Sugar-conditioned honey bees can be biased towards a nectarless dioecious crop

The targeted pollination strategy has shown positive results in directing honey bees to crop flowers offering nectar along with pollen as reward. Kiwifruit is a functionally dioecious species, which relies on bees to transport pollen from staminate to pistillate nectarless flowers. Following the targeted pollination procedures recently validated, we first developed a mimic odor (KM) based on kiwifruit floral volatiles for which bees showed the highest level of generalization to the natural floral scent, although the response towards pistillate flowers was higher than towards staminate flowers. Then, in the field, feeding colonies KM-scented sucrose solution resulted in higher amounts of kiwifruit pollen collected by honey bees compared to control colonies fed unscented sucrose solution. Our results support the hypothesis that olfactory conditioning bees biases their foraging preferences in a nectarless crop, given the higher visitation to target flowers despite having provided the mimic odor paired with a sugar reward.

Kiwi 4.0: In Vivo Real-Time Monitoring to Improve Water Use Efficiency in Yellow Flesh Actinidia chinensis

This manuscript reports the application of sensors for water use efficiency with a focus on the application of an in vivo OECT biosensor. In two distinct experimental trials, the in vivo sensor bioristor was applied in yellow kiwi plants to monitor, in real-time and continuously, the changes in the composition and concentration of the plant sap in an open field during plant growth and development. The bioristor response and physiological data, together with other fruit sensor monitoring data, were acquired and combined in both trials, giving a complete picture of the biosphere conditions. A high correlation was observed between the bioristor index (ΔIgs), the canopy cover expressed as the fraction of intercepted PAR (fi_PAR), and the soil water content (SWC). In addition, the bioristor was confirmed to be a good proxy for the occurrence of drought in kiwi plants; in fact, a period of drought stress was identified within the month of July. A novelty of the bioristor measurements was their ability to detect in advance the occurrence of defoliation, thereby reducing yield and quality losses. A plant-based irrigation protocol can be achieved and tailored based on real plant needs, increasing water use sustainability and preserving high-quality standards.

An 18-day, 3 °C cold treatment effectively kills Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.)

A series of experiments were carried out to develop a phytosanitary disinfestation protocol to kill Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann) (Mediterranean fruit fly, Diptera: Tephritidae) in 'Hayward' kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang and A.R. Ferguson) and 'Zesy002' kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch.). Experiments on 4 immature life stages (eggs and 3 larval instars) with treatment durations of between 5 and 18 days showed that third instars were the most tolerant to temperatures around 3 °C, with the lethal time to 99.9968% (probit 9) mortality (LT99.9968) estimated to be 17.3 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.4-18.2). Larvae reared and treated in 'Zesy002' were significantly more susceptible to cold treatment than those reared in 'Hayward'. A large-scale trial testing a disinfestation protocol of 3 ± 0.5 °C for 18 days treated over 500,000 third-instar C. capitata with no survivors. These results demonstrate that a cold treatment of 3.5 °C or below for 18 days induces C. capitata mortality in kiwifruit at a rate that exceeds 99.9968% with a degree of confidence greater than 99%.

Active substance and mechanisms of Actinidia chinensis Planch for the treatment of breast cancer was explored based on network pharmacology and in silico study

In this paper, our objective was to investigate the potential mechanisms of Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP) for breast cancer treatment with the application of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics. "Mihoutaogen" was used as a key word to query the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database for putative ingredients of ACP and its related targets. DrugBank, GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and therapeutic target databases were used to search for genes associated with "breast cancer." Using Cytoscape 3.9.0 we then constructed the protein-protein interaction and drug-ingredient-target-disease networks. An enrichment analysis of Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway and gene ontology were performed to exploration of the signaling pathways associated with ACP for breast cancer treatment. Discovery Studio software was applied to molecular docking. Finally, the ligand-receptor complex was subjected to a 50-ns molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond_2020.4 tools. Six main active ingredients and 176 targets of ACP and 2243 targets of breast cancer were screened. There were 118 intersections of targets for both active ingredients and diseases. Tumor protein P53 (TP53), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Jun Proto-Oncogene (JUN), and Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Family Class A Member 1 (HSP90AA1) selected as the most important genes were used for verification by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The primary active compounds of ACP against breast cancer were predicted preliminarily, and its mechanism was studied, thereby providing a theoretical basis for future clinical studies.

