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Although the dredging of ports is a necessary management activity, it generates immense quantities of sediments, that are defined by the European Union as residues. On the other hand, the relevant peat demand for plant cultivation compromises its availability worldwide. In this context, the present work wanted to find an alternative substrate in order to replace and/or reduce the use of peat in agriculture, through the study of the suitability, concerning the exchange of substrate–plant–water pollutants, of the dredged remediated sediments as a fruit-growing media. Forty-five pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L. cv “Purple Queen”) were cultivated in three types of substrates (100% peat as a control, 100% dredged remediated sediments and 50% both mixed). The metal ion content and pesticide residues were analysed in the different plant parts (root, stem, leaves and fruits) and in drainage water. The results showed a limited transfer of pollutants. All the pollutants were below the legal limits, confirming that the dredged sediments could be used as a growing media, alone or mixed with other substrates. Thus, the results point out the need to open a European debate on the reuse and reconsideration of this residue from a circular economy point of view.
Juan José Martínez-Nicolás; Pilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Rafael Martínez-Font; Edgardo Giordani; Pablo Melgarejo. Effect of Phytoremediated Port Sediment as an Agricultural Medium for Pomegranate Cultivation: Mobility of Contaminants in the Plant. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9661 .
AMA StyleJuan José Martínez-Nicolás, Pilar Legua, Francisca Hernández, Rafael Martínez-Font, Edgardo Giordani, Pablo Melgarejo. Effect of Phytoremediated Port Sediment as an Agricultural Medium for Pomegranate Cultivation: Mobility of Contaminants in the Plant. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (17):9661.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuan José Martínez-Nicolás; Pilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Rafael Martínez-Font; Edgardo Giordani; Pablo Melgarejo. 2021. "Effect of Phytoremediated Port Sediment as an Agricultural Medium for Pomegranate Cultivation: Mobility of Contaminants in the Plant." Sustainability 13, no. 17: 9661.
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to identify the potential environmental impact of dredged sediments used as growing media for food crops. The dredged sediments used came from Livorno port and were previously phytoremediated. For the assay, strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa Duch vr. ‘San Andreas’) were used. The plants were cultivated on three different substrates (100% peat, 100% dredged sediment and 50% mix peat/sediment) to identify the real impact of the culture media on the growing process. LCA was calculated and analyzed according to ISO 14040:2006 by SimaPro software. ReCipe Midpoint (E) V1.13/Europe Recipe E method was applied. One kilogram of produced strawberry, for each crop media tested, was defined as the functional unit. Eighteen impact categories were selected where Marine Eutrophication (ME), Human Toxicity (HT) and Freshwater Ecotoxicity (FET) were identified as relevant impact categories. The LCA results showed an increase in the environmental impact of strawberry cultivation using 100% sediment against 100% peat, due to the decrease in fruit production caused by the sediment. Nevertheless, the decrease in the environmental impact and the fruit production increase identified when the sediment is used mixed (<50%) with other substrates. The appropriate use of these substrates would be justified within the context of the circular economy.
Pilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Francesca Tozzi; Rafael Martínez-Font; David Jorquera; Caridad Jiménez; Edgardo Giordani; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Pablo Melgarejo. Application of LCA Methodology to the Production of Strawberry on Substrates with Peat and Sediments from Ports. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6323 .
AMA StylePilar Legua, Francisca Hernández, Francesca Tozzi, Rafael Martínez-Font, David Jorquera, Caridad Jiménez, Edgardo Giordani, Juan Martínez-Nicolás, Pablo Melgarejo. Application of LCA Methodology to the Production of Strawberry on Substrates with Peat and Sediments from Ports. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (11):6323.
Chicago/Turabian StylePilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Francesca Tozzi; Rafael Martínez-Font; David Jorquera; Caridad Jiménez; Edgardo Giordani; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Pablo Melgarejo. 2021. "Application of LCA Methodology to the Production of Strawberry on Substrates with Peat and Sediments from Ports." Sustainability 13, no. 11: 6323.
The cultivation of fruit trees in protected environments is a technique that has been developed in recent years for peaches and nectarines, but not for apricots. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of the fruits and their quality indices variations of the variety ‘Mikado’ as a function of its cultivation under a protective net or outdoors. As a practical agronomic assay, a homogeneous experimental plot was used in this study, where half of the apricot trees were cultivated under protective netting, and the other half without it. The data showed that for the total yield, no statistically significant differences were found with respect to ‘Mikado’ trees cultivated with or without a net. The trees cultivated under protective nets showed higher fruit weights. The results showed that the technique of using protective nets for the cultivation of extra-early apricot ‘Mikado’ is a profitable alternative for farmers, and their use does not affect fruit production or quality.
Pablo Melgarejo; Pilar Legua; Rafael Martínez-Font; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Joaquín Sánchez Soriano; Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina; Francisca Hernández. Response of Apricot Fruit Quality to Protective Netting. Agriculture 2021, 11, 260 .
AMA StylePablo Melgarejo, Pilar Legua, Rafael Martínez-Font, Juan Martínez-Nicolás, Joaquín Sánchez Soriano, Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina, Francisca Hernández. Response of Apricot Fruit Quality to Protective Netting. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (3):260.
