Consumption of almonds has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of CHD, which may be related to their fatty acid (FA) composition. However, the effect of almond consumption on the serum FA composition is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether almond consumption would alter the serum FA profile and risk of CHD, as calculated using Framingham's 10-year ri...

A hypothesized underlying principle of the diversity-functioning relationship is that functional groups respond differently to environmental change. Over 3 years, we investigated how pollinator diversity contributes to the magnitude of pollination service through spatial complementarity and differential response to high winds in California almond orchards. We found honey bees preferentially vis...

Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) kernel composition is a basic aspect for almond quality evaluation, but, with the exception of kernel taste, only nut and kernel physical traits have been considered so far in almond evaluation. Kernel bitterness, due to the presence of amygdalin, has been thoroughly studied from the physiological and genetic points of view, but not the other chemical traits, wh...

Almond nuts were exposed to radiation doses of 1, 2 and 3 kGy of gamma irradiation covering the range for insect/pest disinfestations and for microbial load. Fatty acid composition, acidity value, peroxide value, iodine value specification number, TBA value and color of almond oil extracted from un-irradiated and irradiated sample were determined, immediately after irradiation and after 12 mont...

We developed a computer model for simulating the population dynamics of the almond moth, Cadra cautella (Walker). The model incorporates previously published life history data for the almondmothdeveloping on storedpeanuts, Arachis hypogaeaL., including stage-speciÞc immature developmental time and survival and adult longevity and fecundity. The model was modiÞed so that it also could be used to...

This study was undertaken to identify morphological changes in young seedlings of 5 Iranian almond species (Prunus dulcis, P. eburnea, P. eleagnifolia, P. haussknechti, and P. scoparia) under polyethylene glycol-induced drought stress. Drought stress caused a significant reduction in plant growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights of plant organs, leaf number, total leaf area, and leaf re...

We have investigated the effect of almond skin extracts on the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were either infected or not by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), with and without prior treatment with almond skin extracts. Production of IL-17 induced by HSV-2 was inhibited by natural skins (NS) treatment. ...

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of almond genotypes to osmotic stress in vitro in order to screen drought tolerance. Explants subjected to polyethyleneglycol osmotic stress (0, 3.5, and 7.0% WV) on the MS medium. Concentrations of photosynthesis pigments, anthocyanins, and carothenoids were significantly reduced under osmotic stress. Under osmotic stress, leaf water content, c...