Diversity of Insect Flower Visitors on Macadamia within a Monoculture Orchard in Murang’a County, Central Kenya

Macadamia is cultivated for its nutritious edible kernel. In Kenya, the crop is predominantly grown by smallholder farmers mainly for export markets. Macadamia trees also enhance agro-forestry conservation, in the East African farmlands, by providing habitat and floral resources to beneficial arthropods such as insect pollinators. Allogamy of macadamia flowers is largely dependent on insects that pollinate and consequently influence the nut set, retention and yield. However, there is limited information on macadamia insect flower visitors in Kenya. This article assessed the diversity of insects that forage flowers of macadamia crop, and further evaluated their temporal distribution, in Murang’a county, central Kenya. Insect flower visitors were sampled weekly using a butterfly net for twelve consecutive months, from January 2021 to December 2021. Sixty-one insect species were recorded foraging macadamia flowers in Murang’a county, central Kenya. There was a statistical difference in the Simpson diversity index among weather seasons, dry, long rain, cold and short rain (p Apis mellifera), a key pollinator species, being the most abundant flower visitor. This study provides strong baseline information, to scientists and farmers, on probable macadamia pollinator species, in central Kenya. .

Effects of Cooking Temperature and Storage Time on the Quality of Macadamia Nut Oil

The purpose is to study the influence of cooking and storage habits on the quality of macadamia nut oil,so as to provide reference for macadamia nut processingenterprises and consumers.Macadamia oil was treated at 100℃,200℃,300℃,microwave heating,45℃constant temperature storage,natural light for different times,and its acid value,peroxide value,squalene,sterol and fatty acid content were detected according to the national standard method.The results showed that the acid value and peroxide value increased with time.The acid value and peroxide value of macadamia oil cooked at 300℃and stored under natural light were higher than those heated by microwave and stored at 45℃,and increased rapidly with the increase of cooking and light time.The acid value was as high as 0.77 mg/g,with an increase of 63.8%,and the peroxide value was as high as 6.18 mg/g,with an increase of 43.7%.As for squalene,it decreased in varying degrees with heating time and storage time.Squalene in macadamia oil cooked at 300℃and stored under natural light were lower than those heated by microwave and stored at 45℃constant temperature,respectively,and decreased rapidly with the increase of cooking and light time,with the reduction ranges of 38.6%and28.4%respectively;Stigmasterol was not detected in macadamia oil.But in macadamia oil the content ofβ-sitosterol was 0.132 g/100 g,and the content did not change significantly in each treatmentgroup.In the experimental treatment group,the content of fatty acids in macadamia oil had different trends.After treatment at 300℃for 20 minutes,the content of oleic acid decreased by 75.66%,the content of palmitic acid decreased by 75.28%,and thecontent of palmitic acid decreased by 74.12%.In conclusion,low temperature heating,microwave heating and storage away from light can better preserve the quality of macadamia oil,this study will provide a theoretical basisfor the rational utilization of macadamia oil as cooking oil.

Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Macadamia Nuts (<i>Macadamia integrifolia</i>) Cultivated in Venezuela

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) grown in Venezuela have showed an average total fat content of 70%. Oleic acid (18:1) was the main monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (51.3%), followed by palmitoleic acid (16:1, 22.6%). The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), C18:2 and C18:3 represented 5.4%. Thus, MUFAs and PUFAs together constituted more than 80% of the total fatty acids present. Trans-vaccenic acid was also present (3%). As regards to other phytochemical compounds, tocopherols and tocotrienols were not found in the sample, but the presence of squalene was detected.The antioxidant activity (44.2%) of the extract was produced by the phytochemicals present.

