Field trials were conducted in the Yuma and Gila Valleys to assess the commercial field performance of Confirm and Success insecticides against beet armyworm and cabbage looper larvae. Ten lettuce and five broccoli fields were treated with combinations of Confirm, Success, and standard insecticides on various stages of plant growth. Success provided quick knockdown of larvae, but ultimately Confirm provided equitable control. Cabbage looper control with Confirm appeared to be influence by application volume and plant size. Addition of pyrethroid to Confirm did not provide additional efficacy. Success provided good suppression of leafminer adults and thrips. Both products provided control equal to conventional standards and will become valuable components of future lettuce pest management programs in Arizona.

Inflammatory diseases such as hypertension are associated with high levels of oxidative stress. Characteristic of oxidative stress is the inflammatory acute phase protein response. Oxidative stress and its accompanied inflammation can be reduced via phase 2 enzyme induction. Broccoli sprouts, a rich source of phase 2 enzyme inducers such as isothiocyanates, can be incorporated into the diet to increase phase 2 enzymes. <p> The hypothesis of this study is that, the dietary intake of dried broccoli sprouts, by inducing liver phase 2 enzymes, will decrease oxidative stress and the acute phase response in the blood of spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats. <p> Spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRsp) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were placed either on a control diet of modified AIN-93G or an experimental diet of modified AIN-93G supplemented with dried broccoli sprouts. The following parameters were examined: 1. Isothiocyanate absorption (an increased level of dithiocarbamates is reflective of ITC absorption), 2. Oxidative stress (a reduction in oxidative stress is evidenced by an increase in plasma protein thiols and blood glutathione (GSH)), 3. Acute phase proteins (a decreased APR is reflected by an increase in plasma albumin and a decrease in ceruloplasmin), 4. Activity of phase 2 enzymes (increased phase 2 enzyme induction results in higher activities of liver quinone reductase (QR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR)). <p> My experimental results demonstrated that broccoli sprout feeding results in higher protein thiol levels in female SHRsp and higher blood GSH levels in males but no acute phase protein changes were observed in either male or female SHRsp. Broccoli sprout feeding caused higher QR and lower GST activities in female SHRsp but did not affect the activities of phase 2 enzymes in male SHRsp. The activities of GST and QR were higher in SD rats than in SHRsp. Levels of dithiocarbamates were higher in the broccoli fed group than in the control fed group. <p> The results from this study do not present a clear pattern to support the hypothesis that dietary intake of broccoli sprouts by inducing phase 2 enzymes will decrease parameters of oxidative stress and the acute phase response. <p> In conclusion, there is an interactive role played by animal gender and the induction of phase 2 enzymes by dried broccoli sprouts.

Inflammatory diseases such as hypertension are associated with high levels of oxidative stress. Characteristic of oxidative stress is the inflammatory acute phase protein response. Oxidative stress and its accompanied inflammation can be reduced via phase 2 enzyme induction. Broccoli sprouts, a rich source of phase 2 enzyme inducers such as isothiocyanates, can be incorporated into the diet to increase phase 2 enzymes. <p> The hypothesis of this study is that, the dietary intake of dried broccoli sprouts, by inducing liver phase 2 enzymes, will decrease oxidative stress and the acute phase response in the blood of spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats. <p> Spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRsp) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were placed either on a control diet of modified AIN-93G or an experimental diet of modified AIN-93G supplemented with dried broccoli sprouts. The following parameters were examined: 1. Isothiocyanate absorption (an increased level of dithiocarbamates is reflective of ITC absorption), 2. Oxidative stress (a reduction in oxidative stress is evidenced by an increase in plasma protein thiols and blood glutathione (GSH)), 3. Acute phase proteins (a decreased APR is reflected by an increase in plasma albumin and a decrease in ceruloplasmin), 4. Activity of phase 2 enzymes (increased phase 2 enzyme induction results in higher activities of liver quinone reductase (QR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR)). <p> My experimental results demonstrated that broccoli sprout feeding results in higher protein thiol levels in female SHRsp and higher blood GSH levels in males but no acute phase protein changes were observed in either male or female SHRsp. Broccoli sprout feeding caused higher QR and lower GST activities in female SHRsp but did not affect the activities of phase 2 enzymes in male SHRsp. The activities of GST and QR were higher in SD rats than in SHRsp. Levels of dithiocarbamates were higher in the broccoli fed group than in the control fed group. <p> The results from this study do not present a clear pattern to support the hypothesis that dietary intake of broccoli sprouts by inducing phase 2 enzymes will decrease parameters of oxidative stress and the acute phase response. <p> In conclusion, there is an interactive role played by animal gender and the induction of phase 2 enzymes by dried broccoli sprouts.

Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Dept. of Plant Science. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/12/09). Includes bibliographical references.

Orientador: Carlos Raimundo Ferreira Grosso / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-03T19:13:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Batista_JulianaAlves_M.pdf: 801759 bytes, checksum: ce425cfeb38d557f43487020978dd9ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004 / Resumo: O desenvolvimento e a aplicação de filmes ou coberturas biodegradáveis são técnicas praticadas há vários anos que visam promover melhoria na qualidade do produto embalado ou revestido. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi desenvolver e caracterizar filmes a base de pectina e ácidos graxos e da mistura pectina/gelatina, adicionados ou não de ácidos graxos, e verificar sua eficiência como cobertura para bananas e sementes de brócolos. Os filmes foram caracterizados quanto às propriedades de barreira à água e ao oxigênio, solubilidade em água, propriedades mecânicas, opacidade e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). A adição crescente dos ácidos láurico, palmítico e esteárico e da mistura (blenda) desses ácidos (1:1:1) em todos os filmes elaborados promoveu um aumento da permeabilidade ao vapor de água, verificando-se através da MEV que não houve incorporação desse material lipídico na matriz filmogênica. Filmes compostos de pectina/gelatina apresentaram aumento da permeabilidade ao vapor de água e da opacidade, diminuição da resistência à tração e aumento da elongação, quando a blenda de ácidos graxos foi adicionada. Os filmes compostos com maior proporção de gelatina apresentaram a menor solubilidade em água. Todos os filmes caracterizados quanto à permeabilidade ao oxigênio apresentaram resultados semelhantes. A partir dos filmes obtidos com menor permeabilidade ao vapor de água e alta resistência à tração, as soluções filmogênicas foram elaboradas e aplicadas como cobertura para banana 'Nanica¿ e para sementes de brócolos 'Ramoso¿. Durante o armazenamento das bananas foram realizadas análises de cor, perda de massa e textura a cada dois dias. A contagem e observação de sementes germinadas foi realizada em média a cada três dias e ao final do experimento as plantas foram submetidas a quantificação do teor de matérias fresca e seca. As bananas com aplicação de cobertura apresentaram menor perda de massa e menor índice de dureza em relação ao controle. A aplicação tornou-se inviável devido a perda acentuada da dureza da fruta. No caso das sementes de brócolos, as coberturas filmogênicas não afetaram a emergência das plantas / Abstract: The development and application of edible films and coatings have been studied for a long time in order to improve the quality of a packed or coated product. The objective of this work was the development and characterization of pectin-based edible films with fatty acids and pectin/gelatin blend films with the addition of fatty acids or not and the application as coatings for bananas and broccoli seeds. Water vapor and oxygen permeability, solubility in water, mechanical properties, opacity and surface morfology were measured for the films. The addition of increasing concentrations of lauric, palmitic and stearic acid and their blend (1:1:1 v/v/v) increased water vapor permeability that was verified by the scanning electron microscopy that showed no incorporation of these lipids into the film matrix. Films with gelatin/pectin blend showed higher water vapor permeability, opacity and elongation and lower tensile strength when the fatty acids blend was additioned. Films with higher concentration of gelatin had lower solubility in water. There was no significant difference in oxygen permeability between all the films. Films with lower water vapor permeability and higher tensile strength were used as coatings for the application on 'Nanica¿ bananas and 'Ramoso¿ broccoli seeds. Weight loss, firmness retention and color were analyzed in each 2 days during the storage of bananas. For the seeds, counting and visual observation of the germinated seeds were effected in each 3 days, and the fresh and dried weight of the plants were determined in the end of the experiment. The coated bananas showed lower weight loss and also firmness retention than the control. The coating application is unfeasible due to the high loss of texture. The coated seeds showed no negative effect of the coating to the growing of the plants / Mestrado / Mestre em Alimentos e Nutrição

No description available.

