Discovery of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Resistance to Abnormal Vertical Growth in Macadamia
Abnormal vertical growth (AVG) syndrome is a serious threat to the Australian macadamia industry as it decreases the yield of nuts by as much as 70% per annum. A lack of information on the cause of AVG has hindered the development of an effective disease management strategy. Discovery of genetic markers associated with disease resistance can be used as tool for rapid selection of elite cultivars, hence helps in efficient disease management. Differences in field susceptibility of macadamia cultivars provide an opportunity for discovery of genetic markers that are associated with host resistance. REML mixed model analysis was performed to estimate the AVG rating of 51 cultivars from multiple origins using phenotypic data from 359 trees planted in four sites. Most of the Hawaiian cultivars were found as susceptible, while selections from the Australian macadamia industry breeding program were predominantly resistant. All the cultivars were genotyped for 13,221 DArTseq-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A bulked sample analysis was performed using 20 genotypes each at the extremes of AVG phenotypic ratings. Ten SNP markers were predicted to be associated with AVG resistance and two arbitrarily selected SNP markers were validated using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Our findings suggest that AVG resistance in the commercial cultivars may be derived from the genomic introgression of Macadamia tetraphylla through interspecific hybridization. The results may support marker-assisted selection for macadamia germplasm with AVG resistance. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.756815
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and HazelOmics Database Construction Provides Insights Into Unsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis and Cold Resistance in Hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla)
Corylus heterophylla (2n = 22) is the most widely distributed, unique, and economically important nut species in China. Chromosome-level genomes of C. avellana, C. heterophylla, and C. mandshurica have been published in 2021, but a satisfactory hazelnut genome database is absent. Northeast China is the main distribution and cultivation area of C. heterophylla, and the mechanism underlying the adaptation of C. heterophylla to extremely low temperature in this area remains unclear. Using single-molecule real-time sequencing and the chromosomal conformational capture (Hi-C) assisted genome assembly strategy, we obtained a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence of C. heterophylla, with a total length of 343 Mb and scaffold N50 of 32.88 Mb. A total of 94.72% of the test genes from the assembled genome could be aligned to the Embryophyta_odb9 database. In total, 22,319 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 21,056 (94.34%) were annotated in the assembled genome. A HazelOmics online database (HOD) containing the assembled genome, gene-coding sequences, protein sequences, and various types of annotation information was constructed. This database has a user-friendly and straightforward interface. In total, 439 contracted genes and 3,810 expanded genes were identified through genome evolution analysis, and 17 expanded genes were significantly enriched in the unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway (ko01040). Transcriptome analysis results showed that FAD (Cor0058010.1), SAD (Cor0141290.1), and KAT (Cor0122500.1) with high expression abundance were upregulated at the ovule maturity stage. We deduced that the expansion of these genes may promote high unsaturated fatty acid content in the kernels and improve the adaptability of C. heterophylla to the cold climate of Northeast China. The reference genome and database will be beneficial for future molecular breeding and gene function studies in this nut species, as well as for evolutionary research on species of the order Fagales. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.766548
Susceptibility of Some Corylus avellana L. Cultivars to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina.