Annual Variation of Mineral Nutrition Elements Content in Macadamia integrifolia

[Objective] To investigate the annual variation of 9 mineral nutrition ele-ments content in Macadamia integrifolia leaves. [Method] Twenty 6-year-old ＆quot;Guire No. 1＆quot; healthy plants were selected. On the 15th of every month in 2011, 1 leaf in the second round from top-branch in 4 directions of the 20 trees was col ected. The content of 9 mineral elements of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were deter-mined. [Result] The results showed that the N, P, K content in leaves reached a peak in April, then N content decreased slowly, P content stayed stable, and K con-tent increased slightly; Ca, Fe content decreased in April to different degrees and then increased slowly. Mg content was consistent al year round, meanwhile Mn content decreased slightly. Cu and Zn content reached a peak in April, and then presented a rise-fal trend. [Conclusion] N, K, Ca, Mg should be supplemented in time in practice.

Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Macadamia Nutshell Fibers

The use of natural fibers as an additive in polymeric matrices has attracted interest of the automotive industries,for its low cost,mechanical properties,biodegradability and lightness.However,the hydrophilic nature of the fiber makes polymer compatibility difficult.Fiber surface treatments can be used to enhance the fiber/matrix interface.In the present work,polypropylene(PP)composites reinforced with fibers from macadamia nutshell were obtained and characterized.Macadamia nutshell fibers were treated by an alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide(NaOH 4%)to improve adhesion between fibers and matrix.Fibers were characterized by techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and X-Ray Diffraction(XRD).The PP was mixed with the macadamia fibers(treated and untreated),in proportions of 5 and 10%(wt/wt)using a thermokinetic mixer.Furthermore tensile,flexural and impact specimens(Pure PP and composites)were prepared by an injection molding process and tested for evaluation of mechanical properties.The results showed that the insertion of treated fibers in the PP matrix increased the stiffness of the composites.However,the composites reinforced with untreated fibers presented higher impact energy absorption when compared to composites reinforced with treated fibers.

Design and Implementation of Drying Device in Macadamia Nut Digital Management

Macadamia,as the main industry of rural revitalization in Guangxi,has high economic value and good ecological benefits.However,the traditional way of drying macadamia nuts after harvest is very extensive.It cannot guarantee the quality and can cause mildew easily,thereby seriously restricting the industrial development.This paper introduced a device with a weighing device,which allows operators to understand the drying effect in time and thus reduces the loss of nutrition.The device solves the problem of relying on the weather to harvest,and ensures the drying effect of macadamia nuts.

Effect of Different Fertilizer Formulations on Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Greenhouse Grown Macadamia Plants in a Micro Drip-Irrigation System

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Mahidol University, Thailand from January to May 2009. Macadamia plants were planted in pots with mixed substrate of soil： sand： coconut-coir： rice-husk： charcoal; 3.0： 1.0： 0.5： 1.0, respectively. Micro drip-irrigation system was operated 10：00 to 16：00 h daily with a controller scheduled to pump 12 minutes at 12 intervals. The study showed that application of Enshi tablet （18 tablets/plant/year） in a drip-irrigation system enhances growth of Macadamia compared to the application of OsmocoteTM tablet, Modified-enshi and Enshi solution. Significant variation in chlorophyll （a ＋ b） content was observed in Enshi tablet treatment. Soil chemical analyses indicated that the nutrient content in Enshi tablet appeared low compared to other formulations but nutrient removal was considerably brought down by the system, which gives a balance between nutrient removals by crops and addition through fertilizers. Hence, application of Enshi tablet is suggested for Macadamia in a drip-irrigation system.

Impact of Hydrogen Ion Concentration on Amino Acids Composition of Macadamia Protein: Approached Using Cation-Exchange Chromatography

In the present context, the objective of this study was to synthesize and analyze the content of AA of macadamia protein and the impact of hydrogen ion concentration (pH) on AA composition. The determination of AA mainly by cation-exchange chromatography was also investigated. Reproducible and reliable techniques for quantification and identification of AA usually require derivatization. However, techniques such as AA analyzer are composed of cation-exchange chromatography and other components can sideline the derivatization with significant accuracy. The present analysis revealed a higher concentration of essential amino acids especially acidic AA, Glu and Asp and basic AA, Arg than other AA in macadamia protein. The study constitutes first report of use of bubble chart for evaluation of AA and explaination of AAS. The results may elaborate that the degradation of AA of macadamia protein for extraction of pH 11 is caused by the impact of pH. Moreover, the nutritional values of AA present in macadamia protein could change for the better by adjusting pH of extraction.

