Breakthrough curve analysis of phosphorylated hazelnut shell waste in column operation for continuous harvesting of lithium from water
In batch-scale operations, biosorption employing phosphorylated hazelnut shell waste (FHS) revealed excellent lithium removal and recovery efficiency. Scaling up and implementing packed bed column systems necessitates further design and performance optimization. Lithium biosorption via FHS was investigated utilizing a continuous-flow packed-bed column operated under various flow rates and bed heights to remove Li to ultra-low levels and recover it. The Li biosorption capacity of the FHS column was unaffected by the bed height, however, when the flow rate was increased, the capacity of the FHS column decreased. The breakthrough time, exhaustion time, and uptake capacity of the column bed increased with increasing column bed height, whereas they decreased with increasing influent flow rate. At flow rates of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mL/min, bed volumes (BVs, mL solution/mL biosorbent) at the breakthrough point were found to be 477, 369, and 347, respectively, with the required BVs for total saturation point of 941, 911, and 829, while the total capacity was calculated as 22.29, 20.07, and 17.69 mg Li/g sorbent. In the 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 cm height columns filled with FHS, the breakthrough times were 282, 366, and 433 min, respectively, whereas the periods required for saturation were 781, 897, and 1033 min. The three conventional breakthrough models of the Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Modified Dose-Response (MDR) were used to properly estimate the whole breakthrough behavior of the FHS column and the characteristic model parameters. Li's extremely favorable separation utilizing FHS was evidenced by the steep S-shape of the breakthrough curves for both parameters flow rate and bed height. The reusability of FHS was demonstrated by operating the packed bed column in multi-cycle mode, with no appreciable loss in column performance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464510
Effects of walnut seed coat polyphenols on walnut protein hydrolysates: Structural alterations, hydrolysis efficiency, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity
The walnut meal is rich in nutrients such as protein from the kernel and polyphenolic compounds from the seed coat. However, the influences of seed coat polyphenols on walnut protein (WP) hydrolysis remained unclear. In this study, our findings indicated that polyphenols induced alterations in the secondary structure and amino acid composition of WP. These changes resulted in both a hindrance of hydrolysis and an enhancement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Furthermore, four peptides of 119 identified peptides (LR, SF, FQ, and FR) were synthesized based on higher predicted bioactivity and Vinascores in silico. Among them, FQ showed interaction with amino acid residues in AChE through the formation of four π-π stacking bonds and two hydrogen bonds, resulting in the highest AChE inhibitory capacity. The combination index showed that chlorogenic acid derived from the seed coat and FQ at the molar ratio of 1:4 exhibited synergistic effects of AChE inhibition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137905
Effects of Supplementary Pollination on Macadamia Nut Set, Retention and Yield in Murang’a County, Kenya
Macadamia is a promising prime dessert nut with the potential of alleviating poverty and enhancing food security in Kenya. Nut set and subsequent development of nuts to maturity is dependent on pollination which is mediated by animals, and honey bees are the dominant macadamia flower visitors. However, macadamia is pollen deficit as not all flowers set develop to mature nuts, thus supplemental pollination results to better nut yields. There is limited information in Kenya among the smallholder macadamia growers on the importance of supplementing pollination to enhance nut yields. This study was conducted at Kandara Macadamia Research Centre and in a smallholder macadamia farm located 15 km from the research centre, which was purposively selected from July 2021 to May 2023. Assessment of the influence of pollinators and supplementing pollination to nut set, retention and final yields was done. Honey bee, (Apis mellifera L.) colonies were also introduced at the Macadamia Research Centre to enhance pollination and mitigate deficits. Racemes were bagged to exclude pollinators, others left open to unlimited pollinator access while others received supplemental hand pollination. The results demonstrate that macadamia is pollen limited and pollination is highly reliant on insect pollinators. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) among the bagged (pollinator exclusion), open and hand pollinated racemes in both farms. The initial nut set and retention was increased significantly (21.54%) in hand pollinated racemes compared to those that were left to open pollination (unlimited pollinator visits) depicting pollination deficit in farm B. Introduction of supplementary honey bee colonies at the Kandara Macadamia Research Centre, resulted to higher nut set, retention, nut-in-shell and kernels. Macadamia growers are encouraged to introduce honey bee colonies in their farms to improve yields and also address pollination deficits. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v16n1p63
Losing ground: projections of climate-driven bloom shifts and their implications for the future of California's almond orchards
