Search Results (44)

The impact of five different nets—conventional black, grey, white, and photoselective red and yellow—on the performance of “Gala Redlum” apples was evaluated over a five-year period (2020–2024) and compared to an uncovered control. The cumulative production over this period, ranked from highest to lowest, was as follows: white net (182.4 t/ha), grey net (178.5 t/ha), yellow net (175.8 t/ha), black net (175.5 t/ha), red net (169.5 t/ha), and uncovered control (138.8 t/ha). Vegetative growth results were inconsistent among the studied years. The cumulative photosynthetic rate (An) was slightly higher under the white net (57.9 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Fv/Fm values remained closest to optimal levels under the black and grey nets. Netting effectively protected fruits from elevated temperatures, particularly under the grey net, and reduced sunburn damage, with the grey, black, and yellow nets performing best in this regard. Overall profitability was increased by netting: the black net provided the highest cumulative income per hectare over a five-year period (EUR 72,315) alongside the second-lowest sunburn loss (0.69%), while the yellow net also showed strong economic performance (€64,742) with a moderate sunburn loss (1.26%) compared to the red net. Fruit dry matter and soluble solids content (SSC) were generally higher in the uncovered control, whereas °Hue values tended to be higher under the red and yellow nets. In summary, the black and yellow nets provided more balanced microclimatic conditions that enhanced tree performance, particularly under heat stress, leading to improved yield and profitability. However, the economic feasibility of each net type should be evaluated in relation to its installation and maintenance costs. Full article

This study examined three innovative ‘light-converting films’ that convert green light (−23%) into red light (+8%; Red film), ultraviolet light (−80%) into blue light (+9%; Blue film), and green light (−5.7%) into red light (+4%; Pink film) but also ultraviolet light (−76%) into blue light (+5.6%; Pink film). These films were used for growing blueberry plants under cover under controlled tunnel conditions (27.3 ± 11.7 °C, 51.9 ± 21.6% RH). The use of Red film led to increases in the total plant biomass (+54.2%), and Red and Pink films enhanced the leaf thickness (+17.1% and +14.4%, respectively) as compared to the control (a transparent polyethylene film). No differences in the photosynthetic rate (P_n) were observed at the flowering stage, but a decrease (−25.9%) was observed in plants grown under the Pink film during the green fruit stage. The plants grown under Blue film boosted flower production, leading to +86.8% increase in the total yield. The Blue film improved the total phenolic content (+15.2%) in the fruit, and a +25.3% greater total antioxidant capacity was observed in fruit grown under Pink film. Freshly harvested blueberries were subjected to postharvest experiments (4 °C; in dark conditions; 90–95% RH). The results suggest the importance of Red film in enhancing plant biomass and Red and Blue films in improving fruit yield and maintaining nutraceutical postharvest quality in blueberry fruit. Full article

The use of photoselective nets has gained interest in highbush blueberry production systems in recent years. Although some work has been conducted on their effects on the growth and development of the fruit, the performance of fruit grown under those nets after harvest has not been addressed yet. Here we focus on the performance of fruit grown under photoselective nets (exclusion, red, yellow, black) during long cold storage for the first time. The experiment was performed in two different years, monitoring morphological parameters, as well as primary and secondary metabolites using HPLC-MS and GC-MS. Minimal differences between treatments were noticed in fruit color, firmness and total soluble solids contents (TSS). In terms of fruit metabolism, two different periods were described during storage, with an inflection point at 14 days; in the first period, an increase in sugar content and a decrease in volatile content was observed, while after that, we found the opposite behavior. Overall, fruit grown under red nets showed the highest retention of secondary metabolites and the highest sugar/organic ratio, probably associated with a higher antioxidant capacity promoted by an increased red light proportion during the growth season. On the other hand, yellow nets showed the least favorable storage performance, as the light quality did not significantly improve the metabolism. Full article

