Content of polyphenolic compounds in the Nigerian stimulants Cola nitida ssp. alba, Cola nitida ssp. rubra A. Chev, and Cola acuminata Schott & Endl and their antioxidant capacity

Varieties of kola nuts (Cola nitida alba, Cola nitida rubra A. Chev, and Cola acuminata Schott & Endl), a group of popular Nigerian and West African stimulants, were analyzed for their content of secondary plant metabolites. The three varieties of the kola nuts contained appreciable levels of (+)-catechin (27-37 g/kg), caffeine (18-24 g/kg), (-)-epicatechin (20-21 g/kg), procyanidin B 1 [epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-catechin] (15-19 g/kg), and procyanidin B2 [epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-epicatechin] (7-10 g/kg). Antioxidant capacity of the extracts and purified metabolites was assessed by two HPLC-based and two colorimetric in vitro assays. Extracts of all varieties exhibited antioxidant capacity with IC 50 values in the range 1.70-2.83 and 2.74-4.08 mg/mL in the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase and 2-deoxyguanosine HPLC-based assays, respectively. Utilization of HPLC-based assays designed to reflect in situ generation of free radicals (e.g., HO(*)), as opposed to general assays (DPPH, FRAP) in common use which do not, indicate that, of the major secondary plant metabolites present in kola nut extracts, caffeine is potentially the more effective cancer chemopreventive metabolite in terms of its antioxidant capacity.     

Diversity of 21 taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) accessions of Andaman Islands

The genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.) accessions growing naturally in Andaman Islands was analysed using morphological and DNA markers. Twenty one representative samples of C. esculenta from different parts of Islands in addition to three commercial varieties as reference genotypes were used in study. About 63% phenotypic variation was observed in C. esculenta A total number of 491 amplified fragments were obtained of which 347 showed polymorphic banding patterns. The accessions were grouped into two major clusters with both RAPD and ISSR markers with 56 and 57% diversity, respectively. The reference genotypes were grouped into one group and island population in other cluster. Both marker systems divided population into two sub clusters and showed correlation with morphological parameters. The diversity pattern observed in present study showed rich genetic diversity of C. esculenta in Andaman Islands provided simple strategy for reducing repeatability of taro germplasm in gene banks. The study also suggested pre-evaluation of germplasm using molecular and morphological markers to enhance efficiency of exploration trips.     

Quantitative determination of NPK uptake requirements of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)

Taro yield in many parts of the world is stagnant mainly due to conventional blanket recommendation of fertilizers, lower nutrient use efficiency and imbalance in the use of nutrients. The Quantitative Evaluation of Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) model was used for determining the region specific balanced NPK uptake requirements and recommendations for a target yield of taro. The constants for minimum and maximum accumulation (kg cormel kg^?1 nutrient) of N (33 and 177), P (212 and 606) and K (25 and 127) were derived as standard model parameters. The results showed that taro requires N, P and K accumulation of 12.97, 2.75 and 17.47?kg t^?1 of cormel yield, suggesting an average NPK ratio in the plant dry matter of about 4.7:1:6.4. The NPK fertilizer requirements for different potential yield situations were also calculated. The results need to be validated in major taro growing regions.     

Seedling characteristics and retention of current photosynthates in leaves in relation to initial growth in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) and cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.)

Improved varieties of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) still retain some growth characteristics of perennial types of wild species such as slow seedling growth and rato on ability which are considered to be major yield-restricting characteristics when the growth period is shortened. Studies on the physiological background of slow initial growth may help improve the potential productivity of short-duration pigeonpea. It was found that the low seedling vigor of pigeonpea could be ascribed to the small seed size (Narayanan et al. 1981; Brakke and Gardner 1987), low rate of photosynthetic CO₂ fixation (Rawson and Constable 1981), and low rates of metabolic processes (Huber and Hanson 1992; Ito et al. 1996). However, few authors have related the slow growth to the retention of current photosynthates and leaf respiration during the night. In contrast, seedling growth of cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.) was reported to be vigorous (Brakke and Gardner 1987).

