bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Major trends in olive farming systems.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Significant changes in cultivation techniques have occurred since the 1970s, such as the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides and modern cultivation and irrigation systems. The expansion of new plantation systems and the abandonment of the old, traditional ones have produced significant environmental consequences. This chapter examines what changes and progress in olive culture have been at work in the three main EU olive-producing countries, i.e. Spain, Italy and Greece.
Systems of planting and canopy training.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter discusses the systems of planting and canopy training in olive trees. The orchard site selection, soil preparation, selection of cultivar and rootstock are discussed. Four major types of olive plantation systems (traditional, semiintensive, intensive and organic) and several modern training systems (including vase, polyconic, central leader trees or monocone, vasebush, palmette and globe, high-density, and super high-density orchards) are described. A mechanical method of harvesting by using the over-the-row harvester is also described.
Irrigation of the olive.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter describes the quality of irrigation water, the water requirements of olive trees, the root system of an olive tree, and the principles of irrigation programming (by measuring soil water, leaf water potential, trunk diameter, sap flow and infrared thermography). The low-volume and partial root zone-drying irrigation techniques are also described. The effect of irrigation on the quality of table olives and olive oil is discussed, as well as the use of water for olive irrigation.
Olive fruit harvesting.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter outlines the various methods used in the harvesting of olive fruits, from the simple and traditional to the modern and sophisticated: hand harvesting, hand harvesting with abscission chemicals, pneumatic beating poles, use of plastic nets and canvases. The features and advantages of mechanical harvesting are given, and molecular strategies (using transgenic plants or insertion of an active ACC synthase [1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase] into the trees) for improving olive harvesting are mentioned.
Olive varieties.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

The use of molecular markers to characterize and classify olive (Olea europaea) germplasm is discussed. Tabulated data on the number of cultivars grown and their synonyms, their separation into type (olive oil, table olives and dual-purpose cultivars) and their distribution throughout various countries; on the main olive cultivars grown in various countries; and on the taxonomy of 24 Greek cultivars, are presented.
Olive oil.
Authors: Therios I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter describes the olive oil extraction, characteristics, storage, bottling, sensory evaluation, and certification. The criteria for determination of quality (free acidity, oxidation, colour and organoleptic traits) are given. Various conventional (determination of physical and chemical constants and chemical compounds of olive oil, changes in squalene concentration, ultraviolet absorption, gas or HPLC and infiltrated spectroscopy) or non-conventional (DNA polymorphism, random amplified polymorphic DNA, sequence characterized regions, amplified fragment length polymorphism, simple sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphism, and inter-simple sequence repeats) methods developed for detection of adulteration of olive oil are described.
Insect pests and their management.
Authors: Ram Ujagir Ram Ujagir , Byrne O. M. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter on the insect pests of lentil covers the following: estimation of losses caused by the insect pest complex; viruses/diseases transmitted by insect pests (including lentil yellows disease, Bean yellow mosaic virus, Broad bean stain virus, Pea seed-borne mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus); cultural, biological and chemical control methods; and host plant resistance.
Seed quality and alternative seed delivery systems.
Authors: Bishaw Z. , Makkawi M. , Niane A. A. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter on lentil covers the following: factors determining seed quality (seed genetic purity, physical purity, germination, vigour and health), factors affecting seed quality (genetic factors, production environments, harvesting and mechanical damage), seed treatments (seed priming, Rhizobium inoculation, and chemical treatments), requirements for quality seed production, status of the seed industry in developed and developing countries, constraints to the seed industry (availability of quality seeds, mechanization problems, and high production costs), and alternatives for seed delivery (formal seed supply, farmer-based seed supply, non-commercial seed supply, and village-based seed enterprises). Key elements for the success of village-based seed enterprises are discussed.
Ecophysiology.
Authors: Schaffer B. , Urban L. , Lu P. , Whiley A. W. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

This chapter discusses the impact of photosynthesis and tree water relations on the growth and development of mango. The effects of environmental and crop-related factors on photosynthesis (light, leaf temperature, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, flooding and internal factors), tree growth and development (light, temperature, drought, flooding, wind, salinity, and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration) and crop production (temperature limitations, light interception and orchard design) are covered.