Phenolic compounds in apples provide significant health benefits, including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic profile and content in apples are influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and agricultural practices. Photoselective nets, which are designed to filter specific wavelengths of light, might impact fruit quality and phenolic content. This study aimed to assess the effects of photoselective nets on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of three different apple cultivars grown under the same edaphoclimatic conditions. Five nets were selected. Fruits grown under the nets were compared with unprotected fruits. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, and phenolic profiles were established by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). The results demonstrate a significant impact of the nets on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of apples. Different net colors had distinct effects on the accumulation of phenolic compounds, with some nets increasing flavonoid production and others reducing the levels of important phenolic acids. The gray and IRIDIUM^® Red nets enhanced the production of quercetin and its derivatives, while chlorogenic acid showed a general decline under net-covered conditions, indicating a possible dependence on direct sunlight. The responses were also cultivar-dependent, with Gala redlum apples showing the largest reductions in phenolic compounds when protected by nets. Antioxidant assays also confirmed that the nets influenced the antioxidant potential of apples in a cultivar-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the retention of bioactive compounds in fruits might be strategically managed by selecting appropriate net materials for specific cultivars. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the impact of Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MISTs) on Australian trends for surgeries treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) caused by benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). The recent adoption of the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and water vapour thermal therapy (such as Rezum) into the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) item schedule on the 1 March 2024 has likely had an impact on Australian surgical trends and we aim to describe their impact on the use of other commonly offered BPO-related surgeries. Methods: This study analyses population-adjusted rates of BPO-related surgeries in Australia from January 2004 to September 2024 using publicly available online Medicare Statistics and Census Data. Independent t-tests and significance levels were calculated to compare procedure rates before and after the introduction of PUL and Rezum in March 2024. Results: In total, 301,648 BPO surgical procedures were claimed under MBS in Australia from January 2004 to September 2024, with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) being the most common (78%). Procedure rates increased overall with significant shifts in treatment preference: TURP rates have steadily declined in Australia after peaking in 2009 (123.4 per 100,000 adult men), whilst photo-selective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) and enucleation have risen. Following the introduction of PUL and Rezum on 1 March 2024, enucleation and simple prostatectomy rates increased, while Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and urethral and prostatic prosthesis (UPP) decreased. TURP rates were unaffected. Conclusions: Throughout the past two decades, BPO surgical trends in Australia have shifted, with TURP declining as PVP and enucleation have risen. The 2024 MBS listing for PUL and Rezum has boosted their uptake whilst reducing both TUNA and UPP claims. Simple prostatectomy rates remained stable. Full article

The usage of photoselective anti-hail nets is a modern approach to protect crops from adverse climatic factors with additional beneficial effects on orchard performance. Therefore, this study explored the impact of photoselective nets (blue, red, pearl, and yellow net) and the black net on the microclimate, plant growth, yield, ripening time, and fruit quality attributes of the blueberry cultivar ‘Duke’. The Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density values were elevated under the pearl and yellow nets in both years studied. Average daily air temperatures did not differ between the nets in 2022, while a slight decrease was registered under the black net in 2023. The red net enhanced the average number of younger and total number of shoots per bush and also caused a notable increase in the fruit number and yield per bush, as well as fruit weight, compared to the other tested nets. The pearl net accelerated the onset of ripening in both years studied, while the blue and yellow net delayed ripening in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The blue net was distinguished by the increased blueness of fruit skin and total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, while individual sugar types and organic acids were more influenced by the season. The findings indicate that the red net performed the best in terms of most agronomic and biometrical fruit traits of the potted highbush blueberry cultivar ‘Duke’. Full article

The ubiquitous, evolutionarily oldest RNAs and proteins exclusively use rather rare zinc as transition metal cofactor and potassium as alkali metal cofactor, which implies their abundance in the habitats of the first organisms. Intriguingly, lunar rocks contain a hundred times less zinc and ten times less potassium than the Earth’s crust; the Moon is also depleted in other moderately volatile elements (MVEs). Current theories of impact formation of the Moon attribute this depletion to the MVEs still being in a gaseous state when the hot post-impact disk contracted and separated from the nascent Moon. The MVEs then fell out onto juvenile Earth’s protocrust; zinc, as the most volatile metal, precipitated last, just after potassium. According to our calculations, the top layer of the protocrust must have contained up to 10¹⁹ kg of metallic zinc, a powerful reductant. The venting of hot geothermal fluids through this MVE-fallout layer, rich in metallic zinc and radioactive potassium, both capable of reducing carbon dioxide and dinitrogen, must have yielded a plethora of organic molecules released with the geothermal vapor. In the pools of vapor condensate, the RNA-like molecules may have emerged through a pre-Darwinian selection for low-volatile, associative, mineral-affine, radiation-resistant, nitrogen-rich, and polymerizable molecules. Full article

The increasing use of photoselective nets (PNs) raises the question of their influence on pollen traits. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PNs (yellow, pearl, and grey) on the pollen of ‘Matua’ and ‘Tomuri’ Actinidia deliciosa cultivars. The pollen size and the exine were studied with a light microscopy and a scanning electron microscopy, and the fertility was analysed by a viability assay and in vitro germination. The total soluble proteins (TSPs) and sugars (TSSs) were quantified by colorimetric assays. The molecular structure of the pollen grain’s wall was analysed by a Raman spectroscopy. The pollen from the plants under the PNs had a larger width and area and a lower germination rate. No significant changes were observed in the exine’s microperforations. The TSP and TSS contents were influenced by the cultivar and PNs (particularly the pearl PN). The Raman spectra of the pollen from the plants grown under the nets presented some bands that significantly shifted from their original position, indicating differences in the vibration modes of the molecules, but no overall changes at their structural or organisation level were found. Our study showed that the PNs could influence several pollen traits, with the pearl PN inducing greater modifications. Our results also support the idea that cultivars affect the outcome of some characteristics. Full article