The objectives of this study were to characterize the initial growth of pigeonpea in comparison with cowpea. Two experiments were carried out, one dealing with growth analysis and the other with O2 uptake of leaf and retention of current photosynthates during the night.     

Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth. et Hook. f., a promising halophyte: distribution, cultivation and utilization

Neglected and underutilized species often play a vital role in securing food and livestock feed, income generation and energy needs of rural population. In spite of their great potential little attention has been given to these species. Khar, Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth. et Hook. f. (syn. Haloxylon recurvum sensu Bunge in Boiss.) (Chenopodiaceae) is a halophyte shrub naturally growing in the arid and semi-arid saline lands. The species has been used for making Saji and a number of other beneficial applications that include the use as fodder, folk medicine and plant ash as washing agent. Moreover the species is tolerant to environmental stresses, which make it suitable for cultivation in saline land of arid and semi-arid regions. One major factor hampering its successful improvement and promotion is the limited and scattered knowledge available on this species. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of H. stocksii by presenting information on species’ occurrence, ecology, uses, cultivation and ethnobotany to stimulate interest to promote its domestication and commercialization for regional and global markets.     

Identification and characterization of SSR markers in taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] by RAD sequencing

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] is an old crop with high genetic diversity. However, the breeding of taro is limited by the lack of well-developed...     

Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Natural Ecotypes of Perennial Grasses (Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Phalaris tuberosa L., Brachypodium rupestre (Host) R. et S.) Collected in Southern Italy

In 1999, natural populations of Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Phalaris tuberosa L. and the macrotherm species Brachypodium rupestre (Host) R. et S., were collected as seed in Southern Italy (Apulia, Basilicata and Campania regions) to evaluate the potential as forage of native germplasm under dry conditions, using available commercial cultivars as controls. The persistence of accessions, biometric, phenologic, productive and qualitative parameters of forage have been studied for a 3-year period (2000–2002) in a typical Mediterranean environment. D. glomerata is widely present in the studied area with two subspecies (subsp. glomerata L., subsp. hispanica (Roth) Nyman). The research pointed out significant differences in plant size, earliness and single plant dry matter (DM) production. All the natural ecotypes belonging to this species showed higher persistence than the control cultivars. Some natural ecotypes appeared to have potential for improving DM yield (subsp. glomerata ecotypes) and reducing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content (subsp. hispanica ecotypes). Natural ecotypes belonging to F. arundinacea, P. tuberosa, and B. rupestre are sporadically present in the studied area. Among them, two ecotypes of P. tuberosa, showing higher winter growth and earliness compared to cv. ‘Holdfast’, seem to be interesting for a future breeding programme.     

Evaluation and selection of taro [Colocasia esculentra (L.) Schott] accessions under dryland conditions in South Africa

Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] is an important underutilised staple food crop in South Africa, with a lot of potential to address food insecurity among poor rural households. Development of high yielding stable taro cultivars is one of the most important goals of plant breeders. Twenty-nine taro accessions collected from major taro producing regions of the country were evaluated for growth performance, yield potential and stability under dryland conditions at two sites (Umbumbulu and Roodeplaat) in 2013, 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid in a randomised complete block design replicated three times. Growth and yield traits were measured. Analysis of variance and correlation analysis was done on all measured traits. The genotype by environment interaction was analysed using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI). As a result, significant variation was observed for most of the traits except number of leaves and leaf width as well as number of suckers, while all the traits showed significant variation for location by year interaction. Number of corms showed significant variation for location by year by genotype interaction among all the traits evaluated. Genotype effect was highly significant (p?<?.01) on plant height, corm length, number of corms and significant (p?<?.05) on yield. The significant difference between genotypes for these traits proves that there was a genetic variability and there is a scope for selection. The correlation study also reveals that majority of the characters were positively correlated with each other. Total yield was positively and highly significantly (p?<?.01) correlated with all the measured traits. AMMI was effective in identifying stable genotypes. The top ranking cultivars per environment may be considered for cultivation under the specific environment, the stable cultivars may be considered for cultivation across all the taro growing regions.     

Antimutagens in gaiyou (Artemisia argyi levl. et vant.)