Honokiol inhibits Botryosphaeria dothidea, the causal pathogen of kiwifruit soft rot, by targeting membrane lipid biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit soft rot is mainly caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, representing a considerable threat to kiwifruit industry. This investigation assessed the inhibitory consequences and mechanisms of honokiol against B. dothidea, evaluating the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

A strain of B.dothidea (XFCT-2) was isolated from infected soft rot kiwifruit. The findings indicate that honokiol hindered the mycelial growth, conidial germination, and pathogenicity of B. dothidea in a dose-dependent manner, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ultrastructural examinations showed that honokiol impaired the integrity of B. dothidea, leading to an elevation in cell membrane permeability, engendering a multitude of intracellular substance extravasations and hampering energy metabolism. Transcriptome analysis exhibited that honokiol-regulated genes were related to membrane lipid biosynthesis, comprising ACC1, FAS2, Arp2, gk, Cesle, and Etnk1. These findings indicate that honokiol impedes B. dothidea by obstructing lipid biosynthesis within the cell membrane and compromising its integrity, halting the growth of the mycelia, which could potentially cause cellular demise.

CONCLUSION

This investigation illustrates how honokiol functions as an eco-friendly approach to prevent the occurrence of soft rot in kiwifruits. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The genus Actinidia Lindl. (Actinidiaceae): A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others.

AIM

This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities.

CONCLUSION

This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application.

Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Native Actinidia arguta Cultivars

Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a perennial fruit tree belonging to the family Actinidiaceae. Kiwiberries are known to have an extremely high concentration of sugars, phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and possess delicious taste and health-promoting properties. Numerous studies have focused on kiwiberry fruits, demonstrating that they possess a higher phytochemical content and greater antioxidant activities than other berry fruits. The purpose of this study was to compare the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of leaf, stem, root, and fruit extracts from twelve kiwiberry cultivars grown in Wonju, Korea, characterized by a Dwa climate (Köppen climate classification). In most kiwiberry cultivars, the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) phytochemical content was significantly higher in leaf and stem tissues, while the roots exhibited higher antioxidant activity. In fruit tissues, the TPC and TFC were higher in unripe and ripe kiwiberry fruits, respectively, and antioxidant activity was generally higher in unripe than ripe fruit across most of the cultivars. Based on our results, among the 12 kiwiberry cultivars, cv. Daebo and cv. Saehan have a significantly higher phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in all of the tissue types, thus having potential as a functional food and natural antioxidant.

Intelligent flexible manipulator system based on flexible tactile sensing (IFMSFTS) for kiwifruit ripeness classification

BACKGROUND

Consumers all throughout the world enjoy kiwifruit. After harvest, there are as much as 20-25% of kiwifruit lost along the entire industrial chain. An intelligent flexible manipulator system based on flexible tactile sensing (IFMSFTS) was created to automatically and intelligently classify kiwifruit ripeness in order to minimize loss.

RESULT

The flexible manipulator is coupled with the flexible tactile sensor. When kiwifruits are being gripped by the manipulator, the flexible sensor perceives their firmness, and the mapping relationship between firmness and ripeness allows for the prediction and evaluation of the kiwifruit's ripeness. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to minimize the dimension of the sample firmness data set. K-Nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers are utilized to train and test the data. The findings indicate that PCA-KNN's classification accuracy is 97.5% and PCA-SVM's classification accuracy is 96.24%. The first is a better fit.

