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Fraise mowing is a maintenance practice that may serve as a non-chemical means of controlling the problematic weed annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) given reports of efficacy on other turfgrass species. However, an understanding of practitioner decision-making in implementing fraise mowing as a weed-control measure remains unknown. A field study was conducted in Knoxville, TN and repeated in space in Jay, FL during summer 2019 to assess bermudagrass regrowth and subsequent annual bluegrass control, following fraise mowing at depths of 1.5 and 3.0 cm compared to a non-treated check (0 cm). Bermudagrass recovered more quickly at the 1.5 cm depth than the 3.0 cm depth and was the swiftest in Florida. Fraise mowing at either depth resulted in a 41–97% reduction in annual bluegrass populations. A qualitative study was conducted in spring 2021, which engaged eight turfgrass managers from Tennessee and Florida via individual interviews in order to understand barriers and challenges to fraise mowing application. Turfgrass managers had positive views of fraise mowing but described challenges in implementation for weed control including cost, labor, area closure, and debris removal.

Continued reliance on chemical methods for controlling annual bluegrass has resulted in many populations evolving resistance to PRE and POST herbicides, particularly in warm-season turfgrass species such as zoysiagrass. Soil seedbank management is critically important when managing herbicide-resistant weeds. Fraise mowing (also spelled fraze, frase, and fraize) is a new turfgrass cultivation practice designed to remove aboveground biomass while allowing turf to regrow vegetatively. We hypothesized that this process would remove annual bluegrass seed and therefore be a mechanical means of controlling annual bluegrass in turfgrass. Zoysiagrass field plots were fraise-mowed in June 2015 only, June 2016 only, June 2015 and June 2016, or left untreated. The fraise mower was configured to remove the uppermost 25 mm of plot surface (i.e., 15-mm verdure and 10-mm soil). Annual bluegrass infestation was quantified in April following fraise mowing via grid count. Soil cores (10.8 cm diameter) were extracted from each plot after grid count data were collected to assess effects of fraise mowing on the soil seedbank. Moreover, replicated subsamples (7.6 L) of debris generated during fraise mowing were collected to better understand weed seed content removed during the fraise mowing process. Fraise mowing in June offered a slight reduction (24%) in annual bluegrass cover the following April. Whereas 28% of the seed in fraise-mowing debris consisted of annual bluegrass, there was no difference in the quantity of annual bluegrass seed remaining in the soil seedbank among fraise-mowed and non–fraise-mowed plots. Although fraise mowing may help to temporarily reduce existing annual bluegrass infestations via mechanical removal, the frequency and depth we studied did not effectively reduce the seedbank. Fraise mowing is a useful tool for providing mechanical suppression of annual bluegrass but it is not a replacement for properly timed herbicide applications. Nomenclature: Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.); zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.)

Fruit flavor is a result of a complex mixture of numerous compounds. The formation of these compounds is closely correlated with the metabolic changes occurring during fruit maturation. Here, we describe the use of DNA microarrays and appropriate statistical analyses to dissect a complex developmental process. In doing so, we have identified a novel strawberry alcohol acyltransferase (SAAT) gene that plays a crucial role in flavor biogenesis in ripening fruit. Volatile esters are quantitatively and qualitatively the most important compounds providing fruity odors. Biochemical evidence for involvement of the SAAT gene in formation of fruity esters is provided by characterizing the recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli. The SAAT enzyme showed maximum activity with aliphatic medium-chain alcohols, whose corresponding esters are major components of strawberry volatiles. The enzyme was capable of utilizing short- and medium-chain, branched, and aromatic acyl-CoA molecules as cosubstrates. The results suggest that the formation of volatile esters in fruit is subject to the availability of acyl-CoA molecules and alcohol substrates and is dictated by the temporal expression pattern of the SAAT gene(s) and substrate specificity of the SAAT enzyme(s).