Multilateral responses to the global food crisis.
Authors: Margulis M. E. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Skyrocketing food prices in 2007 and 2008 have produced social and political unrest in many developing countries and threaten to precipitate an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. This review looks at the present food crisis through the analytical lenses of international political economy and global governance. I argue that the study of the food crisis is enhanced by contextualizing the crisis within broader processes of globalization. The review is divided into three parts. The first section examines the magnitude of the current food crisis and clarifies what is meant by the term 'global food crisis'. The second section reviews the policy measures implemented in response to the crisis, focusing particularly on the multilateral level. The third section examines two vital elements of the multilateral response, emergency food aid and establishing an international agreement on biofuels, and identifies key obstacles to their efficacy.
Incidence and microbiology of salad-borne disease.
Authors: Allerberger F. , Sessitsch A. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Because consumers have developed a better understanding of the health benefits associated with eating fresh produce, salads are increasingly being served in the home, in restaurants and as ready-to-eat pre-packaged foods. The associated increase in food-borne diseases must be seen in view of these benefits. Bacterial pathogens can survive on growing plants over prolonged periods of time under field conditions. In addition, the ability of human pathogens to infiltrate plant tissues has been recognized recently. Prepackaged, precut lettuce (i.e. damaged plant tissue) may pose a risk as an emerging source of food-borne illness. Surprisingly, there are no clear differences in pathogen contamination reported between organically grown produce and conventionally grown produce. The present intervention strategies are inadequate to ensure by 100% that salads are not contaminated with food-borne bacterial pathogens. The relative infrequency of outbreaks associated with preharvest contamination with
Shigella
, an organism with humans as its major reservoir, and the relative frequency of those associated with
Salmonella
or Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
, organisms with animals as their major reservoirs, underline the role of domestic and wild animals as dominant sources of preharvest contamination of vegetable salads. In the overwhelming majority of reported outbreaks, the contamination of salads did not occur before harvest nor did it originate at the processing plants, but rather the source could be traced to symptomatic or asymptomatic food handlers. Thorough epidemiological and microbiological investigation of all food-borne outbreaks is essential to finally assess the importance of preharvest contamination of salads.
Green tea and cardiac health.
Authors: Liou YingMing Liou YingMing , Hsieh ShihRong Hsieh ShihRong , Wu TsuJuey Wu TsuJuey 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Growing evidence has established a close relationship between the consumption of green tea and protection against cardiovascular diseases. In contrast to the well-known effects of green tea on blood vessels, limited information is available regarding its myocardial effects. Experimental studies have suggested that the myocardial protective effect of green tea is associated with the antioxidant properties of scavenging reactive oxygen species, modulating redox-sensitive transcription factors (e.g. NF-κB and AP-1), reducing the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-1 and the expression of Fas receptor, and increasing NO production. Recent data obtained from biochemical studies have shown that green tea polyphenols can bind to cardiac troponin C and exert their direct effects on myofilament Ca
2+
-sensitivity in isolated skinned cardiac myofibrils. Studies with rat models of myocardial infarction and ischaemia/reperfusion induced by a surgical ligation on left anterior descending coronary artery have provided
in vivo
evidence for green tea protecting against myocardial damage and enhancing cardiac contractility by modulating myofilament Ca
2+
sensitivity. In summary, green tea protects against myocardial damage, which may be considered as a promising medicine for cardiac health.
Application of metabolomic profiling for identifying valuable traits in tomato.
Authors: Osorio S. , Tohge T. , Fernie A. R. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Naturally occurring variation in wild species can be used to increase the genetic diversity of cultivated crops and improve agronomic value. Understanding plant metabolic pathways and the interactions between genes, phenotype and environment is fundamental to functional genomics. Analysis of the complex network of plant metabolism requires analytical methods capable of recording information on as many metabolites as possible. Metabolite profiling is a rapidly expanding technology (which aims to quantify the entire metabolome or metabolic complement, of biological samples), for phenotyping and diagnostic analysis of plants. These tools have recently been used to evaluation of the natural variance in metabolite content: an approach with great potential for improvement of the compositional quality of crops. Here, we assess the contribution of metabolite profiling in the identification of genetic determinants of plant chemical composition.