Bacterial blight of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina (Xac). In the past, bacterial blight has been a key disease impacting the Oregon hazelnut industry where 99% of the United States hazelnut crop is grown. The disease is re-emerging in young orchards, as acreage of newly released hazelnut cultivars rapidly increases. This increase in hazelnut acreage is accompanied by renewed interest in developing control strategies for bacterial blight. Information on susceptibility of hazelnut cultivars to Xac is limited, partially due to lack of verified methods to quantify hazelnut cultivar response to artificial inoculation. In this research, Xac inoculation protocols were adapted to two hazelnut growing environments to evaluate cultivar susceptibility: in vitro tissue culture under sterile and controlled conditions, and in vivo potted tree conditions. Five hazelnut cultivars were evaluated using the in vitro inoculation protocol and seven hazelnut cultivars were evaluated using the in vivo inoculation protocol. Under in vitro conditions, there were severe bacterial blight symptoms on each cultivar consistent with those seen in the field, but no significant differences in the susceptibility of the newly released cultivars were observed compared to known Xac-susceptible cultivar ("Barcelona"). Under in vivo conditions, the proportion of necrotic buds were significantly higher in "Jefferson" and "Dorris" compared to all of the other tested cultivars, including "Barcelona." The symptom progression seen in vivo mirrored the timing and symptom progression of bacterial blight reported from field observations. The in vitro conditions significantly reduced the amount of time required to measure the inoculation efficiency compared to the in vivo environment and allowed for greater replication. Further studies on the effects of Xac can use the results of these experiments to establish a dose-response model for bacterial blight, a wider range of germplasm can be tested under in vitro conditions, and management strategies that can be evaluated on large populations of new cultivars using the in vivo methods. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.800339
The genome of the endangered Macadamia jansenii displays little diversity but represents an important genetic resource for plant breeding
Macadamia, a recently domesticated expanding nut crop in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, is one of the most economically important genera in the diverse and widely adapted Proteaceae family. All four species of Macadamia are rare in the wild with the most recently discovered, M. jansenii, being endangered. The M. jansenii genome has been used as a model for testing sequencing methods using a wide range of long read sequencing techniques. Here, we report a chromosome level genome assembly, generated using a combination of Pacific Biosciences sequencing and Hi-C, comprising 14 pseudo-molecules, with a N50 of 52 Mb and a total genome assembly size of 758 Mb of which 56% is repetitive. Completeness assessment revealed that the assembly covered -97.1% of the conserved single copy genes. Annotation predicted 31,591 protein coding genes and allowed the characterization of genes encoding biosynthesis of cyanogenic glycosides, fatty acid metabolism, and anti-microbial proteins. Re-sequencing of seven other genotypes confirmed low diversity and low heterozygosity within this endangered species. Important morphological characteristics of this species such as small tree size and high kernel recovery suggest that M. jansenii is an important source of these commercial traits for breeding. As a member of a small group of families that are sister to the core eudicots, this high-quality genome also provides a key resource for evolutionary and comparative genomics studies. https://doi.org/10.1002/pld3.364
Primary prevention of food allergy in 2021: Update and proposals of French-speaking pediatric allergists.
During the past years, there has been an alarming increase in cases of food allergy and anaphylaxis in ever-younger children. Often, these children have multiple food allergies and food sensitizations, involving allergens with high anaphylactic potential, such as peanuts and nuts, which have a major influence on their quality of life and future. After reviewing the current epidemiological data, we discuss the main causes of the increase in food allergies. We analyze data from studies on the skin barrier and its fundamental role in the development of sensitization and food allergies, data on the tolerogenic digestive tract applied in particular to hen eggs and peanuts, as well as data on the prevention of allergy to cow milk proteins. In light of these studies, we propose a practical guide of recommendations focused on infants and the introduction of cow milk, the management of eczema, and early and broad dietary diversification including high-risk food allergens, such as peanut and nuts while taking into account the food consumption habits of the family. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcped.2021.11.009
The effects of almond consumption on inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Conflicting findings have been reported regarding the effects of almond consumption on inflammatory markers. This study aimed to summarize the current literature to determine whether almond can affect inflammatory markers. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to March 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared almond with no almond consumption were included. The outcomes of interest were changes in circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentrations. The random-effects model was used to find the mean differences. Totally, 18 trials with 847 participants were eligible for the current analysis. Participant age ranged from 26.3 to 69.6 y. Combining 16 studies, almond consumption significantly reduced serum levels of CRP (WMD: -0.25 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.06; I2 = 0.0% P-heterogeneity = 0.633). However, the beneficial effect of almond intake only occurred at doses <60 g/d. Pooling 11 effect sizes, almond interventions significantly decreased circulating IL-6 concentrations (WMD: -0.11 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.01; I2 = 19.9% P-heterogeneity = 0.254). In subgroup analyses, effects on CRP and IL-6 were not significant in unhealthy participants or those with obesity. In addition, almond consumption had no significant effect on TNF-α (WMD: -0.05 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.01; I2 = 0.0% P-heterogeneity = 0.893; n = 6), ICAM-1 (WMD: 6.39 ng/mL; 95% CI: -9.44, 22.22; I2 = 66.6% P-heterogeneity = 0.006; n = 7) or VCAM-1 (WMD: -8.31 ng/mL; 95% CI: -35.32, 18.71; I2 = 58.8% P-heterogeneity = 0.033; n = 6). In conclusion, almond consumption beneficially affects CRP and IL-6 concentrations in adults. However, it has no beneficial effect on TNF-α, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1. More trials are needed to determine the effects of almond on inflammation. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab158
Tree nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of hyperestrogenism in men
Hyperestrogenism may affect 2-8% of men globally. Previous studies indicate that tree nut consumption is associated with sex hormones in women. Whether this is the case in men remains unknown. This study hypothesized that consumption of tree nuts was inversely associated with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism in men. This cross-sectional study included 3,340 men aged ≥20 years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2016. Associations of tree nut consumption with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism were assessed using weighted linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. Among the 3,340 men, 207 participants consumed tree nuts. The mean usual intake of tree nuts among tree nut consumers was 34.2 g/day. Amounts of usual intake of tree nuts were inversely associated with bioavailable estradiol (β=-0.032, P=0.037) after adjustment for all confounders. Usual intake of tree nuts of ≥ 30 g/day (versus <30 g/day) or ≥42.52 g/day (versus <42.52 g/day) was associated with a 24% or 7% lower multivariate-adjusted risk of hyperestrogenism, respectively. Further analyses showed that usual intake of tree nuts was positively associated with circulating folate and the latter was inversely associated with circulating estradiol. In conclusion, higher tree nut consumption was independently associated with lower circulating levels of bioavailable estradiol and a lower risk of hyperestrogenism in men. Further research is needed to verify the effectiveness of using tree nuts to treat hyperestrogenism in men. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2021.12.001
The Effects of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled-Feeding Clinical Studies
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with metabolic disorders, particularly abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Dietary food choices may have profound effects on blood lipids. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of peanuts and tree nuts intake on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: According to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, we performed a systematic search of randomized controlled clinical trials and systematic reviews published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library, from inception through June 2021. Studies in populations with type 2 diabetes, which compare nuts or peanuts to a controlled-diet group were included. We used the mean difference with 95% CIs to present estimates for continuous outcomes from individual studies. In addition, we used the GRADEpro tool to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that consuming peanuts and tree nuts might be beneficial to lower TC concentration and TG concentration in type 2 diabetics subjects. Furthermore, peanuts and tree nuts supplementation could be considered as a part of a healthy lifestyle in the management of blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes. Given some limits observed in the current studies, more well-designed trials are still needed. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.765571
Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Increasing nitric oxide bioavailability may induce physiological effects that enhance endurance exercise performance. This review sought to evaluate the performance effects of consuming foods containing compounds that may promote nitric oxide bioavailability. One hundred and eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, which encompassed 59 polyphenol studies, 56 nitrate studies and three L-citrulline studies. No effect on exercise performance following consumption of foods rich in L-citrulline was identified (SMD=-0.03, p=0.24). Trivial but significant benefits were demonstrated for consumption of nitrate and polyphenol-rich foods (SMD=0.15 and 0.17, respectively, p<0.001), including performance in time-trial, time-to-exhaustion and intermittent-type tests, and following both acute and multiple-day supplementation, but no effect of nitrate or polyphenol consumption was found in females. Among nitrate-rich foods, beneficial effects were seen for beetroot, but not red spinach or Swiss chard and rhubarb. For polyphenol-rich foods, benefits were found for grape, (nitrate-depleted) beetroot, French maritime pine, Montmorency cherry and pomegranate, while no significant effects were evident for New Zealand blackcurrant, cocoa, ginseng, green tea or raisins. Considerable heterogeneity between polyphenol studies may reflect food-specific effects or differences in study designs and subject characteristics. Well-trained males (V̇O2max ≥65 ml.kg.min-1) exhibited small, significant benefits following polyphenol, but not nitrate consumption. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00472-y
December 2021 INC Updates & News Brief
Save Your Spot for the 2022 INC Congress
Join the INC in Dubai from May 11-13, 2022.
