<Emphasis Type="Italic">Limoniastrum monopetalum</Emphasis> stems as a new source of natural colorant for dyeing wool fabrics

In the present study, an attempt has been made to dye the wool fabric with Limoniastrum monopetalum stems, as a source of natural dye, which has not been exploited so far. Optimization of extraction parameters was done. Optimum results of extraction process were obtained with a dye concentration of 60 g/l, a temperature of 90 °C during 100 min. The study of different factors effecting dyeability of wool fabrics by aqueous L. monopetalum stems extract showed that the pH of dye bath and dyeing temperature and time affected considerably the color yield. The best results were obtained at the following conditions; pH 2, 100 °C, and 60 min. Metal mordants, when used in conjunction with L. monopetalum dye, allowed to obtain various shades. The determination of phenolic contents of aqueous L. monopetalum stems extract showed a high amount of phenolic components. Based on RP-HPLC, the coloring extract of L. monopetalum stems contains tannins and polyphenols. The major identified phenolic compounds were procatechuic, Trans-cinnamic and gallic acids. Hence, aqueous L. monopetalum stems extract could be successfully exploited for dyeing wool fabrics with high color yield (K/S).     

Colorimetric Analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus</Emphasis> Beverages and their Potential Antioxidant Properties

In food industry, roselle beverages and their subproducts could be functional ingredients since they are an excellent source of bioactive compounds with improved performance due to their important anthocyanins content. The aim of this study was to analyze anthocyanin content and antioxidant properties of aqueous infusions elaborated with color contrasting Hibiscus materials and design a mathematical model in order to predict color-composition relationship. Color measurements of beverages from roselle (Negra, Sudan and Rosa) were made by transmission spectrophotometry, anthocyanins quantification was determined by HPLC, and antioxidant potential was evaluated by in vitro methods (ABTS and FRAP assays). Beverages prepared with particle size minor of 250 μm presented until 4- and 2- times more anthocyanins content and antioxidant capacity respectively, in comparison to beverages prepared with powders with particle size major of 750 μm. Positive correlations among pigments composition and color parameters were found (p?<?0.05), showing that anthocyanins content, antioxidant capacity, C*_ab and h_ab values increased in relation with the smallest particle size of flours. Also, mathematical models were stablished to predict anthocyanin content (r?≥?0.97) and antioxidant capacity (r?≥?0.89) from color data; we propose equations for quick estimation of the antioxidant capacity in the Hibiscus beverages with high anthocyanin content. The obtained models could be an important tool to be used in food industry for pigment characterization or functional compounds with potential health benefits.     

Genetic Diversity of Pathogenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium semitectum</Emphasis> Isolates from Potato Tubers,Using PCR-IGS-RFLP Markers

Fusarium semitectum is one of the important causal agents of dry rot of potato tubers in the world. In order to determine genetic variability among 41 isolates of F. semitectum, morphological and molecular studies were carried out. All F. semitectum isolates were recovered from infected potato tubers with dry rot symptoms collected from four provinces in Iran. According to macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, 41 isolates of F. semitectum were classified in two morphotypes (morphotypes I and II). All 41 isolates were evaluated for their pathogenicity on healthy potato tubers. Tuber rot symptoms were observed on the 21st day after inoculation of Fusarium isolates on the tubers tested. The measurement was done by comparing the depth and width of lesion expansion among the isolates. Molecular characterization through PCR-IGS-RFLP analysis by six restriction enzymes (AluI, BsuRI, Eco88I, MspI, TaqI and PstI) divided the 41 isolates of F. semitectum into two separated clusters that were in accordance with the morphological characterization.     

Natural Dyeing of Wool by Madder (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubia tinctorum L</Emphasis>.) Root Extract Using Tannin-based Biomordants: Colorimetric,Fastness and Tensile Assay

In this work, the natural dyeing behavior of woollen yarn with madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) root extract was studied. The effects of different tannin-rich plants (Rhus coriaria, Eucalyptus, Terminalia chebula, Quercus castaneifolia, Pomegranate) extract as biomordants and alum (as a chemical mordant) with two mordanting procedures (pre- and metamordanting) on color characteristics of the dyed samples were also investigated. The CIEDE2000 values, color strength (K/S), washing fastness and tensile property of the mordanted and dyed samples were assessed. Visually, a range of hues from orange to brownish-red were obtained. In general, pre-biomordanted samples with Rhus coriaria (10 %owf), Eucalyptus (10 %owf), Terminalia chebula (5 %owf), Quercus castaneifolia (5 %owf) and Pomegranate (5 %owf) showed almost the same color difference (ΔE₀₀) and wash fastness values compared to those treated with 3 %owf alum. Finally, it was concluded from the comparative studies that the biomordants have good potential to be considered as alternatives to the common chemical mordants.     

