Drought and heat stress interactions: Unveiling the molecular and physiological responses of Persian walnut
While numerous studies explored the response of walnut plants to drought stress (DS), there remains a significant gap in the knowledge regarding the impact of heat stress (HS) and the combined effects of DS and HS on the recovery capacity of walnut trees. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Persian walnut (cv. Chandler) response to the combined DS and HS, focusing on various aspects including photosynthesis, water relations, and osmotic regulation. The treatments involved subjecting plants to DS (through a withholding method for 24 d), HS (gradually up to 40 °C for 8 d), and a combined DS and HS, which were compared to a control group (no stress) during the stress and recovery phases. The results showed that DS had significantly more negative effects on chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), leaf water potential (WP), osmotic potential (OP) compared to HS. Involvement of osmoregulation mechanism was detected more in DS and HS plants through the accumulation of proline, glycine Betaine and total soluble carbohydrates. The functionality of photosynthesis was significantly impacted by both HS and DS, respectively. While the HS accelerated the change of the abovementioned physiological processes in drought-stressed seedlings. Consistently, more pronounced damage was found in leaves under the combined stress, alongside the decrease RWC, chlorophyll content and fluorescence ratios. Based on the analysis of the linear mixed-effect model, the effects of combined stress and HS on photosynthesis parameters were detected in the early stages of stress compared to DS. Within a range of stresses, the abovementioned physiological processes of individual and combined-stressed plants recovered to levels comparable to those of the control. Our results also showed a substantial reduction in the expression of the photosynthetic genes (Fd, Cyt b6f, and PsbB) in Persian walnut saplings under abiotic stress conditions indicating significant damage to their photosynthetic apparatus. This study highlights that, under scenarios of aggravating drought occurring with heat, walnut seedlings could face a high risk of damage to physiological structures in relation to the synergistically increased hydraulic and thermal impairments.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109237
Sustainable livelihoods through cashew cultivation: insights from smallholder farmers in the southern region of India
Cashew cultivation has emerged as an important agricultural activity in promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The present study investigates the impacts of cashew cultivation on sustainable livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Southern region of India, addressing a significant research gap in the understanding of how this crop affects various aspects of farmers' lives. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals that, cashew farming significantly increases farmers’ income, leading to improvements in food security, education, social status, and standard of living. These findings contribute to new insights into the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of cashew cultivation, offering a holistic understanding of its role in rural development. Additionally, the study also emphasizes the need for government policies supporting smallholders in cashew farming, including training, access to quality seeds, and best agricultural practices. Social welfare initiatives and cooperatives can improve the overall well-being of cashew farming communities. Research and development should prioritize climate-resistant cashew varieties to address environmental challenges linked to cashew cultivation. The study’s results also provide a foundation for future research and policy formulation aimed at enhancing the practice of cashew farming for sustainable livelihoods.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00558-y
Comparative shelf-life study in dehydrated plums: use of potassium sorbate and its effect on microbial spoilage
Potassium sorbate is a preservative used to avoid microbial spoilage in dehydrated plums (prunes) during long travel distances and, therefore, improve the shelf life of prunes. In this study, prunes with and without sorbate were stored for 12 months at 4, 16, 20 and 37 °C. The physiological and biochemical indexes were measured and recorded monthly throughout the experimental period. The potassium sorbate was drastically desorbed from the fruit during the first months of the study. The results showed that 37 °C significantly affected the prunes quality, increasing the firmness and diminishing the moisture. While the other temperatures did not affect the quality of prunes. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the presence of mould and yeast for prunes with and without potassium sorbate independent of the storage temperature. Storage from 4 to 20 °C did not greatly affect the quality of the fruit stored for 12 months. However, storage at 37 °C significantly affected the quality of the prunes, mainly in terms of firmness.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2024.117004
INC Outreach Delegation Visits Latin America
The agenda included industry events and meetings with key institutions
This November, as part of the INC’s ongoing Country Outreach Program, an INC delegation travelled to Brazil and Chile to take part in major industry events and meet with key national and international institutions. The trip underscored the INC’s focus on Latin America as a vital market for demand growth and strengthened ties with influential leaders in the region. INC Chairman Michael Waring, INC 2nd Vice Chairman and Co-founder Pino Calcagni, and INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch were joined by a local delegation consisting of Eduardo Camargo, INC Board of Trustees Member and INC Ambassador in Brazil; Oscar Vergara, INC Ambassador in Argentina, and INC Ambassadors in Chile, Rafael Bianchini and Sebastián Plaza.
On November 11, the INC delegation took part in the 11th Brazilian Nuts Meeting in São Paulo, an important industry event featuring prominent speakers from the private sector as well as key government officials. Topics covered included the current landscape of the nut and dried fruit sector in Brazil, the role of industrial integration in shaping agribusiness across Latin America, value addition through nuts in the baking industry, and new innovations and opportunities within the nut industry. Mr. Waring and Mrs. Guasch delivered a presentation highlighting global nut production and trade statistics, along with strategies to drive worldwide demand growth.