The total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), free radical scavenging ability expressed as DPPH value, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were determined in water extracts of leaves from Rosaceae family plants (Fragaria vesca, Rubus fructicosus, and Rubus idaeus). The antioxidant capacities of the extracts (in the order of the above mentioned methods) were 73.6-88.9%, 60.1-71.4%, 49.7-78.0%, and 45.3-66.5%, respectively, of the antioxidant capacity of green tea water extract. Further, the presence of 15 compounds (gallic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin-3-d-glucoside, ascorbic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, epicatechingallate, epigallocatechin, procyanidin B1) was studied by HPLC-ECD and their antioxidant capacities were compared to the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Out of the compounds studied, mostly (+)-catechin, ellagic acid, and (-)-epicatechin participated in the antioxidant capacities of the studied plant leaves water extracts. The antioxidant capacity of leaves infusions (determined by DPPH method) was lower than those of red wines and tea infusions, but comparable to the antioxidant capacities of white wines and fruit beverages.

Introduction. Consumer interest in organic fruit is increasing based on the assumption that these products are healthier, despite a lack of conclusive evidence. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a rich source of antioxidants and an important fruit in the human diet. Materials and methods. The configuration of strawberry fruit quality was analyzed in a factorial approach accounting for the effects of the farming system and postharvest frozen storage. The strawberry cultivars ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Ventana’ grown under organic and conventional farming management were stored postharvest at −40 °C for 6 months. Fruits obtained under the two farming systems were analyzed fresh after harvest and thawed after frozen storage. Fruit quality was evaluated in terms of physical, chemical and phytochemical properties. Results and discussion. The surface lightness, firmness, lipophilic antioxidant activity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and ellagic acid contents were significantly higher at harvest than after thawing. Frozen storage increased only hydrophilic antioxidant activity, leaving reducing sugars and total phenols without significant alterations. The color of organic fruits in both cultivars was brighter and more vivid (higher L* and C* values). Farming management did not affect the reducing sugars and ascorbic acid contents for the ‘Sabrina’ (4.6% and 55.5 mg 100 g-1 FW, respectively) or ‘Ventana’ (4.0% and 31.2 mg 100 g-1 FW, respectively) cultivars. The organic ‘Ventana’ strawberry had higher soluble solid content and hydrophilic antioxidant activity, whereas an opposite trend was observed in total phenols and ellagic acid contents for ‘Ventana’ and ‘Sabrina’, respectively. Conclusion. The quality of strawberries, in particular the bioactive compounds, varied according to the farming system and postharvest frozen storage. The cultivation factors, including the farming management and cultivar, may significantly interact to affect quality attributes of strawberry fruit. Introduction. L’intérêt des consommateurs pour les fruits issus d’agriculture biologique repose de plus en plus sur l’hypothèse selon laquelle ces produits sont meilleurs pour la santé, malgré l’absence de preuves concluantes. La fraise (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) est une source abondante d’antioxydants tout en étant un fruit courant en alimentation humaine. Matériel et méthodes. Les composantes de la qualité de la fraise ont été analysées selon une approche factorielle prenant en compte des effets du système de culture et de stockage post-récolte par congélation. Les fruits des cultivars de fraisiers ‘Sabrina’ et ‘Ventana’ cultivés en conduite soit biologique soit conventionnelle, ont été stockés à −40 °C après la récolte. Les fruits obtenus selon les deux systèmes de culture ont été analysés frais après la récolte et décongelés après 6 mois stockage. La qualité des fruits a été évaluée en termes de propriétés phytochimiques physiques, chimiques, etc. Résultats et discussion. La douceur de surface, la fermeté du fruit, l’activité anti-oxydante lipophile, les solides solubles, les teneurs en acide ascorbique et en acide ellagique étaient significativement plus élevées à la récolte qu’à la décongélation. La congélation a seulement contribué à augmenter l’activité anti-oxydante hydrophile, laissant les teneurs en sucres réducteurs et en phénols totaux sans modifications importantes. Dans le cas des deux cultivars, la couleur des fruits issus d’agriculture biologique était plus lumineuse et plus vive (valeurs de L* et de C* supérieures). La gestion biologique de la production n’a pas affecté les teneurs en sucres réducteurs ni en acide ascorbique des cultivars ‘Sabrina’ (4.6 % et 55,5 mg 100 g-1 FW, respectivement) et ‘Ventana’ (4,0 % et 31,2 mg 100 g-1 FW, resp.). La fraise bio ‘Ventana’ avait un contenu supérieur en solides solubles et une activité anti-oxydante hydrophile plus forte, tandis que la tendance inverse était observée sur les teneurs en phénols totaux et en acide ellagique pour ‘Ventana’ et ‘Sabrina’, resp. Conclusion. La qualité des fraises et en particulier les composés bioactifs peuvent varier selon le système de culture et le mode de gestion post-récolte. Les facteurs culturaux, y compris la gestion du système d’exploitation et le choix du cultivar, peuvent interagir de façon significative pour affecter les attributs de qualité des fraises.

