Rooting Characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum chacoense</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum in Vitro</Emphasis>

The precise level of environmental control in vitro may aid in identifying genetically superior plant germplasm for rooting characteristics (RC) linked to increased foraging for plant nitrogen (N). The objectives of this research were to determine the phenotypic variation in root morphological responses of 49 Solanum chacoense (chc), 30 Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja – Solanum tuberosum Group Stenotomum (phu-stn), and three Solanum tuberosum (tbr) genotypes to 1.0 and 0.5 N rate in vitro for 28 d, and identify genotypes with superior RC. The 0.5 N significantly increased density of root length, surface area, and tips. All RC were significantly greater in chc than in either phu-stn or tbr. Based upon clustering on root length, surface area, and volume, the cluster with the greatest rooting values consisted of eight chc genotypes that may be utilized to initiate a breeding program to improve RC in potato.     

Effects of various organic amendments on organic carbon pools and water stable aggregates under a scented rice–potato–onion cropping system

Pools of organic carbon are quantified from the soil samples under scented rice crop from different soil layers (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) under 9 years’ long-term trials with five treatments in scented rice–potato–onion cropping system. These treatments were 100 % NPK (NPK), 50 % recommended NPK through mineral fertilizers + 50 % N as FYM (NPK + FYM), FYM + vermicompost (VC) + neem cake (NC) each equivalent to one-third of recommended N (FYM + VC + NC), 50 % N as FYM + biofertilizer for N + bone meal to substitute phosphorus requirement of crops + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (FYM + BFN + BM + PSB), FYM + vermicompost + neem cake each equivalent to 1/3rd of recommended N + PSB (FYM + VC + NC + PSB). SMBC (479 mg kg^?1), HWEOC (373 mg kg^?1), CWSCHO (235 mg kg^?1), HWSCHO (839 mg kg^?1), and ASCHO (180 mg kg^?1) were found to be the highest in the soil treated with FYM + VC + NC + PSB and the lowest with NPK. The quantity of hot water-extractable carbohydrate content is highest amongst cold water, dilute acid and hot water extractable carbohydrate that decreases with the soil depth irrespective of treatments, except CWEOC. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) shows significant correlation with CWEOC (r = 0.60**), HWEOC (r = 0.94**), CWSCHO (r = 0.75**), HWSCHO (r = 0.83**), and ASCHO (r = 0.83**) that primed for better aggregate stability irrespective of soil layers up to 30 cm depth. This indicates that labile carbon pools, most specifically water-soluble carbon, carbohydrate, microbial biomass, could be a suitable indicator for evaluation of soil quality, particularly in relation to soil aggregation.     

Role and effects of winter buds and rhizome morphology on the survival and growth of common reed (Phragmites australis)

To confirm the role of winter buds and rhizome morphology on the winter survival and subsequent growth of common reed (Phragmites australis), rhizome fragments of varying sizes with and without winter buds from three different P. australis populations were transplanted to small pots in a greenhouse and wintered by exposing them to a dry atmospheric condition. Survival ratios of the rhizome fragments with winter buds were much greater than those without winter buds regardless of population type, supporting that winter buds play a role as the insulator of rhizome fragments from dry atmosphere during winter season. Most growth characteristics of surviving P. australis from the rhizome fragments were similar to those in natural wetlands, indicating preserved growth characteristics through the rhizomes, which is an asexual organ. The average number of rhizome fragment nodes showed negative relationships with the number of blades per culm (P < .05) and basal culm diameter (P < .05) of surviving P. australis. In contrast, the diameter of planted rhizome fragments had significant positive relationships with the final shoot height (P < .05), above-ground dry weight (P < .05), root DW (P < .01), and total DW (P < .05). Rhizome volume also showed a similar correlation with the rhizome diameter. Thicker and larger rhizome fragments particularly with winter buds, indicating the young age of rhizome, seemed likely to guarantee greater survival and higher subsequent shoot growth and biomass production as well.     

Variation in the Carotenoid Composition of the Lycopene-Rich Brazilian Fruit <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eugenia uniflora</Emphasis> L.

The indigenous pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) is now marketed and commercially processed in Brazil. In the present work, the carotenoids of the pitanga fruit from two states and at two stages of ripening, as well as of processed pitanga products (frozen pulp and juice, the brands being designated as A, B and C) commercialized in Campinas, São Paulo, were determined by HPLC. As compared to ripe pitanga from Medianeira, Paraná, those from Campinas had significantly higher (all-E)-lycopene (14.0 vs. 71.1 μg/g), (13Z)-lycopene (1.1 vs. 5.0 μg/g) and (all-E)-γ-carotene (1.6 vs. 3.8 μg/g) levels. Significant increases in most of the carotenoids occurred from the partially ripe to the ripe fruits, with (all-E)-lycopene doubling its concentration in fruits from both states. Pitanga was found to be one of the richest fruit sources of carotenoids, particularly lycopene, but the processed products had much lower lycopene content. The mean (all-E)-lycopene concentration was 16.6 μg/g for frozen pulp brand A, 23.0 μg/g for bottled juice brand B and 25.6 μg/g for bottled juice brand C. Optimization of processing is therefore needed to guarantee better retention of this important carotenoid.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus persica</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">platycarpa</Emphasis> (Tabacchiera Peach): Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Pulp,Peel and Seed Ethanolic Extracts