Chicago/Turabian StylePablo Melgarejo; Pilar Legua; Rafael Martínez-Font; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Joaquín Sánchez Soriano; Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina; Francisca Hernández. 2021. "Response of Apricot Fruit Quality to Protective Netting." Agriculture 11, no. 3: 260.
Background: Presently, irrigation waters often have a high concentration of boron (B), and the fruit trees in the Mediterranean areas, in general, are exposed to a high risk of B toxicity. Aims: To test the hypothesis that pomegranate trees are very tolerant to the presence of B in the irrigation water, to elucidate the physiological mechanisms behind this tolerance, and to assess differences between different varieties. Methods: In this study, the physiological and nutritional behavior of three pomegranate cultivars (‘Mollar de Elche', ‘Valenciana', and ‘Wonderful'), treated with five B concentrations (0.25, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg L−1), were studied. At day 30 and 60 after the start of the treatments, growth measurements, gas exchange parameters and organic solutes were recorded. Results: Almost no significant differences were observed between the B treatments for any of the cultivars. Increasing the B concentration in the nutrient solution increased B concentrations in the leaves, but they never exceed 40 mg kg−1 of B. In the roots, however, B concentrations were very high, up to 400 mg kg−1. Conclusion: Pomegranate trees are very tolerant to B excess due to their ability to accumulate B in great quantities in the root, without causing toxicity to this part of the plant, thus limiting its transport to the shoots.
Antonio Olmo‐Vega; Silvia Simón‐Grao; Inmaculada Simón; Marina Alfosea‐Simón; Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás; Francisco García‐Sánchez. The high tolerance of different pomegranate cultivars to the excess of boron in irrigation water is due to their capacity to limit boron transport from the root to the leaves. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 2020, 184, 142 -149.
AMA StyleAntonio Olmo‐Vega, Silvia Simón‐Grao, Inmaculada Simón, Marina Alfosea‐Simón, Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás, Francisco García‐Sánchez. The high tolerance of different pomegranate cultivars to the excess of boron in irrigation water is due to their capacity to limit boron transport from the root to the leaves. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 2020; 184 (1):142-149.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Olmo‐Vega; Silvia Simón‐Grao; Inmaculada Simón; Marina Alfosea‐Simón; Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás; Francisco García‐Sánchez. 2020. "The high tolerance of different pomegranate cultivars to the excess of boron in irrigation water is due to their capacity to limit boron transport from the root to the leaves." Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 184, no. 1: 142-149.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide as per its production and the surface cultivated. The use of biostimulant products plays a fundamental role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change and reducing the use of conventional fertilizers. Many of these products are formulated with amino acids (AAs). This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of the foliar application of tyrosine (Tyr) (15 mM), lysine (Lys) (15 mM), methionine (Met) (15 mM), and a Tyr + Lys + Met (15 mM + 15 mM + 15 mM) mixture on the physiological and metabolic processes, vegetative growth, and nutritional state of Optima variety tomato plants. The results showed that application of the AAs, individually and combined, was beneficial for the growth of the aerial part, net assimilation of CO2, and water use efficiency (WUE). Application of Tyr resulted in the best WUE. The metabolomics study revealed that AA treatments increased the concentration of proline, fructose, and glucose, whose role was to stimulate glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Thus, the plants could have greater reduction power and energy, as well as more carbon molecules for their growth processes.
Marina Alfosea-Simón; Silvia Simón-Grao; Ernesto Zavala-Gonzalez; Jose Cámara-Zapata; Inmaculada Simón; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Vicente Lidón; Wilbert Rodríguez-Ortega; Francisco García-Sánchez. Application of Biostimulants Containing Amino Acids to Tomatoes Could Favor Sustainable Cultivation: Implications for Tyrosine, Lysine, and Methionine. Sustainability 2020, 12, 9729 .
AMA StyleMarina Alfosea-Simón, Silvia Simón-Grao, Ernesto Zavala-Gonzalez, Jose Cámara-Zapata, Inmaculada Simón, Juan Martínez-Nicolás, Vicente Lidón, Wilbert Rodríguez-Ortega, Francisco García-Sánchez. Application of Biostimulants Containing Amino Acids to Tomatoes Could Favor Sustainable Cultivation: Implications for Tyrosine, Lysine, and Methionine. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (22):9729.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarina Alfosea-Simón; Silvia Simón-Grao; Ernesto Zavala-Gonzalez; Jose Cámara-Zapata; Inmaculada Simón; Juan Martínez-Nicolás; Vicente Lidón; Wilbert Rodríguez-Ortega; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2020. "Application of Biostimulants Containing Amino Acids to Tomatoes Could Favor Sustainable Cultivation: Implications for Tyrosine, Lysine, and Methionine." Sustainability 12, no. 22: 9729.