Novel Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Macadamia Protein

In the present work, macadamia protein was enzymatic hydrolyzed to produce peptides which had abundant antioxidant activities. The relative antioxidant capacity was investigated through some in vitro models such as scavenging activity of DPPH radical, scavenging of ABTS+ radical and evaluation of the total antioxidant capacity assay. Macadamia protein was characterized by methods of DEAE cellulose cation-exchange chromatography and SDS-PAGE. Besides, method of price graph was used to compare the difference and to investigate the connection between the actual and ideal antioxidant value of the hydrolysates, aiming to reduce this difference.

Studies of Microstructure of Kernels of Macadamia integrifolia and Its Hybrids through MRI, X-Ray Tomography and Confocal Microscopy

The aim of this study was to apply the existing techniques that enable examination ofmacadamia kernels to provide a better understanding of physico-chemical properties of kernels during postharvest processing. These techniques, such as X-ray tomography, could be applied for quality monitoring in the macadamia industry. The objectives of this study were to investigate the browning centre symptoms that usually occur in macadamia nuts-in-shell. The applied techniques included confocal microscopy, X-ray tomography and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. Five different varieties of macadamia nuts （A38, 246, 816, 842 and Daddow） were selected to include distinct characteristics, such as drop pattern and growing location. Analysis of the microstructure of kernels by confocal microscopy showed the distribution of possible brown pigment compounds as well as the distribution of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins inside macadamia cells. Physical properties data, including shell density and seed to volume ratio, were obtained by X-ray tomography. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging used in this study showed marked differences in microstructure which indicate that different varieties exhibit different microstructures expressed as fraction ofanisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient that appear to be related to the occurrence of the brown centre. Hence, the findings of this study have potential to improve the existing postharvest techniques used in the macadamia processing industry. They will be of benefit to the industry in terms of improved quality control and cost reduction.

Design and Implementation of Automatic Control Drip Irrigation Device in Macadamia Digital Management

Macadamia has the highest economic value and has always enjoyed the reputation of"king of dried fruits".In the process of digital management,irrigation is the most widely used.This paper designs the automatic control drip irrigation device in the digital management of macadamia nuts,including drip irrigation pipe,soil moisture sensor,motor,water storage chamber,water pump and central controller,and then gives an implementation scheme.The device is not only convenient for laying and positioning,but also convenient for controlling the overall irrigation water consumption during each drip irrigation and accurate use and improving the level of digital management.

云南西双版纳澳洲坚果开花与结实特性

【目的】对云南西双版纳地区的澳洲坚果开花结实特性展开观测及分析,为澳洲坚果高产优质提供理论依据。【方法】以12个澳洲坚果品种为观测对象,采用挂牌记录法观察其开花物候及坐果规律,以坐果率、坐果花序率、每果序平均坐果数、落果率等参数为评价指标,分析澳洲坚果不同品种的结实特性。【结果】不同澳洲坚果品种的开花物候复杂多样,品种D4、O.C、863、820和842花期较长,分2批次开花;品种A16、A4、Special、828、816、508和246的花期较短且较集中。受花期和品种特性共同影响,澳洲坚果不同品种的坐果率、坐果花序率、每果序平均坐果数及落果率存在明显差异,品种O.C、828、863和D4的第2批次末花期花序几乎没有坐果能力。所有参试品种的最终坐果率与最终坐果花序率呈正相关,可使用坐果花序率代替坐果率评价产量。花期对不同品种每果序最终平均坐果数量的影响不大,每个果序上仅1~2个果实。所有参试品种均存在严重的落果现象,但同一花期不同品种的落果率差异不显著(P>0.05)。【结论】根据开花物候决定采收模式,花期长的品种D4、O.C、863、820和842需分批次采收,花期短的品种A16、A4、Special、828、816、508和246可集中采收。根据第2批次末花期花序几乎无坐果能力的结实特性,可疏除2批次开花品种O.C、863、828和D4的第2批次末花期刚萌发的花序,节约母树资源。

