Article
Food Science & Technology
Zakaria Ait Lhaj, Rahma Bchitou, Fatima Gaboun, Rabha Abdelwahd, Tarik Benabdelouahab, Mohammed Rachid Kabbour, Paul Pare, Ghizlane Diria, Khadija Bakhy
Summary: The strawberry tree, grown in the Mediterranean region, produces edible fruit used for making jams, marmalades, and alcoholic beverages. Analysis of the wild fruits showed that they are rich in carbohydrates, total sugars, and dietary fiber, as well as containing health-promoting components and important minerals. The fruit of the Arbutus unedo tree is a promising alternative fruit source due to its nutritional value.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ricardo Pereira, Isabela Anjos, Joao Reis, Carolina Dias, Jose Leitao
Summary: The strawberry tree is a main component of the Mediterranean flora and has been used in traditional medicine. It is also a fruit used to produce preserves and liquors. Recently, a breeding program for the strawberry tree was established, and genetic variability and relationships among 50 selected accessions were studied using next-generation sequencing and molecular markers.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Diego Morales
Summary: Arbutus unedo, commonly known as 'strawberry tree' (ST), is a Mediterranean native plant with potential health benefits due to its bioactive compounds. Although in vitro studies have shown the potential of ST fractions, further research is needed to obtain in vivo evidence and evaluate additional activities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Joao Martins, Pierre Petriacq, Amelie Flandin, Aurelio Gomez-Cadenas, Pedro Monteiro, Gloria Pinto, Jorge Canhoto
Summary: The strawberry tree, a resilient species with a wide distribution in the Mediterranean region, has been found to have varying drought tolerance based on genotype. Metabolomics analysis showed significant differences in metabolic features between plants with high and low drought tolerance. These findings suggest that genotype selection is crucial for breeding drought-resistant plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Anica Bebek Markovinovic, Sanja Milosevic, Nemanja Teslic, Branimir Pavlic, Predrag Putnik, Irena Brcic Karaconji, Karlo Jurica, Dario Lasic, Danijela Bursac Kovacevic
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a green extraction approach using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to obtain high yield of bioactive compounds from strawberry tree fruits. Different extraction solvents, temperatures, static extraction times, and number of cycles were investigated. The results showed that all bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity were significantly affected by solvent type, temperature, static extraction time, and number of cycles. The optimal PLE parameters were 120 degrees C temperature, 10 min static extraction time, and 2 cycles. Most bioactive compounds were best extracted using 96% ethanol as solvent, except for total phenolic contents, which were better extracted using 50% ethanol.
Article
Agronomy
Melekber Sulusoglu Durul, Serdar Memis
Summary: The strawberry tree plays an important role in the lives of rural inhabitants and has potential for developing improved fruit. This study investigates the in vitro propagation potential of selected Arbutus unedo genotypes, finding that different treatments have significant effects on growth and reproduction.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anica Bebek Markovinovic, Dora Brdar, Predrag Putnik, Tomislav Bosiljkov, Ksenija Durgo, Ana Hudek Turkovic, Irena Brcickaraconji, Karlo Jurica, Branimir Pavlic, Daniel Granato, Danijela Bursac Kovacevic
Summary: This study investigates the use of Arbutus unedo L. fruits for the production of functional foods through three-dimensional printing (3DP). The fruits are found to be a good source of bioactive compounds and antioxidants, with antimicrobial properties. Different printing parameters significantly affect the properties of the 3DP products.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joao Martins, Sandra Correia, Gloria Pinto, Jorge Canhoto
Summary: Somatic embryogenesis was induced in leaves of micropropagated shoots established from selected adult trees. Induction is genotype dependent and higher induction rates (94.5 %) were achieved with 2 mg L-1 BAP and 2 mg L-1 NAA.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Joao Martins, Paula Verissimo, Jorge Canhoto
Summary: The study focused on characterizing the fungi microbiome of the strawberry tree to develop biological control strategies in orchards. A Trichoderma atroviride strain showed antagonism against various phytopathogens, particularly effective against Phytophthora cinnamomi. Enzymatic assays revealed the production of enzymes by T. atroviride, contributing to its biological control ability, including protection of strawberry tree plants against P. cinnamomi.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eva Tejedor-Calvo, Diego Morales
Summary: Our research aimed to characterize the chemical, nutritional, microbial, and aromatic profiles of kombucha beverages prepared with strawberry tree fruits fermented with three different SCOBYs. The results showed similar levels of microbiological groups among the SCOBYs used and a decrease in pH value, carbohydrate content, and protein degradation during fermentation. The increase in total phenolic compounds during the first week and the presence of 20 volatile organic compounds gave the beverages different sensory qualities depending on the SCOBY used. Strawberry tree kombucha may be an alternative beverage with notable nutritional and aromatic properties, influenced by fermentation time and SCOBY composition.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Irena Brcic Karaconji, Karlo Jurica, Uros Gasic, Aleksandra Dramicanin, Zivoslav Tesic, Dusanka Milojkovic Opsenica
Summary: This study compared the phenolic profiles, total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity of strawberry tree leaves and fruits collected in two locations in Croatia. The results showed that both leaves and fruits contained a wide range of phenolic compounds and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, indicating the potential health-promoting properties of the strawberry tree.