BACKGROUND Scanning electron microscopy was assayed and linked with previous data for obtaining a new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination. The aim of this research was to develop an effective tool for the prediction of sensory properties through instrumental determinations. RESULTS Simple regression analysis determined high correlation within descriptive seed hardness and thickness of the wall as well as descriptive wood perception and thickness of the wall with values of 0.71 in both cases. Multiple regression analysis improved correlations when (i) descriptive seed hardness correlated to instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.94); (ii) descriptive wood perception correlated to instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.79); (iii) descriptive seed hardness correlated to instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the seed wall (0.96) and (iv) descriptive wood perception correlated to instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the seed wall (0.82). Same trend was found when (i) seed hardness satisfaction degree correlated to instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.92); (ii) wood perception satisfaction degree correlated to instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.82); (iii) seed hardness satisfaction degree correlated to instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the wall (0.99) and (iv) wood perception satisfaction degree correlated to instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the wall (0.99). CONCLUSION Regarding mechanical properties, results confirm that texture analysis and scanning electron microscopy are an effective tool in order to obtain reliable information. This research led to establish an objective tool allowing to predict the consumer acceptance of pomegranate cultivars worldwide. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Ángel Calín‐Sánchez; Marina Cano‐Lamadrid; Francisco Alcaraz‐Mármol; Francisco García‐Sánchez; Francisca Hernández; Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás. A new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2020, 101, 1355 -1363.
AMA StyleÁngel Calín‐Sánchez, Marina Cano‐Lamadrid, Francisco Alcaraz‐Mármol, Francisco García‐Sánchez, Francisca Hernández, Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás. A new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2020; 101 (4):1355-1363.
Chicago/Turabian StyleÁngel Calín‐Sánchez; Marina Cano‐Lamadrid; Francisco Alcaraz‐Mármol; Francisco García‐Sánchez; Francisca Hernández; Juan José Martínez‐Nicolás. 2020. "A new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 101, no. 4: 1355-1363.
: The “Pero de Cehegín” is an ancient local variety of apple grown in Murcia (Spain). In this study, microsatellites markers showed evidence of a unique profile that has never been reported before in other Spanish apple germplasm collections. Five “Pero de Cehegín” clones were evaluated and compared with two commercial apple varieties, “Fuji” and “Golden Delicious”, to assess its marketing potential. For this, the physical (weight, height, and width of the fruit, moisture content, firmness, and color of the fruit, among others), and chemical (total soluble solids, total acidity, and maturity index) properties of the fruits were evaluated. In addition, the content of bioactive compounds such as total polyphenol content, total antioxidant activity using the ABTS+, DPPH•, and FRAP methods, and the sugar profile were analyzed, and their sensory profile was also evaluated. Physico-chemical differences were found within the “Pero de Cehegín” clones and between the commercial varieties. “Pero de Cehegín” had a high firmness, high total soluble solids, very low total acidity, high FRAP antioxidant capacity, and more sucrose content in comparison with “Fuji” and “Golden Delicious”. These distinctive characteristics and the good appearance of the fruit make this variety a marketable product that will increase the offering of traditional, local, but underutilized fruit varieties.
Ramón Martínez; Pilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina; Yolanda Gogorcena; Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás; Pablo Melgarejo. Molecular, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Characterization of the Traditional Spanish Apple Variety “Pero de Cehegín”. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1093 .
AMA StyleRamón Martínez, Pilar Legua, Francisca Hernández, Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina, Yolanda Gogorcena, Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás, Pablo Melgarejo. Molecular, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Characterization of the Traditional Spanish Apple Variety “Pero de Cehegín”. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (8):1093.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRamón Martínez; Pilar Legua; Francisca Hernández; Ángel Carbonell-Barrachina; Yolanda Gogorcena; Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás; Pablo Melgarejo. 2020. "Molecular, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Characterization of the Traditional Spanish Apple Variety “Pero de Cehegín”." Agronomy 10, no. 8: 1093.
A. Olmo; F. Garcia-Sanchez; I. Simon; V. Lidon; M. Alfosea-Simon; J.M. Camara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; S. Simon-Grao. Characterization of the ecophysiological responses of three pomegranate cultivars to salinity. Photosynthetica 2019, 57, 1015 -1024.
AMA StyleA. Olmo, F. Garcia-Sanchez, I. Simon, V. Lidon, M. Alfosea-Simon, J.M. Camara-Zapata, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, S. Simon-Grao. Characterization of the ecophysiological responses of three pomegranate cultivars to salinity. Photosynthetica. 2019; 57 (4):1015-1024.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Olmo; F. Garcia-Sanchez; I. Simon; V. Lidon; M. Alfosea-Simon; J.M. Camara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; S. Simon-Grao. 2019. "Characterization of the ecophysiological responses of three pomegranate cultivars to salinity." Photosynthetica 57, no. 4: 1015-1024.
Adult pomegranate trees [Punica granatum (L.) cultivars Wonderful and Mollar de Elche] were submitted to different irrigation treatments during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Control (T0) plants were drip irrigated to guarantee non-limiting soil water conditions; T1 plants were subjected to water withholding during flowering-fruit set period for 64 (2015) and 53 (2016) days, resuming irrigation as in T0 plants subsequently. In both cultivars, the results demonstrated that during the flowering-fruit set period the sensitivity to water stress is very small, being possible to suppress or reduce irrigation (at least, while plant water status maintains similar levels to those reported in this study) without affecting marketable yield and fruit size and composition. Thus, this period can be considered as a clearly non-critical period. In this sense, water saving was around 19–30% and water productivity (WP) increased around 4–14% in Wonderful and 10–16% in Mollar de Elche. Water stress increased flowering, but not the number of viable hermaphrodite flowers, and decreased shoot growth (TSG), which could favour a compensatory young fruit growth when irrigation was resumed due to a shift in the carbon allocation pattern. This WP increase, the reduction in pruning cost (TSG decrease), and the redder arils in T1 plants were key aspects to increase consumers’ acceptance and farmers’ crop revenues.
Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; A. Galindo; Isabel Griñán; P. Rodríguez; Z.N. Cruz; R. Martínez-Font; A.A. Carbonell-Barrachina; H. Nouri; P. Melgarejo. Irrigation water saving during pomegranate flowering and fruit set period do not affect Wonderful and Mollar de Elche cultivars yield and fruit composition. Agricultural Water Management 2019, 226, 105781 .
AMA StyleJuan Jose Martinez Nicolas, A. Galindo, Isabel Griñán, P. Rodríguez, Z.N. Cruz, R. Martínez-Font, A.A. Carbonell-Barrachina, H. Nouri, P. Melgarejo. Irrigation water saving during pomegranate flowering and fruit set period do not affect Wonderful and Mollar de Elche cultivars yield and fruit composition. Agricultural Water Management. 2019; 226 ():105781.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuan Jose Martinez Nicolas; A. Galindo; Isabel Griñán; P. Rodríguez; Z.N. Cruz; R. Martínez-Font; A.A. Carbonell-Barrachina; H. Nouri; P. Melgarejo. 2019. "Irrigation water saving during pomegranate flowering and fruit set period do not affect Wonderful and Mollar de Elche cultivars yield and fruit composition." Agricultural Water Management 226, no. : 105781.
A harbour sediment, previously remediated, was tested for soilless strawberry cultivation (Camarosa and Monterey cultivars), as an innovative, cost-effective and environment-friendly approach of sediment management. Sediments were tested as such (TS100) and mixed 1/1 (v/v) with a peat-based commercial substrate (TS50), using the peat-based medium as control (TS0). Substrates were characterized for some physicochemical properties (e.g. density, porosity and water capacity). Minerals (P, Ca, K, Na and Fe), heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd), aliphatic hydrocarbons (C > 12), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans were analysed in substrates and fruits. Sugars and organic acids, including the ascorbic, were also determined in fruits, as quality indicators. Notwithstanding remediation, sediments showed concentrations of Zn (206 mg kg−1), C > 12 (86 mg kg−1) and PAHs (47 mg kg−1) exceeding the limits established by the Italian L.D. 152/2006, regulating the contamination of soil in green areas, thus making its relocation in the environment not permitted as such. No evidence of fruit contamination by Cr, Pb and Cd was highlighted. Moreover, Cu, Zn and Ni fruit concentrations were comparable among treatments. Conversely, Mn showed statistically higher concentrations in TS0 fruits (56–57 mg kg−1) compared to those grown in sediment-based substrates (8–20 mg kg−1). Among organic contaminants, only dioxin-like PCBs were determined in fruits, at toxic equivalent concentrations fourfold lower than the limit established by the European Union. TS100 fruits showed a yield reduction from 40 to 70% for Camarosa and Monterey, but higher sugar and ascorbic acid contents.
Francesca Tozzi; Massimo Del Bubba; William Antonio Petrucci; Simona Pecchioli; Cristina Macci; Francisca Hernández García; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Edgardo Giordani. Use of a remediated dredged marine sediment as a substrate for food crop cultivation: Sediment characterization and assessment of fruit safety and quality using strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) as model species of contamination transfer. Chemosphere 2019, 238, 124651 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Tozzi, Massimo Del Bubba, William Antonio Petrucci, Simona Pecchioli, Cristina Macci, Francisca Hernández García, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Edgardo Giordani. Use of a remediated dredged marine sediment as a substrate for food crop cultivation: Sediment characterization and assessment of fruit safety and quality using strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) as model species of contamination transfer. Chemosphere. 2019; 238 ():124651.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Tozzi; Massimo Del Bubba; William Antonio Petrucci; Simona Pecchioli; Cristina Macci; Francisca Hernández García; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Edgardo Giordani. 2019. "Use of a remediated dredged marine sediment as a substrate for food crop cultivation: Sediment characterization and assessment of fruit safety and quality using strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) as model species of contamination transfer." Chemosphere 238, no. : 124651.
BACKROUND The current need to produce food for a growing population starting with natural resources per inhabitant that are diminishing, such as water and energy, and with minimum environmental degradation, demands the optimization of production. In this work we establish and compare the economic feasibility of tomato production in an open system with a perlite substrate, a closed system with the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and a hydroponic crop (Deep Flow Technique, DFT) utilizing three levels of salinity that are found within the normal range for irrigation water quality in Southeastern Spain. RESULTS The production with DFT resulted in an increase of the cost of the phytosanitary treatments and cost of maintenance. The production with perlite resulted in an increase in the cost of irrigation water and fertilization, and the use of NFT resulted in an increase in energy cost. The point of price equilibrium, as well as production were exceeded in the three soilless systems when using low salinity water, and in perlite, with intermediate salinity water. CONCLUSION The profitability of the exploitation was reduced in the order perlite>NFT>DFT and had positive results when using irrigation water with low salinity, and in the case of perlite, with intermediate salinity. In every case, the salinity reduced the profitability of the operation, and this was greater when NFT was employed. The analysis of these soilless systems should be continued in order to determine the possibility of reducing the cultivation costs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
José M. Cámara-Zapata; José M. Brotons-Martínez; Silvia Simón-Grao; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco García-Sánchez. Cost–benefit analysis of tomato in soilless culture systems with saline water under greenhouse conditions. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2019, 99, 5842 -5851.
