Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans, which is often not ingested through food in adequate quantities. Currently, Germany is once again one of the countries in which there is an iodine deficiency in the population. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are particularly affected, a critical situation since pregnant and lactating women have an increased iodine requirement. Iodization of table salt is a widely used prophylactic measure. However, this method is not sufficient and may become less important in the future if further dietary salt reduction occurs, as nutritionists are demanding. Alternative approaches are therefore needed to improve the supply. One of these approaches is the agronomic biofortification of food crops. In this process, iodine is applied via fertilization measures during the cultivation of the plants. This gives the plants the ability to take up the mineral, which is only available in the soil to a very limited extent. In recent years, many studies have been published on the biofortification of vegetables and cereals. Foliar fertilization measures have proven to be significantly more efficient than soil fertilization measures. Nevertheless, up to now few results are available on the biofortification of fruit crops. However, fruit is also important for a healthy diet and the iodine supply of humans can only be improved if as many iodine-rich foods as possible are available. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate iodine biofortification of berry and tree fruit species in more detail. In order to be able to achieve this objective, trials were performed over several years with strawberries, apple and pear trees. In addition to suitable application methods, the aim was to determine the iodine form (iodide and iodate) and the necessary iodine quantity. On the one hand, the measured iodine contents in the fruit and leaf tissue allowed conclusions to be drawn about the translocation of iodine in the plant. On the other hand, this made it possible to evaluate the basic suitability for iodine biofortification of the fruit crops investigated. Since iodine has a phytotoxic effect above a certain amount, the plant compatibility should also be tested. In addition, common household processing methods, such as washing or peeling the fruit, as well as fruit storage over several months, should provide information on the extent to which such measures could reduce the iodine content. Another study parameter was the soluble solids content, as there is evidence that iodine can affect the sugar content of fruit. Furthermore, a combined application of potassium nitrate and selenium was carried out and their influence on iodine and sugar content was investigated. Selenium is also an essential trace element, which is usually inadequately absorbed through the diet. The results of the investigations showed that it was possible, in principle, to raise the iodine content of strawberries, apples and pears to a level of 50 to 100 µg iodine per 100 g fresh mass. In the case of strawberries, however, this was only feasible if the plants were in their first year of cultivation and the iodine was applied by foliar fertilization shortly before harvest. In the 2nd and 3rd year of cultivation, the plants had a very dense canopy, which prevented direct wetting of the fruit. However, direct wetting of the fruit surface with the iodine solution is imperative, as this was the only way to achieve a reliably high iodine content in the fruit mass. Soil fertilization proved to be completely unsuitable in trials with strawberries and apple trees. The translocation of iodine after soil fertilization occurred mainly via the xylem transport into the strongly transpiring leaves and not into the fruits. In addition, compared to a foliar application, a significantly higher iodine application rate was required. Furthermore, experiments with apple trees cultivated in a plastic tunnel, protected from precipitation, showed that the iodine transfer via the phloem into the fruits was only marginal. With regard to the phytotoxic effect of iodine application, no consistent difference was observed between potassium iodide and potassium iodate. Both forms of iodine did not affect yield or average individual fruit weight. Damage to fruit was not observed in any variant. However, with increasing iodine levels, significant damage to leaves was noticeable. Apple and pear trees also showed early leaf fall. Iodide generally led to significantly higher iodine contents in the plant mass after foliar application, but this was also associated with high fluctuations. With iodate, it was possible to reliably achieve the targeted iodine content in the fruit mass of apple and pear trees with an application rate of 1.5 kg iodine per hectare and meter canopy height. Washing the fruit reduced the iodine content of strawberries by up to 30%. For apples and pears, this value was about 14% at harvest and about 12% after 3 months of storage. Peeled apples and pears showed a significantly reduced iodine content. 51% of the iodine in apples was bound in the fruit peel or the cuticular waxes. A reduction of 73% was determined for pears. Cold storage for 3 months resulted in a significant loss of iodine in parts of the apple peel. At this point, the release of volatile iodine compounds is probably the cause of the reduction. However, this would still have to be confirmed by further investigations. Iodine application had a negative effect on the soluble solids content of strawberries above a certain level. It was not possible to observe significant changes for pome fruit in the trials conducted. However, the application of potassium nitrate (alone and in combination with iodine) resulted in an increase. Iodine uptake remained unaffected by the combined application of potassium nitrate and selenium. However, it was shown that selenium has a comparable uptake and translocation pattern to iodine and that a combined biofortification with both minerals is, in principle, possible. Accordingly, apple and pear trees are well suited for biofortification with iodine by foliar fertilization. However, further trials in commercial orchards are necessary to implement this process. In the future, appropriately fortified fruit could make an important contribution to the alimentary iodine supply for humans.