Effects of willow hybridisation and simulated browsing on the development and survival of the leaf beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phratora vitellinae</Emphasis>

Background

Interspecific hybridisation is common between many plant species and causes rapid changes in a variety of plant characters. This may pose problems for herbivores because changes in recognition characters may be poorly correlated with changes in quality characters. Many studies have examined different systems of hybrids and herbivores in attempts to understand the role of hybridisation in the evolution of plant resistance. The results from different systems are variable. Studies of hybrids between Salix caprea (L., Salicaceae) and S. repens show that they are intermediate between the two parental species in most resistence characters. However, a plants herbivore resistence depends also on its biotic and abiotic environment. Important biotic factors that may influence plant growth and plant chemistry include the interactions between different herbivores that occur through their exploitation of common host plants. Although the effects on plants of previous herbivory are likely to be strongly affected by environmental conditions, they are also species-specific. Damage may therefore have different effects on hybrids than on their parental species, and this could influence the performance of herbivores on pure and hybrid species of plants. To evaluate the effects of hybridisation on insect performance, the development and survival rates of Phratora vitellinae (L. 1758, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae on pure S. repens, pure S. caprea and Fl hybrids of the two species was monitored. Further, to examine the effect of herbivorous mammals on the performance of the larvae, plants were damaged to simulate winter foraging by voles or spring leaf stripping by moose.

Results

The results show that development rates were highest on S. repens and equally low on S. caprea and the Fl hybrid. In addition, development of the plants treated to simulate mammalian herbivore damage was slower than that of corresponding controls.

Conclusions

The results of this experiment suggest that P. vitellinae has a higher development rate, and thus probably higher performance, on species with high concentrations of phenolic glucosides. Therefore, it would be of adaptive benefit for P. vitellinae females to have an ovipositional preference for S. repens, compared to S. caprea and intermediate preference for Fl hybrids. The faster development observed on S. repens supports the hypothesis that P. vitellinae obtains additional adaptive benefits from phenolic glucosides beyond protection against predators. Therefore, it is important to consider further factors, such as damage caused by other herbivores, when studying this hybrid complex.

     

Blueberry Residue Encapsulation by Ionotropic Gelation

In the processing of fruits such as blueberry (Vaccinium sp), that has high levels of phenolic acid, the food industry produces tons of organic waste that causes harm to the environment. Encapsulation is a technique used to take advantage of these wastes. Several methods are used to encapsulate substances, among them ionotropic gelation proves to be a simple, precise, efficient and economical method for obtaining particles with encapsulated bioactives. In this manner, the aim of this study was to test sodium alginate as wall material to encapsulate blueberry residue by ionotropic gelation. The microbeads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and in vitro dissolution. The results showed that the microbeads had surface invagination; retention of 67.01% of the phenolic compounds after encapsulation and 68.2%, phenolic release 120 min after in vitro dissolution. The results suggest that the tested matrix was suitable for encapsulation. The produced microbeads are promising for applications in food products, once the phenolic compounds present in the blueberry residues were maintained after encapsulation.     

Transmission Efficiency of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potato Leafroll Virus</Emphasis> by Four Potato Colonizing Aphid Species in Tunisian Potato Fields

This study investigated the transmission efficiency of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) by four potato colonizing aphid species, Myzus persicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Aphis gossypii and Aphis fabae, reported from leaves and yellow water trap. Physalis floridana was used as a test plant for virus transmission. DAS-ELISA was used for virus screening of samples as well as virus detection on the test plant after transmission experiment. A 2-h period was sufficient for the tested aphids to acquire PLRV virions. However, a difference in the transmission potential occurred according to the aphid species. The highest potential was recorded for M. persicae and M. euphorbiae, at 90 and 80%, respectively. For the first time, the study revealed the PLRV transmission efficiency of A. fabae, estimated at 50%. The lowest potential rate of 30% was recorded for A. gossypii. This study highlights the PLRV transmission capacities of four potato colonizing aphids suspected to play a key role in the spread of PLRV in potato seed production sites.     