Article
Neurosciences
Zakaria Ait Lhaj, Hind Ibork, Sara El Idrissi, Farida Ait Lhaj, Mansour Sobeh, Wael M. Y. Mohamed, Meryem Alamy, Khalid Taghzouti, Oualid Abboussi
Summary: This study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Arbutus unedo L. aqueous extract against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity and highlighted the need for further clinical exploration of its applicability in mitigating neurotoxin-induced brain damage.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Anica Bebek Markovinovic, Irena Brcic Karaconji, Karlo Jurica, Dario Lasic, Martina Skendrovic Babojelic, Boris Duralija, Jana Sic Zlabur, Predrag Putnik, Danijela Bursac Kovacevic
Summary: The strawberry tree is a Mediterranean plant with medicinal properties, commonly used in folk medicine for various health issues. The fruits are used for food production, while the leaves are used for tea. With its rich polyphenolic profile and biological potential, it has great prospects for the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Article
Food Science & Technology
M. Margarida Baleiras-Couto, Ilda Caldeira, Filomena Gomes, Goreti Botelho, Filomena L. Duarte
Summary: This study investigated the fermentation of Arbutus unedo L. fruit harvested by two producers from the central region of Portugal in October and December 2019. The microbiota analysis revealed a diverse population of indigenous yeasts, with S. cerevisiae isolates grouped into eight clusters associated with each producer. Multivariate analysis of the physical-chemical and volatile composition of the distillates showed distinct differences between the products of the two producers, which were further supported by similarities in flavor.
Article
Horticulture
Mario Pedro Marques, Daniel Martin, Maurice Bosch, Joao Martins, Ajaya K. Biswal, Monica Zuzarte, Luis Batista de Carvalho, Jorge Canhoto, Ricardo da Costa
Summary: This study characterized the cell wall of Arbutus unedo, a Mediterranean shrub or tree, for the first time and found significant changes in composition during fruit ripening. The findings have important implications for understanding the ripening process of other Ericaceae fruits and berries.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Claude Bragard, Paula Baptista, Elisavet Chatzivassiliou, Francesco Di Serio, Paolo Gonthier, Josep Anton Jaques Miret, Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Christer Sven Magnusson, Panagiotis Milonas, Juan A. Navas-Cortes, Stephen Parnell, Roel Potting, Philippe Lucien Reignault, Emilio Stefani, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Wopke Van der Werf, Antonio Vicent Civera, Jonathan Yuen, Lucia Zappala, Jean-Claude Gregoire, Chris Malumphy, Virag Kertesz, Andrea Maiorano, Alan MacLeod
Summary: The study evaluates the potential economic impact of the Japanese grape leafhopper on grape cultivation in the EU. It suggests that although the EU has implemented measures to control the spread of this pest, there are still other potential pathways for its introduction.
Article
Entomology
Luisa Taranto, Isabel Rodrigues, Sonia Santos, Maria Villa, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape surrounding vineyards in Portugal and found that intermediate levels of habitat fragmentation favored beetle biodiversity in wine-producing regions.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Marta Madureira, Isabel Rodrigues, Maria Villa, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: The intensification of urban and agricultural use is causing biodiversity loss and a decrease in ecosystem services provided by insects. This study focuses on the Syrphidae community in Portuguese vineyards and examines how the surrounding landscape affects two species of syrphids. The presence of seminatural habitats and other crops was found to increase syrphid abundance, while artificial territories, olive orchards, and vineyards had a negative impact on one of the species.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nuno Rodrigues, Fatima Peres, Susana Casal, Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart, Filomena Barreiro, Antonio M. Peres, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: Olive oils from different regions in Portugal were analyzed to study the effect of geographical origin on their composition. The results showed that the geographical origin significantly influenced the chemical composition and stability of the oils. Principal component analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to establish markers and a discriminant model for identifying the origin of the oils.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Leticia Silva, Francisco Rodriguez-Sedano, Paula Baptista, Joao Paulo Coelho
Summary: This article presents the results of a systematic literature review on the application of digital twins in precision agriculture, focusing on the use of digital twins in predictive control for improving soil quality. A comprehensive search of scientific literature was conducted on five different databases, resulting in a total of 158 articles. After screening, only 11 articles were found to be relevant. These articles were then categorized using systematic review and meta-analysis methods. The main conclusions drawn from the results are that the use of digital twins in agriculture is rising slowly compared to industrial processes, and there are no published papers on the use of digital twins for improving soil quality within a model predictive control context during the time frame of this study.