Presented diploma work is focused on study of antioxidants in different kinds of dried fruits. Analyses of ascorbate, tocopherols, carotenoids and flavonoids were performed using RP-HPLC with spectrophotometric detection. Analysis of dried fruits showed high level of vitamins and phenolocs mainly in berries. High level of carotenoids was observed in dried apricots and plums. Further, antioxidant activity of dried fruit extracts was tested by ABTS method. High antioxidant activity was found mainly in dried apples, cranberries and blueberries. The biological test with yeast Sascharomyces cerevisiae D7 was used for the analysis of antimutagenic efects of dried fruits. High antimutagenic activity exhibited dried cranberries and blueberries. Most of tested dried fruits with high antimutagenic effect exhibited also high antioxidant activity as well as high content of some antioxidants. No direct correlation was found among these parameters. Last part of this work was focused on study of influence of drying on antioxidant content in two types of apples. Drying at mild controlled conditions exhibited no significant negative effect on active substance content; in some samples their concentration was observed.

This diploma thesis deals with the determination of aroma compounds in selected species of less known fruits (sea buckthorn, cornelian cherry, rowanberry, medlar, japanese quince and chokeberry). The theoretical part is focused on the description of these plants, their chemical composition, possibility of utilization and processing. Aroma compounds were identified and quantified in experimental parts. The aroma compounds were extracted by solid-phase microextraction and analysed by gas chromatography. A total of 45 compounds were identified. This compounds included 17 alcohols, 9 ketons, 8 aldehydes, 6 acids and 5 esters. Concurrently, the sensory evaluation of these fruits was carried out. The profile test and evaluation using graphical scales were used for evaluation of pleasantness and intensity of taste and odour.

The diploma thesis deals with the monitoring of oxidative stability of products, oils and butter, from nut fruits. The theoretical part concentrates on the topic of nut fruits, their properties, compositions which are closely related to the effects on the human health and the possibilities of technological processing. The lipid storage process, especially the most frequently occurring autooxidation reactions are described, followed by experimental part of the thesis. The changes in coconut, walnut, peanut oils and peanut butter samples are monitored during storage at 4 ° C and 20 ° C by determining the acid value, the peroxide value and the fatty acid composition by the GC-FID method. The lowest oxidation stability showed walnut oil due to the highest content of unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids – up to 88,7 %. During storage at 20 ° C there was a statistically significant increase in the content of primary oxidation products, determined as peroxide value PV = 2,55 ± 0,12 µgROOHg-1. An increase was also observed in samples of peanut butter, but it was mainly due to higher water activity, which is important for chemical reactions. The durability of this product after opening mentioned on the product label correlates with their low stability

Orientador: Milton Cezar Ribeiro / Resumo: Alterações antrópicas no nível de paisagens afetam de maneiras distintas os diversos grupos de animais e plantas. Tais alterações afetam a composição de espécies e estrutura de comunidades de mamíferos e aves, resultando na perda de funções ecológicas essenciais para a manutenção das florestas. Dentre os processos que podem ser mais afetados inclui-se a frugivoria e a predação de sementes. Desta forma, avançar os conhecimentos de como a paisagem e os tipos de ambientes influenciam tais processos é essencial para a proposição de estratégias que beneficiem a conservação da biodiversidade e manutenção de processos ecológicos. Este estudo tem por objetivo responder qual a contribuição relativa da proporção de vegetação florestal, do tipo de ambiente e sua interação sobre a predação de sementes e frugivoria. Estudamos quatro tipos de ambientes: interior de floresta continua, fragmento florestal, borda de floresta e corredor florestal. O estudo foi realizado em uma região de ecótono entre os biomas Amazônia e Cerrado no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Nessa região foram selecionadas 17 paisagens, representando um gradiente de quantidade de floresta de 10% a 86% em um raio de 3 km. Nessas paisagens avaliamos a frugivoria utilizando frutos artificiais e a predação de sementes utilizando sementes de amendoim e girassóis. Nossos resultados sugerem que a frugivoria por aves foi positivamente relacionada a proporção florestal para aves de médio e grande porte, bem como para a frugivoria t... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Human changes at the landscape level affect different groups of animals and plants in different ways. Such changes affect species composition and mammal and bird community structure, resulting in the loss of essential ecological functions for forest maintenance. Among the most affected processes are the frugivory and seed predation. Thus, advancing the knowledge of how the landscape and environment types influence such processes is essential for proposing strategies that benefit the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological processes. This study aims to assess the relative contribution of forest vegetation proportion, environment type and their interaction on seed predation and frugivory. We studied four environment types: continuous forest interior, forest fragment, forest edge and forest corridor. The study was carried out in an ecotone region between Amazon and Cerrado biomes in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. In this region, 17 landscapes were selected ranging from 10% to 86% of forest cover in a radius of 3 km. In each landscape we evaluated frugivory using artificial fruits and seed predation using peanut and sunflower seeds. Our results suggest that frugivory by birds was positively related to forest proportion for medium and large birds, as well as to total frugivory by birds, however the magnitude of the effect varied according to the group of birds. Frugivory by small mammals, on the other hand, showed a negative relationship with forest proportion, ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Orientador: João Domingos Rodrigues / Resumo: Dois experimentos foram conduzidos em 2018 e 2019 para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes fungicidas de dois importantes grupos: estrobilurinas e carboxamidas, sobre a eficácia fotossintética e produtividade de plantas de tomate, inoculadas com Alternaria sp., em ambiente protegido na Fazenda Ituaú, Salto - SP, Brasil. O delineamento experimental aplicado em ambos os experimentos foi de blocos ao acaso, com oito tratamentos e cinco repetições: testemunha inoculada (água + inóculo), testemunha absoluta (água), azoxystrobina (50,0 g ha-1), boscalida (50,0 g ha-1), azoxystrobina (50,0 g ha-1) + boscalida (50,0 g ha-1), mandestrobina (194 g ha-1), impirfluxam (30 g ha-1), mandestrobina (194 g ha-1) + impirfluxam (30 g ha-1), aplicados em intervalos de 15 dias, totalizando 7 a 8 aplicações no ciclo da cultura. O efeito no desenvolvimento das plantas foi medido pela altura das plantas e produção dos cinco primeiros cachos. A eficiência fotossintética foi calculada pela medição das trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila a, teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos, e produtividade. Os fungicidas apresentaram algumas melhorias nos parâmetros analisados, como melhorando os componentes da eficiência fotossintética e da produção de frutos comerciais, porém sem apresentar diferenças significativas em relação às testemunhas. Os resultados demonstram eficácia no controle de Alternaria sp. aplicando os fungicidas em tomateiro, e também apontam para efeitos adicionais em componentes da eficiênci... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Two experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the effects of the application of different fungicides from two important groups: strobilurins and carboxamides, on the photosynthetic efficiency and yield of tomato plants, inoculated with Alternaria sp., grown in greenhouse at Fazenda Ituaú, Salto - SP, Brazil. The experimental design applied in both trials was randomized blocks with eight treatments and five replicates: inoculated control (water + inoculum), absolute control (water), azoxystrobin (50,0 g ha-1), boscalid (50,0 g ha-1), azoxystrobin (50,0 g ha-1) + boscalid (50,0 g ha-1), mandestrobin (194 g ha-1), inpyrfluxam (30 g ha-1), mandestrobin (194 g ha-1) + inpyrfluxam (30 g ha-1), applied at intervals of 15 days, totalizing 7 or 8 applications in the crop cycle. The effect on plant development was measured by plant height and the production of the five initial bunches. The photosynthetic efficiency was calculated from measurements of gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of photosynthetic pigments, and tomato productivity were evaluated. All fungicides positively affected some evaluated parameters, improving photosynthetic efficiency components and commercial fruit production, however without significant difference to the controls. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the use of these fungicides in controlling Alternaria sp. in tomato and also appoint to some additional effects on photosynthesis efficiency components and antioxidant enzym... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

