The nutritional quality of Lupinseed

Mature seeds of four Lupinus species,L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus andL. mutabilis, have been analysed comprehensively to evaluate their potential for nutrition. Particular interest attaches to the comparison betweenlupinus species and soyabeans. All species are rich in high-quality protein, as judged from amino-acid profiles,In vitro studies indicate high levels of digestibility and imply the presence of few interfering factors. In contrast to many other legumes, lupinseeds are free of both protease inhibitors and haemagglutinins. Only one factor, a C-glycosyl poly-hydroxy flavone, which could conceivably interfere with protein absorption, has been identified. Lupinseed could possibly be developed as an oilseed crop, though oil contents are currently somewhat lower than those of soyabeans. The composition of lupinseed oil is similar to that of soyabean oil, both being limited in quality by the presence of linolenic acid. The bright yellow colour of the partially refined oil is due to the presence of the two carotenoids, β-carotene and zeaxanthin. Lupinseed is well-known to contain toxic alkaloids of the quinolizidine group. However, intensive breeding programmes involving all four named species have been in progress for many years. At least in the cases of the first three species, cultivars have been developed that are virtually alkaloid-free. Alkaloid profiles are of interest in being decisive chemotaxonomic indicators of species. The pyrimidine bases responsible for inducing favism through the consumption ofVicia faba are absent from lupinseed. Like soyabeans, lupinseed invariably contains a range of chemically complex saponins. Concentrations in the seed are of a similar order, but it is doubtful whether these should be considered significant anti-nutritional factors for Man. Lupinseeds contain a range of oligosaccharides—raffinose, stachyose and verbascose —which correspond with the flatus factors present in soyabeans and many other legumes. Levels, however, are no higher than those found in soyabeans.     

Changes in starch,oil, protein and amino acids in developing seeds of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The okra seeds of variety Pusa sawani were analysed for protein, non-protein nitrogen, total free amino acids, lysine, and tryptophan from the 7th day to the 42nd day after flowering. Starch, total sugars and oil percent were also estimated in these seeds. During the early stages of maturation, the soluble components (non-protein nitrogen, free amino acids and total sugars) were found in higher quantities than in the later stages. Protein, oil and starch contents increased gradually from day 7 to day 42. The rate of accumulation of oil was found to be at the highest level between 21–28 days after flowering, while the rate of protein deposition was greatest between days 35–42. Inditiation of seed maturation seems to start 21 days after flowering in okra seeds.     

Observations on the structure and osmotic potentials of parenchyma associated with the internal phloem of potato tubers

The structure and osmotic potentials of parenchyma cells associated with internal phloem of growing, dormant, and sprouting potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Irish Cobbler) were studied. Companion cells, specialized parenchyma cells, and storage parenchyma cells were recognizable by differences in structural characteristics. Companion cells were usually densely cytoplasmic with numerous large mitochondria and plastids with little or no starch. The specialized parenchyma cells which surrounded groups of sieve tubes and companion cells had numerous vacuoles of various size, small mitochondria, plastids with very little or no starch, and protein inclusions. Storage parenchyma cells had amyloplasts with very large starch grains, a large central vacuole with osmiophilic inclusions, and few organelles in a peripheral cytoplasm. The osmotic potentials of specialized parenchyma cells and storage parenchyma cells were similar and did not vary regardless of whether the tubers were growing, dormant, or sprouting.     

Molecular Analysis of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary from Chapingo,Mexico. Phylogeographic Referential

An Andean origin of Phytophthora infestans was originally based on written records, and recently inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene genealogies, which emphasize a common South American origin of the European isolates, and absence of the I-b haplotype in Mexico (recently identified in Tlaxcala, Mexico). In order to compare such results, we sequenced the nuclear genes β-tubulin, Ras, and Intron Ras, and rDNA ITS regions in 24 P. infestans genotypes isolated, identified, and selected, during three crop growing cycles in Chapingo, Mexico. The pathogen showed homology and 100 % sequence similarities to the ones reported for the Andes and Europe β-tubulin, Ras, and Intron Ras genes. Results for the ITS region were inconclusive. The molecular oomycete similarities from the three geographical regions (South America, Europe, and Mexico), and the Mexican genotypes characteristics reported in the species supports the hypothesis of the location of P. infestans diversity and a center of dispersal in the central highlands of Mexico.     