响应面法优化澳洲坚果真空油炸工艺及品质分析

以澳洲坚果果仁为原料,制备真空油炸产品。采用单因素实验和响应面Box-Behnken试验进行真空油炸工艺优化;以原料果仁为对照,测定真空油炸果仁含油率、酸价、过氧化值、色差与感官品质指标。结果表明:冷冻温度、真空油炸温度、真空油炸时间和真空度对澳洲坚果果仁的口感和风味品质影响差异极显著(P<0.01),澳洲坚果果仁真空油炸最佳工艺条件:冷冻温度−24℃、真空油炸温度113℃、真空油炸时间58 min、真空度−0.095 MPa,在该工艺条件下制得的澳洲坚果果仁香味浓郁、口感酥松,感官评分为95.90分,酸价、过氧化值分别为0.23 mg/g、0.14 g/100 g,在低水平范围内,符合LY/T 1963-2018的标准要求。因此,真空油炸工艺极显著提高了澳洲坚果果仁的品质。

超声波-微波联合辅助提取澳洲坚果青皮多糖工艺优化及其抗氧化活性

为了开发澳洲坚果青皮多糖产品,促进澳洲坚果青皮的综合利用,我们以澳洲坚果青皮为试材,比较澳洲坚果果实不同部位的多糖提取率,并采用超声波-微波联合辅助法,运用单因素与正交试验比较微波功率、提取时间、料液比、超声温度4个因素对多糖提取率的影响,研究其最优提取条件。以维生素C为对照,测定澳洲坚果青皮多糖清除1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼(DPPH)、羟基自由基的能力与还原力,评价其抗氧化活性。结果表明,澳洲坚果果实不同部位中,青皮多糖提取率最高。青皮多糖超声波-微波联合辅助提取工艺中各因素对提取率的影响力从高到低依次为提取时间>料液比>超声温度>微波功率,且均达到极显著水平(p<0.01),最佳提取工艺条件为提取时间90 min、超声温度65℃、料液比(1∶25)g/mL、微波功率400 W,此条件下提取率达到1.96%。澳洲坚果青皮多糖的抗氧化活性与质量浓度呈极显著正相关(p<0.01),相关系数R分别为0.9707、0.9813、0.9912,具有较强的DPPH、羟基自由基清除能力和较高的还原力,其半抑制浓度(IC 50)分别为38.55、20.38、41.51μg/mL,相同浓度下略低于维生素C。

铁皮石斛仿野生栽培研究

以铁皮石斛为试验材料,开展种苗选择、种植时间、相对湿度、荫蔽度、附生树种、固定材料、固定部位、种植密度、采收时间等仿野生栽培试验。结果表明:仿野生种植铁皮石斛应选用驯化组培苗或者扦插苗,在1月或9月,在相对湿度大于50%,荫蔽度60%~70%的林地,选用梨树、澳洲坚果树、龙眼树等树皮粗糙、多纵沟纹、不易脱落且径围>10 cm的树种,用棕绳将铁皮石斛种苗按6~8株/丛,丛距×层距10 cm×20 cm,根系朝上,茎叶朝下,螺旋式将铁皮石斛捆绑在附生树种上。生长期每天喷雾2次,每月喷叶面肥1次,种植24个月后即可采收铁皮石斛封顶的鲜茎。

