Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptome studies reveal the importance of transporters and stress signaling pathways during salinity stress in Prunus.
The almond crop has high economic importance on a global scale, but its sensitivity to salinity stress can cause severe yield losses. Salt-tolerant rootstocks are vital for crop economic feasibility under saline conditions. Two commercial rootstocks submitted to salinity, and evaluated through different parameters, had contrasting results with the survival rates of 90.6% for 'Rootpac 40' (tolerant) and 38.9% for 'Nemaguard' (sensitive) under salinity (Electrical conductivity of water = 3 dS m-1). Under salinity, 'Rootpac 40' accumulated less Na and Cl and more K in leaves than 'Nemaguard'. Increased proline accumulation in 'Nemaguard' indicated that it was highly stressed by salinity compared to 'Rootpac 40'. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that a higher degree of differential gene expression was controlled by genotype rather than by treatment. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) provided insight into the regulation of salinity tolerance in Prunus. DEGs associated with stress signaling pathways and transporters may play essential roles in the salinity tolerance of Prunus. Some additional vital players involved in salinity stress in Prunus include CBL10, AKT1, KUP8, Prupe.3G053200 (chloride channel), and Prupe.7G202700 (mechanosensitive ion channel). Genetic components of salinity stress identified in this study may be explored to develop new rootstocks suitable for salinity-affected regions. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05202-1
Determination of the Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Solution Using EDTA Functionalized Prunus Dulcis L. Peels by Solid-Phase Extraction Method.
In the present study, Prunus Dulcis L. Peels was modified with ethylenedinitrilo tetraacetic acid and used as the sorbent for the preconcentration of Cd(II) ions from aqueous media. To characterize the sorbent, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis were used. The optimum preconcentration conditions such as pH, eluent type, sample volume, sample flow rate and foreign ions effect were determined. The mean recovery and relative standard deviation values were found to be 100.7 ± 1.5 and 4.01% for Cd(II) ions. The capacity of the sorbent was obtained 277.8 mg g-1 from the Langmuir isotherm model. The limit of detection was calculated as 0.216 µg L-1 (P.F:40). In order to test the accuracy and applicability of the method, certified reference material and spiked water samples were analyzed. The results demonstrated good agreement with the certified values (relative error < 10%). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03450-x
Susceptibility of almond (Prunus dulcis) cultivars to twig canker and shoot blight caused by Diaporthe amygdali.
Twenty-five almond cultivars were assessed for susceptibility to Diaporthe amygdali, causal agent of twig canker and shoot blight disease. In laboratory experiments, growing twigs were inoculated with four D. amygdali isolates. Moreover, growing shoots of almond cultivars grafted onto INRA 'GF-677' rootstock were used in four-year field inoculations with one D. amygdali isolate. In both type of experiments, inoculum consisted of agar plugs with mycelium, which were inserted underneath the bark and the lesion lengths caused by the fungus were measured. Necrotic lesions were observed in the inoculated almond cultivars both in laboratory and field tests, confirming the susceptibility of all the evaluated cultivars to all the inoculated isolates of D. amygdali. Cultivars were grouped as susceptible or very susceptible according to a cluster analysis. The relationship between some agronomic traits and cultivar susceptibility was also investigated. Blooming and ripening times were found relevant variables to explain cultivars performance related to D. amygdali susceptibility. Late and very late blooming, and early and medium ripening cultivars were highly susceptible to D. amygdali. Our results may provide valuable information that could assist in ongoing breeding programs of this crop and additionally in the selection of cultivars for new almond plantations. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-21-1875-RE
Mutations in Sdh Gene Subunits Confer Different Cross Resistance Patterns to SDHI Fungicides in Alternaria alternata Causing Alternaria Leaf Spot of Almond in California.
Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata and A. arborescens is a common disease of almond in California. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) are widely used for its management, however, we observed reduced performance of SDHI fungicides at some field sites. Thus, we evaluated the sensitivity of 520 isolates of the main pathogen A. alternata from major production areas collected between 2006 and 2019 to boscalid and of a subset of 204 isolates to six members of the SDHIs belonging to six sub-groups. Additionally, 97 isolates (14 sensitive and 83 with reduced sensitivity) of the 204 were used to determine the molecular mechanisms of resistance. A wide range of in vitro concentrations to effectively inhibit mycelial growth by 50% (EC50 values) was determined for each fungicide using the spiral gradient dilution method. Some isolates were highly resistant (EC50 values >10 μg/ml) to boscalid (a pyridine-carboxamide), pyraziflumid (a pyrazine-carboxamide), and fluxapyroxad (a pyrazole-4-carboxamide), but not to fluopyram (a pyridinyl-ethyl-benzamide), isofetamid (a phenyl-oxo-ethyl thiophene amide), and pydiflumetofen (a N-methoxy-(phenyl-ethyl)-pyrazole-carboxamide). There was no strong cross resistance among the fungicides tested, including for the two pyrazole-4-carboxamides fluxapyroxad and penthiopyrad (tested for 33 of the 204 isolates). The comparison of EC50 values for fluopyram and isofetamid resulted in the highest coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.582) among ten pairwise comparisons between sub-groups. Sequence analyses of the 97 isolates revealed five mutations in SdhB, SdhC, or SdhD subunits of the Sdh target gene among 73 isolates with reduced sensitivity to at least one SDHI. No mutations were detected in the 14 sensitive isolates and in 10 of the 83 isolates with reduced sensitivity. The most common mutation (59 isolates) was H134R in SdhC. Other mutations included H277Y (8 isolates) and H277L (2 isolates) in SdhB, as well as G79R (2 isolates) and S135R (2 isolates) in SdhC. Mutations H277Y in SdhB and S135R in SdhC were only present in isolates collected in 2012 or earlier. Both conferred mostly high levels of resistance to boscalid and also reduced sensitivity to pyraziflumid, fluxapyroxad, and isofetamid with intermediate EC50 levels. Mutations H277L in SdhB, as well as H134R and G79R in SdhC, that were found in isolates obtained after 2012 had very similar resistance phenotypes with different levels of resistance to boscalid, pyraziflumid, and fluxapyroxad, whereas sensitivity to fluopyram, isofetamid, and pydiflumetofen was mostly less affected. Our data for SDHI fungicides do not support the classical concept of positive cross resistance within a single mode of action. Because some mutations conferred resistance to multiple SDHI sub-groups, however, resistance management needs to consider all SDHIs as a homogenous group that should be mixed or rotated with other modes of action prior to resistance development to either mode of action. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-21-1913-RE
Comparative Profiling of Wood Canker Pathogens from Spore Traps and Symptomatic Plant Samples within California Almond and Walnut Orchards
Fungi causing wood canker diseases are major factors limiting productivity and longevity of almond and walnut orchards. The goal of this study was to compare pathogen profiles from spore traps with those of plant samples collected from symptomatic almond and walnut trees and assess if profiles could be influenced by orchard type and age, rainfall amount and frequency, and/or neighboring trees. Three almond orchards and one walnut orchard with different characteristics were selected for this study. Fungal inoculum was captured weekly from nine trees per orchard using a passive spore trapping device, during a 30-week period in the rainy season (October-April) and for two consecutive years. Fungal taxa identified from spore traps were compared with a collection of fungal isolates obtained from 61 symptomatic wood samples collected from the orchards. Using a culture-dependent approach coupled with molecular identification, we identified eighteen known pathogenic species from ten fungal genera (Ceratocystis destructans, Collophorina hispanica, Cytospora eucalypti, Diaporthe ampelina, Dia. chamaeropis/rhusicola, Dia. eres, Dia. novem, Diplodia corticola, Di. mutila, Di. seriata, Dothiorella iberica, Do. sarmentorum, Do. viticola, Eutypa lata, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, Neof. parvum, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Pleurostoma richardsiae), plus two unidentified Cytospora and Diaporthe species. However, only four species were identified with both methods (Di. mutila, Di. seriata, Do. iberica and E. lata), albeit not consistently across orchards. Our results demonstrate a clear disparity between the two diagnostic methods and caution against using passive spore traps to predict disease risks. In particular, the spore trap approach failed