AMA StyleJosé M. Cámara-Zapata, José M. Brotons-Martínez, Silvia Simón-Grao, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Francisco García-Sánchez. Cost–benefit analysis of tomato in soilless culture systems with saline water under greenhouse conditions. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2019; 99 (13):5842-5851.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé M. Cámara-Zapata; José M. Brotons-Martínez; Silvia Simón-Grao; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2019. "Cost–benefit analysis of tomato in soilless culture systems with saline water under greenhouse conditions." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 99, no. 13: 5842-5851.
Past studies have already determined that selenium (Se) is very effective in alleviating cell oxidative damage caused by various abiotic stresses in plants. Past studies have also indicated other physiological pathways by which Se may benefit plants. In order to better understand the full array of potential applications for Se in agriculture, this study investigated the influence of Se on carbohydrate and nitrogen (N) metabolism in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Sante) grown under cadmium (Cd) and/or arsenic (As) toxicity. Potato plants were grown in a growth chamber and fertigated with Hoagland nutrient solution with or without Se (9 μM). After 48-d of growth under Cd (40 μM) and/or As (40 μM) stress, carbohydrate and N metabolism in leaves, roots and stolons were measured. For carbohydrate metabolism, various sugars—i.e., sucrose, starch, glucose, fructose, and total soluble sugar contents (TSSC)—and the activities of enzymes associated with sucrose metabolism and glycolysis—i.e., acid invertase (AI), neutral invertase (NI), sucrose-synthetase (SS), sucrose phosphatesynthetase (SPS), fructokinase (FK), hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvatekinase (PK)—were measured. For N metabolism, NO3−, NO2− and NH4+ contents along with the enzymatic activities of nitrate reductase (NRA), nitrite reductase (NiRA), glutamine-synthetase (GS), and glutamate-synthetase (GOGAT) were measured. Overall, Cd and/or As treatments had reduced plant growth relative to those plants grown without heavy metal toxicity, due to hindered photosynthesis and alterations in N metabolism and glycolysis. Regarding N metabolism, heavy metal toxicity caused a reduction in NO3− and NO2− content and NRA and NiRA enzymatic activity and enhanced NH4+ content and GDH activity in leaves, roots and stolons. Regarding glycolysis, the activity of enzymes of glycolysis—i.e., FK, HK, PFK, and PK—were also reduced. In the C metabolism study, plants combatted Cd and As toxicity naturally by an adaptation mechanism which caused an increase in soluble sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) by increasing NI, SS and SSP enzymatic activity. Supplementation with Se in the Cd and/or As treatments in the carbohydrate and N metabolism studies improved plant growth. Selenium supplementation in the Cd and As treatments decreased Cd and/or As content in the plant tissue and alleviating the Cd- and/or As-induced toxicity by enhancing the C-metabolism adaptation mechanism. Applying Se to Cd and As treatments also decreased nitrogen losses by hindering Cd- and As-induced changes in the N-metabolism. Se also limited Cd and As accumulation in the plant tissue by the antagonistic effect between Cd/Se and As/Se in the roots. The results of this study indicate that in the presence of Cd and/or As. soil toxicity, Se may be a powerful tool for promoting plant growth.
Muhammad Adnan Shahid; Rashad Mukhtar Balal; Naeem Khan; Lincoln Zotarelli; Guodong David Liu; Ali Sarkhosh; Juan C. Fernández-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2019, 180, 588 -599.
AMA StyleMuhammad Adnan Shahid, Rashad Mukhtar Balal, Naeem Khan, Lincoln Zotarelli, Guodong David Liu, Ali Sarkhosh, Juan C. Fernández-Zapata, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2019; 180 ():588-599.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMuhammad Adnan Shahid; Rashad Mukhtar Balal; Naeem Khan; Lincoln Zotarelli; Guodong David Liu; Ali Sarkhosh; Juan C. Fernández-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. 2019. "Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 180, no. : 588-599.
Silvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Marina Alfosea-Simón; José María Cámara-Zapata; Juan Carlos Fernández-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis improves tolerance of Carrizo citrange to excess boron supply by reducing leaf B concentration and toxicity in the leaves and roots. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2019, 173, 322 -330.
AMA StyleSilvia Simón-Grao, Manuel Nieves, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Marina Alfosea-Simón, José María Cámara-Zapata, Juan Carlos Fernández-Zapata, Francisco García-Sánchez. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis improves tolerance of Carrizo citrange to excess boron supply by reducing leaf B concentration and toxicity in the leaves and roots. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2019; 173 ():322-330.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Marina Alfosea-Simón; José María Cámara-Zapata; Juan Carlos Fernández-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2019. "Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis improves tolerance of Carrizo citrange to excess boron supply by reducing leaf B concentration and toxicity in the leaves and roots." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 173, no. : 322-330.