Climate change is expected to impact the spring phenology of perennial trees, potentially altering the suitability of land for their cultivation. In this study, we investigate the effects of climate change on the bloom timing of almond orchards, focusing on California, the world's leading region for almond production. By analyzing historical climatic data, employing a model that considers hourly temperatures and fall non-structural carbohydrates to predict bloom dates, and examining various Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) scenarios, we assess the potential impacts of climate shifts on plant phenology and, consequently, on land suitability for almond farming. Our findings reveal that, within the next 30 years, the land suitable for almond production will not undergo significant changes. However, under unchanged emission scenarios, the available land to support almond orchard farming could decline between 48 to 73% by the end of the century. This reduction corresponds with an early shift in bloom time from the average Day of Year (DOY) 64 observed over the past 40 years to a projected earlier bloom between DOY 28-33 by 2100. These results emphasize the critical role climate shifts have in shaping future land use strategies for almond production in Central Valley, California. Consequently, understanding and addressing these factors is essential for the sustainable management and preservation of agricultural land, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability in the face of a rapidly changing climate. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50688-y
Alternative fertilization practices lead to improvements in yield-scaled global warming potential in almond orchards
This study investigates the impact of alternative fertilization practices on the yield-scaled global warming potential (YS-GWP) in almond orchards. Almond production is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to nitrogen-based mineral fertilizers. This research aims to identify strategies that reduce the environmental footprint of almond cultivation while maintaining yield. Field experiments were conducted in an almond orchard using three alternative fertigation practices: Advance Grower Practice (AGP), Pump and Fertilize (P&F), and High Frequency Low Concentration (HFLC). AGP is the current practice used by producers to meet annual N demand for almond tree growth; P&F is a reduction in applied N rate in response to measured N concentrations in the groundwater so that the added N and groundwater N reach the same total N applied; HFLC is a practice of applying smaller N rates per individual event. HFLC uses a greater number of fertigation events to reach similar total annual N load as other treatments. Cumulative N2O and CH4 emissions were used to determine GWP by converting the emissions to carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) within a 100-year horizon. Nitrous oxide emissions were multiplied by a radiative forcing potential CO2eq of 298 and CH4 by 25 (UNFCCC, 2007). The results revealed that both P&F and HFLC reduced the YS-GWP compared to AGP. HFLC demonstrated 52–78% decrease in GWP per unit of almond yield compared to AGP, while P&F showed 48–58% decrease over AGP. These reductions were attributed to the reduced nitrous oxide emissions associated with P&F and HFLC. Further, P&F and HFLC tended to have higher N use efficiency than AGP. We demonstrate that adopting alternative fertilization practices can effectively mitigate the environmental footprint of almond orchards while maintaining crop yields. These practices offer viable options for almond growers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance sustainability, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2023.108857
Climate change impacts on insect pests for high value specialty crops in California
California is a global leader in production and supply of walnuts and almonds, and the state is the largest producer of peaches in the U.S. These crops have an important contribution to the California's agricultural economy. Damages to these crops from lepidopteran pests, mainly from Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) (family: Tortricidae), Peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella) (family: Gelechiidae) and Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) (family: Tortricidae), are still high, despite the improvement in pest management activities. Given that temperature increase can directly impact the rate of growth and development of these pests, it is important to understand to what extent dynamics of these pests will change in future in California. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in the biofix, lifecycle length, and number of generations for these pests for the entire Central Valley of California. Using a well-established growing-degree days (GDD) model calibrated and validated using observations from orchards of California, and climate change projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5 and CMIP6) General Circulation Models, we found that biofix dates of these pests are expected to shift earlier by up to 28 days, and length of generations is expected to be shortened by up to 19 days, and up to 1.4 extra generations of these pests can be added by the end of the century depending on the scenario. Results from this work would enable industries to prioritize development of practices that are more effective in the long run, such as developing better cultural and biological pest solutions and insect tolerant varieties. Growers and researchers can take proactive actions to minimize future risks associated with these damaging pests. This work can be scalable to other pests and regions to understand regional dynamics of damaging agricultural pests under climate change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167605
Marketing Orders: January 2024
USA: Temporary Relaxation of Requirements for California Raisins
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an interim rule that temporarily changes the requirements for raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for raisins produced from grapes grown in California. For the 2023/24 crop year, the minimum requirements for substandard and maturity dockage in the marketing order's handling regulations will be relaxed to accommodate raisins adversely impacted by severe weather conditions.