Genome-wide association study and candidate gene analysis of rice cadmium accumulation in grain in a diverse rice collection

Background

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice followed by transfer to the food chain causes severe health problems in humans. Breeding of low Cd accumulation varieties is one of the most economical ways to solve the problem. However, information on the identity of rice germplasm with low Cd accumulation is limited, particularly in indica, and the genetic basis of Cd accumulation in rice is not well understood.

Results

Screening of 312 diverse rice accessions revealed that the grain Cd concentrations of these rice accessions ranged from 0.12 to 1.23?mg/kg, with 24 accessions less than 0.20?mg/kg. Three of the 24 accessions belong to indica. Japonica accumulated significantly less Cd than indica (p < 0.001), while tropical japonica accumulated significantly less Cd than temperate japonica (p < 0.01). GWAS in all accessions identified 14 QTLs for Cd accumulation, with 7 identified in indica and 7 identified in japonica subpopulations. No common QTL was identified between indica and japonica. The previously identified genes (OsHMA3, OsNRAMP1, and OsNRAMP5) from japonica were colocalized with QTLs identified in japonica instead of indica. Expression analysis of OsNRAMP2, the candidate gene of the novel QTL (qCd3–2) identified in the present study, demonstrated that OsNRAMP2 was mainly induced in the shoots of high Cd accumulation accessions after Cd treatment. Four amino acid differences were found in the open reading frame of OsNRAMP2 between high and low Cd accumulation accessions. The allele from low Cd accumulation accessions significantly increased the Cd sensitivity and accumulation in yeast. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated OsNRAMP2 expressed in the tonoplast of rice protoplast.

Conclusion

The results suggest that grain Cd concentrations are significantly different among subgroups, with Cd concentrations decreasing from indica to temperate japonica to tropical japonica. However, considerable variations exist within subgroups. The fact that no common QTL was identified between indica and japonica implies that there is a different genetic basis for determining Cd accumulation between indica and japonica, or that some QTLs for Cd accumulation in rice are subspecies-specific. Through further integrated analysis, it is speculated that OsNRAMP2 could be a novel functional gene associated with Cd accumulation in rice.

     

Effect of Processing on Bioactive Compounds,Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Juçara,Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of processing steps on bioactive compounds and physicochemical and rheological characteristics of a juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie. The product was obtained by mixing the pulps of these fruits in previously defined proportions. The mixture was standardized in a pilot disintegrator, homogenized at 60 MPa in continuous mode and pasteurized at 90 °C for 35 s. The homogenization step increased the concentration of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, major anthocyanins in the smoothie. However, these anthocyanins, as well as perlagonidin-3-O-glucoside, have been reduced (p<0.05) after the pasteurization step. The pasteurization also affected the instrumental color of the smoothie, expressed by Hue angle (p<0.05). Regarding to the rheological behavior, the smoothie, in all processing steps, presented a non-Newtonian fluid behavior with pseudoplastic characteristics (n<1). After homogenization, the smoothie became more fluid and homogeneous. Thus, despite the negative impact of pasteurization on the smoothie’s color, the pasteurized product preserves the bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that are of great importance to human health. Furthermore, the development of this product contributes to add value to the juçara agro-chain and Atlantic Forest preservation.     

Movement patterns of three freshwater fish species after upstream transportation by fishway in the Jangheung Dam

We investigated the post-passage movement patterns of three freshwater fish species, Carassius auratus, Hemibarbus longirostris, and Silurus asotus, frequently captured in a fishway trap as they were released into the lentic dam reservoir. Acoustic telemetry was used to monitor fish movement. Acoustic tags were attached to 10 individuals (C. auratus, [n = 6], Ca1–6; H. longirostris, [n = 2], Hl1 and Hl2; and S. asotus, [n = 2], Sa1 and Sa2). The individual (Sa1) was particularly monitored to changes of vertical distribution between day and night a depth transmitter. The lentic species, C. auratus and S. asotus, were grouped into those that moved into upper streams (Ca1, Ca2, Ca3, and Sa1) and those that stayed in the reservoir (Ca4, Ca5, Ca6, and Sa2); all individuals utilized almost the entire area of the reservoir. However, H. longirostris, which favor lotic environments, showed different responses; one (Hl1) immediately moved into one of upper the streams, whereas the other (Hl2) utilized the entire dam reservoir area. No significant correlations were observed between size of the C. auratus individuals (total length and total weight) and monitored parameters (total movement distance, movement distance per day, and number of receivers encountered). Moreover, S. asotus used the water at a mean depth of 2.89 ± 1.52 m, and its vertical distribution changed more actively during the night than that during the day. Therefore, the efficacy of the Jangheung Dam fishway could be improved through release of the confluence of the inflow streams at the dam reservoir, which would provide both lentic and lotic environments without extended migration for fish.     