Tomato is the most important horticultural crop in the world. The yields for this crop are highest in Southeastern Spain. In this work we studied a commercial variety of tomato, with different soilless culture systems (deep flow technique, nutrient film technique, and the perlite substrate) and three levels of salinity (2.2, 6.3, and 10.2 dS·m−1) typical of Southeastern Spain. The irrigation management was carried out for optimizing the water use efficiency. Alterations in the water status of the plants, Cl− and Na+ toxicity, and nutritional imbalances altered the vegetative growth and physiology of the plants. The marketable yield was affected by both soilless culture system and salinity. Regarding the soilles culture system, yield decreased in the order: deep flow technique > perlite > nutrient film technique. The salinity treatments improved the fruits quality by increasing the total soluble solids and titratable acidity. Plants cultivated with the nutrient film technique had the highest concentrations of Cl− and Na+ and the highest Na+/K+ ratio. The concentrations of Cl− and Na+ in the plants were not related directly to the yield loss. Therefore, the influence of the toxicity, osmotic effect, and nutritional imbalance seems to have been responsible for the yield loss.
Wilbert M. Rodríguez-Ortega; Vicente Martínez; Manuel Nieves; I. Simón; V. Lidón; J. C. Fernandez-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. Agricultural and Physiological Responses of Tomato Plants Grown in Different Soilless Culture Systems with Saline Water under Greenhouse Conditions. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 1 -13.
AMA StyleWilbert M. Rodríguez-Ortega, Vicente Martínez, Manuel Nieves, I. Simón, V. Lidón, J. C. Fernandez-Zapata, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, José M. Cámara-Zapata, Francisco García-Sánchez. Agricultural and Physiological Responses of Tomato Plants Grown in Different Soilless Culture Systems with Saline Water under Greenhouse Conditions. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWilbert M. Rodríguez-Ortega; Vicente Martínez; Manuel Nieves; I. Simón; V. Lidón; J. C. Fernandez-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2019. "Agricultural and Physiological Responses of Tomato Plants Grown in Different Soilless Culture Systems with Saline Water under Greenhouse Conditions." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 1-13.
The maritime ports and terminals periodically carry out dredging activities. This operation is necessary in order to avoid the excessive accumulation of sediments in the areas of maneuvering and berthing of ships. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect that dredged remediated sediments have on the quality and bioactive components of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar “Purple Queen”. Pomegranate trees were grown on three substrate-based treatments: Peat 100% (Pt as a control), dredged remediated sediments 100% (DRS), and a 50% mixture of each (Pt-DRS). Pomegranate fruits and two types of juices (juice of arils and juice of arils plus carpellary membranes) were characterized. The results showed that the use of dredged remediated sediments 100% (DRS) negatively affected yield, numbers of fruit per tree, and fruit weight average of pomegranate fruits. However, neither fruit quality nor composition of pomegranates grown on this substrate and mixture were affected. The tested media showed suitable horticultural properties for pomegranate cultivation, at which the Pt and Pt-DRS had better plant responses than the DRS one.
Pablo Melgarejo; Pilar Legua; Francisco Pérez-Sarmiento; Rafael Martínez-Font; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Edgardo Giordani; Francesca Tozzi; Francisca Hernández. Effect of a new remediated substrate on bioactive compounds and antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar ‘Purple Queen’. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 2019, 65, 1565 -1574.
AMA StylePablo Melgarejo, Pilar Legua, Francisco Pérez-Sarmiento, Rafael Martínez-Font, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Edgardo Giordani, Francesca Tozzi, Francisca Hernández. Effect of a new remediated substrate on bioactive compounds and antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar ‘Purple Queen’. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science. 2019; 65 (11):1565-1574.
Chicago/Turabian StylePablo Melgarejo; Pilar Legua; Francisco Pérez-Sarmiento; Rafael Martínez-Font; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Edgardo Giordani; Francesca Tozzi; Francisca Hernández. 2019. "Effect of a new remediated substrate on bioactive compounds and antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar ‘Purple Queen’." Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 65, no. 11: 1565-1574.
Phenological stages of the “Pero de Cehegín” (Malus domestica Borkh) are described here according to the BBCH scale. Based on this general scale, the phenology of “Pero de Cehegín” showed 8 of the 10 main stages (0–9): bud development, leaf development, shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity and senescence. The correct identification of the phenological stages in plants is greatly important for the characterization of the variety, the management of the crop and the management of diseases and plagues as well. Thus, this study will provide knowledge and will help in the dissemination of knowledge of this peculiar apple variety among growers and scientists.
R. Martínez; P. Legua; J.J. Martínez-Nicolás; P. Melgarejo. Phenological growth stages of “Pero de Cehegín” (Malus domestica Borkh): Codification and description according to the BBCH scale. Scientia Horticulturae 2018, 246, 826 -834.
AMA StyleR. Martínez, P. Legua, J.J. Martínez-Nicolás, P. Melgarejo. Phenological growth stages of “Pero de Cehegín” (Malus domestica Borkh): Codification and description according to the BBCH scale. Scientia Horticulturae. 2018; 246 ():826-834.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Martínez; P. Legua; J.J. Martínez-Nicolás; P. Melgarejo. 2018. "Phenological growth stages of “Pero de Cehegín” (Malus domestica Borkh): Codification and description according to the BBCH scale." Scientia Horticulturae 246, no. : 826-834.