Antimutagens from gaiyou (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant., Compositae) were examined. The methanol extract prepared from aerial parts of this plant strongly reduced the mutagenicity of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), when Salmonella typhimurium TA98 was used in the presence of the rat liver microsomal fraction. The antimutagens were purified chromatographically while monitoring the antimutagenic activity against Trp-P-2 with a modified Ames test employing a plate method. This purification resulted in the isolation of four strong antimutagens, 5,7-dihydroxy-6,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone (eupatilin), 5, 7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxyflavone (jaceosidin), 5,7, 4'-trihydroxyflavone (apigenin) and 5,7, 4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone (chrysoeriol) from the methanol extract. These antimutagenic flavones exhibited strong antimutagenic activity against not only Trp-P-2 but also against other heterocyclic amines, such as 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ), 2-amino-3, 8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA(alpha)C) in S. typhimurium TA98. In contrast, they did not exhibit antimutagenic activity against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO), 2-aminofluorene (2-AF), 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) or furylfuramide (AF-2) in S. typhimurium TA98, or B[a]P, 4-NQO, 2-NF, AF-2, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or sodium azide (SA) in Salmonella typhimurium TA100, whereas they decreased the mutagenicity caused by aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) in both of these tester strains. Regarding the structure-activity relationship, the tested flavones had distinct differences in the intensities of their antimutagenic activities according to the differences of their substitution patterns. Namely, the intensity of antimutagenic activities against Trp-P-2 decreased in the order of: 5,7,3',4'-tetrasubstituted flavones (IC(50): <0.1 mmol/plate), 5,7,4'-trisubstituted flavones (IC(50): 0.120-0.260 mmol/plate), 5,6,7,3',4'-pentasubstituted flavones (IC(50): 0.440-0. 772 mmol/plate). The four isolated flavones were also studied regarding their antimutagenic mechanisms with preincubation methods of the modified Ames test and emission spectroscopic analysis. The results suggested that all isolated flavones were desmutagens which directly inactivated Trp-P-2 or inhibited its metabolic activation.     

Nature of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) genetic diversity prevalent in a Pacific Ocean island, Vanua Lava, Vanuatu

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott), cultivated in Vêtuboso, a village of northern Vanuatu, Melanesia, was surveyed to: (1) assess the extent of morphological and molecular variation being maintained by growers at the village level and, (2) compare this diversity with the diversity found in the crops in Vanuatu. Ethnobotanical data were combined with AFLP analysis to elucidate possible sources of variation. Folk assessment of variation is based on: (a) morphological characteristics (11 characters), (b) names and (c) classification according to habitat, uses, origin and agronomic adaptation. This 3-fold approach allowed growers to differentiate 96 morphotypes, all of which are given distinct vernacular names. AFLP fingerprints successfully differentiated all these 96 morphotypes which do not present a significant intra-clonal variation. But genetic results showed no clear groupings according to geographic origin or habitat of morphotypes and stated that the diversity found within the village was comparable with the overall diversity found in Vanuatu. Local nomenclature and stories associated with each cultivar suggested three sources of diversity: introductions (38%), somatic mutations (15%) and sexual recombinations (48%). AFLP results confirm folk beliefs about origin at least for three pairs of mutants. The 11 so-called wild forms analysed by AFLP were suggested to be feral, escapes from domestication. A dynamic in situ conservation strategy (DISC), favouring a broadening of the national genetic base, was discussed for taro.     

Analysis of genetic diversity in Indian taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] germplasm accessions collected from different parts of India were subjected to RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis to assess the genetic diversity prevalent and also to test the genetic basis of morphotypic classification. Thirteen random decamer primers out of the 22 tested were used to analyse 32 taro accessions belonging to 28 morphotypes. Three out of these thirteen primers analysed showed 100 per cent polymorphism. Per cent polymorphism varied from 60 to 100 among the polymorphic primers. High genetic diversity was revealed as the similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.50 to 0.98. No two accessions analysed in the present study showed a similarity coefficient value of one thereby indicating their distinctness and presence of high genetic diversity in Indian taro germplasm. Dendrogram obtained from UPGMA analysis grouped 32 accessions in four clusters and three accessions were placed as outliers. Clustering pattern did not show any strict relationship with geographical distribution, morphotype classification and genotypic diversity. Further, accessions classified, as belonging to the same morphotypic group did not always cluster together. Presence of a very close genepool of the wild, weedy and cultivated forms with extreme levels of phenotypic and genotypic variation is suggested as the reason for high genetic diversity reported. Usefulness of DNA markers such as RAPD in characterising and assessing the genetic diversity in Indian taro germplasm is hereby demonstrated.     

