Potential environmental impact of effluents from the artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) byproduct ensiling process using additives

Three treatments have been tested on canned artichoke byproduct after 50 days of ensilage: formic acid at 20% in doses of 2 mL. kg(-)(1) (FA), cane sugar molasses at 50 g.kg(-)(1) (M), and sodium chloride at 30 g.kg(-)(1) (SC). A fourth batch acted as a control group (C). The nutritive value, fermentation characteristics, environmental pollution effect, and total volume of effluents released have been studied. The highest nutritive value recorded was with SC silage. The use of the additives did not significantly improve the fermentation stability of the silage, but the total production of effluents in each treatment-52.7 (FA), 46.9 (M), and 55.2 (SC)-was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of the control group (70.1 L.Tm(-)(1)). The chemical oxygen demand (COD), 117300 mg of O(2).L(-)(1), and the conductivity, 46.4 microOmega(-)(1). cm(-)(1), were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in M and SC, respectively, than in the other group.     

Protection of tomato seed germination from the inhibitory effect of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid by inoculation of soil with Burkholderia cepacia AC1100

The effect of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T) on the germination and seedling vigor of different crop seeds was tested. Seeds of rice, maize, sorghum, finger millet, and horse gram were comparatively more tolerant to the chemical with no marked effect up to a concentration of 200 mg 2,4,5-T L(-)(1) as tested by the filter paper method. Tomato and brinjal (egg plant) were highly susceptible. Even at 5 and 10 mg 2,4,5-T L(-)(1), marked reduction in the germination and seedling vigor of tomato and egg plant, respectively, was observed. At 20 and 30 mg L(-)(1), the germination of tomato and egg plant seeds, respectively, were completely inhibited on filter paper, whereas the inhibitory concentrations in soil was 40 mg 2,4,5-T kg(-)(1) soil. Several abnormalities were observed in the chemically affected seedlings. Protease activity of the seeds germinating in the presence of the chemical was drastically reduced. Bioremediation of the chemically contaminated soil with Burkholderia cepacia AC1100, by inoculation of the soil 7 days before sowing the seeds, completely protected the seeds, resulting in normal germination and an improved seedling vigor.     

Fermentability of grape must after inhibition with dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC)

Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) was added to grape must and to synthetic media and results showed that, at 20 degrees C, 150 mg.L(-)(1) DMDC completely inhibited the fermentation of a grape must that was previously inoculated with 10(6) cells.mL(-)(1) Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces uvarum. Brettanomyces intermedius, Candida guilliermondii, Hansenula jadinii, Hansenula petersonii, Kloeckera apiculata, Pichia membranaefaciens, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were inhibited by 250 mg.L(-)(1). Candida valida was inhibited in the presence of 350 mg.L(-)(1), whereas Hanseniaspora osmophila, Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii required 400 mg.L(-)(1). Delay of fermentation (but not inhibition) was noted in the presence of 400 mg.L(-)(1) for the following cultures: Brettanomyces anomalus, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Zygosaccharomyces florentinus. Acetobacter aceti and Lactobacillus sp. were completely inhibited using 1000 and 500 mg.L(-)(1) DMDC, respectively. The fermentation of a grape must inoculated with 10(6) cells.mL(-)(1) of different wine yeasts was delayed for 4 days after the prior addition of 200 mg.L(-)(1) of DMDC; 200 mg.L(-)(1) DMDC did not show any residual inhibitory effect after 12 h, nor did 300 mg.L(-)(1) 24 h after the addition. In cellar experiments, indigenously contaminated grape musts (with and without skins) showed a delay in fermentation of 48 h after the addition of only 50 mg.L(-)(1) DMDC. The possibility of using DMDC (as pure grade as commercially available) in grape must as a disinfectant for the decontamination of musts indigenously contaminated with wild yeast should be considered seriously, despite its apparent low solubility in water.     

