The effects of onion and salt treatments on essential oil content and composition of Rosa damascena Mill

Due to the low oil content of Rosa damascena Mill., on one hand, and the wide spectrum of its application, on the other hand, it is desirable to find ways to increase the oil yield and also its quality. Therefore, in the present study the effects of chopped onion (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 4.0 g per 220 g of rose flower) and sodium chloride (11.0, 15.5, 22.0 and 30.0 g per 220 g of rose flower) which were added to rose flowers before distillation, were investigated on the quality and quantity of the oil. The quantity was measured as the ratio of oil to rose flower (w/w, %) and the quality was evaluated using the oil composition especially the content of monoterpene alcohols and hydrocarbons. Compared with corresponding control sample, treating with 1.5 g of chopped onion increased the oil content by 41% but it resulted in a lower quality; whereas in the presence of 1.0 g of onion, an increase of 30% and a decrease of 18% were observed in the percentage of monoterpene alcohols and hydrocarbons, respectively without any considerable change in the oil content. However, the effect of sodium chloride was somehow different from that of onion; such that in the optimal amount (22.0 g), the salt had no considerable effect on the quality but an increase of 21% in the oil yield.     

Chloroplast DNA molecular characterization and leaf volatiles analysis of mint (Mentha; Lamiaceae) populations in China

Non-coding chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) was used to evaluate genetic diversity and relationships within the section Mentha collected from China. Leaf volatiles of Mentha spicata accessions and its parent were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To this end, genetic diversity of 30 Mentha accessions from different geographic origins of China, representing six species and two hybrids, was assessed. Molecular studies grouped the samples mainly according to genetic relationship established by conventional methods. Cluster analysis based on the leaf volatiles chemical composition of M. spicata accessions defined two main chemotypes: 1,8-cineole-piperitenone oxide type and limonene-carvone type. The results suggested that there was a high genetic variability among individuals of Mentha in China. A distinct correlation between cpDNA marker and volatile oils in M. spicata accessions was revealed. Moreover, the chemical composition followed maternal inheritance in M. spicata accessions. In conclusion, the genetic diversity of Mentha populations as shown in this study should play a critical role in future selection and breeding programs.     

Variation in essential oil and fatty acid composition in different organs of cultivated and growing wild Ruta chalepensis L.

The essential oil and fatty acid composition of two provenances of Ruta chalepensis from four organs (leaves, flowers, stems and fruits) was determined. The effect of the plant part on total fatty acid contents, essential oil yields, fatty acid and volatile constituents was significant.Fatty acid profiles varied significantly among the studied provenances and organs. Linolenic acid had the highest amount in leaves of the two provenances. From R. chalepensis, in all organs, the main fatty acids were palmitic (13.10-25.31%), followed by palmitoleic (0-15.72%), stearic (1.03-6.85%), oleic (1.90-24.04%), arachidic (0.11-4.03%), eicosatetraenoic (0.10-5.60%) and behenic (0.47-6.09%) acids. Saturated fatty acids had the highest amounts in growing wild R. chalepensis flowers, and cultivated R. chalepensis stems were characterized by the predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oil composition of all studied organs has a healthy and nutritionally value. Essential oil yields varied from 0.39% to 2.46% and showed a remarkable variation with plant organs. Thirty-six volatile compounds were identified in different analyzed essential oils; 2-undecanone, 2-nonanol and 2-dodecanone had the highest percentages.     

Volatile organic compounds as a diagnostic marker of late blight infected potato plants: A pilot study

Volatiles from potato plants infected with Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary were monitored by in situ headspace sampling. The sampling was done in four periods i.e. 28–42, 52–66, 76–90, and 100–114 h after inoculation (HAI). The headspace samples were analyzed by a gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) to assess the differences in volatile fingerprints between the infected-plant group and control groups, i.e. non-inoculated-plant and empty-vessel groups. The samples were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify specific peaks observed by GC–FID. Spore germination, infection, symptom development and sporulation were also monitored to ascertain the disease developmental stage when marker volatiles were first generated. The first symptoms of infection were visible after two days. Three marker volatiles i.e. (E)-2-hexenal, 5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone and benzene-ethanol were found in the third and fourth trapping periods (3–4 days after inoculation) when sporangiophores were already formed. The volatile metabolites from blighted plants could be applied for sensor development to detect the occurrence of the disease in the field as well as for investigation of volatile production in relation to plant responses to infection.     