Food Safety Update: January 2024
California: Private Applicator Certificate (“Brown Card”) Changes
Under new regulations effective as of January 1, 2024, individuals currently certified as private pesticide applicators are required to take and pass the revised initial Private Applicator Certificate (PAC) Examination to demonstrate competency with the revised private applicator standards in 40 CFR Part 171. For more information, see the presentation given by Anna Genasci of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at the 2023 Almond Conference, organized by the Almond Board of California.
EU: Plant Protection Products Update
The European Union recently published draft MRLs for the following substances in or on nuts and dried fruits:
| Substance | Commodity | MRL (mg/kg) |
| Phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid (R)(1) | Almonds | 1000 |
| Brazil nuts | 400 | |
| Cashews | 400 | |
| Hazelnuts | 1000 | |
| Macadamias | 400 | |
| Pecans | 400 | |
| Pine nut kernels | 400 | |
| Pistachios | 1000 | |
| Walnuts | 1000 | |
| Apricots | 60 | |
| Plums | 8 | |
| Cranberries | 1.5 | |
| Dates | 1.5 | |
| Figs | 1.5 | |
| Peanuts | 3 | |
| Deltamethrin (cis-deltamethrin)(F)(2) | Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 | |
| Metalaxyl and metalaxyl- M (metalaxyl including other mixtures of constituent isomers including metalaxyl-M (sum of isomers)) (R)(2) | Grapes | 1.5 |
| Benomyl(3) | Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 | |
| Dried fruits | 0.01 | |
| Carbendazim (R)(3) | Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 | |
| Dried fruits | 0.01 | |
| Thiophanate-methyl (R)(3) | Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 | |
| Dried fruits | 0.01 |
(1) Proposed date of adoption is June 2, 2024. Proposed date of publication is July 2, 2024. More information
(2) Proposed date of adoption is April 15, 2024. Proposed date of publication is June 15, 2024. More information
(3) Proposed date of adoption is June 2, 2024. Proposed date of publication is July 2, 2024. More information
Other plant protection products news:
- Glyphosate: The Official Journal of the European Union published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2660, renewing the approval of the active substance glyphosate for a period of 10 years.
- S-metolachlor: The journal also published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/20, concerning the non-renewal of S-metolachlor.
- Dimethomorph and mepanipyrim: The EU notified the World Trade Organization of draft Commission Implementing Regulations providing that the approval of the active substances dimethomorph and mepanipyrim are not renewed.
- Diazinon: A targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for diazinon published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that the existing MRLs for almonds (0.05 mg/kg) and cranberries (0.2 mg/kg) are not substantiated and that therefore these MRLs should be lowered to the limit of quantification (LOQ).
- Difenoconazole: In December, the EFSA published a report summarizing the outcome of the consultation on the pesticide risk assessment for difenoconazole.
EU: Mycotoxin and Plant Toxin Sampling and Analysis Methods
The Official Journal of the European Union has published new Commission Implementing Regulations establishing the methods of sampling and analysis for the control of the levels of mycotoxins and plant toxins in food. Both regulations shall apply as of April 1, 2024.
Latest Trade News and Agreements: January 2024
Brazil: Almond Imports from Argentina Allowed for First Time
Brazil and Argentina recently reached an agreement to allow the import of almonds from Argentina into Brazil. The recently announced phytosanitary requirements for Argentine almonds will come into force on February 1, 2024. Under the new guidelines, a phytosanitary certificate issued by Argentina’s plant protection authority will be required.
Chile-EU: Advanced Framework Agreement and Interim Trade Agreement Signed
On December 13, 2023, Chile and the European Union signed an Advanced Framework Agreement and an Interim Trade Agreement. These agreements put in place a framework to deepen and widen Chile-EU relations.
China-Nicaragua: Free Trade Deal
The free trade agreement between China and Nicaragua took effect on January 1, 2024. Under this agreement, 60% of goods traded between the two countries are exempt from tariffs immediately.
EAEU-Iran: Free Trade Deal
On December 25, 2023, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which consists of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, signed a free trade agreement with Iran. The agreement will become permanent and replace a similar temporary agreement adopted 2019.
EU: Suspension of Certain Tariff Preferences for GSP Beneficiary Countries Extended
On December 15, 2023, the Official Journal of the European Union published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2780. Under this new regulation, the suspension of certain tariff preferences granted to certain Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) beneficiary countries will be extended until December 31, 2027.