滇黄芩器官发生与不同继代次数遗传稳定性的RAPD分析

本研究以滇黄芩不带腋芽茎段为外植体,采用不同配比激素的MS培养基建立了滇黄芩器官发生,植株再生体系。结果表明,茎段在MS＋6-BA 2mg／L＋NAA 0.5mg／L培养基上培养时,愈伤组织诱导率达到100％;以相同培养基进行分化,并在MS＋6-BA 2mg／L＋NAA 0.2mg／L培养基上扩繁丛生芽。在1／2MS＋IBA 0.2mg／L培养基诱导生根,扦插继代。利用RAPD分析不同继代次数再生植株,所用的39条随机引物中只有1条引物带型发生变化。说明经组织培养获得的再生植株遗传稳定,可多次继代培养,为滇黄芩进一步遗传操作和扩大药材资源奠定基础。     

Establishment of selenium uptake and species distribution in lupine, Indian mustard, and sunflower plants

Selenium has been recognized as essential for all mammals; therefore, its concentration level and speciation are of great concern. Plants are one of the main sources of selenium in the diet. Thus, inorganic selenium uptake and its transformation in different species were evaluated in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), sunflower (Helianthus annus), and white lupine (Lupinus albus). More than 1.2 g x kg(-)(1) (dry matter) of Se was found in the aerial part of Indian mustard when growing on 1 mg x L(-)(1) of Se as Na(2)SeO(4), and approximately half this amount was determined in the leaves of the lupine, which is still quite high. Selenomethionine was the main selenium-containing amino acid identified in most of the extracts by HPLC-ICP-MS. The higher values were 6.8 and 14.5 mg x kg(-)(1) (expressed as Se in dry matter) in the leaves of lupine and sunflower, respectively. This is of great importance because some authors have considered the combination of this enriched material with non-enriched food as a source of selenium supplementation.     

Relationship between fatty acid profile and vitamin E content in maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)

The balance between the vitamin E (tocochromanols) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents mainly determines the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation and the storage stability of corn oil. In 1997, field experiments were conducted at two different locations to evaluate a collection of 30 corn hybrids for fatty acid profiles and tocochromanol contents. Hybrids differed significantly (p < 0.01) for major fatty acids, as well as for tocochromanol contents and composition. The major fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids, whose contents were in the ranges 9.2-12.1%, 19.5-30.5%, and 53.0-65.3%, respectively. The tocopherol contents ranged as follows: alpha-tocopherol, 67-276 mg (kg of oil)(-1); beta-tocopherol, 0-20 mg (kg of oil)(-1); gamma-tocopherol, 583-1048 mg (kg of oil)(-1); delta-tocopherol, 12-71 mg (kg of oil)(-1); total tocopherol, 767-1344 mg (kg of oil)(-1). gamma-Tocopherol was the predominant derivative among all tocopherols. The tocotrienol contents were in the ranges 46-89, 53-164, and 99-230 mg (kg of oil)(-1) for alpha-, gamma-, and total tocotrienol contents, respectively. The tocotrienol profile was not characterized by the predominance of any tocotrienol homologue. alpha-Tocopherol was positively correlated with PUFA (r = 0.41) and with the vitamin E equivalent (vit E equiv) (r = 0.84), and it was not correlated with gamma-tocopherol. gamma-Tocopherol was highly correlated with total tocopherol and tocochromanol contents (r = 0.93 and r = 0.90, respectively), indicating that the contribution of this vitamer to the total tocochromanol content is the most important among all tocochromanols. The high positive correlation found between the vit E/PUFA ratio and the vit E equiv, as well as the absence of correlation between this ratio and PUFA indicates that a higher vit E/PUFA ratio can be easier achieved be increasing the vitamin E content than by modifying fatty acid profile in corn oil.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and electronic taste and aroma properties of antho-beers from purple wheat grain

