The aim was to evaluate the impact of saffron supplementation on visual function in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Fifty-four participants, 23 male and 31 female, with dry ARMD were assigned to one of the following two groups. The treatment group (n=29) consumed 50 mg saffron daily during a 3- month period, while 25 subjects served as the control group. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and retinal thickness were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Quality of life was evaluated using the Melbourne Low Vision Index (MLVI) before and after treatment. Significant increases in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were found in the saffron group but not in the control group. Changes in macular thickness were not statistically different between the two groups. Short-term consumption of saffron may slow down the progression of disease and improve visual function, especially contrast sensitivity, in patients with dry ARMD.
The tomato leaf miner (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the major pests that attacks commercial tomato. TLM is becoming resistant to many of the pesticides used in the tomato fields. A potential alternative method of control is host plant resistance, which may be mediated by glandular trichomes. We studied glandular and non-glandular trichomes potentially related to tomato resistance of nine tomato genotypes (Lycopersicon hirsutum Humb & Bonpl), extensively cultivated in western Iran. The antixenosis and/or antibiosis effect of the genotypes Mobil, Falat 3, Cal J N3, Dehghan, Super Strain B, Río Grande, King Ston, Early Urbana and Peto Mech were evaluated under greenhouse conditions (25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% R.H., photoperiod of L16: D8 h). TLM elicited the lowest egg-laying response on Peto Mech, Río Grande and King Ston; and the highest one on Dehghan. King Ston and Mobil allowed the lowest and highest larvae density on the leaves, respectively. The highest preference was observed on Mobil and the lowest one on Río Grande and King Ston. Moreover, trichome type and density of the assayed genotypes appeared to be related to TLM population density: the most infested genotype (Mobil and Cal J N3) displayed the lowest IV and VI trichome style ranks of leaf blade, vein and domatia (glandular trichomes). Significant negative relations were found between egg and larvae density with leaf I style trichome; and also larvae and adult density with IV and V style trichome. Finally, this preliminary study screened two genotypes (Río Grande and King Ston) quite promising for developing resistance programs in western Iran against TLM.
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