the PII position. However, total sugars increased 36%, fructose 36% and glucose 35% from the PI to PIII position in 'Lazarino', while, in 'Summerbrix' higher values were observed in the PIII position.

Effect of regulated deficit irrigation on quality parameters, carotenoids and phenolics of diverse tomato varieties (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

This study aims to evaluate the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and of cluster position (CI: first and second cluster; CII: third and fourth cluster; CIII: fifth and sixth cluster) on fruit quality parameters, carotenoids and phenolics in tomatoes. Three common ('Tigerella', 'Palamós' and 'Byelsa') and two cherry varieties ('Lazarino' and 'Summerbrix') were studied. The results showed that the regulated deficit irrigation with reduction of 40 and 50% in the leaf water potential in common and cherry tomatoes did not affect greatly the organoleptic quality of common tomatoes and 'Summerbrix', while cherry varieties were significantly affected with the cluster position. In most case, significant changes in the levels of carotenoids were observed depending on the treatment and the cluster position in all varieties. Significant changes with the treatment and no change with the cluster position were observed in phenolic compounds. Thus, in general, increased total carotenoid levels and reduced the content of phenolic compounds were observed. Considering the significance of changes in the levels of these groups of compounds it was concluded that 'Lazarino' was more susceptible to water deficit, whereas 'Summerbrix' and 'Palamós' were more resistant. On the other hand, the organoleptic and functional quality changed with the variety.

Antioxidant capacity, fatty acids profile, and descriptive sensory analysis of table olives as affected by deficit irrigation.

BACKGROUND: The influence of three irrigation treatments (T0, no stress; T1, soft stress; and, T2, moderate stress) on the key functional properties [fatty acids, sugar alcohols, organic acids, minerals, total polyphenols content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AA)], sensory quality, and consumers' acceptance of table olives, cv. 'Manzanilla', was evaluated. RESULTS: A soft water stress, T1, led to table olives with the highest oil and dry matter contents, with the highest intensities of key sensory attributes and slightly, although not significant, higher values of consumer satisfaction degree. Besides, RDI in general (T1 and T2) slightly increased green colour, the content of linoleic acid, but decreased the content of phytic acid and some minerals. CONCLUSION: The soft RDI conditions are a good option for the cultivation of olive trees because they are environmentally friendly and simultaneously maintain or even improve the functionality, sensory quality, and consumer acceptance of table olives. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Absolute configuration of falcarinol (9Z-heptadeca-1,9-diene-4,6-diyn-3-ol) from Pastinaca sativa.

Falcarinol (9Z-heptadeca-1,9-diene-4,6-diyn-3-ol; (1) is a polyacetylene commonly found in several plant families. The absolute configuration of naturally occurring 1 is not clear and contradictory results have been reported in the literature. Determination of the absolute configuration of 1 from Pastinaca sativa L. was carried out. Isolation of 95% pure 1 was performed via successive fractionation and preparative-HPLC. A racemic mixture comprised of 3R-1 and 3S-1 was synthesized in order to confirm the absolute configuration of the isolated natural product using chiral HPLC. Based on a combination of chiral HPLC and specific rotation, 1 present in P. saliva was found to have a 3R absolute configuration (i.e. (3R, 9Z)-heptadeca-1,9-diene-4,6-diyn-3-ol).