Fresh market broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica) production is increasing in southcentral Virginia because it provides growers with a new economic opportunity while complementing the traditional tobacco-growing in that region. Little research data is available for vegetable fertilization on these southern Piedmont soils. The objectives of this study were to amend the current recommended nitrogen rates for broccoli production, and to measure plant N uptake and soil nitrate status throughout the growing season in order to develop an efficient N fertilization program for this emerging industry. A preliminary study in 1985 indicated no significant yield response to eight treatments varying in amount of total N applied from 56 to 290 kg N/ba. A more detailed study was conducted in 1986 with N treatments expanded as follows: main plot factor of base rate N at 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N/ha, and 3 subplot factors of 0, 1, or 2 sidedressings at 56 kg N/ha each applied at 3 and 6 weeks after seeding. Yield differences for base rate N were significant at the first harvest only, while sidedressing effects on yield were significantly different for 3 of the 4 harvests and total yield. Nitrogen uptake during the first 32 days after seeding (DAS) was minimal, 0.17 kg N/ha/day, but increased to 8.05 kg N/ha/day during head formation (55 to 77 DAS). Initial soil nitrate status was 52 kg NO₃-N/ha in the top 25 cm and decreased to 10.6 kg NO₃-N/ha in the control plot by the end of the season. Total N uptake of broccoli with no fertilizer applied averaged 200 kg N/ha demonstrating the capability of these soils to supply N. These results suggest the current practice of applying the first sidedressing at 3 weeks after seeding may not be necessary. However, later sidedressings, prior to and during head formation, are recommended to maintain an adequate available nitrogen supply throughout the growing season. / M.S.

Microwaves heat food rapidly and foods are prepared in less time. However, due to non-uniform heating nature of microwave cooking, there exists a serious concern over complete elimination of pathogens in the food. There has been an increase in interest to accurately understand the behavior of different food materials in a microwave field and microbial inactivation during microwave cooking. Recent research showed that fat content in muscle food plays an important role in microbial inactivation by increasing the inactivation level with an increase in the fat level. It was also demonstrated that muscle food heats up differently than a vegetable food product. Cooking food in a microwave oven either by covering the food container or not results in significantly different temperature profiles. The current research attempts to use modeling techniques to analyze impact of these factors on microwave heating. Mathematical modeling is faster, easier and economically better than actual experiments in determining heating behavior of a microwave-cooked food. Though modeling cannot completely replace actual experiments, it can be used as a tool to understand the effects of various factors influencing the microwave cooking. A factor that is highly important during microwave processing is dielectric properties of the material. The interaction of microwave with the food is mainly based on its dielectric properties, which can change with temperature. Therefore, determination of dielectric properties of food with respect to temperature becomes critical. The current research project has two parts. One to determine the dielectric properties of food being tested and another is to employ mathematical modeling techniques to analyze the effect of fat content, food type and the effect of cooking food by covering the bowl using the lid and not covering bowl. Dielectric properties of ground beef patties at 4%, 9%, 20% fat levels and frozen broccoli were determined using an open-ended, 3.6 mm diameter, semi-rigid coaxial line with copper conductors, connected to a network analyzer. The properties were determined at various temperatures. Foods were measured in triplicate. Results showed that dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of low fat ground beef were higher than that of high fat level ground beef. In addition, the dielectric properties of florets were lower than that of stem parts for frozen broccoli. A 1,200W, household type microwave oven was used in this study to heat the food. Food was placed in a microwave-safe glass bowl and cooked for 120 seconds. One headspace and three internal temperature measurements were recorded for every 0.6 seconds. Five replications were performed. Finite element method was used as modeling technique and temperatures were predicted. Experimental and predicted temperature values were compared. Results showed that the model used in the study was more suitable for modeling the uncovered cooking than covered cooking process. Modeling results also revealed that high fat ground beef patties reached higher temperature than low fat patties. In high fat meat products, fat content also contributed to increase in temperature during microwave heating. In vegetable products and low fat meat food, moisture content is mainly responsible for microwave heating. A more extensive study on critical fat level above which fat content helps in increasing temperature is needed. In addition, inclusion of steam properties in the headspace for modeling the covered cooking is recommended. / Master of Science