Background: The selection of suitable patients for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is a challenge in persons ≥75 years of age. Methods: After a systematic literature search of PubMed, 22 articles were included in this review. Clinical and functional parameters were evaluated statistically. Results: The mean age of the patients was ≥79 years. The mean duration of postoperative catheterization ranged between 2 (d) (ThuLEP, thulium laser enucleation of the prostate) and 4.4 days (TURP, transurethral resection of the prostate). Complication rates ranged between 6% (HoLAP, holmium laser ablation of the prostate) and 34% (PVP, photoselective vaporization of the prostate); the maximum rate of severe complications was 4% (TURP). The mean postoperative maximal urinary flow (Qmax) in mL/sec. ranged between 12.9 mL/sec. (HoLAP) and 19.8 mL/sec (Hol-TUIP, holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate). The mean quality of life (QoL) score fell from 4.7 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 0.7 (HoLEP), from 4.1 ± 0.4 to 1.9 ± 0.8 (PVP), from 5.1 ± 0.2 to 2.1 ± 0.2 (TURP), and from 4 to 1 (ThuVEP, thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) revealed a positive linear correlation between age and inferior functional outcome (higher postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) [r = 0.4175]), higher overall complication rates (r = 0.5432), and blood transfusions (r = 0.4474) across all surgical techniques. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides the summary estimates for perioperative and postoperative functional outcome and safety of endoscopic treatment options for BPO in patients ≥ 75 years of age. Of particular importance is that all surgical techniques significantly improve the postoperative quality of life of patients in this age group compared to their preoperative quality of life. Full article

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of differently colored low-density polyethylene mulching films (black, silver/brown, and yellow/brown) in comparison with bare soil (BS) on soil temperatures, yield and yield components (number of fruit and average fruit weight), and fruit quality traits (color, firmness, total soluble solids content, polyphenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity) of a ‘San Marzano’ tomato crop grown in Southern Italy over two years (2014 and 2015). The warmer season (2015) shortened the cropping cycle (124 vs. 178 days, 2015 vs. 2014), thereby accelerating fruit ripening and improving firmness and redness (on average, the color parameter a/b was greater than in 2014). It determined the best yield response (53 vs. 44 Mg ha⁻¹) by increasing the number of commercial fruits per unit land area despite the lower average fresh weight (AFW) than the first year. Regardless of the different plastic films, in both years, soil heat storage produced by mulching improved yield as compared to BS and showed a positive and significant effect on the contents of total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids without affecting the antioxidant activity. The highest values of quality traits were reached in the second year with silver and yellow mulches. Therefore, since the colored mulching films (yellow and silver) had a contradictory effect on yield and quality in the two years, further investigation is desirable. Full article

Protected cultivation systems, such as high tunnels, have gained popularity for their ability to enhance growth conditions and extend the growing season of horticultural crops. The choice of the covering film in these systems can significantly impact crop productivity and quality while influencing pest and pathogen incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the yield, physiological responses, and nutritional quality of green and purple basil grown in high tunnels using different plastic film covers. The study was conducted in Central Pennsylvania using twelve research high tunnels covered with four alternative polyethylene films with varying light diffusion and ultraviolet (UV) radiation transparency levels: TuffLite IV (TIV), KoolLite Plus (KLP), UV-transparent (UVT), and UV-opaque (UVO). Green ‘Genovese Compact Improved’ and purple ‘Amethyst Improved’ basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars were grown as test crops. The plastic covering film had a significant effect on the growth of both basil cultivars, with a significant interaction between the film and basil genotype. Green basil generally exhibited higher fresh and dry biomass compared to purple basil, and the film effect varied with the basil genotype. Leaf area, stem, leaf, and total plant biomass were influenced by the plastic cover, with UVO and UVT films resulting in higher biomass production. The plastic covering films showed varying effects on the mineral content, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity, with UVO and UVT films often resulting in improved nutritional quality compared to traditional films. Furthermore, covering films influenced the downy mildew severity on both cultivars and the UVT film consistently limited the severity of the foliar disease in both genotypes. Overall, this study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate plastic covering films with varying levels of UV transparency in high tunnel production systems. Full article