Introduction. Anthracnose disease causes severe economic losses in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) production. Plant response to the pathogen attack is closely linked to its content and composition of polyphenols. In order to reduce the damage caused by pathogens, organic and inorganic fungicides are applied. The aim was to determine the influence of selected fungicides on various metabolites in strawberry fruit. Materials and methods. The efficiency of potassium bicarbonate (PBC) and acetic acid (AA) was compared with the control and a fungicide treatment in the strawberry cv. Elsanta. To examine the possible effects of these fungicides, artificial inoculation was performed in all treatments except for the control. The percentage of infected fruits and the content of selected primary and secondary metabolites in non-infected and infected fruits were determined. Results and discussion. Both analyzed inorganic fungicides proved effective against anthracnose. AA treated fruits were the least infected (only 4%), followed by PBC, fungicide and control. The highest percentage (9.26%) of infected fruits was determined following artificial infection treatment. Total sugar content decreased for 32% in infected control and AA treated fruits. PBC treatment exhibited a positive effect on the organic acid content in comparison with other treatments. The content of phenolic compounds was higher in PBC treated fruits and did not change significantly after infection. Infection increased the total flavonol content of the fruit. Conclusion. The use of PBC and AA potentially present a prospective protection in the strawberry orchards especially for controlling anthracnose in organic fruit crops. Introduction. L’anthracnose provoque des pertes économiques importantes en production de fraises (Fragaria × ananassa). La réponse de la plante à l’attaque des agents pathogènes est étroitement liée à sa teneur et à sa composition en polyphénols. Pour réduire les dommages causés par les agents pathogènes, des fongicides organiques et inorganiques sont appliqués. Nous avons cherché à déterminer l’influence de ces fongicides sur certains métabolites présents dans la fraise. Matériel et méthodes. L’efficacité du bicarbonate de potassium (PBC) et de l’acide acétique (AA) a été comparée à celle du contrôle et d’un traitement fongicide sur le cultivar Elsanta. En vue d’examiner les effets potentiels de ces fongicides, une inoculation artificielle a été réalisée pour tous les traitements sauf pour le contrôle. Le pourcentage de fruits infectés, ainsi que le contenu en certains métabolites primaires et secondaires contenus dans les fruits non infectés et infectés ont été déterminés. Résultats et discussion. Les deux fongicides inorganiques étudiés se sont révélés efficaces contre l’anthracnose. Les fruits traités à l’AA ont été les moins infectés (seulement 4 %), suivis par ceux traités au PBC, au fongicide et ceux du contrôle. Le pourcentage le plus élevé (9,26 %) de fruits infectés a été obtenu suite à une inoculation artificielle. La teneur en sucres totaux a diminué de 32 % dans les fruits du contrôle infecté et ceux traités à l’AA. Le traitement au PBC a montré un effet positif sur la teneur en acides organiques en comparaison avec les autres traitements. La teneur en composés phénoliques a été plus élevée dans les fruits traités au PBC et n’a pas changé de manière significative après infection. L’infection a augmenté la teneur des fruits en flavonols totaux. Conclusion. L’utilisation du PBC et de l’AA présente une protection potentielle des vergers de fraisiers, en particulier dans la perspective du contrôle de l’anthracnose en culture biologique.