Moderate consumption of beer is known to be beneficial for health. Thus, antioxidant, likely taste, and aroma properties of antho-beers made from purple wheat grain (antho-grain) were evaluated. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl free radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity, total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and phenolic acid compositions of antho-bran were also investigated. DPPH* scavenging activity at 60 min was 50.6-59.9% for control and antho-beer extracts, 15.0-54.1% for antho-bran extracts and hydrolysates. The TPC ranged from 410 to 609 mg/L, from 84 to 95 mg/L, and from 2473 to 7634 mg/kg for control (from barley malt) and antho-beer original samples, control and antho-beer extracts, and antho-bran extracts and hydrolysates, respectively. The corresponding ORAC values were 3050-4181 mg/L, 2961-3184 mg/L, and 74-213 g/kg, respectively. The major known phenolic acids comprised four types in control beer, five types in antho-beers, and seven types in antho-bran hydrolysates. Total anthocyanin content of antho-bran was up to 1160 mg/kg. Differences in likely taste and aroma were found between control and antho-beers by using electronic tongue and nose methods. Brewing materials had an effect on the antioxidant, likely taste, and aroma properties of beers; however, antho-grain may have potential as a novel brewing material.     

Phlorin screening in various citrus species and varieties

Phlorin (3,5-dihydroxyphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside), an orange peel marker, has been searched in 45 species and varieties of Citrus. The phlorin content was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography in juices and aqueous peel extracts of these different fruits. The phlorin content in C. reticulata peel extract varies from 0 to 1012 mg L(-)(1) with a mean of 162 mg L(-)(1). On the contrary, phlorin was not found in mandarin and clementine juices except for mandarin "Commune" and "Beauty" (33 and 30 mg L(-)(1), respectively). In the 14 species of oranges and varieties, phlorin was detected in juices and peel extracts with a mean of 22 and 492 mg L(-)(1), respectively, while for grapefruits, means were 108 mg L(-)(1) in juices and 982 mg L(-)(1) for peel extracts. Tangors and tangelos which are hybrids (C. reticulata x C. sinensis and C. reticulata x C. paradisi, respectively) are characterized by the systematic presence of phlorin in peels (mean: 406 and 659 mg L(-)(1), respectively) while in juices its presence could be variable (0-73 mg L(-)(1)). These heterogeneity and values may be explained by the genetic variability of these hybrids and the phlorin content of their parentage group.     

Ellagic acid, vitamin C, and total phenolic contents and radical scavenging capacity affected by freezing and frozen storage in raspberry fruit

The ellagic acid, total phenolic, and vitamin C contents in four raspberry cultivars (Heritage, Autumn Bliss, Rubi, and Zeva) grown in Spain were detected and quantified by HPLC in fresh, just frozen, and stored fruits at -20 degrees C for a one year period. Ellagic acid [207-244 mg kg(-)(1) of fresh weight (fw)], total phenolic (137-1776 mg kg(-)(1) of fw), and vitamin C (221-312 mg kg(-)(1) of fw) contents in raw material were higher in the late cultivars Zeva and Rubi than in the early cultivars Autumn Bliss and Heritage. The freezing process slightly affected the values of extracted ellagic acid, total phenolic, and vitamin C content. At the end of long-term frozen storage (12 months), no significant change of total phenolic content extracted was observed, but significant decreases of 14-21% in ellagic acid and of 33-55% in vitamin C were quantified. Free radical scavenging capacity measured as antiradical efficiency (AE) depends on the seasonal period of harvest. Late cultivars, Rubi (6.1 x 10(-)(4)) and Zeva (10.17 x 10(-)(4)), showed higher AE than early cultivars, Heritage (4.02 x 10(-)(4)) and Autumn Bliss (4.36 x 10(-)(4)). The freezing process produced a decrease of AE values in the four cultivars ranging between 4 and 26%. During the frozen storage, the AE values reached after the freezing process remained unchanged.     