Trap crops were evaluated for harlequin bug control in broccoli field plots in 1994 and 1995. Mustard and rape prevented low densities of harlequin bug from reaching broccoli, but at high densities the insect moved from the trap plants into the broccoli. This indicates that harlequin bugs that are attracted to trap plants may damage the protected broccoli if their numbers are not prevented from increasing. Harlequin bugs were shown to have two and a partial third generation a year. Trissolcus murgantiae Ashmead and Ooencyrtus johnsoni Howard, were identified as egg parasitoids. Their combined parasitization levels for the two years were 8% and 37%. T. murgantiae accounted for 87% and 96% of the parasitization, respectively.. When 19.6 cm and 11.9 cm broccoli plants were exposed to five densities of harlequin bug adults a negative correlation between plant mortality and insect density was observed (y = 38.00 - 2.32x, r2 = 0.95 and y = 22.17 - 1.17x, r2 = 0.99, respectively). No correlation was observed in broccoli plants 11.9 tall.. Host plants affected harlequin bug development. Nymphs developed faster when reared on rape in comparison with mustard. The preoviposition time for rape reared nymphs was shorter than mustard reared insects. Fecundity and viability of eggs were not different for harlequin bugs reared at different sex ratios. / Master of Science

Three formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. kurstaki (Dipel 4L, Dipel 2X, and ABG-6167) were compared with the synthetic pyrethroid perrnethrin ( common name Pounce 3. 2 EC) for insecticidal activity and impact upon parasitism of the imported cabbageworrn, Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in field broccoli (CV Packrnan) from fall 1986 to spring 1988. Perrnethrin, Dipel 4L, and ABG-6167 were not significantly different in their efficacy towards imported cabbageworm larvae. Parasitization of P. rapae by the larval parasite Cotesia glomerata (L.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the pupal parasite Pteromalus puparum (L.) (Hyrnenoptera: Pteromalidae) continued after spraying in the B. thuringiensis plots, but was not significantly different from perrnethrin. However, 100% of the P. rapae chrysalids recovered were parasitized by P. puparum. The impact of seasonal hyperparasitism was compared between .Q. glomerata, and a Yugoslavian strain of Cotesia rubecula (Marshall), an exotic larval parasite of the imported cabbageworm. Four hyperparasites, two of them attacking both~. glomerata and~. rubecula, were found in field plots from 1986-1988. The level of hyperparasitization for the two primary parasites was significantly different. Hyperparasitization averaged only 8.1% for C. glomerata from 1986-1988, but was 37. 9% for C. rubecula from 1987-1988. During the early- to mid-season of 1988, hyperparasite activity was not detectable and C. rubecula outcompeted C. glomerata for hosts; but by mid-season, hyperparasite activity against C. rubecula increased to 100%, causing its populations to crash. C. glomerata then became the dominant parasite of P. rapae. C. rubecula was not recovered in 1989. Hyperparasites may be a limiting factor in establishing C. rubecula in southwestern Virginia. Mortality and successful pupation of P rapae fourth instars parasitized by C. rubecula to B. thuringiensis endotoxin at dosages of 850, 85, and 8.5 I.U./ml was examined. After day two, the LC₅₀'s of parasitized fourth instars were approximately thirty times higher than that of unparasitized larvae and by day four, the LC₅₀ response of parasitized fourth instars was 180 times higher than unparasitized larvae. Twenty-five percent of parasitized fourth instars exposed to a concentration of 850 I.U./ml successfully pupated, compared to 76% at 85 I.U./ml and 69% at 8.5 I.U./ml. Parasitized fourth instar P. rapae consume less food and are therefore less susceptible to B. thuringiensis than unparasitized larvae at the same dosages. / Ph. D.