CONCLUSION

IFMSFTS can precisely classify ripeness, effectively address the issue of fruit loss, and realize the sustainable and clean production of fruit by sensing the firmness of kiwifruit and relying on the mapping link between firmness and ripeness. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of Cyclocarya paliurus-Kiwifruit Composite Fermented to Enhance Antioxidant Capacity, Flavor, and Sensory Characteristics of Kiwi Wine

A new fermentation method for kiwi wine was explored by developing the well-known medicinal and edible plant Cyclocarya paliurus (C. paliurus) to create more value with undersized kiwifruits. In this study, the changes in bioactive substances during the C. paliurus-kiwi winemaking process were analyzed on the basis of response surface optimization results, and the antioxidant capacity, aromatic compounds, and sensory quality of the C. paliurus-kiwi composite wine with kiwi wine and two commercial kiwi wines were compared. The results showed that DPPH radical, OH- radical, and ABTS+ scavenging rates remained at over 60.0%, 90.0%, and 70.0% in C. paliurus-kiwi wine, respectively. The total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) of C. paliurus-kiwi wine were significantly higher than those of the other three kiwi wines. C. paliurus-kiwi wine received the highest score and detected 43 volatile compounds. Ethyl hexanoate, which showed stronger fruity and sweet aromas, was one of the main aroma components of C. paliurus-kiwi wine and different from commercial wines. This wine has a good flavor with a natural and quality feeling of C. paliurus-kiwifruit extract, low-cost processing, and great market potential.

Rapid and Visual Detection of Actinidia Chlorotic Ringspot-Associated Virus Using One-Step Reverse-Transcription Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Dipstick Assay

Actinidia chlorotic ringspot-associated virus (AcCRaV) occurs widely in major kiwifruit producing areas of China and is often accompanied by coinfecting viruses, affecting the growth, yield, and quality of kiwifruit. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive detection method is crucial for diagnosing and developing effective AcCRaV management strategies. In this study, a one-step reverse-transcription recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick (RT-RPA-LFD) assay was developed for rapid detection of AcCRaV. Specific primers and a probe were designed based on the conserved region of the coat protein gene sequence of AcCRaV. The one-step RT-RPA reaction can be performed at 35 and 40°C within 10 to 30 min, and the amplification results can be read directly on the LFD within 5 min. The detection limit of the one-step RT-RPA-LFD assay was 10-8 ng (about 20 viral copies), which was equal with one-step RT-qPCR and 100 times more sensitive than one-step RT-PCR. Moreover, the one-step RT-RPA-LFD assay was successfully applied to detect AcCRaV from crude extracts, and the entire detection process can be completed within 40 min. These results indicate that the RT-RPA-LFD assay is a simple, rapid, and sensitive strategy that can be used for accurate diagnosis of AcCRaV-infected kiwifruit plants in the field. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying the one-step RT-RPA-LFD assay to detect a kiwifruit virus.

Effects of bleeding of Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex miq. on its plant growth, physiological characteristics and fruit quality

Bleeding is as particularly a serious phenomenon in Actinidia arguta and has important effects on this plant's growth and development. Here we used A. arguta to study the effects of bleeding on the growth and development of leaves and fruits after a bleeding episode. We detect and analyze physiological indices of leaves and fruit after bleeding. The result revealed that the relative electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) of leaves increased in treatment. Nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) and 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining revealed the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leaves after bleeding. The chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameter of plants were also decreased. In fruits, pulp and seed water content decreased after the damage, as did fruit vitamin C (Vc), soluble sugar content, and soluble solids content (SSC); the titratable acid content did not change significantly. We therefore conclude that bleeding affects the physiological indices of A. arguta. Our study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the physiological changes of A. arguta after bleeding episodes and laying a timely foundation for advancing research on A. arguta bleeding and long-term field studies should be executed in order to gain insights into underlying mechanisms.