菊苣高效不定芽直接发生及其植株再生

本研究以菊苣无菌苗叶片为外植体,建立了高效不定芽直接发生及其植株再生体系。在附加不同浓度N-6-benzyladenine(6-BA)或与低浓度α-naphthaleneacetic acid(NAA)组合的MS培养基上,5~7d外植体表面不经过愈伤组织诱导阶段,直接形成不定芽。组织学观察表明,不定芽起源于叶片维管束薄壁细胞,且其微管组织系统与叶片外植体内微管组织系统紧密相连。6-BA是不定芽直接发生所必需的,外植体的发育时期、取材部位和培养基蔗糖浓度对不定芽直接发生有重要影响。在附加2.0mg/L 6-BA,0.5mg/L NAA,100mg/L Vc,100mg/L VB1,300mg/L脯氨酸和40g/L蔗糖的MS培养基上,培养20d龄基部叶片15d时,不定芽直接发生频率最高为100%,每块外植体上产生的不定芽数量也最多,平均为36~38个。在1/2 MS+IBA 0.5mg/L培养基上,再生苗诱导生根频率为97.58%,再生植株移栽于盆土中,100%存活且生长良好,未见形态异常。     

不同外源激素处理对桦叶四蕊槭扦插生根的影响

[目的]研究不同外源激素类型、不同浓度水平以及不同直径插穗对桦叶四蕊槭扦插生根的影响,为探寻高效繁殖体系以及为人工栽培和园林生产提供科学指导。[方法]利用扦插试验和统计分析方法开展研究。[结果](1)经过吲哚乙酸(IAA),吲哚丁酸(IBA),萘乙酸(NAA)和赤霉素(GA)这4种外源激素处理的插穗扦插生根率,均明显高于对照,其中IBA处理的效果最好;(2)在0~400mg/L这4个水平浓度中,IAA,IBA,NAA和GA分别在50,200,50,50mg/L时,所处理的插穗扦插达到其各自生根率的最大值;(3)粗插穗(D≥7mm)的平均生根率最高,达54%,其中以200mg/L的IBA处理效果最好,生根率达到77%。[结论]桦叶四蕊槭扦插生根的最优组合为,9月上旬,选用直径D≥7mm的插穗,用200mg/L的IBA处理。     

Biodegradation kinetics of endosulfan by Fusarium ventricosum and a Pandoraea species

Endosulfan, classified as an organochlorine pesticide, is rated by the U.S. EPA as a Category 1 pesticide with extremely high acute toxicity. This study describes the biodegradation kinetics of endosulfan and the metabolic pathway utilized by Fusarium ventricosum and a Pandoraea sp. Complete disappearance of both alpha- and beta-endosulfan was observed during 12 days of incubation with F. ventricosum in flasks containing 100 mg L(-)(1) of endosulfan. The rate constants (k) for biodegradation of alpha- and beta-endosulfan by F. ventricosum using zero-order kinetics were 14.22 and 6.60 mg L(-)(1) day(-)(1), respectively. The Pandoraea sp. degraded about 95 and 100% of alpha- and beta-endosulfan, respectively, in 18 days of incubation in flasks spiked with 100 mg L(-)(1) of endosulfan. The rate constants (k) for biodegradation of alpha- and beta-endosulfan by the Pandoraea sp. were 8.19 and 3.78 mg L(-)(1) day(-)(1), respectively. Both fungal and bacterial strains formed less toxic endosulfan diol and endosulfan ether as metabolites during metabolism of endosulfan. The results of this study suggest that these novel strains may be used for the bioremediation of endosulfan-contaminated sites.     

萘乙酸浓度对水土保持植物蟛蜞菊扦插育苗的影响

为了提高蟛蜞菊扦插苗的成活率,采用3种不同浓度萘乙酸(NAA)浸渍蟛蜞菊插条基部1h进行对比实验。结果表明:浓度为200mg/L的萘乙酸下的蟛蜞菊的插穗生根率达到100%,根粗、根数、最长根长、根系总体积均显著增大,同时地上部分的生长得到了促进。浓度为100mg/L的萘乙酸对扦插苗地上及地下部均具有促进作用。浓度为300mg/L的萘乙酸对扦插苗地上部具有促进作用,但对插穗的生根率及根数有抑制作用。试验表明,200mg/L的萘乙酸对蟛蜞菊扦插苗的生长促进效果最明显。     

Analysis of organic acids and inorganic anions in different types of beer using capillary zone electrophoresis.