Leaf senescence and gene expression.
Authors: Kudryakova N. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The long-standing view of leaf senescence as an organized genetically controlled process has received convincing support from recent genome-wide studies of differential gene expression. Many hundreds of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) appear to be up- or down-regulated for the sake of nutrient salvage, including a wide array of SAGs that encode proteases, nucleases, lipid-, carbohydrate- and amino acid-degrading enzymes. Mobilization and export of nutrients from senescing leaves is accompanied by complex expression of a special set of genes for transporters. Another category of genes with altered transcription rates was shown to control protective- or stress-response functions necessary to keep the cells viable till the task of salvage is completed. Coordinated activation or inactivation of various subsets of SAGs is governed by a comprehensive network of regulatory genes, such as genes for transcription factors and hormone pathways. Transcriptome data and mutant screens provide a foundation for further analysis of physiological functions of senescence-expressed genes and subsequent manipulation for the benefits of plant breeding.
Aquaculture of detritivorous fish in China: status and perspective.
Authors: Kang Bin Kang Bin 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

The aim of this review is to give a description of aquaculture of detritivorous fish in China. China has a long history of using aquaculture. With the increasing demand for fishery products, intensive aquaculture has been encouraged to a great degree, which has also led to a series of environmental, technical and social problems. Besides physical, chemical and mechanical removal of waste by sedimentation and microsieving, a biologically and technically feasible method called integrated aquaculture has been proposed to reduce environmental impacts. Bivalve molluscs, seaweeds and detritivorous fish are considered as suitable subjects for integrated culture. A model showed that sedimentary N decreased from 37% of the total original nutrients to 8.5% after the introduction of bivalve molluscs and seaweeds into aquaculture. Four detritivorous fish,
Plagiognathops microlepis
,
Xenocypris davidi
,
Squaliobarbus curriculus
and
Liza haematocheila
, are now used in aquaculture in China. To determine the most suitable initial integrated culture level of detritivorous fingerlings, a dynamic model was constructed based on a computer simulation method according to the following principle: the level of scavenging by detritivorous fish equals the level of waste left by the main culture object. Selecting suitable detritivorous fish species, solving the technical problems of artificial propagation and determining the initial culture level of selected species are three key problems associated with maintaining an effective integrated aquaculture system. Raising awareness about the importance of 'clean' aquaculture and performing corresponding scientific research should be encouraged.
Mitigating diffuse water pollution from agriculture: riparian buffer strip performance with width.
Authors: Collins A. L. , Hughes G. , Zhang Y. , Whitehead J. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
There is currently a dearth of empirical evidence on the performance of most options for mitigating diffuse pollution from agriculture across a representative range of environmental and agricultural conditions. Riparian buffers have, however, received more attention than most mitigation options over the past 20 years. Ranges for positive buffer efficacy were found to be 30-100% for sediment, 30-95% for total phosphorus, 10-100% for total nitrogen, 30-100% for pesticides and 53-100% for faecal indicator organisms. Since many of the experiments underpinning this evidence base were conducted under 'ideal' operating conditions, it is likely that buffer performance in reality will be further hampered by a number of factors such as compaction or the occurrence of concentrated flows. Overall, the evidence base suggests that buffers provide useful short-term benefits, but the longer-term impacts remain questionable owing to risks of pollution swapping. Optimal buffer performance will be site-specific and typically limited in duration, thereby requiring a targeted approach for deployment. Assessing the implications of the reported ranges in buffer performance for implementing a targeted approach remains a key challenge.
The causes and consequences of the food crisis.
Authors: Bigman D. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The origins of the sharp rise in food prices towards a peak in mid-2008 are evaluated and analyzed. The food crisis has been felt not only among the poor people in both developing and developed countries but also increasingly among the working and middle-income people as the rising inflation eroded their hard-earned incomes, their savings, and their pensions. The protests and the spreading discontent forced the governments in many low-income countries to take drastic measures to restrict the rise in domestic food prices and ensure sufficient supply of basic agricultural products in order to protect their consumers. In many countries, the food crisis deteriorated into a recession that deepens their poverty and malnutrition. Threats to global security and the risk of widespread violent demonstrations that may shatter the stability of the regimes in many countries are evaluated.