Butyrogenic, bifidogenic and slight anti-inflammatory effects of a green kiwifruit powder (Kiwi FFG®) in a human gastrointestinal model simulating mild constipation

Green kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa var. Hayward) is a fruit with important nutritional attributes and traditional use as a laxative. In this work, we studied in vitro the colonic fermentation of a standardized green kiwifruit powder (Kiwi FFG®) using representative intestinal microbial content of mildly constipated women. Static (batch) and dynamic configurations of the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) were used to estimate the impact of Kiwi FFG® in the human gut. Analysis of metabolites revealed a significant butyrogenic effect of the kiwifruit powder and, consistently, butyrate-producing bacterial populations (i.e., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Cluster IV, Roseburia spp.) were greatly increased in the dynamic gastrointestinal model. Bifidobacterium spp. was also found boosted in the microflora of ascending and transverse colon sections, and a significant rise of Akkermansia muciniphila was identified in the transverse colon. Reporter gene assays using human intestinal cells (HT-29) showed that kiwifruit fermentation metabolites activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcriptional pathway, which is an important regulator of intestinal homeostasis and immunity. Moreover, modulation in the production of human interleukins (IL-6 and IL-10) in Caco-2 cells suggested a potential mild anti-inflammatory effect of the kiwifruit powder and its gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Our results suggested a potential health benefit of Kiwi FFG® in the gut microbiota, particularly in the context of constipated people.

Exploration of bioactive molecules from Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa as an immunity modulator via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study

Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa are the widely used plant in Ayurvedic systems of medicine. Both plants are well known for their immunomodulatory activity. In the current study, in silico exploration was performed using advanced computational techniques such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach. Bioactive molecules from the Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa were docked against the Human IL-2. Out of all the docked bioactive molecules, Pygenic acid-B (PubChem CID:146157192) showed the highest negative binding affinity.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism and Responsive Genes of Waterlogging Stress in Actinidia deliciosa Planch Kiwifruit Plants

Waterlogging stress is one of the major natural issues resulting in stunted growth and loss of agricultural productivity. Cultivated kiwifruits are popular for their rich vitamin C content and unique flavor among consumers, while commonly sensitive to waterlogging stress. The wild kiwifruit plants are usually obliged to survive in harsh environments. Here, we carried out a transcriptome analysis by high-throughput RNA sequencing using the root tissues of Actinidia deliciosa (a wild resource with stress-tolerant phenotype) after waterlogging for 0 d, 3 d, and 7 d. Based on the RNA sequencing data, a high number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in roots under waterlogging treatment, which were significantly enriched into four biological processes, including stress response, metabolic processes, molecular transport, and mitotic organization, by gene ontology (GO) simplify enrichment analysis. Among these DEGs, the hypoxia-related genes AdADH1 and AdADH2 were correlated well with the contents of acetaldehyde and ethanol, and three transcription factors Acc26216, Acc08443, and Acc16908 were highly correlated with both AdADH1/2 genes and contents of acetaldehyde and ethanol. In addition, we found that there might be an evident difference among the promoter sequences of ADH genes from A. deliciosa and A. chinensis. Taken together, our results provide additional information on the waterlogging response in wild kiwifruit plants.

The effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Over-the-counter supplements are commonly used to manage chronic constipation; however, their efficacy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of food, vitamin or mineral supplements on stool output, gut transit time, symptoms, and quality of life in adults with chronic constipation via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Studies were identified using electronic databases, backward citation, and hand-searching abstracts. RCTs reporting administration of food supplements (e.g., fruit extract supplements), vitamin or mineral supplements in adults with chronic constipation were included. Studies administering whole foods (e.g., fruits) were excluded. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2.0. Relative risks (RR), mean differences (MD), or standardized mean differences (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated using a random-effects model.

KEY RESULTS

Eight RCTs (787 participants) were included, investigating kiwifruit (n = 3 RCTs), senna (n = 2), magnesium oxide (n = 2), Ziziphus jujuba (n = 1), and Malva Sylvestris (n = 1) supplements. Kiwifruit supplements did not impact stool frequency (MD 0.24 bowel movements/week [-0.32, 0.80]; p = 0.40) or consistency (MD -0.11 Bristol points [-0.31, 0.09], p = 0.29). Overall, 61% responded to senna and 28% to control; however, this did not reach statistical significance (RR 2.78, [0.93, 8.27]; p = 0.07). Overall, 68% responded to magnesium oxide and 19% to control (RR 3.32 [1.59, 6.92]; p = 0.001). Magnesium oxide improved stool frequency (MD 3.72 bowel movements/week [1.41, 6.03]; p = 0.002) and consistency (MD 1.14 Bristol points [0.48, 1.79]; p = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Magnesium oxide supplements are effective at improving cardinal symptoms of chronic constipation. Senna and kiwifruit supplements did not impact symptoms; however, findings were based on a small number of studies. Further research is required to investigate the effect of food supplements (e.g., kiwifruit supplements), as well as their whole food equivalents (e.g., whole kiwifruits) in chronic constipation.