Citrus rootstocks, (i.e. Carrizo citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, and Forner-Alcaide nº5) influence the agronomical and physiological behavior of citrus trees under unfavorable environmental conditions. Citrus are very sensitive to boron (B) toxicity. However, when good-quality water is scarce, growers must use water treatment and desalination plant water for irrigation, which may have a B concentration that is above the threshold recommended for citrus trees (0.5 mg L−1). There is little information on the relative tolerance of citrus rootstocks to an excess of B, and the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved. In this work, the morphological, physiological, biochemical and nutritional responses of three citrus rootstock plants, Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan.) and Forner-Alcaide nº 5 (Cleopatra mandarin × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), under different concentrations of B in the irrigation water (0.25, 5 and 10 mg L−1), grown in containers in a greenhouse, were studied. The results showed that Carrizo citrange was very sensitive to B toxicity, as the plants had the most reduced vegetative growth, the greatest concentration of B in their leaves, stem and roots, a greater concentration of malondialdehyde in leaves, and a lesser net assimilation of CO2. The other two genotypes did not show differences in the accumulation of B in their tissues. Nevertheless, Cleopatra mandarin showed a greater tolerance, as its photosynthetic system was less affected by B toxicity, probably due to its potent antioxidant system, which is based on a high activity of catalase, which restricts the accumulation of malondialdehyde in its leaves. Forner-Alcaide nº 5 had an intermediate tolerance, similar to Cleopatra mandarin than to Carrizo citrange, as per the accumulation of B in its leaves. Forner-Alcaide nº 5 was the only genotype whose root was not affected by B toxicity.
Silvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; José María Cámara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Rosa M Rivero; Juan C. Fernández-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. The Forner Alcaide nº 5 citrus genotype shows a different physiological response to the excess of boron in the irrigation water in relation to its two genotype progenitors. Scientia Horticulturae 2018, 245, 19 -28.
AMA StyleSilvia Simón-Grao, Manuel Nieves, José María Cámara-Zapata, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Rosa M Rivero, Juan C. Fernández-Zapata, Francisco García-Sánchez. The Forner Alcaide nº 5 citrus genotype shows a different physiological response to the excess of boron in the irrigation water in relation to its two genotype progenitors. Scientia Horticulturae. 2018; 245 ():19-28.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; José María Cámara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Rosa M Rivero; Juan C. Fernández-Zapata; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2018. "The Forner Alcaide nº 5 citrus genotype shows a different physiological response to the excess of boron in the irrigation water in relation to its two genotype progenitors." Scientia Horticulturae 245, no. : 19-28.
The present investigation was executed to determine the effect of rootstock ploidy level on polyamine metabolism and phenolic acid contents in leaves. Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour × Citrus deliciosa Ten) plants were grafted on the diploid (2x) and double-diploid (4x) of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf, Citrus reshni, and Citrus limonia Osbeck. Plants were grown in greenhouse under controlled conditions and fertigated with nutrient solution containing chromium (0.75 mM). After four-months of growth under chromium (Cr) stress, polyamines (free, soluble-conjugated and insoluble-bound) and phenolic acid contents (PAC): p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), ferulic acid (FA), p-coumaric acid (PCA), gallic acid (GA) and vanillic acid (VA) in leaves were investigated. Enzymes activity of polyamine biosynthesis, i.e., arginine decarboxylase (ADC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) and spermidine synthase (SpdS), and polyamine degradation, i.e., polyamine oxidase (PAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO), were also determined. Chromium stress caused reductions in polyamine contents (PAC) and enzymes of polyamines biosynthesis. The responses of Kinnow mandarin (KM) plants grafted on diploid or double-diploid rootstocks showed a similar trend, although Cr-stress induced more drastic effects in diploid grafted plants. In the case of polyamine degradative enzymes, Cr-stress enhanced the PAO and DAO activities, but diploid grafted plants showed greater increases than those grafted on double-diploid rootstocks. Cr-stress inhibited the activities of enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis, but inhibition was expressed more in diploid-grafted plants than in double-diploid grafted plants. So, polyamine biosynthesis and degradation were less affected by Cr-toxicity in double-diploid grafted plants than in diploid grafted plants. Similarly, KM plants with double-diploid rootstocks had greater accumulation of phenolic acid contents in their leaves. Combining the findings of our previous reports and the data of the current study, it is suggested that higher polyamine and phenolic acid content accumulation in double-diploid grafted plants strengthens the antioxidative defense system of the Kinnow mandarin plants by regulating the ROS homeostasis and stabilization of membranes under Cr-toxicity. Therefore, higher levels of polyamines and PACs augmented the Cr-tolerance potential of KM plants grafted on double-diploid rootstocks.
Muhammad Adnan Shahid; Rashad Mukhtar Balal; Naeem Khan; Lorenzo Rossi; Bala Rathinasabapathi; Guodong Liu; Jahangir Khan; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Polyamines provide new insights into the biochemical basis of Cr-tolerance in Kinnow mandarin grafted on diploid and double-diploid rootstocks. Environmental and Experimental Botany 2018, 156, 248 -260.