to capture; (i) insect-vectored pathogens such as Ceratocystis destructans that were often recovered from almond trunk and scaffold; (ii) Diaporthe chamaeropis/rhusicola commonly isolated from wood samples likely because Diaporthe species have a spatially restricted dispersal mechanism, since spores are exuded in a cirrus; and (iii) pathogenic species with low incidence in wood samples such as Pleurostoma richardsiae and Collophorina hispanica. We propose that orchard inoculum is composed of both endemic taxa that are characterized by frequent and repeated trapping events from the same trees and isolated from plant samples, as well as immigrant taxa characterized by rare trapping events. We hypothesize that host type, orchard age, precipitation, and alternative hosts at the periphery of orchards are factors that could affect pathogen profile. We discuss the limitations and benefits of our methodology and experimental design to develop guidelines and prediction tools for fungal wood canker diseases in California orchards. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-05-21-1057-RE
INC Shares Highlights from Georgian Nuts 2022 Seminar
The seminar featured presentations by the USAID Agriculture Program, the Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association, the Almond and Walnut Growers Association, Agrigeorgia Ltd., Baraka Ltd., and the Georgian Hazelnuts Exporters and Processors Association. This was an excellent networking opportunity for all those involved in the hazelnut sector to learn from each other about advances in pest and disease management, harvest and drying management, and quality parameters, as well as pressing challenges like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, aflatoxins, and logistics.
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WMO Macadamia Product Standard Ratified
WMO was established in late 2020 to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of macadamias while stimulating growth, creating demand, and providing the long-term foundations for a strong, sustainable market. Current WMO members represent many of the largest macadamia-producing countries: South Africa, Australia, Kenya, Guatemala, Hawaii/USA, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
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Pesticides Update: June 2022
EU: Updated List of Active Substances Approved under (EC) NO 1107/2009
- For 68 of the active substances listed in Part A of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, applications for renewal were either not submitted or were submitted but withdrawn, with the consequence that the approval periods for these active substances have expired.
- Part B of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 lists active substances approved under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. For 7 of those active substances, applications for renewal were either not submitted three years before the expiry of their respective approvals or were submitted but withdrawn, with the consequence that the approval periods for these active substances have expired.
- All those substances that are no longer approved or deemed to have been approved following the expiry of an approval period listed for the substances concerned in either Part A or B of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011should be deleted from the Parts A and B, respectively, of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 for the sake of clarity and transparency.
USA: MRLs for Fluopicolide
| Commodity | MRLs |
| Peanut | 0.03 ppm |
| Peanut, hay | 0.7 ppm |
Effective since May 23, 2022. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before July 22, 2022.
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Food Safety Update: June 2022
China: Import Regulations and Standards
According to the report, in 2021 China released numerous regulations and standards, including the revised Administrative Measures on Import and Export Food Safety, revised regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food, regulations overseeing variety registration of major crops and the safety assessment of agriculture GMOs, and the full text of the National Food Safety Standard of Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food (GB 2763-2021).
Peanuts and tree nuts are included among these regulations, such as in the National Food Safety Standard – Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Food.
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EU: Recommendation on Monitoring the Presence of Alternaria Toxins in Food
These studies extend the information assessed by the CONTAM Panel in its 2015 Opinion and support its conclusions. That Opinion applied the margin of exposure (MOE) approach, as recommended in the EFSA Guidance for substances that are both genotoxic and carcinogenic, for risk characterization of the neoplastic effects of AA. Based on the new data evaluated, the MOE approach is still considered appropriate, and an update of the 2015 Opinion is not required.