The delegation then travelled to Chile, where on November 13 they participated in Exponut, a prominent annual event organized by Chilenut. The program featured insights from industry experts, researchers, and key government officials, including the Chilean Minister of Agriculture. Speakers addressed topics such as climate analysis, soil management, the national and international economic landscape, and the commercial outlook for walnuts. Mrs. Guasch delivered a presentation on global trends in nut consumption and, before the event concluded, Mr. Waring, Mr. Calcagni, and Mrs. Guasch participated in an international roundtable discussion alongside representatives from the Chilean industry. On the sidelines of Exponut, the INC delegation also met with the General Director of ProChile, a government agency within Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to promoting the country's exports.
While in Chile, the INC delegation held a private meeting with representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Santiago. The delegation also met with several nut industry organizations and visited walnut and prune orchards as well as hulling and drying facilities in order to gain a first-hand understanding of the country's production practices.
INC Participates in UN Agricultural Quality Standards Meeting
INC highlights climate and pest challenges impacting nut quality at UNECE session
The INC participated in the 79th Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards, in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 11-12.
UNECE’s work in establishing international agricultural quality standards is fundamental for global food trade, as these standards not only foster economic development and consumer protection but also create a common framework for international commerce, reducing trade barriers. The INC continues to support UNECE’s efforts in reviewing these standards and is contributing to the creation of the UNECE Code of Good Practice for reducing food loss along the nut and dried fruit value chain.
During the meeting, the INC representative Irene Gironès, Manager, Technical Projects, raised concerns about the impact of climate change and pest infestations on nut quality, specifically the cimiciato affecting hazelnuts and extreme heat causing burnt kernels in walnut crops. The INC emphasized the need to establish tolerance levels for cimiciato damage and called for collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges faced by producers in the field, particularly in managing pests effectively while maintaining quality standards. Equally concerning are the indicative limits for Alternaria toxins established by the European Commission, which require urgent research to determine if they pose a food safety or quality issue before limits are set.
The Working Party approved several revised standards and explanatory materials submitted by the Specialized Section on Dry and Dried Produce, including:
Revised standard for almond kernels (the diameter for "chipped and scratched" will be adjusted to 7 mm)
Revised standard for blanched almond kernels
Revised standard for inshell almonds
Revised standard for dates
Explanatory material for almond kernels
Explanatory material for cashew kernels
The revised standard for inshell walnuts was deferred to the next meeting of the Specialized Section.
All meeting documents are available online at https://unece.org/info/events/event/385998
64th International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference
Delegates discussed ways to strengthen the global market and address common challenges
The 64th International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference was held in Paris, France, on October 24, 2024. Topics covered included the current global supply and demand dynamics, stock levels and production estimates. Delegations from Australia, Chile, Greece, South Africa, Türkiye and the United States were in attendance; in addition, presentations were received from Argentina, China and Iran.
Mr. Mark King from Australia was elected as chairman of the conference, with Mr. Osman Oz from Türkiye serving as deputy chairman, and Mrs. Ece Tırkaz from Türkiye appointed as secretary.
The conference discussed the current global supply and demand dynamics for grapes, noting an increase of 6.14% in the supply of seedless dried grapes from the Sultana/natural seedless raisin varieties compared to the 2023 crop. Estimated beginning stocks have experienced a notable decrease, with a significant 49% drop. Despite this decline in stocks, it has been demonstrated that the overall increase in production will enable the global grape supply to meet the growing demand. Click here to see the press release and the 2024 seedless dried grape production estimates.
The next conference will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 15-17, 2025.
Research Associates Nut Consumption With 12% Lower Risk of All-Cause Mortality
20-year prospective cohort study tracked mortality outcomes in 114,140 Korean adults
A recent study published in the Nutrition Journal explored the association between nut consumption and the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and cancer mortality in Korean adults.
This 20-year prospective cohort study tracked mortality outcomes in 114,140 Korean adults over an average period of 12 years. Baseline consumption of almonds, pine nuts, and peanuts —the country’s most consumed nuts— was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
The findings showed that people who consumed two or more 15-gram servings of nuts per week had a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who did not eat nuts. Nut consumption also showed a non-linear dose-response relationship with CVD mortality. The authors concluded that nut consumption should be encouraged for the long-term health of Korean adults.
Shin, H. R., Kim, J., & Song, S. (2024). Association between nut consumption and mortality risk: a 20-year cohort study in Korea with a stratified analysis by health-related variables. Nutrition Journal, 23(1), 113.