AMA StyleMuhammad Adnan Shahid, Rashad Mukhtar Balal, Naeem Khan, Lorenzo Rossi, Bala Rathinasabapathi, Guodong Liu, Jahangir Khan, José M. Cámara-Zapata, Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas, Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Polyamines provide new insights into the biochemical basis of Cr-tolerance in Kinnow mandarin grafted on diploid and double-diploid rootstocks. Environmental and Experimental Botany. 2018; 156 ():248-260.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMuhammad Adnan Shahid; Rashad Mukhtar Balal; Naeem Khan; Lorenzo Rossi; Bala Rathinasabapathi; Guodong Liu; Jahangir Khan; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Juan Jose Martinez Nicolas; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. 2018. "Polyamines provide new insights into the biochemical basis of Cr-tolerance in Kinnow mandarin grafted on diploid and double-diploid rootstocks." Environmental and Experimental Botany 156, no. : 248-260.
In citrus, the effects of an excess of boron (B) are conditioned by the type of rootstock. In the present work, the morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of seedlings from three citrus genotypes, commonly used as rootstocks in citriculture. In particular, Citrange Carrizo (CC), Citrus macrophylla (CM) and sour orange (SO) seedlings were treated with an excess of B (10 mg L) in the nutrient solution in order to determine the relative tolerance and to understand the possible mechanisms that make a rootstock more tolerant than the others. To assess these responses, different parameters were measured in plants, such as vegetative growth, B concentration in leaves, stems and roots, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, the concentration of osmolytes and the activity of enzymes related to the antioxidant system. The results showed, according to the growth parameters, that the SO rootstock was the most tolerant to an excess of B; while CC was the most sensitive. This result was due to the fact that SO plants accumulated less B in leaves, as its roots have a great capacity of restricting the uptake and transport of B towards the aerial part. Moreover, SO is suggested to diminish B toxicity risk through its antioxidant system, since it presented high activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as high accumulation of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).
Silvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Marina Alfosea-Simón; Francisco García-Sánchez. Response of three citrus genotypes used as rootstocks grown under boron excess conditions. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2018, 159, 10 -19.
AMA StyleSilvia Simón-Grao, Manuel Nieves, Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás, José M. Cámara-Zapata, Marina Alfosea-Simón, Francisco García-Sánchez. Response of three citrus genotypes used as rootstocks grown under boron excess conditions. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2018; 159 ():10-19.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Simón-Grao; Manuel Nieves; Juan J. Martínez-Nicolás; José M. Cámara-Zapata; Marina Alfosea-Simón; Francisco García-Sánchez. 2018. "Response of three citrus genotypes used as rootstocks grown under boron excess conditions." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 159, no. : 10-19.
In the present work, the coordinates L*, a* and b* from the CIELAB color space, as well as the chlorophyll, total carotenoids and the content of the carotenoids Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin were measured in the skin of fruits from the Fino 49 lemon during its development, with the aim of understanding the relationship that exists between the color changes of the fruit’s skin (color coordinates) and the pigment content. Also, the understanding of the relative importance of the contents of lutein and β-cryptoxanthin with respect to the total content of carotenoids was sought. The period of study lasted three years; from September 2015 to January 2016, from September 2016 to January 2017, and from September 2017 to January 2018, the periods that comprised the color changes of the lemon fruit until its harvest. The fruits were measured every two weeks in the experimental plot of the IMIDA (Murcian Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Development) located at La Alberca (Murcia, Spain) and in the experimental orchards from the CEBAS-CSIC, located in Santomera (Murcia). During the experiment, the color and chlorophyll, Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations were measured. The results showed that there was a good correlation between the color coordinates and the pigments responsible for the lemon’s skin color: all the color pigments were correlated with the a*, b* color coordinates and the Hue angle index. Throughout the fruit’s maturation, a degradation of the chlorophylls was observed, as well as an increase of β-cryptoxanthin, which is responsible for the green and yellow color of the fruits, respectively. Lutein, which was found in high concentrations, decreased with time, but did not contribute to the fruit’s color.
A. Conesa; F.C. Manera; J.M. Brotons; J.C. Fernandez-Zapata; I. Simón; S. Simón-Grao; M. Alfosea-Simón; J.J. Martínez Nicolás; J.M. Valverde; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Changes in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the rind of Fino 49 lemons during maturation and their relationship with parameters from the CIELAB color space. Scientia Horticulturae 2018, 243, 252 -260.
AMA StyleA. Conesa, F.C. Manera, J.M. Brotons, J.C. Fernandez-Zapata, I. Simón, S. Simón-Grao, M. Alfosea-Simón, J.J. Martínez Nicolás, J.M. Valverde, Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. Changes in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the rind of Fino 49 lemons during maturation and their relationship with parameters from the CIELAB color space. Scientia Horticulturae. 2018; 243 ():252-260.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Conesa; F.C. Manera; J.M. Brotons; J.C. Fernandez-Zapata; I. Simón; S. Simón-Grao; M. Alfosea-Simón; J.J. Martínez Nicolás; J.M. Valverde; Francisco Garcia-Sanchez. 2018. "Changes in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the rind of Fino 49 lemons during maturation and their relationship with parameters from the CIELAB color space." Scientia Horticulturae 243, no. : 252-260.