For this reason, the European Commission has recommended that a monitoring of Alternaria toxins, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether and tenuazonic acid in foods, particularly in nuts and dried figs, among other products, should be carried out by food business operators.
| Food | Tenuazonic acid (TeA) (μg/kg) |
| Tree nuts | 100 |
| Dried figs | 1000 |
EU: EFSA Technical Report on the Placing of Pili Nuts on the EU Market
The TF is proposed to be marketed in the European Union as such, dried and with shells that must be removed before consumption. EFSA considers that the available data on composition and history of use of the TF do not raise safety concerns. Considering the available data, EFSA does not raise safety objections to the placing on the market of the nuts of Canarium ovatum Engl. within the EU.
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EU: Draft Regulation to Prevent Anoplophora Chinensis
Products covered: Plants for planting, that have a stem or root collar diameter of 1 cm or more at their thickest point, of Acer spp., Aesculus hippocastanum, Alnus spp., Betula spp., Carpinus spp., Citrus spp., Cornus spp., Corylus spp., Cotoneaster spp., Crataegus spp., Fagus spp., Lagerstroemia spp., Malus spp., Melia spp., Ostrya spp., Photinia spp., Platanus spp., Populus spp., Prunus laurocerasus, Pyrus spp., Rosa spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp. and Vaccinium corymbosum.
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UK: Proposed Changes to Import Checks
Commodities removed from controls:
| Commodity | Country | Hazard | Risk Management recommendation |
| Dried grapes (Food) 0806 20 | Turkey | Ochratoxin A | Annex I - Delist |
| Pistachios (Food and Feed) 0802 51 00, 0802 52 00 ex 2008 19 13, ex 2008 19 93 | USA | Aflatoxins | Annex I - Delist |
Commodities subject to reduced checks:
| Commodity | Country | Hazard | Risk Management recommendation |
| Groundnuts (Food and Feed) 1202 41 00, 1202 42 00, 2008 11 10, 2008 11 91; 2008 11 96; 2008 11 98, 2305 00 00, ex 1208 90 00 20 | Brazil | Aflatoxins | Move from Annex II to Annex I at 10% identity and physical checks |
| Groundnuts (Food and Feed) 1202 41 00, 1202 42 00, 2008 11 10, 2008 11 91; 2008 11 96; 2008 11 98, 2305 00 00, ex 1208 90 00 20 | China | Aflatoxins | Move from Annex II to Annex I -decrease from 20% to 10% identity and physical checks |
| Hazelnuts (Food and Feed) 0802 21 00, 0802 22 00, ex 0813 50 39 70, ex 0813 50 91 70, ex 0813 50 99 70, ex 2007 10 10 70, ex 2007 10 99 40, ex 2007 99 39 05;06, ex 2007 99 50 33, ex 2007 99 97 23, ex 2008 19 12 15, ex 2008 97 14 15, ex 2008 97 16 15, ex 2008 97 18 15, ex 2008 97 32 15, ex 2008 97 34 15, ex 2008 97 36 15, ex 2008 97 38 15, ex 2008 97 51 15, ex 2008 97 59 15, ex 2008 97 72 15, ex 2008 97 74 15, ex 2008 97 76 15, ex 2008 97 78 15, ex 2008 97 92 15, ex 2008 97 93 15, ex 2008 97 94 15, ex 2008 97 96 15, ex 2008 97 97 15, ex 2008 97 98 15, ex 2008 19 12 30, ex 2008 19 19 30, ex 2008 19 92 30, ex 2008 19 95 20, ex 2008 19 99 30, ex 1106 30 90 40, ex 1515 90 99 20 | Turkey | Aflatoxins | Move from Annex II to Annex I at 5% identity and physical checks |
Commodities subject to increased enhanced controls:
| Commodity | Country | Hazard | Risk Management recommendation |
| Groundnuts (Food and Feed) 1202 41 00, 1202 42 00, 2008 11 10, 2008 11 91, 2008 11 96, 2008 11 98, 2305 00 00, ex 1208 90 00 20 | India | Aflatoxins | Annex II - Increase from 10% to 50% identity and physical checks |
| Groundnuts (Food and Feed) 1202 41 00, 1202 42 00 2008 11 10, 2008 11 91 2008 11 96, 2008 11 98 ex 1208 90 00 20, 2305 00 00 | USA | Aflatoxins | Annex I -Increase from 10% to 20% identity and physical checks |
| Commodity | Country | Hazard | Risk Management recommendation |
|
Groundnuts (Food and Feed)
1202 41 00, 1202 42 00, 2008 11 10, 2008 11 91; 2008 11 96; 2008 11 98, 2305 00 00, ex 1208 90 00 20
|
Brazil | Pesticide residues | Add to Annex I at 20% identity and physical checks |
Deadline for FSA comment period is July 7 while the FSS call for input ends on June 29. It is open to food and feed businesses, local and port health authorities, and other stakeholders with an interest in food safety.