The INC Congress, taking place May 11-13, 2022 is just five months away, and it'll be here before we know it, and you won't want to miss it! The INC is committed to the safety of its participants and therefore will be implementing proper health protocols to ensure that this Congress goes off without a hitch. Dubai has been recognized as one of the safest and best places for business meetings.
Join the INC in Dubai to network with top business leaders and put yourself in a largely market-focused atmosphere that encourages the sharing of knowledge and experiences. Over 1000 participants from more than 60 countries are expected to be at the industry’s not-to-be-missed event. As of now, nearly 700 participants have already saved their spots! For more information on the program of the event, you can visit the Congress' website! [Read more]
Recap of INC's Latest Webinar on Shipping Challenges and Inflationary Pressure in the Agriculture Sector
Available to watch now on the INC TV Channel.
T
o round out 2021, the INC hosted a webinar on one of the hottest topics in the industry, shipping and inflation which was attended by over 150 participants from more than 30 countries. Joining the webinar were expert speakers, Indika Dassanayake, Head of Global Accounts and Commercial for CMA CGM Asia Regional Office in Singapore, Bill Rooney, VP of Strategic Development for Kuehne + Nagel from the USA, Peter Friedmann, the Executive Director for the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, the voice of US Agricultural exporters in transportation policy, and INC member Vittavat (Prince) Phonphaisan, Executive Vice President of Heritage Group from Thailand, leading exporter to over 60 countries globally.
The session was moderated by Emiko Terazono, Commodities Correspondent for the Financial Times, and INC Executive Committee Members Pino Calcagni and Giles Hacking joined in for the group discussion. [Read more]
Global Shipping Situation Continues to be Monitored by INC
Shipping Prices Increase and Port Congestion Continues.
The latest report from Drewry's World Container
Index revealed a 2.3% increase in spot rates compared to the previous week. Looking back to one year ago, freight rates remain 170% higher. Turning to some of the major routes in the world, only Rotterdam to Shanghai decreased, with a 2% drop. On the other hand, Shanghai to Los Angeles, Shanghai to New York, and Shanghai to Genoa all saw significant weekly increases in the spot rates, 5%, 4%, and 3% respectively. Prices for Rotterdam to New York also experienced a slight increase of 1% compared to the previous week. Shanghai to Rotterdam, Los Angeles to Shanghai, and...[Read more]
INC Communicates Recent Developments in China’s Decree
s 248 and 249
According to one of the latest USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports on recent developments regarding the implementation of Decree 248, the list of Harmonized System (HS) codes is available at the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Single Window website. The report notes that since the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) downloaded the list of HS codes on November 30, the list of codes and data have been updated numerous times. The report urges direct consultation of the codes on the official website of the Chinese government. More information
INC Delivers a Press Release on Nut and Dried Fruit Production Forecasts
Check out the latest update on 2021/2022 production forecasts and market status.
Production for the 2021/22 season has been forecasted at about five million metric tons (kernel basis, except pistachios in-shell), down by 8% from 2020/21. World peanut production is expected to amount to about 50.5 M MT, 2% up from 2020/21. The 2021/22 world production of dried fruit has been forecasted at around 3.17 M MT, 6% up from 2020/21. The global shipment and logistics disruptions are creating some delays and short-term supply shortages, making it a challenge to monitor and assess the situation. [Read more]
INC Shares the 2021 USDA’s Tree Nut World Market and Trade Report
See what is happening with the tree nut world market.
In marketing year 2020/21, almond production as well as trade was dominated by the United States. Walnuts were primarily produced in and exported by China, the United States, and Chile. Pistachio production was concentrated in the United States, Turkey, and Iran, while exports were dominated by the United States and Iran. Import markets were more diverse as compared to producers and exporters, although almonds, walnuts, and pistachios relied on the European Union as a major destination. [Read more]
INC Circulates AMS Market and Crop Reports
Take a look at the latest Australian Macadamias Supply and Sales Report.