Two methods for the investigation of different types of beer by capillary zone electrophoresis are presented. The first separation system described in this work allows the quantitative analysis of beers with respect to their contents of low molecular mass anionic components using indirect ultraviolet detection as well as conductivity detection, providing relative standard deviation between 0.5 and 6.6% for the peak areas and excellent limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.02 mg L(-)(1) for chloride to 0.41 mg L(-)(1) for phosphate. The second method offers the possibility of fast determination of amino acids in beer samples without the necessity of any sample pretreatment. LODs obtained for the investigated solutes were found to be strongly dependent on their spectroscopical properties and in the range of 0.5-50 mg L(-)(1). Despite this restriction, this analytical method can be regarded as a suitable tool for the screening of beers with respect to their amino acid patterns.     

四倍体刺槐无性系组织培养技术的研究

通过茎段离体培养建立了四倍体刺槐无性系的微体繁殖体系。结果表明 :基本培养基为MS或WPM培养基。BA、NAA影响芽的增殖生长 ,在一定的范围内 ,BA对芽的增殖影响比NAA大 ,而NAA对芽高的影响比BA大 ,二者的比例对芽的增殖生长也有影响 ,芽增殖生长的最适BA和NAA组合应为BA0 5mg/L +NAA0 1mg L。四倍体刺槐无性系生根的最适生长调节物质配比为NAA0 2 5mg L +IBA0 4mg L。通过植株叶解剖观察 ,进一步证明了分步练苗能提高移栽成活率。     

凤凰山牡丹药用器官的愈伤组织培养

本文采用植物组织培养的方法,在MS培养基中加入不同的植物生长调节剂,以牡丹根韧皮部为材料诱导愈伤组织,并在不同温、光条件下继代培养30d,测定愈伤组织的生长情况和丹皮酚含量。研究结果表明,在MS培养基中加入1.0mgL2,4-D或1.5mgLNAA,愈伤组织的诱导率大于70%;培养基中加入1.0mgL2,4-D和5.0×10-6mgLTDZ、或1.5mgLNAA和5.0×10-3mgLTDZ,并在29℃、黑暗条件下继代培养,可以显著提高牡丹根皮愈伤组织的增长倍数和丹皮酚含量。     

Arsenic toxicity and accumulation in turnip as affected by arsenic chemical speciation

Arsenic (As) uptake by turnip, growing under soilless culture conditions, was studied. A 4 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted with four As species [arsenite, arsenate, methylarsonic acid (MMAA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA)] and three As concentrations (1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mg L(-)(1)). Arsenic phytoavailability and phytotoxicity were primarily determined by As speciation. Organic arsenicals, especially MMAA, were clearly phytotoxic to this turnip cultivar. Plant As concentrations significantly increased with increasing As application rates. Both organic arsenicals showed a higher upward translocation than their inorganic counterparts, contributing to the greater phytotoxicity and lower dry matter productions of these organic treatments. Both inner root and outer root skin As concentrations were above the maximum limit set for As content in food crops (1.0 mg kg(-)(1)). If turnip plants are exposed to a large pulse of As, as growth on contaminated nutrient solutions, they will accumulate residues at levels that are unacceptable for animal and human consumption.     

Effects of elicitors on the production of resveratrol and viniferins in cell cultures of Vitis vinifera L. cv Italia

Methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid and chitosan were tested as elicitors on cell suspension cultures obtained from Vitis vinifera cv Italia to investigate their effect on stilbene production. Stilbene accumulation in the callus, grown under nonelicited conditions, was also investigated. Calli and cell suspensions were obtained in a B5 culture medium supplemented with 0.2 mg L(-1) NAA and 1 mg L(-1) KIN. Stilbene determination was achieved by HPLC/DAD/MS. Whereas callus biosynthesized only piceid, cell suspensions elicited with jasmonates produced several stilbenes, mainly viniferins. In suspended cells, methyl jasmonate and jasmonic acid were the most effective in stimulating stilbene biosynthesis, whereas chitosan was less effective; in fact, the amount of stilbenes obtained with this elicitor was not significantly different from that obtained for the control cells. The maximum production of total stilbenes was at day 20 of culture with 0.970 and 1.023 mg g(-1) DW for MeJA and JA, respectively.     