澳洲坚果种质资源花序表型性状多样性分析

【目的】明确澳洲坚果花序表型性状的遗传多样性,为种质资源的保护和利用奠定基础。【方法】以91份澳洲坚果种质资源为材料,利用变异系数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、相关性分析、主成分分析、聚类分析及逐步回归分析,对14个花序表型性状进行分析及评价。【结果】(1)4个质量性状的遗传多样性指数为0.1209~1.6458,10个数量性状的遗传多样性指数为1.8641~2.0746、变异系数为10.09%~28.24%。(2)数量性状之间的相关性分析显示:23对性状的相关性呈极显著水平(P<0.01),8对性状的相关性呈显著水平(P<0.05),关系密切且复杂。(3)主成分分析筛选出5个特征值大于1的主成分,累计贡献率达75.725%,反映了澳洲坚果种质花序表型性状的大部分信息。(4)遗传距离为15时,可将种质资源聚为4个类群。(5)基于主成分贡献率权重,构建综合评价函数:F=0.356F_(1)+0.213F_(2)+0.192F_(3)+0.129F_(4)+0.109F_(5),91份澳洲坚果种质资源综合得分(F值)为0.508~2.640,排名前5的种质为D4、HAES695、YN55、广9、YN68。【结论】澳洲坚果种质资源花序表型具有丰富的遗传多样性,基于表型性状进行综合评价,筛选出5份性状较优的单株资源。

澳洲坚果‘O.C’果实发育及品质变化规律研究

为探究澳洲坚果果实生长和品质的变化规律,以6 a生‘O.C’为试材,于盛花期挑选状态基本一致的花序进行标记,跟踪测定果实横纵径、果形指数、单果质量、内果皮颜色、单壳果干质量、单果仁干质量、出籽率、出仁率、一级果仁率、粗脂肪、蛋白质、可溶性总糖及脂肪酸含量,对内果皮颜色及果实评价指标进行相关性分析,并采用主成分分析法对不同发育时期的果实品质进行综合评价。结果显示:(1)澳洲坚果果实横纵径、单果质量的生长趋势基本一致,呈“快速—缓慢—稳定”的“S”形曲线,果形指数呈近似“L”形。(2)花后105~195 d,内果皮颜色L^(*)值逐渐降低,a^(*)/b^(*)逐渐上升;壳果横纵径差异不显著;单壳果干质量、单果仁干质量、出仁率、一级果仁率、粗脂肪及蛋白质含量逐渐升高至稳定;出籽率、可溶性总糖含量呈下降—升高—稳定的变化趋势;不同发育时期的果仁中均检测出12种主要的脂肪酸,包括6种饱和脂肪酸、4种单不饱和脂肪酸和2种多不饱和脂肪酸。(3)相关性分析表明,39对性状呈极显著水平,16对性状呈显著水平,大多数品质指标间具有较强的相关性,且内果皮颜色与品质指标关系密切。(4)利用主成分分析法对果实品质进行综合评价,不同发育时期综合得分(Dn)的变化范围为-1.565~0.727,花后175 d的果实排名第一。结果表明,花后175 d为澳洲坚果‘O.C’的最佳采收时期,内果皮颜色的L^(*)值在35.73以下、a^(*)/b^(*)在1.48以上可作为该品种集中采收期确定的重要参考指标,研究结果为澳洲坚果‘O.C’丰产栽培及适时采收提供了理论依据。