A comparative analysis of ethanol extracts from peel, pulp and seed of Prunus persica var. platycarpa (Tabacchiera peach) was done. The total phenol, flavonoid and carotenoid content as well as the antioxidant properties by using different in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, Fe-chelating, β-carotene bleaching test) were evaluated. Pulp extract was subjected to liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid were identified as main constituents. Pulp extract was characterized by the highest total phytonutrients content and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in all in vitro assays (IC₅₀ values of 2.2 μg/mL after 60 min of incubation by using β-carotene bleaching test and 2.9 μg/mL by using Fe-chelating assay). Overall, the obtained results suggest that P. persica var. platycarpa displays a good antioxidant activity and its consumption could be promoted.     

Mapping QTLs using a novel source of salinity tolerance from Hasawi and their interaction with environments in rice

Background

Salinity is one of the most severe and widespread abiotic stresses that affect rice production. The identification of major-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for traits related to salinity tolerance and understanding of QTL × environment interactions (QEIs) can help in more precise and faster development of salinity-tolerant rice varieties through marker-assisted breeding. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from IR29/Hasawi (a novel source of salinity) were screened for salinity tolerance in the IRRI phytotron in the Philippines (E1) and in two other diverse environments in Senegal (E2) and Tanzania (E3). QTLs were mapped for traits related to salinity tolerance at the seedling stage.

Results

The RILs were genotyped using 194 polymorphic SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). After removing segregation distortion markers (SDM), a total of 145 and 135 SNPs were used to construct a genetic linkage map with a length of 1655 and 1662 cM, with an average marker density of 11.4 cM in E1 and 12.3 cM in E2 and E3, respectively. A total of 34 QTLs were identified on 10 chromosomes for five traits using ICIM-ADD and segregation distortion locus (SDL) mapping (IM-ADD) under salinity stress across environments. Eight major genomic regions on chromosome 1 between 170 and 175 cM (qSES1.3, qSES1.4, qSL1.2, qSL1.3, qRL1.1, qRL1.2, qFWsht1.2, qDWsht1.2), chromosome 4 at 32 cM (qSES4.1, qFWsht4.2, qDWsht4.2), chromosome 6 at 115 cM (qFWsht6.1, qDWsht6.1), chromosome 8 at 105 cM (qFWsht8.1, qDWsht8.1), and chromosome 12 at 78 cM (qFWsht12.1, qDWsht12.1) have co-localized QTLs for the multiple traits that might be governing seedling stage salinity tolerance through multiple traits in different phenotyping environments, thus suggesting these as hot spots for tolerance of salinity. Forty-nine and 30 significant pair-wise epistatic interactions were detected between QTL-linked and QTL-unlinked regions using single-environment and multi-environment analyses.

Conclusions

The identification of genomic regions for salinity tolerance in the RILs showed that Hasawi possesses alleles that are novel for salinity tolerance. The common regions for the multiple QTLs across environments as co-localized regions on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, and 12 could be due to linkage or pleiotropic effect, which might be helpful for multiple QTL introgression for marker-assisted breeding programs to improve the salinity tolerance of adaptive and popular but otherwise salinity-sensitive rice varieties.

     

Water and air temperature impacts on rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis>) phenology

Air temperature (T_a) is commonly used for modeling rice phenology. However, since the growing point of rice is under water during the vegetative and the early part of the reproductive period, water temperature (T_w) is likely to have a greater influence on crop developmental rates than T_a during this period. To test this hypothesis, we monitored T_w, T_a, and crop phenology in three commercial irrigated rice fields in California, USA. Sampling locations were set up on along a transect from the water inlet into the field. (Water warms up as it moves into the field.) T_a averaged 22.7 °C across sampling locations within each field, but average seasonal T_w increased from 22 °C near the inlet to 23.4 °C furthest away from the inlet. Relative to T_w furthest from the inlet, low T_w near the inlet delayed time to panicle initiation (PI 5 days) and heading (HD 8 days) and the appearance of one yellow hull on the main stem panicle (R7 9 days). Using T_w instead of T_a when the active growing point is under water until booting (midway between PI and HD) in a thermal time model improved accuracy (root-mean-square error, RMSE) for predicting time to PI by 2.5 days and HD by 1.6 days and R7 by 1.8 days. This model was further validated under more typical field conditions (i.e., not close to cold water inlets) in six locations in California. Under these conditions, average T_w was 2.6 °C higher than T_a between planting and booting, primarily due to higher daily maximum T_w values. Using T_w in the model until booting improved RMSE by 1.2 days in predicting time to HD. Using T_w instead of T_a during this period could improve the accuracy of rice phenology models.     

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.     

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.     

