During autumn 2000, isolates of bacteria were collected from blighted nuts, leaves, buds and petioles of walnut trees from all over New Zealand. From among these isolates Xanthomonas campestris pv juglandis lines were identified by a range of cultural, DNA fingerprinting and morphological tests. Concurrently, bacteriophages which attack X. campestris pv juglandis were isolated from the soils under the same trees. Phages were readily isolated from a depth of 2.5 cm. In the following spring phages were also isolated from the canopy of trees grown at Lincoln. Phage typing was carried out to produce a set of phages capable of destroying all bacterial isolates. A subset of the isolated phages was characterized. Several phages isolated from the soil were identified under the electron microscope as being from the λ phage group, with long unsheathed tails and hexagonal heads. Phages isolated from the canopy belonged to several other groups of phages. Short term storage had little effect on canopy phage survivability. Differences in hardiness were found between the phages. The search to locate effective, hardy phages for use as biobactericides continues.
Chili pepper is produced by family farmers in central Chile incorporating modern technologies and maintaining traditional practices. Although chili pepper is deeply rooted in the local culture, the agricultural system supporting its production and the germplasm involved are poorly studied. This work focused on two main landraces lacking information about what features (agronomic, morphological and chemical) distinguish them and how distinct they are. It is also of high importance to deepen our understanding of the agricultural system and the aspects that may affect its sustainability. An integrated approach was applied for the evaluation of social characteristics of farmers, the growing system, morphological traits, and selected chemical components. Between landraces, flower and fruit morphology was clearly distinct. Total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total carotenoid content showed higher values in fruits of cacho de cabra than in chileno negro. Both landraces had a higher total phenolic content than other Capsicum cultivars in the world. Farmers ascribe distinct attributes for the landraces regarding agronomic performance, fruit quality and processing applications. Characteristics that may affect the sustainability of the agricultural system are small farm size, relatives working as employees, and low farmers’ educational attainment. The study landraces are distinct and represent unique genetic material produced in an agricultural system facing important challenges where farmers have adapted to socio-economic pressures, externalizing plant production, reducing harvest costs, and developing innovations in product and marketing.
Applications of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) can increase blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) yield and fruit size, but their impact on postharvest is unknown. We studied repeated CPPU applications effects on yield and quality (harvest, postharvest), over 2 yr on mature 'Duke' plants in South-Central Chile. The first year, 5 or 10 mL L -1 CPPU was applied at 3, 10, and/or 17 d after full bloom (DAFB) plus a non-sprayed control. The second year, 5 or 10 mL L -1 CPPU were sprayed 10 and 17 DAFB plus a control. The first year, only 10 mL L -1 CPPU sprayed 3+17 DAFB increased yield (32.5% > control); 10 mL L -1 CPPU applied 10 or 3+17 DAFB had highest fruit diameter; and 10 mL L -1 CPPU at 17 DAFB or at 3+10+17 DAFB had highest soluble solids. Overall, 10 mL L -1 CPPU applied 3+17 DAFB, was the best treatment for year one, since it increased fruit yield and diameter, while soluble solids and postharvest weight loss were similar to control. The second year, 10 mL L -1 CPPU reduced fruit coloration (blue color coverage index: BCCI) and soluble solids, but not firmness at harvest. This rate increased berry weight (24.2%) and fruit wax (59% > wax coverage index: WCI) at harvest. Harvest and postharvest WCI increased consistently as CPPU rate increased. CPPU reduced fruit rotting (15% at 45+5 evaluation). During storage, CPPU-treated-fruit had a slower decrease in firmness (30.5% < control at 30+1), but no difference at 30+5. CPPU-treated-fruit usually had higher post harvest soluble solids. Ten mL L -1 CPPU retarded color evolution at harvest and at 30+1, but not at 30+5, 40+1 or 40+5.
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