Field Biology of Scolothrips sexmaculatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as a Predator of Tetranychus pacificus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in California Almonds

Biological control of tetranychid spider mites in California almonds has predominantly been associated with predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae. However, changes in production practices, including shifts to more sustainable chemical control programs, have resulted in a trophic shift leading to the predominance of six-spotted thrips, Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande, as the primary mite predator. Over […]

Aggressiveness of Spanish isolates of Xylella fastidiosa to almond plants of different cultivars under greenhouse conditions

The aggressiveness of Spanish isolates of X. fastidiosa, representing different sequence types, were studied in almond plants of several cultivars by means of the dynamics of the population levels and symptoms, colonization and spread, and dose-response relationships. Pathogen dynamics in almond plants under greenhouse conditions showed doubling times of 2.1 to 2.5 days during the […]

Effect of Temperature during Drying and Storage of Dried Figs on Growth, Gene Expression and Aflatoxin Production

Dried fig is susceptible to infection by Aspergillus flavus, the major producer of the carcinogenic mycotoxins. This fruit may be contaminated by the fungus throughout the entire chain production, especially during natural sun-drying, post-harvest, industrial processing, storage, and fruit retailing. Correct management of such critical stages is necessary to prevent mould growth and mycotoxin accumulation, […]

Cloning and functional characterization of seed-specific LEC1A promoter from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) is a HAP3 subunit of CCAAT-binding transcription factor, which controls several aspects of embryo and postembryo development, including embryo morphogenesis, storage reserve accumulation and skotomorphogenesis. Herein, using the method of chromosomal walking, a 2707bp upstream sequence from the ATG initiation codon site of AhLEC1A which is a homolog of Arabidopsis LEC1 was […]

Investigation of the Conditions for Preconcentration of Cadmium Ions by Solid Phase Extraction Method Using Modified Juglans Regia L. Shells

Background: Juglans regia L. shells as agricultural wastes can be considered as alternative sorbents to minimize the problems associated with heavy metal pollution. Objective: In this study Juglans regia L. shells and Juglans regia L. shells modified with hydrazine hydrate were used as sorbents and compared for the preconcentration of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. […]

Use of almond flour and stevia in rice-based gluten-free cookie production

The gluten-free cookies were produced by replacing rice flour (RF) and sucrose content with almond flour (AF) and stevia. Supplementation of AF caused to decrease the moisture content of the gluten-free cookies; while ash, total protein, total fat and total dietary fiber content increased. Regarding of total phenolics; extractable, hydrolyzable and bioaccessible fractions of gluten-free […]

Comparative analysis of volatile profiles in two grafted pine nuts by headspace-SPME/GC-MS and electronic nose as responses to different roasting conditions

As an attempt to fulfill the massive demand for pine nuts, two grafted trees were cultivated: grafted Pinus koraiensis on the same scions (PK) and grafted Pinus koraiensis on Pinus sylvestris rootstocks (PKS) trees. Both PK and PKS are acknowledged as important economic trees in the northeastern area of China. This study aimed to compare […]