Sorption and leaching of atrazine and MCPA in natural and peat-amended calcareous soils from Spain.

The sorption and leaching of atrazine and MCPA (0.02 M CaCl(2) aqueous solution at 25 degrees C) by a calcareous soil from Southeastern Spain, after organic carbon (OC) amendment with a commercial peat (from 0.18% to 4.61% OC), were studied in batch and soil column experiments. Adsorption capacity (K(f)) values, obtained by fitting the experimental data to the Freundlich equation, ranged from 0.24 mg kg(-)(1) for MCPA sorption on the original soil to 5.47 mg kg(-)(1) for atrazine sorption on the peat-amended soil containing 4.61% OC. The breakthrough curves obtained from the step-function soil column experiments indicated that the amount of herbicide adsorbed ranged from 17.5 mg kg(-)(1) for MCPA in the original soil to 331 mg kg(-)(1) for atrazine in the peat-amended soil containing 1.67% OC. The results obtained from the pulse experiments indicate that the mobility of MCPA is much greater than that corresponding to atrazine.     

Studies on water transport through the sweet cherry fruit surface. 10. Evidence for polar pathways across the exocarp

Water uptake through the fruit surface is considered as an important factor in cracking of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit. Uptake may occur by diffusion and/or viscous flow along a polar pathway. To establish the mechanism of water uptake, the effects of viscosity and molecular weight of selected osmotica on water uptake into detached sweet cherry fruit were investigated. In addition we investigated the effect of temperature on penetration of 2-(1-naphthyl)[1-(14)C]acetic acid ([(14)C]NAA; pK(a) = 4.2) as a molecular probe in the non-dissociated (pH 2.2) and dissociated (pH 6.2) forms. Rates of water uptake were linearly related to the inverse viscosity of gum arabic solutions (range of concentrations and dynamic viscosities 10-300 g L(-1) and 1.3 x 10(-3) to 115.9 x 10(-3) Pa s, respectively). When fruit was incubated in solutions of osmotica of differing molecular weight that were isotonic to the fruit's water potential, water uptake depended on the molecular weight of the osmoticum [range 58-6000 for NaCl to poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 (PEG 6000)]. There was no uptake from PEG 6000 solutions, but rates of water uptake increased as the molecular weight of the osmotica decreased. Apparent water potentials of sweet cherry fruit, determined by incubating fruit in concentration series of selected osmotica, increased as the molecular weight of the osmotica increased up to 1500 and remained constant between 1500 and 6000. Reflection coefficients (sigma) estimated from this relationship were closely related to hydrodynamic radii (r) of the osmotica [sigma = 1.0(+/-0.0) - [10.9(+/-0.9) x 10(-11)][r(-1) (m(-1))], R(2) = 0.97, P < 0.0001]. The permeability of the sweet cherry fruit exocarp to NAA (pK(a) = 4.2) and temperature dependence of NAA permeability (P(d)) as indexed by the energy of activation (E(a), temperature range 5-35 degrees C) were significantly higher for the non-dissociated NAA (pH 2.2, P(d) = 10.2(+/-0.8) x 10(-8) m s(-1), E(a) = 67.0 +/- 1.7 kJ mol(-)(1)) than for the dissociated NAA (pH 6.2, P(d) = 1.1(+/-0.2) x 10(-8) m s(-1), E(a) = 51.8 +/- 1.9 kJ mol(-)(1)). The activation energy for penetration of the dissociated NAA was closely related to the stomatal density (R( 2) = 0.84, P < 0.0001) but less so for the non-dissociated NAA (R(2) = 0.30, P < 0.03). These data provide evidence for the presence of polar pathways through the sweet cherry fruit exocarp that allow water uptake by viscous flow. These pathways offer a potentially useful target for strategies to reduce water uptake and fruit cracking, provided that a technique is identified that selectively "plugs" these pathways.