3种保鲜剂对月季萨蔓莎的保鲜生理效应

以月季萨蔓莎(Rosehybridacv.Samantha)为材料,用3种保鲜剂,即:蔗糖、8-羟基喹啉、柠檬酸质量分数分别为2.0%、6×10-4、1×10-4的水溶液,Ca(NO3)2、8-羟基喹啉、柠檬酸质量分数分别为0.05%、2×10-4、1×10-4的水溶液及KNO3、8-羟基喹啉、柠檬酸质量分数分别为0.05%、4×10-4、1.2×10-4的水溶液分别对萨蔓莎切花花枝进行保鲜处理,旨在研究不同保鲜剂对月季萨蔓莎的作用效果及生理效应。结果表明:3种保鲜剂均可提高月季切花花枝的含水量,增加花枝鲜重,使体内细胞相对膜透性减小,可溶性蛋白含量增加,丙二醛含量减少,超氧阴离子自由基生成速率变小、含量降低,保护酶活性增强,从而延缓了切花的衰老,延长了月季切花的寿命,提高了切花的观赏品质;其中,以含蔗糖的保鲜效果最好。      

Chemical variation in essential oil of Cryptomeria fortunei from various areas of China

Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Cryptomeria fortunei from the principal habitats in China. The essential oil yields of samples from various locations ranged from 0.61 to 1.66% (w/w). GC-MS analysis revealed eighty-seven compounds, constituting 85.89-94.75% of the total essential oils. The main constituents were kaurene (0-44.69%), phyllocladene (0.07-32.98%), kaur-16-ene (0-32.28%), elemol (5.28-18.92%), α-cadinol (0-11.39%), α-eudesmol (0-11.21%), α-pinene (2.32-9.15%). The samples were separated into 3 chemotypes by hierarchical cluster analysis, according to the composition of the corresponding essential oils. Chemical composition of essential oils was significantly related to nine geographic distributions among populations. Our results revealed chemical polymorphism in the essential oils of the C. fortunei leaf in China. The chemical variability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The chemical diversity of the oils offers opportunity to choose C. fortunei leaves and essential oils with preferential compound for green plant protection, pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries.     

Characteristics of Lasiodiplodia theobromae from Rosa rugosa in South China

Rosa rugosa Thunb., one of the most important cut flower crops in China, is mainly planted in the southern regions of this country. Lasiodiplodia species include pathogens of a wide variety of plant and cover a wide geographic distribution. Recently, canker disease caused by species of Lasiodiplodia was observed on R. rugosa branches in GuangDong Province in South China. Based on sequence comparisons for the ITS rDNA and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF-1α) gene region, and combined morphological characteristics, the Lasiodiplodia isolates from diseased R. rugosa branches were identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. Pathogenicity tests showed that L. theobromae was virulent to R. rugosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. theobromae infecting Rosa in China.     

Variation in chemical composition and biological activities of two species of Opuntia flowers at four stages of flowering

The chemical composition of hexane extracts from flowers belonging to two species of prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller and Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haworth has been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in four developmental stages of flower: vegetative, initial flowering, full flowering, and post-flowering stages. Remarkable differences were noted between the flowers’ compositions. The main compounds were carboxylic acid (28-97%), terpenes (0.2-57%), esters (0.2-27%), and alcohols (<1.8%).The study of the biological activities showed that extracts were active in vitro towards four bacteria and two fungal strains. It exhibited remarkable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.Antioxidant activity of the flowers extracts was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method.Our findings demonstrate the interest of Opuntia flowers extract as a source of bioactive substances and its potential preservative use in food.     

Metabolic profiling and analysis of volatile composition of durum wheat semolina and pasta

Although pasta is generally not considered for its aromatic properties, some evidence proves that cereal flours release volatile compounds and they might have an effect on the aroma of the transformed products. This work reports on the characterization of the volatile components of semolina and pasta obtained from four durum wheat cultivars (Triticum durum Desf., cvs. PR22D89, Creso, Cappelli, Trinakria). Semolina samples were characterized through polar metabolite profiling and fatty acid analysis to identify potential precursors of the volatile components. The results show significant differences among the samples tested with cv. Trinakria characterized by the highest content of sugars and fatty acids. Volatile composition was investigated both in semolina and in cooked pasta using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and identified by GC–MS. Thirty-five volatile compounds including aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes, esters, hydrocarbons and a furan were identified. Significant differences were observed between semolina and pasta samples in terms of composition and amount of the volatile compounds. During cooking an increase in aldehyde content, the appearance of ketones and a decrease in alcohol content were observed. Correlations between metabolites and volatiles demonstrate that the flavour of cooked pasta may differ significantly depending on the durum wheat cultivar employed.     