Legume seed protein extraction,processing, and end product characteristics

Because of the difficulties in growing soybean in many parts of the world, other leguminosae crops (fababean, pea, lentil, lupine, bean chickpea, cow pea, etc.) are now being studied as new protein sources. They generally have a high protein content and a satisfactory amino acid composition. The studies which have led to the development of industrial flow sheets for protein extraction have mainly been carried out on pea (Pisum sativum), fababean (Vicia faba), and lupine (Lupinus albus). The processes generally used are (1) pin-milling plus air-classification which when applied to starch-rich legume seeds (pea, fababean), results in concentrates (defined as having protein contents of 60–75%), and (2) wet processes which produce isolates (defined as having protein contents of 90% to 95%). By air-classification, concentrates having 68% and 65% protein can be obtained, respectively, from fababean (31% protein) and pea (21% protein). Isolates, prepared by extraction of the flour proteins with alkaline solution followed by acid precipitation, have a protein content (N × 6.25) generally between 90% and 96% and a protein recovery yield varying between 60% and 65%. As a rule, isolates resulting from ultrafiltered extracts have a higher protein content. From the nutritional evaluation of these two types of products, concentrates and isolates, it appears that wet processes are more efficient for eliminating antinutritional factors. α-galactosides and glycosides are present in isolates only in traces. As for trypsin inhibitors and haemagglutinins, only one third of the activities in the flour remained in the isolates (in dry processes, the residual levels of these antinutritional factors were higher). From the studies of their functional properties, it appears that isolates and concentrates from sources such as fababean and peas, produced by the new processes described, are to some extent complementary or equivalent in their functional properties to those of the soybean, particularly for emulsifying and foaming purposes. These observations should encourage the development of these new processes.     

Changes in nitrogenous and other chemical constituents,protein fractions and in vitro protein digestibility of germinating fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seed

The effect of 7 days of germination on levels of nitrogenous and other nutrition related parameters, protein fractions and in vitro protein digestibility of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seed was studied. The non-protein nitrogen gradually increased and the protein nitrogen content decreased during germination. Albumin and globulin fractions were found to be the major seed proteins of fluted pumpkin seeds, constituting about 58.6% of the total protein of the ungerminated (raw) seeds. The protein fractions, albumin and glutelin, were observed to increase by 61.5% and 57.0%, respectively, while a 54.6% decrease was noted in the prolamine fraction. The globulin fraction increased at the beginning of germination but decreased at the end. Germination significantly (p 0.05) increased the crude protein, nitrogen solubility and in vitro protein digestibility but decreased the fat, phytic acid and polyphenol contents of the seeds.     

Glycoalkaloid composition of potatoes: Diversity and biological implications

Glycoalkaloids are important potato quality factors. Tuber-bearingSolanum species exhibit wide quantitative and qualitative diversity in glycoalkaloid contents. Some species, of interest to breeders, contain extremely high total glycoalkaloid (TGA) levels and/or unusual types of glycoalkaloids of ill-defined or unknown toxic and teratogenic properties. Characterisation of glycoalkaloid content is a dynamic and, in some cases, controversial subject. Problems associated with analytical methodology and, to a lesser extent, with environmental effects and intraspecific heterogeneity have probably been the major causes of disagreements in the literature. Recent methodological developments have facilitated more accurate and sensitive measurements of TGA levels and of individual glycoalkaloid compositions. Such measurements should be used to analyze parental material and selected hybrid progeny in breeding programs. This is particularly important when certain wildSolanum species are being exploited as undesirable levels and types of glycoalkaloid can be genetically transmitted from the wild species to hybrid progeny. Absence of glycoalkaloid assessment from a breeding program can result in wasted effort, time and money.     

Albinism of potato spindle tuber viroid-infected Rutgers tomato in continuous light

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) caused albinism in the new growth of Rutgers tomato under continuous light. The albinism response was obtained with 4 isolates causing severe symptoms in tomato and with 1 mild isolate which is normally symptomless. Rutgers tomato inoculated with the 4 severe strains of PSTV developed typical ‘bunchy top’ symptoms in 12 to 16-hr day lengths. Symptoms developed slower and much less distinctly on plants incubated in 6-hr days. New growth in PSTV-infected plants was green in short days (12-hr illumination) and chlorotic to white in continuous light. Infectivities of extracts from white portions of plants were from 3 to 10 times greater than those from green portions of infected plants. Albino symptoms also developed in other tomato varieties when inoculated with PSTV and kept under continuous light. Albinism was most pronounced under continuous light at 30°C, somewhat less intense at 24°, and at 16°, new growth of infected leaves and stems remained green. Albinism did not develop in otherSolanum species which are symptomless hosts of PSTV nor in seedling potato plants grown in continuous light.     