Multivariable Analysis of Gluten-Free Pasta Elaborated with Non-Conventional Flours Based on the Phenolic Profile,Antioxidant Capacity and Color

The phenolic compounds, color and antioxidant capacity of gluten-free pasta prepared with non-conventional flours such as chickpea (CHF), unripe plantain (UPF), white maize (WMF) and blue maize (BMF) were analyzed. Fifteen phenolic compounds (five anthocyanins, five hydroxybenzoic acids, three hydroxycinnamic acids, one hydroxyphenylacetic acid and one flavonol) were identified in pasta prepared with blue maize, and 10 compounds were identified for samples prepared with white maize. The principal component analysis (PCA) led to results describing 98% of the total variance establishing a clear separation for each pasta. Both the proportion (25, 50 and 75%) and type of maize flour (white and blue) affected the color parameters (L*, C _ab *, h _ab and ΔE* _ab ) and antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods) of samples, thus producing gluten-free products with potential health benefits intended for general consumers (including the population with celiac disease).     

Antioxidant Potential and Health Relevant Functionality of Traditionally Processed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassia hirsuta</Emphasis> L. Seeds: An Indian Underutilized Food Legume

The methanolic extract of Cassia hirsuta L. seed materials, an underutilized food legume collected from India, was analyzed for antioxidant activity and health relevant functionality. The methanolic extract of raw seeds contained a total free phenolic content of 15.82?±?1.69 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract DM. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1,446 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of ß-carotene degradation (48.81%) and scavenging activity against DPPH (64.40%) and superoxide (43.78%) radicals were exhibited by the raw samples. Further, 83.11% of α-amylase and 62.79% of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics under in vitro starch digestion bioassay were also recorded. Sprouting + oil-frying caused an apparent increase on the total free phenolic content and a significant improvement in the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extract of C. hirsuta seeds, while soaking + cooking as well as open-pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects. The analysis of the phenolic profile revealed the presence of gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and (+)-catechin in the methanolic extract of these seeds.     

Identification and fine mapping of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bph33</Emphasis>, a new brown planthopper resistance gene in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Background

Host-plant resistance is the most desirable and economic way to overcome BPH damage to rice. As single-gene resistance is easily lost due to the evolution of new BPH biotypes, it is urgent to explore and identify new BPH resistance genes.

Results

In this study, using F_2:3 populations and near-isogenic lines (NILs) derived from crosses between two BPH-resistant Sri Lankan rice cultivars (KOLAYAL and POLIYAL) and a BPH-susceptible cultivar 9311, a new resistance gene Bph33 was fine mapped to a 60-kb region ranging 0.91–0.97 Mb on the short arm of chromosome 4 (4S), which was at least 4 Mb distant from those genes/QTLs (Bph12, Bph15, Bph3, Bph20, QBph4 and QBph4.2) reported before. Seven genes were predicted in this region. Based on sequence and expression analyses, a Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR) family gene (LOC_Os04g02520) was identified as the most possible candidate of Bph33. The gene exhibited continuous and stable resistance from seedling stage to tillering stage, showing both antixenosis and antibiosis effects on BPH.

Conclusion

The results of this study will facilitate map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection of the gene.

     

Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of a Thermoplastic Copolyetherester (TPC): Experimental Investigation

In this article, the thermo-mechanical characterization of poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PBT/PTMO) is studied by thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and uniaxial tensile tests. The results of poly(ether esters) show that the melting temperature is equal to T _m =193 °C, which is 31 °C, lower than that of the melting temperature of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). Its glass transition temperature, T _g is equal to -61 °C, determined by DMA. The melting and cooling temperatures (T _m , T _c ) after aging at T₀+48 h and T₀+week are virtually unchanged. Moreover, the results of the tensile tests show that the effect of the low deformation rate reduces the friction resulting from the sliding mechanisms between the amorphous and crystalline parts.     

Prevalence of the pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, in an endangered population of northern leopard frogs, Rana pipiens

Background

Emerging infectious diseases threaten naïve host populations with extinction. Chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease of amphibians, is caused by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and has been linked to global declines in amphibians.