Neofusicoccum actinidiae and Neofusicoccum guttata, Two New Species Causing Kiwifruit Rot in China

Kiwi is a popular fruit consumed worldwide. A number of fungal pathogens have been reported to cause postharvest rot of kiwifruit, and Botryosphaeriaceae species are the major causal agents of the disease. In this study, 18 isolates belonging to the genus Neofusicoccum (family Botryosphaeriaceae) were isolated from 247 symptomatic kiwifruits of the cultivars Jinyan, Jintao, and Jinkui collected from orchards in Hubei and Jiangxi provinces, China. Among the isolates, three grouped with various known Neofusicoccum parvum isolates, whereas the remaining 15 formed two independent clades. On the basis of further phylogenetic analyses with concatenated sequences of ITS and three genes encoding translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF), β-tubulin (TUB), and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2), as well as morphological characteristics, two new species, N. actinidiae and N. guttata, were proposed. Their pathogenicity to kiwi, apple, and citrus fruits was also confirmed.

Antibacterial mechanism of the novel antimicrobial peptide Jelleine-Ic and its efficacy in controlling Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in kiwifruit

BACKGROUND

Bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) poses a severe threat to kiwifruit production. Because of the insufficient efficacy and environmental safety of available treatments, novel antibacterial agents should be urgently developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be used as antimicrobials for disease control. In this study, we designed a novel AMP, Jelleine-Ic, and evaluated its antibacterial activity and mechanism of action against Psa.

RESULTS

Jelleine-Ic with a half-maximal effective concentration of 1.67 μg/mL exhibited stronger antibacterial activity than did parent Jelleine-I. Jelleine-Ic targeted the Psa membrane, increased membrane permeabilization and dissipated membrane potential, resulting in calcium leakage. Electron microscopy revealed that Jelleine-Ic disrupted cell morphology and caused intracellular alterations. Moreover, this AMP penetrated the cell membrane, bound to DNA, and reduced the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair. Jelleine-Ic also reduced esterase activity and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. This peptide inhibited the development of Psa canker. The control efficiency of Jelleine-Ic against Psa in the leaf discs and leaves of kiwifruit was 81.83% and 70.53%, respectively, which was superior to that of the commercial agricultural streptomycin. Furthermore, Jelleine-Ic upregulated the expression of kiwifruit defense genes (PR-10 and WRKY70a).

CONCLUSION

Jelleine-Ic effectively controls Psa in vitro and in vivo, and may be developed as a bactericide for plant disease control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gut Microbiota Combined with Serum Metabolomics to Investigate the Hypoglycemic Effect of Actinidia arguta Leaves

Actinidia arguta leaves (AAL) are an excellent source of bioactive components for the food industry and possess many functional properties. However, the hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of AAL remain unclear. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential hypoglycemic effect of AAL and explore its possible mechanism using 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolomics in diabetic mice induced by high-fat feeding in combination with streptozotocin injection. A total of 25 flavonoids from AAL were isolated and characterized, and the contents of the extract from the AAL ranged from 0.14 mg/g DW to 8.97 mg/g DW. The compound quercetin (2) had the highest content of 8.97 ± 0.09 mg/g DW, and the compound kaempferol-3-O-(2'-O-D-glucopyl)-β-D-rutinoside (12) had the lowest content of 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/g DW. In vivo experimental studies showed that AAL reduced blood glucose and cholesterol levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and ameliorated oxidative stress and liver and kidney pathological damage. In addition, gut microbiota analysis found that AAL significantly reduced the F/B ratio, enriched the beneficial bacteria Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, and inhibited the harmful bacteria Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio, thereby playing an active role in intestinal imbalance. In addition, metabolomics analysis showed that AAL could improve amino acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby exerting a hypoglycemic effect. This study confirmed that AAL can alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by regulating intestinal flora and interfering with related metabolic pathways, providing a scientific basis for its use as a dietary supplement and for further exploration of the mechanism of AAL against T2DM.