Hybridization between Gp. Tuberosum Haploids and 1EBN wild potato species

Diploid wild potato species, classified as 1EBN (Endosperm Balance Number), do not cross with tetraploid or diploid forms ofS. tuberosum Gp. Tuberosum. The crossing of 2n pollen producing 1EBN clones as well as chromosome-doubled 1EBN clones with Gp. Tuberosum haploids was initiated to overcome this hybridization barrier. The screening of eleven 1EBN species,S. brachistotrichum, S. bulbocastanum, S. cardiophyllum, S. chancayense, S. commersonii, S. etuberosum, S. fernandezianum, S. jamesii, S. mochicense, S. pinnatisectum andS. trifidum, resulted in the identification of 2n pollen producers in eight of the species examined. Direct hybridization with Gp. Tuberosum haploids utilizing the above-mentioned crossing scheme was successful withS. chancayense andS. commersonii. The hybrids obtained, however, were male and female sterile. Abnormal microsporogenesis in the hybrids was postulated to be the result of an interaction between Gp. Tuberosum cytoplasm and nuclear genes contributed by the 1EBN male parent. Analyses of the growth of 1EBN species’ pollen tubes in the stigma/style of Gp. Tuberosum haploids were also conducted. Interspecific incompatibilities were observed with the most severe forms found with the use of species in the Series Etuberosa. The use of the Endosperm Balance Number theory can aid in designing crosses which overcome barriers to successful endosperm development. Sterilities in the hybrids obtained as well as interspecific incompatibilities will also need to be addressed, however, before 1EBN species germplasm can be successfully utilized for the improvement of the cultivated potato.     

Mechanical and rheological properties of calcium carbonate-filled ethylene propylene diene elastomer reinforced by metallic acrylate salt

High performance ethylene propylene diene methylene elastomer (EPDM)/calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)/aluminum triacrylate (ALTA) hybrids have been prepared by a melt compounding process. The mechanical properties of the peroxide cured EPDM/CaCO₃/ALTA vulcanizates were investigated by tensile, hardness, resilience, abrasion and fatigue life tests. The results showed that the ALTA can greatly improve the modulus at 100 %, tensile strength, abrasion resistance and fatigue life of the EPDM/CaCO₃/ALTA vulcanizates, while retaining their high elongation at break. ALTA as a reactive filler had accelerating effect on the vulcanization reaction of and increased the crosslink density of the EPDM/CaCO₃ composites. This phenomenon is due to increasing the ionic bonds arise from both homo-polymerization of ALTA and graft co-polymerization of it onto the EPDM. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of ALTA causes to the roughness of the fracture surface of CaCO₃-filled EPDM compounds demonstrating high interaction between the fillers and EPDM improved by introduction of ALTA. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the glass transition temperature (T _g ) and dissipation peak (tan δ) of EPDM composites decreases with increasing ALTA content. Decrease in tan δ value and inward shifting of T _g were related to improved interaction of filler and EPDM.     

Allergenicity Assessment of Genetically-modified Tobacco Expressing Salt Tolerance cbl Gene

It is mandatory to assess the allergenic potential of genetically modified (GM) crops before their commercialization. Recently, a transgene [Calcineurin B-like (CBL) protein] has been introduced into tobacco plant to make the crop salt resistance. Therefore, it was felt necessary to assess the allergenic potential of the cbl gene product, which was introduced and expressed in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plant and compared the allergenic effects with the wild-type (WT) counterpart. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that there was no significant sequence homology with known allergens. Also, no difference between the protein digestibility profiles of GM and WT tobacco was found. Rapid digestion of CBL protein (Mol Wt 35 kDa) by simulated gastric fluid (SGF) indicated reduced chances of this protein to induce allergenicity. In addition, BALB/c mice sensitized by intraperitoneal administration of WT and GM tobacco protein showed comparable levels of clinical score, specific IgE, IgG1, histamine level, similar effect on different organs as well as IgE binding proteins. These findings indicate that insertion of cbl gene in tobacco did not cause any additional allergic risk to consumer and the GM and native tobacco proteins behave similarly in both in vitro and in vivo situations even after genetic modification.     

The extraction and partial purification of a rhamnosidase from Colorado potato beetle larvae (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say))

An enzyme which hydrolyzed a terminal rhamnose moiety from α-chaconine was extracted and partially purified from Colorado potato beetle (CPB) (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) larvae. This ammonium sulfate precipitated enzyme fraction resulted in nearly 97% metabolism of α-chaconine after a 144 hour incubation period at 42 C as determined by high performance liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) analysis. Approximately 81% of the metabolized α-chaconine was detected asβ ₂-chaconine. The isolated enzyme fraction from CPB larvae exhibited no metabolism of α-solanine. Metabolism was also followed over time by thin layer chromatography (tlc).     

Updated listing of potato species names,abbreviations and taxonomic status

Tuber-bearingSolanum species described since 1753 are listed alphabetically. A three-letter abbreviation for numerous species not included in Simmonds (1963) are proposed. Some pertinent taxonomic notes are provided for all species names. The systems of classification proposed by S.M. Bukasov, D.S. Correll, J.G. Hawkes, and C.M. Ochoa have been used to determine the current taxonomic status of each species.     