Carbon sequestration in forest trees of the EU as affected by long-term changes of land use.
Authors: Kauppi P. , Rautiainen A. , Lehtonen A. , Saikku L. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

The biomass of forest vegetation expands in all EU countries. This review analyses the long-term development of forest vegetation and, thereby, the sequestration of carbon in forest biomass in the EU, country by country. The sequestration estimates and their uncertainties are assessed focusing on the period 1990-2006. The most recent estimates are compared with those for earlier times. A case study from Finland is presented, which helps understand the causal mechanisms affecting long-term sequestration of carbon in forest vegetation on a centennial scale. The forests of the 27 countries of the European Union (EU-27) represent approximately 4% of global forest area and 5% of global growing stock volume [1]. Despite their relatively small global shares, the region's forests remove carbon from the atmosphere at a surprisingly high rate. During 1990 to 2006 within the 27 countries (that were members of the EU in 2008) the expanding woody biomass annually sequestered 360 to 495 million tonnes CO
2
from the atmosphere (
high confidence
). The rate of sequestration accelerated over time during the same period (
low confidence
). Over a more extended decadal scale from 1900 to 2006, the rate accelerated (
high confidence
). The biomass sink was mainly driven by increasing density of average European forests and to a lesser extent by increasing forest cover (
high confidence
). Changes in forestry, nature conservation and other land management practices were the main drivers of carbon sequestration (
medium confidence
). The contribution of carbon sequestration in forests to the national carbon budget varied among countries depending on the extent of forests. Estimates for individual years varied and the accuracy and precision of the national estimates was not high, typically ÃÂ±30%. A three-year moving average can be recommended as a basis for calculations, because it evens out inter-annual variation. Biomass sequestration has potential to continue in the EU for at least 50 years into the future. If land use trends revert and consumption patterns change, for example, if the demand for agricultural and wood products increases and bioenergy is developed on a large scale, sequestration can decelerate in the very long term. Climate change in itself is a risk factor to forest ecosystems in terms of increasing risks of storm damage, forest fire, forest pests and drought. Losing the biomass sink in EU, notably only a theoretical scenario in the next 20 to 30 years, would become an obstacle to reaching the main goal of climate policy: a stable atmosphere in terms of greenhouse gases. Promoting the sink on the other hand would make a contribution to achieving that goal. If the global trends of deforestation and forest degradation are reverted, forest sequestration of carbon can make an important contribution to stabilizing the atmosphere and preventing a serious climate change. Forest biomass has a potential to expand significantly worldwide.
Targeting the most vulnerable in the food crisis.
Authors: Rossi L. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to review the wide range of literature on the public health nutrition approach aimed at meeting the nutritional needs of an at-risk group of population during humanitarian emergencies characterized by shortage of food and famine. Food crisis in general occurs when living conditions in an area change and communities become vulnerable and are no longer able to meet their nutritional needs. High prevalence of malnutrition can usually be found in food crisis. As a consequence, nutrition interventions have become a standard component of the humanitarian response. Data on nutritional status of vulnerable groups of populations are used to identify relief needs, to prioritize affected groups or geographical areas, to plan nutritional interventions, to target scarce resources and also to monitor the effectiveness of food aid programmes. Selective feeding programmes aimed at reducing the prevalence of acute malnutrition are mainly addressed to infant and young children and pregnant and lactating women. Other population groups, such as elderly or HIV infected adults, could be at risk in food crisis. In fact, while targeting malnourished persons follows strict scientific rules, the detection of 'poorest' or 'most vulnerable' families in a given area required a most complex analysis that has to include also well-structured methods of community participation. Nutritional screening is the prerequisite of programme implementation; however, food security and livelihoods assessments could help in the identification of vulnerable groups other than malnourished at an early stage providing better basis for action and maximizing the impact of interventions.