Geographical origin and drying methodology may affect the essential oil of Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. Brown

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown, the ginger grass, is a medicinal and aromatic plant widely used in Latin America. In this work the effect of the geographical origin and different drying methodologies on L. alba leaves production, essential oil content and composition were evaluated. Field experiments were conducted in three different municipalities (Amargosa, Cruz das Almas and Santo Antônio de Jesus) from Bahia region (Brazil) and two drying methodologies (traditional and artificial with controlled conditions) were assessed. Fresh and dried leaves essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and their volatiles were determined by gas chromatography.The geographical origin affected the mass production, essential oil content and both qualitative and quantitative fractions of their composition. Leaves from Cruz das Almas had higher yield in essential oil content. Overall, 26 oil constituents were identified. Carvone, germacrene D and limonene were the main oil constituents. The drying methodologies combined with the geographic origin influenced essential oil composition showing that L. alba constituents were influenced by post-harvest treatments. Some constituents were sensitive to both methods applied, while some enhanced their content like germacrene D.     

Virtual Screening of Plant Volatile Compounds Reveals a High Affinity of Hylamorpha elegans (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Odorant-Binding Proteins for Sesquiterpenes From Its Native Host

Hylamorpha elegans (Burmeister) is a native Chilean scarab beetle considered to be a relevant agricultural pest to pasture and cereal and small fruit crops. Because of their cryptic habits, control with conventional methods is difficult; therefore, alternative and environmentally friendly control strategies are highly desirable. The study of proteins that participate in the recognition of odorants, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), offers interesting opportunities to identify new compounds with the potential to modify pest behavior and computational screening of compounds, which is commonly used in drug discovery, may help to accelerate the discovery of new semiochemicals. Here, we report the discovery of four OBPs in H. elegans as well as six new volatiles released by its native host Nothofagus obliqua (Mirbel). Molecular docking performed between OBPs and new and previously reported volatiles from N. obliqua revealed the best binding energy values for sesquiterpenic compounds. Despite remarkable divergence at the amino acid level, three of the four OBPs evaluated exhibited the best interaction energy for the same ligands. Molecular dynamics investigation reinforced the importance of sesquiterpenes, showing that hydrophobic residues of the OBPs interacted most frequently with the tested ligands, and binding free energy calculations demonstrated van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions to be the most important. Altogether, the results suggest that sesquiterpenes are interesting candidates for in vitro and in vivo assays to assess their potential application in pest management strategies.     

Composition of essential oil, concrete, absolute and SPME analysis of Tagetes patula capitula

The chemical compositions of essential oil, concrete, absolute from the capitula of Tagetes patula (family Asteraceae) were analysed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The major compounds identified were (Z)-β-ocimene, (E)-β-ocimene, terpinolene, (Z)-ocimenone, (E)-ocimenone and δ-elemene. In addition, the volatiles of live and plucked capitula (flowers) were analysed by SPME technique using PDMS/DVB/CAR fiber. The SPME-GC-FID analyses of live capitula showed that the volatiles were rich in monoterpenoids in comparison to the plucked capitula. On the other hand, the plucked capitula recorded with significant increase in sesquiterpenoids in comparison to the living capitula.     

ISSR molecular characterization and leaf volatiles analysis of Pittosporum undulatum Vent. naturalized in the Azores archipelago (Portugal)

Pittosporum undulatum from the Azores archipelago was characterized by both molecular and volatiles analyses. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) evaluation was performed based on a random sampling of 77 individuals from a total of 123 samples collected on all the Azorean islands. Molecular studies grouped the samples mainly according to the geographical collection site, with some exceptions. Leaf volatiles were isolated by distillation-extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) from all the 123 samples. Cluster analysis based on the leaf volatiles chemical composition defined three main clusters, not related to sample site collection, and was based mainly on the relative amounts of limonene (3-89%), sabinene (0.1-64%) and terpinen-4-ol (traces-43%). Clusters obtained from both molecular studies and volatiles composition were not superimposable and no correlation between ISSR markers and volatile oils could be drawn. The results suggest that there is a high genetic variability among individuals of P. undulatum that can explain the invasive ability of this species in the Azores archipelago. The detailed characterization of this alien weed species may assist finding potential commercial uses as well as management strategies to help its eradication and/or control.     