Bison,a new red-skinned potato variety

Bison, a new red potato, was introduced by North Dakota State University. This new red variety has smooth tuber type and bright red skin color. Bison yields somewhat less than Norland and Red Pontiac but the advantage of Bison over these two varieties is its uniformity and bright red color. Bison is about medium in total solids and makes chips comparable in color to Norchip but lighter in color than Kennebec. Bison is resistant to race 0 of the late blight organismPhytophthora infestans, but susceptible to race 1–4.     

Solanum irosinum,new Peruvian tuber bearing species resistant toPhytophthora infestans

The greatest variety of tuberiferousSolanums of the Western Hemisphere is found in the Peruvian Andes, where, in spite of extensive explorations, new material is still found, such as the species which is here presented under the name ofSolanum irosinum. This is a diploid species; that is, it has 2n = 2x = 24 chromosomes and belongs to the Conicibaccata series. It could be used as a new source of breeding because it offers great resistance to attacks byPhytophthora infestans, the most serious disease of potato crops in the world.     

Effect of storage temperature and extraction methods on dormancy and germination of true potato seed

Seed treatments, methods of extraction and storage temperature were examined for effects on viability and dormancy of true potato seed. Dormancy of 4x?2x (S. tuberosum ×S. phureja) hybrids was eliminated after 7 months at room temperature and after 10 months at 4 C. However, data on the velocity and uniformity of germination (coefficient of velocity) revealed the presence of a residual dormancy that persists for nearly two years in seeds stored at 4 C, but which is largely eliminated after one year in seeds stored at room temperature. Seed viability was not affected by blender extraction, although seed extracted by hand gave a significantly lower initial coefficient of velocity (CGV). Application of gibberellic acid (GA, 1000 ppm) as a 24-hour soak to freshly extracted seed eliminates dormancy as effectively as GA applied during germination, and produces no deleterious effects on seed viability up to two years in storage. There were genotypic differences for seed dormancy within the tetraploid and diploid groups examined. SeveralS. tuberosum cultivars displayed a dormancy effect (lower CGV’s) in fresh seed that was not completely eliminated by GA, but which declines over time in storage.     

Characteristics of 2N pollen producing triploid hybrids betweenSolanum stoloniferum and cultivated diploid potatoes

Segregants which produce 2n pollen were identified inSolanum stoloniferum and hybridized with 2n pollen producing cultivated diploids. A number of the resulting triploids produced 2n pollen, ranging from less than 1 up to 7.6%. Parallel spindles at Anaphase II were shown to be the probable meiotic mechanism responsible for 2n pollen production. Thus the genetic consequences are equivalent to first division restitution. This 2n pollen produced by triploids should facilitate transfer of genes from wild allotetraploids to cultivated tetraploids. There should be increased gene exchange between nonhomologous wild and cultivated genomes during microsporogenesis of the triploids. This methodology should have merit in crosses with allotetraploid species in the Series Longipedicellata and Acaulia.     

Spontaneous chromosome aberrations in diploid solanum

Chromosome aberrations were observed in the tapetum and pollen-mother-cells, generally in form of chromosome bridges, fragments and elimination of univalent chromosomes and fragments. Chromatid bridge formation varied from 13.1 to 10.25% in the first and second anaphases respectively. Endoreduplication with a high degree of ploidy was observed in tapetal cells. Chromosomal reduplication was so marked that the normal diploid chromosome number 24 reached 96. The association of chromosomes in three, four, five and six occurred in 49.4% of the cases observed. The occurrence of high frequency of polyvalents in a diploid seemed to indicate the presence of translocation interchanges inS. venturii. The frequency of univalents varied from 1.3 to 18.7%. Structural changes and gene mutation are probably responsible for failure of pairing among pairable chromosomes. The behaviour of univalents varied, they either pass to poles or lag and divide. The division and elimination of univalents causes unequal distribution of chromosomes on second metaphase plates. Univalents and fragments which failed to be included in the daughter nuclei formed micronuclei. The chromosome irregularities and abortion of pollen grains (45.4%) are presumably due to gene mutation which may have been enhanced in aged seeds.     

Redsen: A new bright red-skinned potato cultivar

Redsen is a smooth, round, bright red-skinned potato cultivar with medium to high yield potential. It has resistance to race 0 of late blight (Phytophthora infestons) and is moderately resistant to some strains of silver scurf (Helminthosporium solanum) and common scab (Streptomyces scabies). The red color resists fading during storage and Redsen retains excellent marketability during storage.     

Breeding behavior of resistance to green peach aphid in tuber-bearing Solanum germplasm

Fifty-seven tuber-bearingSolanum progenies including species and interspecific hybrid derivatives were evaluated for resistance to green peach aphid (GPA),Myzus persicae (Sulzer), using an excised leaflet test. The progenies segregated for resistance and most contained some highly resistant clones. Resistance appeared to be partially dominant and genotype-environment interaction was low. Heritability estimates of 50–60 percent were obtained from both diploid and tetraploid populations.