Specific and intraspecific classification ofSorghum species of the ser.Bicoloria (Snowd.) Ivanjuk. et Doron. and of the ser.Caffra (Snowd.) Ivanjuk. et Doron

Summary The intraspecific classification of cultivatedSorghum species of the ser.Bicoloria and ser.Caffra is discussed. The classification is based on studies or large living and herbarium collections as well as on the typical and authentic material; published monographs on the genus being made use of. In 8 cultivated species 70 varieties are considered, 8 of them were discovered for the first time. The data received contributed to enlarging the intraspecific systematics of a number of species presented inSnowden's monograph (1936).Parallelism in the evolution for a number of characters, i.e. homologous series, was discovered when intraspecific variability ofSorghum was investigated.The detailed study of the species and of the intraspecific taxons reveals new features of their affinity and differences and contributes to developing the phylogenetic system of the genus.As a result of the studies varieties were found out which would be of practical value for breeding work.

---

Spezies- und intraspezifische Klassifikation von Arten aus der ser.Bicoloria (Snowd.)Ivanjuk. etDoron. und der ser.Caffra (Snowd.)Ivanjuk. etDoron. der GattungSorghum Moench

Zusammenfassung Die intraspezifische Klassifikation kultivierterSorghum-Arten aus der ser.Bicoloria und der ser.Caffra wird diskutiert. Die Klassifikation basiert sowohl auf dem Studium umfangreicher lebender und Herbarium-Kollektionen als auch auf Typus- und Originalmaterial; publizierte Gattungsmonographien wurden genutzt. Bei 8 Kulturarten werden 70 Varietäten akzeptiert, von denen 8 zum ersten Mal gefunden wurden. Die erzielten Ergebnisse führten zu einer Erweiterung der intraspezifischen Systematik einer Anzahl der Arten, die inSnowden's Monographie (1936) aufgeführt sind.Parallelevolution für eine Anzahl von Merkmalen, d. h. homologe Reihen, wurde bei der Untersuchung der intraspezifischen Variabilität vonSorghum nachgewiesen.Die ausführliche Untersuchung der Arten und der intraspezifischen Taxa läßt neue Grundzüge ihrer Ähnlichkeiten bzw. Unterschiede erkennen und trägt zur Entwicklung des phylogenetischen Systems der Gattung bei.Im Ergebnis der Untersuchungen wurden Varietäten gefunden, die von praktischem Wert für die Züchtung sein können.

---

ser. Bicoloria (Snowd.) ivanjuk. et Doron. ser. Caffra (Snowd.) Ivanjuk. et Doron. SorghumMoench

ser. Bicoloria ser. Caffra. , ; . 8 70 , 8 . , (1936). , . . . . , .

     

Genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in Vanuatu (Oceania): an appraisal of the distribution of allelic diversity (DAD) with SSR markers

In Vanuatu, an oceanic archipelago located in south-west Pacific, taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is one of the staple crops. An eco-geographical survey of its genetic resources was conducted in ten villages, each located on a different island. A sample of 344 landraces referred as the National Sample (NS) was collected. Its genetic diversity was assessed using nine microsatellites markers and then was compared with an International Core Sample (ICS) that was previously distributed in the ten villages of the study in order to test the geographical distribution of allelic diversity as an effective mean for the on-farm conservation of root crops. The ICS was composed of 41 accessions, including 23 originating from South-East Asia. The molecular dataset revealed in the NS (1) 324 distinct multilocus genotypes, (2) six genetic clusters mainly differentiated by rare alleles, (3) a geographical structure of the genetic resources of taro based, within each village, on the dominance of one or two of these clusters rather that their exclusivity, and (4) an analogy between the patterns of dominant clusters between villages and the past and present social networks. In addition, accessions from the ICS revealed 52 new alleles. Based on these findings, we formulate hypotheses regarding the processes involved in the genetic diversification of taro in Vanuatu. We also discuss the use of this set of microsatellite markers along with the molecular dataset obtained from this study as effective tools to monitor the diversity and evolution of taro in the future.     