Actinidia deliciosa Extract as a Promising Supplemental Agent for Hepatic and Renal Complication-Associated Type 2 Diabetes (In Vivo and In Silico-Based Studies)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic condition associated with obesity, oxidative stress-mediated inflammation, apoptosis, and impaired insulin signaling. The utilization of phytochemical therapy generated from plants has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Kiwifruit is recognized for its substantial content of antioxidative phenolics. Therefore, this work aimed to examine the effect of Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi fruit) on hepatorenal damage in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2D in rats using in vivo and in silico analyses. An increase in hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation was observed in diabetic rats accompanied by a decrease in antioxidant status. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that there were observable inflammatory and apoptotic responses in the hepatic and renal organs of rats with diabetes, along with a dysregulation of the phosphorylation levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling proteins. However, the administration of kiwi extract to diabetic rats alleviated hepatorenal dysfunction, inflammatory processes, oxidative injury, and apoptotic events with activation of the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies revealed quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and melezitose as components of kiwi extract that docked well with potential as effective natural products for activating the silent information regulator 1(SIRT-1) pathway. Furthermore, phenolic acids in kiwi extract, especially syringic acid, P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, have the ability to inhibit the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) active site. In conclusion, it can be argued that kiwi extract may present a potentially beneficial adjunctive therapy approach for the treatment of diabetic hepatorenal complications.

Impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency in China: Evidence from kiwifruit production in Shaanxi province

Improving fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is an effective way to reduce the fertilizer use and non-point source pollution in agriculture production in China. Existing research related to fertilizer use efficiency ignores the impact of famers' social networks, which can significantly affect the fertilizer use and its efficiency. This paper analyzed the impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency and the mediator effect of green fertilization technology adoption, based on the calculation of fertilizer use efficiency of 569 kiwifruit farmers in Shaanxi province of China surveyed in 2021 by using stochastic frontier method. The results show that the FUE of kiwifruit production ranged within 0.1027-0.9945, with an average value of 0.333, which showed great variability, and fertilizer input had an average 66.7% reduction potential without reducing output. Social networks and its four dimensions all had a significant positive impact on FUE, in which network trust and network learning had a greater impact on FUE. Farmers' adoption of green fertilization technology played a positive mediator effect in the process of social networks influencing their fertilizer use efficiency, which was mainly promoted by network trust and learning. Farmers' experience in agricultural production, joining the cooperative, the quantity of village agricultural supply points had a significant positive impact on fertilizer use efficiency, while age and gentle of the head of household had a significant negative impact of fertilizer use efficiency. Planting scale had a U-shape impact on FUE. Policies aimed at improving FUE and reducing non-point source pollution should, therefore, focus on improving the social networks of farmers, especially young farmers, strengthening network trust, promoting network learning, network reciprocity and network interaction, strengthening the research and development and extension of green fertilization technology, encouraging farmers to join agricultural cooperative, improving village production conditions, guiding sustainable agricultural production.