The management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) should involve a treatment algorithm that takes into account prostate size, and patient’s symptoms and preference with the aim of helping with urinary symptoms and enhance quality of life. The diagnostic assessment for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) should be comprehensive to help choose the best management strategy. Strategies from lifestyle modifications to medical treatment with alpha blockers and/or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to surgical procedures can all be used in the management algorithm. Surgical management ranges from transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) including laser therapies such as Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation (PVP), aquablation, Rezūm system, prostate artery embolisation (PAE), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) and Optilume BPH catheter system. BPO is a common urological condition that has a significant impact on quality of life and economic burden globally and is likely to become increasingly prevalent with an ageing population. Selecting the most appropriate treatment modality will depend on the individual patient preferences, availability of resources, cost, anatomical factors and the goals of treatment. Full article

This study investigated the effects of green and red photo-selective filters (shade nets) on the process of graft union formation (healing and acclimation) in grafted tomato plants. The research evaluated oxidative stress, physiological characteristics, and anatomical development of graft unions. Plants were subjected to green-netting, red-netting, and no-netting treatments for 28 days, starting 4 days after grafting. Markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as protein concentration of SOD/POD enzyme-enriched extracts, were quantified. The anatomical development of the graft unions was examined using microscopy. The results demonstrated that the red and green photo-selective filters increased ROS production by 5% and 4% after 3 days of exposure, by 58% and 14% after 7 days, and by 30% and 13% after 14 days in comparison to the control treatment. The increase in ROS activates the defense mechanism, enhancing the activity of SOD and POD enzymes. In terms of anatomy, the green netting resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and early differentiation of vascular tissue cells. Notably, at the 28-day mark, when the plants were ready for transplanting, the green-net treatment showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation damage and increases of 20% and 54% in dry weight compared with the control and red-net treatments, respectively. Finally, our results suggest that the use of a green photo-selective filter has a positive effect on oxidative stress, anatomical development, and overall growth of grafted tomato plants during the process of graft union formation. Full article

Hail, known as an agricultural meteorological disaster, can substantially constrain the growth of the apple industry. Presently, apple orchards use a variety of colored (photo-selective) hail nets as a preventative measure. However, it is unclear which color proves most effective for apple orchards. This study provides a systematic investigation of the impact of four photo-selective colored hail nets (white, blue, black, and green; with white being the control) on the microenvironment of apple orchards, fruit tree development, fruit quality, and yield over a two-year period (2020–2021). Different photo-selective nets do not evidently alter the intensity of light, although the nets’ shading effects decrease in the order from black to green to blue. Among them, blue nets increased the proportion of blue light, while green nets enhanced the proportion of green light. On the other hand, black, green, and blue nets diminished the proportion of red and far-red light. Such photo-selective nets effectively lowered soil temperature but did not have an impact on relative humidity and air temperature. Encasing apple trees with blue nets promoted growth, increasing shoot length, thickness, leaf area, and water content, while simultaneously decreasing leaf thickness. Black nets had comparable effects, although the impacts of green nets were inconsistent. Different photo-selective nets did not significantly influence the leaf shape index or overall chlorophyll content. However, black and green nets reduced the chlorophyll a/b ratio, while blue nets slightly boosted this ratio. Additionally, blue nets proved beneficial for apple trees’ photosynthesis. With the employment of a principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation, this study concludes that blue nets offer the most favorable environmental conditions for apple growth while protecting apple orchards against hail, compared to black, white, and green nets. Full article

With the aim of optimizing resources in regional production of nutritive valuable leafy vegetables, this study was conducted to obtain more knowledge regarding the interdependencies between light conditions and accumulation of inorganic constituents. The test plant, P. odorata, was cultivated in a climate chamber with fluorescent tubes as the main light source and daylight integrals (DLI) varying between 4.68 and 9.06 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹. The average DLI in greenhouse experiments was 41.55 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹. Light conditions were modified using additional LEDs (443, 515, and 629 nm) or by covering the plants with photoselective plastic films, leading to a lower DLI and modified light spectrum, especially by reducing the green spectral range. Contents of nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, biomass accumulation, and water content were analyzed. In terms of particular light modifications, additional green (515 nm) and red (629 nm) LEDs showed reducing effects on nitrate content at both cultivation locations. Other inorganic constituents were affected differently depending on cultivation location. However, the calculation of average partial correlation coefficients enabled a more general statement. Increasing DLI correlated positively with contents of magnesium, nitrate, and potassium but negatively with contents of calcium and iron. Additionally, nitrate content correlated positively with the spectral range of 651–700 nm but negatively with the R:FR ratio. Consequently, a general recommendation related to the light conditions is not possible, as inorganic constituents were affected differently. Nevertheless, as the nitrate content in leafy vegetables is of high concern and was reduced by higher shares of green or red light, this might be one way to regulate nitrate content in leafy vegetables. Full article