Comparing two Peanut Desensitization Protocols in pre-school children: a Real-World Clinical Practice
Background: Peanut allergy is the main food allergy in childhood and poses significant health concerns. Objective: This study aimed to critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Oral Immune Therapy (OIT) using crushed peanuts versus peanut puffs. Methods: Children with an allergist diagnosed peanut allergy based on a history of an IgE-mediated reaction and a positive skin prick test for peanuts were recruited at the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Children's Clinic located in Montreal. Based on age and personal preference, initial doses of peanut were given in either puff (Bamba) or crushed peanut form. Patients continued the same dose for 2-5 weeks at home, filled out a symptom diary, and returned to the clinic for up-dosing until maintenance was reached (2 teaspoons of peanut butter). A continuation ratio regression model was used to evaluate the effect of the allergen type on the severity of anaphylactic and allergic reactions during OIT while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Between October 2020 and June 2023, 191 children (59.6% male; median age 1.95 years) were recruited. Most patients (75.1%) had eczema, and 12.7% had asthma. Oral desensitization was performed using one of two strategies according to the allergist: Crushed peanut (n=60 (31.4%)( and peanut puff (n=131 (68.6%)). Of the participants, the consumption of puff lowered reaction severity by a factor of 3.39 (95% CI, 1.4 to 8.22), in comparison to crushed peanuts. Older age markedly elevates the adjusted odds of reacting to a particular severity level as compared to a lower level by 1.19 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.37). Conclusion: Modified peanut desensitization using peanut puffs has shown potential in reducing the severity of allergic reactions in younger children. Older children may experience a higher risk of severe reactions, indicating the need for age-specific approaches to desensitization protocols.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000542429
Safety and adherence of early oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy in a primary care setting: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Background: Peanut allergy is a common food allergy with potentially life-threatening implications. Early oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy (P-EOIT) has been shown to be effective and safe in research and specialty clinic settings. Provision of P-EOIT in primary care would make it available to more patients. We sought to assess the safety of P-EOIT in a primary care setting by documenting the rates of peanut-related allergic reactions leading to emergency department (ED) visits and use of epinephrine. We also examined adherence by assessing the percentage of patients reaching maintenance phase and continuing ingestion after one year of P-EOIT. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients aged less than 36 months who started P-EOIT at a primary care allergy clinic in New Brunswick, Canada, from 2016 to 2020. The population included patients who (1) had a history of an allergic reaction to peanuts with a positive skin prick test or positive peanut specific IgE level (ps-IgE) or (2) no history of ingestion and a baseline ps-IgE ≥5 kU/L. Patients had biweekly clinic visits with graded increases in peanut protein up to a maintenance dose of 300 mg of peanut protein daily. A blinded retrospective review of paper charts and electronic medical records was conducted along with phone interviews regarding ED visits and epinephrine use. Results: All 69 consented patients reached maintenance dose over a median of 29 weeks, and 66 patients (95.7%) were still regularly consuming peanut protein after 1 year of maintenance. One patient had a peanut ingestion-related ED visit requiring epinephrine during the escalation phase of peanut protein dosing (1.4%). During the first year of maintenance phase, no patients had peanut ingestion-related ED visits nor required epinephrine. Conclusion: Early oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy in a primary care setting appears to be safe and our findings suggest that it does not lead to an increased burden of emergency department visits. Our population had high adherence rates, with the majority achieving maintenance dose and staying on this dose for one year.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-024-00916-5
Flying with nut and other food allergies: unravelling fact from fiction
There is a common perception that peanut/tree nut particles can be transmitted through aircraft ventilation systems and pose a significant risk to passengers with food allergies. In fact, food-induced allergic reactions are around 10-100 times less common during flights than 'on the ground', perhaps because of the multiple precautions food-allergic passengers take when flying. We review the evidence for strategies to help prevent accidental allergic reactions while travelling on commercial flights (review registered at PROSPERO, ref CRD42022384341). Research studies (including aircraft simulations) show no evidence to support airborne transmission of nut allergens as a likely phenomenon. Announcements requesting 'nut bans' are not therefore supported, and may instal a false sense of security. The most effective measure is for passengers to wipe down their seat area (including tray table and seat-back entertainment system). Food proteins are often 'sticky' and adhere to these surfaces, from where they are easily transferred to a person's hands and onto food that might be consumed. Airline companies can help to facilitate this through pre-boarding. Passengers at risk of anaphylaxis should be prescribed two adrenaline [epinephrine] autoinjector devices, to carry on their person at all times-including when flying. Airlines should consider including a separate supply of 'general use' adrenaline autoinjectors in the onboard medical kit for use in an emergency. All airlines should have clear policies relating to food allergies which are easily available from their websites or on request. These policies should be applied consistently by both ground staff and cabin crew, in order to provide reassurance to food-allergic passengers and their caregivers.
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2024-327848