Volatile monitoring as a technique for differentiating betweenE. carotovora andC. sepedonicum infections in stored potatoes

The volatile production characteristics of ring rot (Corynebacterium sepedonicum) and soft rot (Erwinia carotovora) infected potatoes were investigated under controlled conditions in order to assess the monitoring of volatiles as a technique for differentiating between the infections in stored potatoes. Total volatile production/unit time was much greater from soft rot due to more rapid development after infection. Total volatile production during the period required for the development of the soft rot infection was similar to the output detected during the longer period required for the development of the ring rot infection. The volatile profiles of the two pathogens featured a number of commonly shared metabolites, but one compound was unique to the ring rot infections and two compounds were unique to the soft rot infections. There were also consistent disease-specific changes in the relative concentration of many of the metabolites detected in the volatile profiles.     

The effects of volatile oils on in vitro potato sprout growth

Summary The effects of 10 volatile oils and their main compounds on potato sprout growth were investigated in vitro. Sprout growth was inhibited especially by the volatile oils fromOriganum onites, Rosa damascena, Carum carvi, Mentha piperita, Echinophora tuneifolia andCoriandrum sativum. The major compound of volatile oils was carvacrol (78.2%) inO. onites, citronellol (46.7%) inR. damascena, S-(+)-carvone (54.9%) inC. carvi, menthol (44.1%) inM. piperita, α phelladrene (45.9%) inE. tuneifolia and linalool (76.5%) inC. sativum. The results showed that some volatile oils rich in monoterpenic compounds such as carvacrol, citronellol, geraniol, nerol and S-(+)-carvone were able to prevent the growth of sprouts and extend the storage-life of the potato tubers.     

Effect of sourdough fermentation on the quality of Chinese Northern-style steamed breads

The effect of spontaneous and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation (Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (LS), Lactobacillus brevis (LBr) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus (LB) strains) on the specific volume, crumb texture, volatiles profile and other aspects of steamed bread quality were studied. The addition of sourdough starter significantly decreased dough water absorption, development time and stability while increasing steam bread specific volume. The fermentation with LAB starters reached the desired pH 4 five times faster than the spontaneous starters. Steamed bread leavened with LS and LB starters had the softest crumb texture whereas LP and LBr starters produced the lowest setback viscosity. From the total of 77 compounds identified in sourdough steamed bread, ethanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol were the most abundant. All sourdough steamed breads had 22 compounds in common, which represented about 90% of the total peak area. But unique volatile compounds were present in sourdough steamed bread with different starters.     

Effects of nitrogen fertilization on insect pests,their parasitoids,plant diseases and volatile organic compounds in Brassica napus

Nitrogen (N) availability is a key factor influencing the yield of Brassica napus L. Thus, mineral fertilization is widely used to improve the quality and quantity of seeds. In this study, we conducted field experiments to determine the impact of nitrogen fertilization on B. napus pests, their parasitoids and plant diseases. The results showed that N treatment had an impact on the abundance of pollen beetles (Meligethes aeneus Fab.) and cabbage seed weevils (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus Marsh.) as well as dark spot disease (Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc.). Since pest abundance was not correlated with the flower and silique numbers, the feeding and oviposition sites, plant smell bouquets were analysed to determine potentially attractive or repellent volatile organic compounds. We detected 19 different compounds among which acetic acid and several lipoxygenase pathway products were emitted at higher levels from N-treated plants. Emission of a few other terpenoid compounds was correlated with the pest abundance in field conditions. Abundance of parasitoids of both pests was related to the host availability rather than to the fertilization treatment. Therefore, we suggest that plant chemical cues play a minor role in localization of hosts in close proximity to parasitoid. Dark spot disease levels decreased with increasing N availability, possibly reflecting enhanced emissions of acetic acid, a known antifungal volatile. This study demonstrates the effects of N fertilization on bud and flower volatile bouquets, which might play a role in B. napus insect pest host selection and in resistance to fungal plant diseases. Further studies are necessary to investigate the behavioural responses of insects to the changed volatile bouquets.     