Article
Entomology
Isabel Rodrigues, Paula Baptista, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: In this study, the species composition, richness, and diversity of the Cicadomorpha community were investigated in different agroecosystems in Northern Portugal over two consecutive years. The results showed that vineyards had the highest abundance, richness, and diversity of Cicadomorpha. There were significant differences in these parameters between different agroecosystems and sampling periods. Further research on how vegetation composition shapes the Cicadomorpha community is essential for implementing strategies to reduce the spread of insect-borne pathogens.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Teresa Gomes, Jose Alberto Pereira, Jordi Moya-Larano, Jorge Poveda, Teresa Lino-Neto, Paula Baptista
Summary: Plant-associated microorganisms play important roles in host health by promoting the production of specific metabolites. However, our understanding of these mechanisms in plant-microorganism interaction is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between olive leaf spot disease incidence and the composition of fungal and secondary metabolites in leaves from olive tree cultivars with different susceptibilities. The results revealed that disease development is linked to leaf fungal and metabolite composition, as well as host genotype. Certain metabolites and fungi were identified as biomarkers of plant tolerance/susceptibility to the disease.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filipe Lema, Paula Baptista, Cristina Oliveira, Elsa Ramalhosa
Summary: The findings of this review study are of great importance for European chestnut producers. The causal agent of brown rot causes economic losses and increases waste production. The development and improvement of techniques for chestnut tree production, preservation, and disease/pest control is crucial to ensure the quality of this valuable fruit.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Isabel Rodrigues, Maria Teresa Rebelo, Paula Baptista, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: This study investigated the species composition and diversity of Cicadomorpha insects in Portuguese vineyards, focusing on potential vectors of X. fastidiosa. Two confirmed vectors and three potential vectors were identified. The results also showed a positive correlation between the population of Cicadomorpha and inter-row vegetation in the vineyards.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Claude Bragard, Paula Baptista, Elisavet Chatzivassiliou, Francesco Di Serio, Paolo Gonthier, Josep Anton Jaques Miret, Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Christer Sven Magnusson, Panagiotis Milonas, Juan A. Navas-Cortes, Stephen Parnell, Roel Potting, Philippe Lucien Reignault, Emilio Stefani, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Wopke Van der Werf, Antonio Vicent Civera, Jonathan Yuen, Lucia Zappala, Jean-Claude Gregoire, Chris Malumphy, Virag Kertesz, Andrea Maiorano, Alan Macleod
Summary: The EFSA Panel on Plant Health evaluated the pest categorisation of Didesmococcus unifasciatus and its potential entry into the EU. It is a pest that feeds on important fruit trees and has the potential to establish and spread in southern EU regions. However, the presence of natural enemies and phytosanitary measures can reduce its impact.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Claude EFSA Panel on Plant Hlth PLH, Claude Bragard, Paula Baptista, Elisavet Chatzivassiliou, Francesco Di Serio, Paolo Gonthier, Josep Anton Miret, Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Alan Macleod, Christer Sven Magnusson, Juan A. Navas-Cortes, Stephen Parnell, Roel Potting, Philippe Lucien Reignault, Emilio Stefani, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Antonio Vicent Civera, Wopke van der Werf, Jonathan Yuen, Lucia Zappala, Andrew Paul Gutierrez, Antoon Loomans, Luigi Ponti, Matteo Crotta, Andrea Maiorano, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Eugenio Rossi, Giuseppe Stancanelli, Panagiotis Milonas
Summary: This study conducted a quantitative pest risk assessment to evaluate the potential pathway for the introduction of Thaumatotibia leucotreta into the EU through the import of cut roses. The assessment considered the survival and emergence of the pest from wastes in climatically suitable regions. The findings suggest that cut roses serve as a pathway for the introduction of T. leucotreta, and identified the suitable coastal areas for its establishment in the EU.
Article
Environmental Studies
Renecleide Santos, Felicia Fonseca, Paula Baptista, Antonio Paz-Gonzalez, Tomas de Figueiredo
Summary: This field experimental study aimed to quantify the erosion control performance of improved soil management as compared to conventional soil management in olive groves. The results showed that the use of no-tillage and adventitious species ground cover effectively reduced soil loss. No-tillage proved to be more efficient and less risky in improving erosion control compared to sowing herbaceous vegetation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sofia Silva, Helgeneusa da Costa, Teresa Lopes, Vitor Ramos, Nuno Rodrigues, Jose Alberto Pereira, Teresa Lino-Neto, Paula Baptista
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of the endophyte Penicillium commune to protect olive trees against Colletotrichum nymphaeae by inducing plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results showed that Penicillium commune induced the release of VOCs, which significantly reduced the growth and sporulation of C. nymphaeae. This provides new possibilities for controlling olive anthracnose using P. commune and/or volatiles.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)