Effect of Processing on Reduction in Chiral Pesticide Hexaconazole for Kiwifruit Juice

In this study, the residue levels of chiral pesticide hexaconazole during kiwifruit juice processing (peeling, homogenization, and sterilization) were investigated by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the dietary risk during these processes was also assessed. Hexaconazole was applied at dosages of 173.33 and 346.66 mg/L (recommended and double recommended dosage) in kiwifruit. In the peeling process, 87.7% to 89.2% of the residues were decreased after peeling. Levels of hexaconazole residues in homogenization and sterilization processes further increased from 0.49% to 24.3% and from 0.2% to 3.0%, respectively. Processing factors (PFs) for (+)- and (-)-hexaconazole after peeling, homogenization, and sterilization were 0.12, 0.88, 0.99 for low-dose treatment and 0.12, 0.87, 0.99 for high-dose treatment, respectively. The enantioselectivity of hexaconazole during these procedures was evaluated by enantiomeric fractions (EFs) values, which were around 0.5 throughout all the procedures, indicating that hexaconazole enantiomers had similar dissipation behaviors during kiwifruit juice processing. The RQc of hexaconazole in pre-peeling samples was significantly greater than 100% under two dosages, while the peeling process can notably decrease the values to an acceptable level. The results of this study could provide guidance for agriculture applications and kiwi commodity production to decrease the risk of hexaconazole residue.

1-Methylcyclopropene treatment delays the softening of Actinidia arguta fruit by reducing cell wall degradation and modulating carbohydrate metabolism

The rapid softening of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) fruit significantly reduces its marketing potential. Therefore, the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the softening of A. arguta fruit was investigated. Results indicated that A. arguta fruit treated with 1-MCP maintained a higher level of firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids content, relative to non-treated fruit. Fruit treated with 1-MCP and placed in long-term cold storage had higher sensory scores, as determined by a taste panel and supported by electronic nose and tongue data. Notably, 1-MCP delayed the degradation of cell wall components, including pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, by reducing the activity of cell-wall-modifying enzymes. In addition, 1-MCP reduced the activity of carbohydrate metabolism-related enzymes, resulting in fruit with higher levels of starch and sucrose and lower levels of glucose, fructose and sorbitol. Collectively, these results indicate that 1-MCP can be used to delay the softening of A. arguta fruit and extend its storage and shelf life.

Contrasting effector profiles between bacterial colonisers of kiwifruit reveal redundant roles converging on PTI-suppression and RIN4

Testing effector knockout strains of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) for reduced in planta growth in their native kiwifruit host revealed a number of nonredundant effectors that contribute to Psa3 virulence. Conversely, complementation in the weak kiwifruit pathogen P. syringae pv. actinidifoliorum (Pfm) for increased growth identified redundant Psa3 effectors. Psa3 effectors hopAZ1a and HopS2b and the entire exchangeable effector locus (ΔEEL; 10 effectors) were significant contributors to bacterial colonisation of the host and were additive in their effects on virulence. Four of the EEL effectors (HopD1a, AvrB2b, HopAW1a and HopD2a) redundantly contribute to virulence through suppression of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Important Psa3 effectors include several redundantly required effectors early in the infection process (HopZ5a, HopH1a, AvrPto1b, AvrRpm1a and HopF1e). These largely target the plant immunity hub, RIN4. This comprehensive effector profiling revealed that Psa3 carries robust effector redundancy for a large portion of its effectors, covering a few functions critical to disease.

Efficient Elimination of Actinidia Chlorotic Ringspot-Associated Virus from Infected Kiwifruit Shoots Cultured In Vitro

In this study, methods of Actinidia chlorotic ringspot-associated virus (AcCRaV) elimination by shoot tip culture, thermotherapy followed by shoot tip culture, and chemotherapy followed by shoot tip culture were explored. The results showed that the AcCRaV elimination rate was 23.3% when the secondary shoot tip culture method was used and when the shoot tip length was less than 0.5 mm. The AcCRaV elimination rate was 100% when thermotherapy (36°C [day] and 32°C [night]) was applied for 20 days followed by shoot tip culture (shoot tip length less than 1.0 mm). When shoot segments were treated with ribavirin at 15 µg/ml for 2 months followed by shoot tip culture, the elimination rate of AcCRaV was 100% (shoot tip length less than 1.0 mm). When shoot segments were treated with ribavirin at 25 µg/ml for 2 months followed by shoot tip culture, the elimination rate of AcCRaV was 100% (shoot tip length less than 1.5 mm). This is the first report on kiwifruit virus elimination methods.