Introduction. Many consumers buy organic foods because of their alleged greater nutritional benefits. However, studies investigating the effect of the agricultural farming system on minerals and toxic elements content are scarce. This study compared the content of minerals (P, Ca, Mg, Na and K) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Se, Zn, Mo, Ni, Cd and Al) of four organically and conventionally grown fruits in Brazil. Materials and methods. Mango (Mangifera indica L., var. Palmer), persimmon (Diospyros kaki L., var. Rama Forte), acerola (Malpighia punicifolia L., var. Olivier) and strawberry (Fragaria vesca L., var. Oso Grande) were produced by organic and conventional farming in the same geographic region, under the same climatic conditions and same type of soil. Mineral analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results and discussion. Organic mango contained higher amounts of Mg and K, and Cr content was higher in conventionally grown mangos. Organic persimmon contained higher amounts of Cu and Zn, and Mg, P, Na, and K concentration was higher in conventional persimmon. Conventionally grown acerola contained higher amounts of Ca, Fe, Mn, Mo, Al, and Ni than the organic acerola. The concentrations of Mo and Al were higher in organic strawberry when compared to conventional strawberry. Conclusion. Organic farming did not result in a clear superiority of the mineral quality of fruit nor did it provide fruit free of toxic elements. Introduction. Nombreux sont les consommateurs qui achètent des aliments biologiques en raison des allégations sur leurs bénéfices nutritionnels présumés. Cependant, les études portant sur l’effet du système de culture sur le contenu en minéraux et éléments toxiques sont rares. Notre étude a comparé la composition en minéraux (P, Ca, Mg, Na et K) et oligoéléments (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Se, Zn, Mo, Ni, Cd et Al) de quatre fruits produits au Brésil à partir d’agriculture biologique et conventionnelle. Matériel et méthodes. Mangues (Mangifera indica L., var. Palmer), kakis (Diospyros kaki L., var. Rama Fort), acerola (Malpighia punicifolia L., var. Olivier) et fraises (Fragaria vesca L., var. Oso Grande) ont été produits par culture biologique ou conventionnelle dans la même région géographique, dans les mêmes conditions climatiques et le même type de sol. L’analyse minérale a été conduite par spectrométrie d’émission atomique (ICP-AES). Résultats et discussion. Les mangues biologiques contenaient des quantités plus élevées de Mg et K et la teneur en Cr était plus forte pour les mangues conventionnelles. Les kakis biologiques contenaient des quantités plus importantes de Cu et Zn alors que les teneurs en Mg, P, Na et K étaient plus fortes pour les kakis conventionnels. L’acerola conventionnel contenait des quantités plus élevées de Ca, Fe, Mn, Mo, Al et Ni que l’acerola biologique. Les concentrations en Mo et Al étaient plus fortes dans les fraises biologiques que dans les fraises conventionnelles. Conclusion. Si le système de culture biologique n’a pas impliqué une nette supériorité de la qualité minérale des fruits, il n’a pas non plus fourni des fruits exempts d’éléments toxiques.

We evaluated the influence of different types of pectin on colour and textural properties of strawberry jams and low-calorie strawberry jams containing fructose and aspartame or fructose syrup and aspartame. The highest anthocyanin and total phenol concentrations were detected in strawberry jam samples prepared with low methoxy amidated pectin. After 4 and 6 weeks of storage at two storage temperatures, room temperature and 4 deg C, anthocyanin and total phenol concentrations decreased. Free radical scavenging activity also decreased during storage. The highest values of texture characteristics, namely firmness, consistency and cohesiveness, were found in strawberry jam samples prepared with high methoxyl pectin.

Les comédies de Gutiérrez Alea désirent renforcer Cuba et critiquer les éléments qui l’affaiblissent. Les premiers films comiques en noir et blanc s’attaquent aux restes de la culture prérévolutionnaire et se moquent de la femme par l’irrévérence de l’humour cubain.