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Tanzania: Raw Walnut Kernels Specifications
This Standard specifies requirements, methods of sampling and testing for raw walnut kernels obtained from walnut tree (Juglans regia L.) intended for human consumption or to be used in the food industry. It lays down specifications aiming at ensuring the safety and quality of raw walnut kernels produced or traded in and outside Tanzania for human consumption.
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Latest Trade News and Agreements: June 2022
Chile-Ecuador: Integration Agreement Enters into Force
The chapters include the creation of bilateral commissions that will be responsible for the implementation and follow-up of what is included in this new Trade Agreement, which will fully replace the Chile-Ecuador Economic Complementarity Agreement ACE 65.
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China: FAIRS Export Certificates
List of Export Certificates required by China regarding nuts and dried fruits products:
| Product | Certification | Attestation Required | Purpose | Requesting Ministry |
| All Agricultural and Food products | Quarantine Inspection Permit (QIP) | Information regarding the content, volume, and physical characteristics of the shipment | General Import Certificate | GACC |
| Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Forest Products, and Tree Nuts | Phytosanitary Certificate APHIS PPQ Form 577 | Varies by product. Certifies product is free of quarantine pests | Plant Health | GACC |
| Certificate of Origin | Varies by product. A State Chamber of Commerce or other official body certifies origin from China-approved locations | Product Origin | GACC |
EU-Andean FTA: Public Consultation on GIS from Ecuador
| Name | Short Description |
| Maní de Transkutukú | Peanut |
The Commission invites any Member State or third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest, resident or established in a Member State or in a third country, to submit oppositions to such protection by lodging a duly substantiated statement.
Deadline for statements of opposition is July 7, 2022.
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EU: Monitoring Agri-Food Trade
EU agri-food trade (exports plus imports) reached a value of €28.3 billion; +25% compared to last year in January, but also +16% compared to the 3-year average. EU exports reached €15.8 billion, +16% compared to last year. EU imports stood up at €12.5 billion, +38% compared to January 2021. These trade flows are rather high when compared to pre-COVID levels: +11% for exports and +22% for exports compared to the 3-year average.
Agri-food trade balance (million euros):
| Product/period | Exports Jan 2022 | Imports Jan 2022 | Trade balance Jan 2022 |
| Preparations of fruits, nut and vegetables | 696 | 505 | 191 |
EU: New Initiative for Organic Food
EU imports organic products only from a list of authorized control authorities/control bodies and third countries. The purpose of this legal amendment is to carry out certain corrections on this list.
The draft is not yet available. The adoption by the Commission is planned for the third quarter 2022.
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Ukraine-UK Sign Agreement on Abolition of Import Duties and Tariff Quotas
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South Africa-USA: Agricultural Economic Fact Sheet
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