Results

We monitored the prevalence of Bd for four years in the Northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, which is critically imperiled in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The prevalence of Bd initially increased and then remained constant over the last three years of the study. Young of the year emerging from breeding ponds in summer were rarely infected with Bd. Some individuals cleared their Bd infections and the return rate between infected and uninfected individuals was not significantly different.

Conclusions

The BC population of R. pipiens appears to have evolved a level of resistance that allows it to co-exist with Bd. However, this small population of R. pipiens remains vulnerable to extinction.

     

Short-term daily forecasting of crop evapotranspiration of rice using public weather forecasts

Accurate forecasts of daily crop evapotranspiration (ET_c) are essential for real-time irrigation management and water resource allocation. This paper presents a method for the short-term forecasting of ET_c using a single-crop coefficient approach and public weather forecasts. Temperature forecasts with a 7-day lead time in 2013–2015 were retrieved and entered into a calibrated Hargreaves–Samani model to compute daily reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) forecasts, while crop coefficient (K_c) empirical values were estimated from both observed ET_c value and calculated ET₀ values using the Penman–Monteith equation for the period of 2010–2012. Daily ET_c forecasts of irrigated double-cropping rice were determined for three growing seasons during the period of 2013–2015 and were compared with ET_c values measured by the weighing lysimeters at the Jiangxi experimental irrigation station in southeastern China. During the early rice season, the average mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square-error (RMSE) values of ET_c forecasts ranged from 0.95 to 1.06 mm day^?1 and from 1.18 to 1.31 mm day^?1, respectively, and the average correlation coefficient (R) ranged from 0.39 to 0.54; for late rice, the average MAE and RMSE values ranged from 1.01 to 1.09 mm day^?1 and from 1.32 to 1.40 mm day^?1, respectively, and the average R value ranged from 0.54 to 0.58. There could be three factors responsible for errors in ET_c forecasts, including temperature forecast errors, K_c value errors and neglected meteorological variables in the HS model, including wind speed and relative humidity. In addition, ET_c was more sensitive to changes in temperature than K_c. The overall results indicated that it is appropriate to forecast ET_c with the proposed model for real-time irrigation management and water resource allocation.     

Resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne chitwoodi</Emphasis> Identified in Wild Potato Species

Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Columbia root-knot nematode, CRKN) can cause serious damage in potato production systems, decreasing tuber value in the fresh market and processing industries. Genetic resistance to CRKN was first identified from the wild diploid potato species Solanum bulbocastanum accession SB22 and was successfully introgressed into tetraploid potato breeding material. To expand the base of genetic resistance, 40 plant accessions representing nine wild potato species were screened for their resistance to M. chitwoodi. Greenhouse screening identified fifteen clones from S. hougasii, one clone from S. bulbocastanum, and one clone from S. stenophyllidium with moderate to high levels of resistance against three isolates of M. chitwoodi. Geographical mapping showed that the resistance sources identified in this and previous studies primarily originated in the states of Jalisco and Michoacán in west-central Mexico. These new sources of resistance will be introgressed into elite potato populations to facilitate the development of potato cultivars with durable resistance to M. chitwoodi.     

Constitutive expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">REL1</Emphasis> confers the rice response to drought stress and abscisic acid

Leaf rolling is one of the most significant symptoms of drought stress in plant. Previously, we identified a dominant negative mutant, termed rolled and erect 1 (hereafter referred to rel1-D), regulating leaf rolling and erectness in rice. However, the role of REL1 in drought response is still poorly understood. Here, our results indicated that rel1-D displayed higher tolerance to drought relative to wild type, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and drought responsive genes were significantly up-regulated in rel1-D. Moreover, our results revealed that rel1-D was hypersensitive to ABA and the expression of ABA associated genes was significantly increased in rel1-D, suggesting that REL1 likely coordinates ABA to regulate drought response. Using the RNA-seq approach, we identified a large group of differentially expressed genes that regulate stimuli and stresses response. Consistently, we also found that constitutive expression of REL1 alters the expression of biotic and abiotic stress responsive genes by the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analysis. Integrative analysis demonstrated that 8 genes/proteins identified by both RNA-seq and iTRAQ would be the potential targets in term of the REL1-mediated leaf morphology. Together, we proposed that leaf rolling and drought tolerance of rel1-D under normal condition might be caused by the endogenously perturbed homeostasis derived from continuous stressful dynamics.