8. Abstract The fruit of the European elder, Sambucus nigra L., is used in therapy as a drug Sambuci fructus for its diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative effects. Cultivars of European elder are being studied for the use in the food industry and pharmacy. The fruit contains especially large amount of anthocyanins and flavonoids that are known for their antioxidant activity. The aim of this work is to measure the antioxidant activity of the drug Sambuci fructus and of the fruit of the European elder cultivars Samdal, Mammut, Sambo, Sambu, Sampo, Bohatka, Haschberg, Weihenstephan, Allesö, and Samyl. An extract containing anthocyanins was obtained from fruit by a process based on extraction of frozen material with acidified water at high temperature, followed by separation with polymer non-ionogenic polystyrene-divinylbenzene sorbent. The content of anthocyanins in the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically using a modified pH-differential method. The absorbance was measured along the range of 350 - 600 nm. The content of the anthocyanins was quantified in units of mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside in 1 ml of extract. The content ranged from 0.33 - 2.76 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/ml of extract. The highest content was in the extract from the fruit of the cultivar Samdal and the lowest was of the cultivar Mammut....

El Proyecto tiene como objetivo plasmar propuestas desarrolladas y orientadas en mejoras efectivas en toda la cadena de suministro en una empresa que se dedica a la venta y distribución al por mayor de frutas y verduras frescas. Con la finalidad de encontrar oportunidades de mejora en cada proceso, se realizaron diversos análisis de costo-beneficio para sustentar la inversión en las propuestas. Por ello, se proporciona en primera instancia reducir mermas y mantener la cadena de frío. Para obtener resultados enfocado en el logro de objetivos era necesario realizar mejoras tales como: Implementar buenas prácticas de manipuleo de material, instruidos bajo “Manuales de Manipulación”, con el cual se ha trabajado y capacitado al equipo, Óptima y eficiente distribución de Carga en camiones frigoríficos de acuerdo a capacidad de pallets por camión y criterios de apilamiento por producto, Implementación de equipos de refrigeración en almacén (diseño de secos y refrigerados), con aporte de codificación de productos para definir las ubicaciones, Implementar mejoras en el empaque al vacío con la finalidad de extender la vida perecible del producto, Cumplimiento y monitoreo de salidas de camiones hacia puntos de minas y por último la creación de una línea de producción a partir de los productos “no aptos por calidad” para reutilizarlos y convertirlos en fruta deshidratada para la comercialización. Obteniendo un resultado cuantitativo de reducción de 15% a 3% en términos de mermas y reprocesos. / The project aims to translate proposals developed and oriented towards effective improvements throughout the supply chain in a company that is dedicated to the wholesale sale and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. In order to find improvement opportunities in each process, several cost-benefit analyses were carried out to support the investment in the proposals. Therefore, the first step is to reduce losses and maintain the cold chain. To obtain results focused on the achievement of objectives it was necessary to make improvements such as Implementing good practices for handling materials, instructed under "Handling Manuals", with which the team has worked and been trained, Optimal and efficient distribution of cargo in refrigerated trucks according to the capacity of pallets per truck and stacking criteria for each product, Implementation of refrigeration equipment in the warehouse (design of dry and refrigerated), with product coding to define locations, implement improvements in vacuum packaging to extend the shelf life of the product, compliance and monitoring of truck departures to mining sites and finally the creation of a production line from the products "not suitable for quality" to reuse them and turn them into dried fruit for marketing. The result is a quantitative reduction of 15% to 3% in terms of losses and reprocessing. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2013. / Lolu cwaningo luveza ingonyuluka ngelingafelwa nkonyane kwaMhlabuyalingana, umnotho kanye namasiko ale ndawo. Kubuye kubhekwe nemfuyo nokudla okuchuma kule ndawo. = This research demonstrates the core idea of the fertile land of abundance of KwaMhlabuyalingana, economy, culture and values of this area. Furthermore it also looks at how livestock and crops flourish in this area. Chapter one introduces the entire research and its aims. It also introduces the motive behind the research itself. It also gives the research methods used to accomplish the aims of the research and its scope of study generally. It also looks at who is going to benefit out of the research. It also displays the division of chapters and the conclusion of the first chapter. Chapter two widely displays heritage and values found in this area: mountain ranges, indigenous forests and rivers that beautify the area. In addition, it also gives types of grass that easily adapt in the area which assist in curing ailments in people and help them creating jobs through hand crafts. It also tells more about the types of crops that are cultivated in the area of Makhathini like cotton, maize, beans, cane and vegetables etcetera. Chapter three explains more about indigenous fruits which are found in this place. Where and when are found? What are they used for and how people benefit out of these plants. Chapter four deals with livestock. It looks at which livestock that can survive and flourish in this area. How can it be used and its breeding and methods to care for so that it can increase more. How to prevent them from different diseases during winter. Farmers need to be advised and workshop as to how to take care of their livestock. Chapter five deals with the analysis, recommendations and conclusion of the entire research and winding up of the whole work done and recommendations to be taken into consideration.

Ce travail s'appuie sur un nouveau bilan concernant les 70 structures en creux mésolithiques du site du « Parc du Château » à Auneau (Eure-et-Loir), datées entre 8 000 et 5 500 ans avant J.-C. Leurs fonctions variées — sépultures, dépôts intentionnels de restes animaux, foyers en fosse, calages de poteau, extraction, stockage, dépotoirs — évoquent des installations d'une certaine durée. Une enquête étendue à une bonne partie de l'Europe permet de recenser plus d'une centaine d'autres sites mésolithiques livrant des structures analogues, parfois en grand nombre. Il en ressort une image très éloignée de la vision traditionnelle de ces sociétés (cf. chasseurs-collecteurs très mobiles aux campements temporaires sommairement aménagés). Deux types de structures retiennent particulièrement l'attention : les fosses destinées au stockage alimentaire enterré (cf. silos) laissent envisager une consommation différée de fruits à coque (noisettes, glands) permettant de s'affranchir des cycles saisonniers ; les fosses-dépotoirs attestent, quant à elles, une gestion des déchets évoquant des installations durables. On en déduit que le développement de stratégies de subsistance adaptées à un riche environnement post-glaciaire a pu favoriser la sédentarisation de certains groupes de chasseurs-collecteurs stockeurs dès le Mésolithique moyen — bien avant donc les premiers contacts avec les populations néolithiques. L'apparition des premiers cimetières en Europe constitue un autre indice très évocateur d'une restriction de la mobilité, également perceptible à travers certains impacts anthropiques sur le milieu et divers types d'équipement (outillage lourd, vannerie, pirogues, pêcheries). / Our research leans on new analysis about the Mesolithic pits discovered during the excavation at "le Parc du Château" in Auneau (Eure-et-Loir; France). These 70 pits date between 8.000 and 5.500 cal. BC. Their various functions — i.e. graves, faunal hoards, pit-hearths, post-holes, extraction, storage, rubbish dumps — evocate long duration settlements. A European survey links to record more than 100 sites With such features, sometimes very numerous. These new data provide an original pattern, quite different from the traditional models of very mobile hunter-gatherer and short time encampment. Two kinds of features seem to be especially significant: food storage pits (similar to silos) may have allowed a delayed consumption of nuts (hazelnut or acorn) providing the bulk of food during the season of scarcity; rubbish pits indicate waste management linked to long term dwellings. From our point of view new subsistence strategies related with rich post-glacial environmental resources may allow some storing hunter-gatherer groups to adopt a sedentary way of life Since the middle Mesolithic — i.e. several millennia before the first interactions with Neolithic populations. The emergence of actual cemeteries in Euro e at the same period reveals also decreasing mobility evidence likewise some anthropogenic impacts on the environment and various equipment such as heavy lithic tools, basketry, pirogue, fishery, and so on.