EU: Recognition of Control Bodies for Import of Organic Products
The Official Journal of the European Union published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2785, which updates the list of control bodies recognized for the purpose of importing organic products into the Union.
Mercosur-EU: Trade Deal Negotiations Stall
Hopes for a Mercosur-EU trade deal to be reached before the end of 2023 were dashed on December 7, when the two sides issued a joint statement indicating that more time will be needed to “address the global challenges in areas such as sustainable development, reduction of inequality and multilateralism.”
New Zealand-EU: Free Trade Deal
In late November 2023, the European Council gave the green light to a free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand. The agreement can enter into force once it has been ratified by New Zealand and the two sides notify each other about the completion of their internal procedures.
USA-EU: Deal Reached to Extend Pause on Tariff Dispute
The United States and the European Union will extend the suspension of tariffs until March 31, 2025 in the context of a longstanding steel and aluminum dispute.
The dispute dates back to 2018, when the US introduced tariffs on European steel and aluminum and the EU responded by introducing rebalancing tariffs on imports of certain American products —including peanut butter and processed cranberry products— into the EU. In 2022, the parties reached an interim agreement under which the EU suspended its rebalancing tariffs until December 31, 2023, to allow time for negotiations towards a longer-term solution.
Under the deal announced on December 19, 2023, the US-EU trade dispute will be paused until after the 2024 American presidential election.
Sustainability Update: January 2024
EU: Council Adopts Negotiating Position on Sustainable Packaging Rules
On December 18, 2023, the Council reached an agreement (“general approach”) on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The proposal requires that all packaging be recyclable and that the presence of substances of concern be minimized. It also sets labelling requirements, sets binding reuse targets, restricts certain types of single-use packaging and requires economic operators to minimize the packaging used.
The general approach will serve as a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the final shape of the legislation.
EU: Parliament and Council Reach Deal on Corporate Due Diligence Law
On December 14, the European Parliament and Council negotiators reached a compromise deal on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The new law will set obligations for companies to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and the environment. Before the law can enter into force, it must be formally approved by the Legal Affairs Committee and the European Parliament as a whole, as well as by the Council.
EU: FAQ on Deforestation Regulation
In mid-December, the European Commission published an updated FAQ document on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), covering the topics of traceability, scope, subjects of obligations, definitions, due diligence, benchmarking and partnerships, supporting implementation and timelines.
EU: European Drought Risk Atlas
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published the European Drought Risk Atlas. This publication characterizes how drought hazard, exposure and vulnerability interact and affect various interconnected systems —agriculture, public water supply, energy, riverine transport, and freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems— and presents a conceptual and quantitative approach to drought risk for these systems.
Türkiye-EU: Annual Meeting of the Türkiye-EU Cooperation Scheme on Hazelnuts
On December 20, 2023, the INC attended the annual meeting of the Türkiye-EU Cooperation Scheme on Hazelnuts. This event brought together representatives from Türkiye, the European Union, Italy, Spain and France, and Copa-Cogeca.
Topics discussed at the meeting included the 2022/2023 campaign, crop estimates for 2023/2024, agricultural policies, climate change and pests. The preliminary estimated hazelnut production figures (in-shell) for 2023/2024 reported were 650,000 MT for Türkiye; between 52,000 and 57,000 MT for Italy; 11,000 MT for France; and 6,900 MT for Spain.
Representatives of European hazelnut growers raised concerns about the unavailability of effective plant protection products due to stringent EU regulations, and how climate change will continue to exacerbate pest problems and impact quality, productivity and investments. Representatives of Copa-Cogeca presented a color-coded system to graphically illustrate the number of active ingredients approved against each threat and the degree of efficacy of each approved product, based on the farmers’ real-life experience. The presentation aimed to sound the alarm about the lack of fully effective solutions against many of the pests and diseases affecting hazelnut orchards, which also puts them at a disadvantage compared to third countries.
Aflatoxins were another key topic of discussion. EU officials praised Türkiye for its progress in bringing its number of RASFF notifications for aflatoxins in hazelnut down to practically zero, which in 2022 resulted in the country being removed from the list of countries subject to increased frequency of official controls for aflatoxins in hazelnut.
USA: American Pistachio Growers Awarded $5 Million Healthy Soils Grant
American Pistachio Growers has been awarded a US$5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to help growers adopt healthy soils practices. The grant is a part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.