澳洲坚果新害虫——脊胸露尾甲生物学习性观察

在云南省西双版纳澳洲坚果种植区发现为害澳洲坚果的新害虫——脊胸露尾甲,为准确掌握其生物学习性,在室内以澳洲坚果果仁为食料饲养该虫,观察各虫态形态、成虫交配习性、产卵习性,测定卵孵化率及各虫态存活率。结果表明,脊胸露尾甲发育经历卵、幼虫、蛹、成虫4个虫态,其中幼虫分为3个龄期,随着龄期增长,幼虫体长、体宽和头壳宽度逐渐增加。成虫羽化后不会立即交配,交配前期(4.65±0.04)d,交配时长不等,初次交配时长(13.78±0.29)min,雄成虫存在争夺交配权行为。雌成虫产卵前期(8.65±0.03)d,初次产卵量(1.94±0.06)粒,一天中15:00—18:00产卵量/h最高;雌成虫对产卵位置具有选择性,背光面着卵率极显著高于向光面。卵孵化率随着相对湿度增加而不断提高。常规饲养条件下,卵、1龄幼虫、2龄幼虫、3龄幼虫、蛹的存活率分别为(86.50±0.69)%、(83.31±2.99)%、(94.85±0.71)%、(97.09±1.46)%、(98.77±1.23)%。

澳洲坚果种质资源耐热性调查与分析

随着全球气候变暖,在夏季持续高温干燥天气下,我国广东、广西澳洲坚果产区不耐热的澳洲坚果种质新梢叶片出现黄化现象,直接或间接影响光合作用,进而影响产量和品质。为了筛选耐热种质应对气候变化,以位于广东省湛江市的国家热带果树种质资源(澳洲坚果)圃内的145份种质资源为试材,调查不同种质的耐热性,分析比较不同程度热敏感种质的生理特性。结果表明,湛江地区6-7月下半昼(12:00-18:00)和上半夜(18:00-24:00)经历了6次较长时间的气温高峰和湿度低谷,导致热敏感种质新梢叶片黄化。不同种质新梢叶片黄化程度因其热敏感程度不同而异,供试145份种质可划分为耐热、轻度热敏感、中度热敏感、重度热敏感种质4类。随着种质热敏感程度的加剧,叶片的叶绿素(叶绿素a+叶绿素b、叶绿素a、叶绿素b)含量均显著下降而呈现褪绿黄化;超氧阴离子自由基(O_(2)^(-))大量积累,脂氧合酶(LOX)活性显著增强,丙二醛(MDA)含量显著增加,表明由活性氧积累引发的细胞膜脂过氧化加剧。与耐热种质相比,轻度热敏感种质的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著增强;随着热敏感程度加剧,中度热敏感种质和重度热敏感种质的SOD活性均显著低于耐热种质,POD活性仍显著增强,而中度热敏感种质和重度热敏感种质的CAT活性无显著性差异,表明细胞抗氧化代谢失调。

基于光谱敏感变量优选的澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量估算

利用高光谱遥感技术探索澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量估算方法,以实现澳洲坚果氮素营养快速诊断。本研究以临沧和西双版纳为研究区,获取澳洲坚果品种O.C和HAES344叶片的光谱反射率和氮素含量,首先采用对数变换、导数变换及其组合对原始光谱反射率进行多种数学变换,然后分析澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量与不同变换形式光谱数据的相关性;在决定系数较大的原则下,选择决定系数曲线图中波峰特征点对应的波长作为氮素敏感波长,从而得到相应的氮素敏感光谱变量;运用逐步回归法对氮素敏感光谱变量进一步优化,并采用多元线性回归(MLR)、偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)和支持向量回归(SVR)3种方法构建澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量估算模型;最后,分别利用验证集和测试集对构建的澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量估算模型性能进行测试。结果显示,MLR、PLSR、SVR等3种模型估算能力均表现良好,验证集和测试集的相对分析误差(RPD)均在2.0以上;其中,PLSR模型为最优估算模型,验证集和测试集的RPD分别为2.099和2.110。从反射率(R)、对数变换(LR)、一阶导数(FDR)、对数变换的一阶导数(FDLR)、二阶导数(SDR)、对数变换的二阶导数(SDLR)等6种变换光谱数据中优选的19个氮素敏感光谱变量,对氮素光谱响应具有较强的稳定性;基于优选的19个氮素敏感光谱变量,用常规的回归建模方法均能取得良好的估算效果,且具有较强的区域普适性。本研究从多种变换光谱数据中优选氮素敏感光谱变量,为澳洲坚果叶片氮素含量估算提供新思路。