基于固相微萃取-气质联用的不同花色紫薇的挥发性物质检测

紫薇是我国著名的夏季观赏花木，具多种花色，有丰富的生物活性。探究不同花色紫薇花的挥发性物质在组 成和含量上的差异，对紫薇的进一步开发和利用具有重要意义。本研究以 5 种花色紫薇花的挥发性物质为研究对象， 利用固相微萃取（SPME）技术对进行富集提取，通过 GC-MS 对挥发性物质进行分离鉴定。在前处理条件优化方面， 以质谱鉴定出物质（总物质和高匹配物质）的出峰数和峰面积为指标，筛选得到适用于萃取紫薇花挥发性物质的萃取 温度为 25 ℃，萃取头为 65 μm PDMS/DVB。接着对 5 种不同花色的紫薇花中的高匹配度和高含量成分进行了讨论， 分别从白色、淡粉、粉红、玫红、紫色花色的紫薇中检测出高匹配挥发性物质 23、3、14、18 和 15 个，占各自总香气 成分的 46.38%、47.11%、47.42%、49.18%和 47.32%；而高含量成分分别占到各自总香气成分的 59.33%、79.35%、58.24%、 69.23%和 54.83%。同时，不同花色紫薇花的挥发性成分也存在共性和特异性的成分。以高匹配成分为研究对象，4 种 花色紫薇有 2 个共有成分（β-石竹烯、十四烷），3 种花色共有的挥发性成分有 3 个（苯乙醛、苯甲醛和顺式-罗勒烯）， 而 2 种花色共有挥发性成分有 5 个（D-柠檬烯和 2,4-葵二烯酸甲酯等）。同时，各花色还存在特异性成分，在白色、淡 粉、粉红、玫红、紫色花色中的特异性成分数量分别为 15、2、9、10 和 9 种。通过探究不同花色紫薇花在挥发性成分 上的差异，为紫薇的进一步开发和利用提供参考。     

Behavioral Responses of Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), to the Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Four Potato Varieties

Green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is a serious pest of potato and causes severe yield loss to potato production worldwide. The volatiles emitted from potato plants influence host selection by M. persicae. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study how these volatile emissions vary among four potato varieties (IdaRose, Desiree, Chipeta and Russet Burbank) having different genetic backgrounds, and to compare the aphid responses to the volatiles emitted by these varieties. Results indicated that headspace volatiles detected, and aphid responses, differed significantly among the varieties. Myzus persicae arrestment was greater in response to Desiree and Chipeta than on Russet Burbank and arrestment on IdaRose was intermediate and did not differ significantly from any of the other varieties, but the arrestment was not related to the total concentration of volatiles released by these varieties. This indicates that the blend of volatiles was important for eliciting arrestment. Eigenvector weightings of principal component 1 were predominantly sesquiterpenes (especially caryophyllene, sesquiphellandrene, α-farnesene and longifolene), whereas those for principal component 2 were predominantly aldehydes and green leaf volatiles (n-hexana1, (Z)-3-hexenol, (E)-2-hexenal and nonanal. The pedigrees of the varieties are not associated with the volatile blends or aphid responses.     

Variation in concentrations of major bioactive compounds in Hypericum perforatum L. from Lithuania

The growing demand for the medicinal plant, Hypericum perforatum, is not being met by available supply in many countries. The conditions for obtaining quality crude drug should be thoroughly studied to ensure adequate supply. The current study describes the variation of major bioactive compounds in different accessions of H. perforatum (Hypericaceae) in two floral development stages. Two extraction procedures were evaluated for the quantification of the major bioactive compounds in H. perforatum. The Soxhlet extraction technique was demonstrated to be more effective with higher extraction yields. The contents of rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, quercetin, and 3,8″-biapigenin were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This procedure was used to establish the variation in the contents of flavonoids in the field-growing H. perforatum and to evaluate factors predetermining that variation with some practical implications for utilization. A significant difference in flavonoid contents between two floral development stages was detected. The results of the study showed that rutin prevailed during the budding stage, whereas quercitrin, quercetin, and 3,8″-biapigenin were dominant during the full-flowering stage. The contents of hyperoside were similar in both developmental stages of the plants. The highest amounts of the most bioactive compounds were observed in the full-flowering stage, which could therefore be considered the best stage for the harvesting of the raw material of H. perforatum, known as Hyperici herba in pharmaceutics. The study revealed evident intraspecific variations in the flavonoid contents of H. perforatum. Several chemotypes were recognized by qualitative and quantitative differences in flavonoids. Qualitative analysis of the flavonoid contents confirmed the presence of the chemotype of H. perforatum containing no rutin, though the chemotype with higher levels of both rutin and hyperoside was more frequent. The accessions of H. perforatum also showed remarkable differences in chemical composition depending on the origin of plants. Therefore, employing the correct developmental stage for the harvesting of the selected accessions of H. perforatum is highly recommended for the quality production of the drug Hyperici herba.