As reported by the Australian Macadamia Society, exceeding previous expectations, the Australian macadamia industry has produced a 2021 crop of 51,500 metric tons in-shell @ 3.5% moisture (55,200 MT in-shell @ 10% moisture). This is an increase of 10% on the 2020 crop, due to favorable growing conditions in most regions despite the ongoing legacy of previous years’ sustained drought. Queensland’s growing regions performed strongly, and production from the new plantings in Bundaberg continues to increase as they reach five to ten years of age. [AMS Market Report] [AMS News]
INC Disseminates Findings from Health Study on Pecans
Effects of Pecan Nuts on Glycemic Profile and Diet Quality.
Research has recently published a new randomized clinical trial study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition which looks at how adding cardioprotective foods like pecan nuts and extra-virgin olive oil affects glycemic profile and diet quality in patients with coronary artery disease. The clinical trial lasted 12 weeks, 204 participants were divided into three groups. The first group was given a healthy diet, the second group, a healthy diet plus 30 grams per day of pecan nuts, and lastly the third group, a healthy diet pls 30 mL per day of...[Read more]
Results from Prune Health Study Distributed by INC
Prunes and Bone Strength in Men.
In the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers have recently published a study exploring how consuming prunes affects various bone biomarkers in men. Many studies before have analyzed this effect on male animals; however, no human male study has been conducted before. To conduct the randomized controlled trial, the researchers separated 60 men into two groups, one with 100 grams of prunes daily, and the other with zero grams of prunes daily. The study aimed to test if daily inclusion of prunes positively affected bone mineral density...[Read more]
INC Shares Highlights from Dried Fruit Health Study
Dried Fruit Consumption and Weight Management.
A recent study published in Nutrition Bulletin aimed to analyze how dried fruit consumed as a snack impacts appetite and body weight. Researchers conducted two different studies, the first phase, examining dried fruit consumption as a snack on appetite, and phase two, a randomized controlled trial to determine if prune consumption undermined weight loss during a structured weight loss program. For phase one, participants were either given prunes and raisins or jelly babies for the control group. It was found that a significantly...[Read more]
INC Shares Latest Sustainability News
For the December 2021 Sustainability Update, the INC 
highlighted a meeting between European and Latin America and Caribbean Leaders on setting a path for sustainable recovery post-COVID. In other news, the EU Ministers recently held a debate on rising energy prices, and the EU also published a communication on ‘Restoring Sustainable Carbon Cycles’, which aims to play a role in achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality objective. Lastly from the EU, new biodiversity reporting standards are in the works to be developed by mid-2022. From the US, agricultural operators in the San Joaquin Valley will receive funding for ending the unsustainable agricultural burning. And in conclusion, the World Bank announced its new Climate Change Action Plan for 2021-2025. [Read more]
International Trade News Monitored by INC
The INC continues to monitor monthly trade news from around the world. In this month’s report, China is pursuing a revised standard on nut and seed food. Additionally, the EU Commission has adopted a regulation on rules for inspection certificates and official controls of organic products originating in third countries. A report from the UN has highlighted the potential consequences of elevated shipping costs on consumer products. From the US, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has proposed a rule that would increase the assessment rate established for pistachios 2021-2022 and subsequent production years. Lastly, the members of WTO have agreed on a new services domestic regulation. [Read more]
INC Follows Latest Legal Updates on Food Safety, New Labeling, and New Additives
In the INC’s latest legal update on food safety, labeling, and additives, 
some of the highlights include, China’s new food security introduced in their National Security Strategy 2021-2025, the European Commission’s public consultation on recycled plastic in food packaging, a conference on food safety in Africa, touching on emerging food safety matters within the continent, and amendments to Canada’s Food and Drug Regulation, relating to nutrition regulations, list of ingredients, and food colors. The update on additives is the EU’s denial of authorization of titanium dioxide as a feed additive. [More on food safety] [More on labeling] [More on additives]
INC Displays Weekly RASFF Notifications
The RASFF report of week 50, corresponding to the period 13/12/21- 19/12/21, registered 8 nut and dried fruit notifications distributed in: 1 alert notification, 1 information notification for attention and 6 border rejections.
Azerbaijan (2) and Turkey (2) registered the highest number of notifications last week, due to the presence of aflatoxins in hazelnuts and dried figs respectively. Aflatoxins were the reason for most of the notifications (7). [Read more]