Chemical composition of clarified bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) juice sediment

Clarified bayberry juice turned hazy upon storage at 25 degrees C for 6 months, and the chemical composition of centrifugally separated sediment was analyzed. Bayberry juice haze was mainly protein-tannin haze. The lyophilized sediment contained 20.4 +/- 4.3% of protein, 70.2 +/- 2.6% of total polyphenols, 7.2% of monosaccharides, and 6.7 +/- 0.6% of ash. Amino acid analyses and molecular weight distribution estimation indicated that bayberry proteins were haze-active proteins with a molecular weight less than 8 kDa. Gallic acid, quercetin hexoside, quercetin deoxyhexoside, and quercetin were found in the methanol-dissolved sample, while gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, cyanidin, ellagic acid, and quercetin were detected in the acid-hydrolyzed sample. Ellagic acid was the dominant individual phenolic (9.9 +/- 0.19 g/100 g dry weight, 55.3% of the total amount) in the sediment. Monosaccharides of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in the sediment were most probably the glycoside moieties of the anthocyanins, flavonols, and elllagitannins. Metal ions of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper also indicated the heterogeneous characteristics of the sediment.     

Über einige Inhaltsstoffe der bakteriellen Tumoren vonBryophyllum daigremontianum (Hamet et Perr.) Berg

Zusammenfassung Äthanolische Extrakte aus Crown-gall-Tumoren an Blättern vonBryophyllum daigremontianum und aus gesundem Blattgewebe wurden qualitativ und quantitativ auf ihren Gehalt an UV-absorbierenden Substanzen untersucht. Die Chromatogramme wiesen 12 Komponenten auf, hauptsächlich Flavonoide (Glykoside von Kämpferol und Quercetin) und Phenole, von denen Gallussäure identifiziert wurde. Die Tumoren enthalten — im ganzen gesehen — mehr derartige Inhaltsstoffe als vergleichbares gesundes Gewebe. Unsere Befunde und die Ergebnisse anderer Autoren sprechen dafür, daß in den pflanzlichen Tumoren in der Regel der Phenylpropan-Stoffwechsel aktiviert ist. Charakteristisch fürBryophyllum-Tumoren ist das verstärkte Auftreten eines Glykosids von Quercetin an Stelle eines solchen von Kämpferol. Es wird für möglich gehalten, daß — neben anderem — der Gehalt an physiologisch aktiven Produkten des Sekundärstoffwechsels, wie bestimmten Flavonoiden, für das artspezifische Verhalten derBryophyllum-Tumoren eine Rolle spielt.

---

On some substances of secondary metabolism in bacterial tumours ofBryophyllum daigremontianum (Hamet et Perr.) Berg

Summary Ethanolic extracts from crown-gall tumours ofBryophyllum daigremontianum leaves and from non-infected normal tissues were investigated qualitatively as well as quantitatively with respect to their content of UV-absorbing substances. The chromatographs showed 12 components mainly representing flavonoids — glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol — and phenolic compounds. From the latter gallic acid could be identified. Upon the whole the tumours contain the substances mentioned in higher concentration than comparable non-infected tissues. To the appearance of our findings and that of some other authors — as a rule — in plant tumours the metabolism of phenylpropane derivatives is activated. InBryophyllum it is characteristic that the concentration of glycoside containing quercetin instead of kaempferol is increased in tumours. It seems to be possible that, among other factors, the amount of physiologically active products of secondary metabolism concerning phenylpropane derivatives, e. g. certain flavonoids, is responsible for the specific behaviour ofBryophyllum-crown-galls.

---

, Bryophyllum daigremontianum (Hamet et Perr.) Berg

- Bryophyllum daigremontianum , . 12 , , , ( ) , . , . , , , . Bryophyllum , ¶rt; . , , a, , , Bryophyllum.