Dyeability and Antibacterial Finishing of Hemp Fabric Using Natural Bioactive Neem Extract

Two functional compounds were successfully extracted from neem (Azadiracta indica): a tannin-rich natural dye and an antibacterial agent. The dye was extracted from the bark using water, and the antibacterial from the leaf using methanol. These were used to dye hemp fabrics. Higher color strength values (K/S) were found when dyeing was conducted at a higher dye concentration, elevated temperature, and longer dyeing time. Optimal results were achieved when using 5 %w/v of extracted powder at 100 °C for 60 min. The resulting fabrics appeared reddish-brown, and were rated as good to excellent for color fastness against washing, water, sea water, and perspiration. The antibacterial agent from the neem leaf was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus at 65 °C with methanol as solvent. The dyed and antibacterial-finished hemp fabrics were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, following the percentage reduction test of AATCC 100. The treated fabrics demonstrated a 99.99 % reduction in Staphylococcus aureus.     

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.     

The Suppression of Verticillium Wilt of Potato Using Corn as a Green Manure Crop

Field studies involving the effects of growing sweet corn (Zea mays var. Jubilee sweet corn and var. Jubilee super-sweet corn) as a green manure for 2 or 3 seasons demonstrated both suppression of verticillium wilt by 60–70% (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) and increased potato yields. Although these treatments showed no direct effect on V. dahliae soil populations, the colonization of V. dahliae on potato feeder-roots and in potato tissue of stem apices were reduced. Feeder-root colonization by V. dahliae was positively correlated with verticillium wilt incidence (P?≤?0.05 to P?≤?0.01) and negatively correlated with yield (P?≤?0.05). Corn green manures additionally increased populations of several soilborne fungi which included Ulocladium, and Fusarium equiseti. Specific nutritional and microbial effects were secondary to the effects of cropping practices. When compared with the fallow treatments for 1994, 1995, and 1997, the percentage yield increases for 1994 were: +34% for total yield, +57% for U.S. #1’s, and +127% for tubers >280 g; for 1995 (a year of reduced degree-days and decreased verticillium incidence): +14% for total yields, +15% for U.S. #1 yields, and +21% for tubers >280 g; for 1997: +24% for yield totals, +74% for U.S. #1’s and +179% for tubers >280 g. For establishing these yield benefits, stalks with and without ears of corn were used as green manures. Corn varieties differed for effectiveness as a green manure, which could be accounted for by differences of biomass. When compared with the super-sweet corn, the sweet corn produced an increase (>2-fold) of biomass with less than half of the resulting wilt incidence. When potato was grown consecutively for 2 years, the benefits from green manures became mostly eliminated. However, following 2 consecutive years of potato, a single green manure of sweet corn was sufficient to return the potato crop to the original benefits of verticillium suppression and increased yields. This occurred even though soilborne V. dahliae inoculum levels had increased by >4-fold from 45 to 182 cfu g^?1 of soil. Results of this study demonstrate the importance of green manures and soil-ecology to the management of the Russet Burbank potato.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lupinus albus</Emphasis> Conglutin Gamma Modifies the Gene Expressions of Enzymes Involved in Glucose Hepatic Production <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis>

Lupinus albus seeds contain conglutin gamma (Cγ) protein, which exerts a hypoglycemic effect and positively modifies proteins involved in glucose homeostasis. Cγ could potentially be used to manage patients with impaired glucose metabolism, but there remains a need to evaluate its effects on hepatic glucose production. The present study aimed to analyze G6pc, Fbp1, and Pck1 gene expressions in two experimental animal models of impaired glucose metabolism. We also evaluated hepatic and renal tissue integrity following Cγ treatment. To generate an insulin resistance model, male Wistar rats were provided 30% sucrose solution ad libitum for 20 weeks. To generate a type 2 diabetes model (STZ), five-day-old rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (150 mg/kg). Each animal model was randomized into three subgroups that received the following oral treatments daily for one week: 0.9% w/v NaCl (vehicle; IR-Ctrl and STZ-Ctrl); metformin 300 mg/kg (IR-Met and STZ-Met); and Cγ 150 mg/kg (IR-Cγ and STZ-Cγ). Biochemical parameters were assessed pre- and post-treatment using colorimetric or enzymatic methods. We also performed histological analysis of hepatic and renal tissue. G6pc, Fbp1, and Pck1 gene expressions were quantified using real-time PCR. No histological changes were observed in any group. Post-treatment G6pc gene expression was decreased in the IR-Cγ and STZ-Cγ groups. Post-treatment Fbp1 and Pck1 gene expressions were reduced in the IR-Cγ group but increased in STZ-Cγ animals. Overall, these findings suggest that Cγ is involved in reducing hepatic glucose production, mainly through G6pc inhibition in impaired glucose metabolism disorders.     

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.

     

The Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pimpinella anisum</Emphasis> Essential Oils on Young Larvae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptinotarsa decemlineata</Emphasis> Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The effect of essential oil (EO) from anise (Pimpinellia anisum) on the mortality of young larvae of Colorado potato beetles has been studied. In our bioassays, P. anisum EO significantly increased the mortality of the second instar larvae of L. decemlineata. Significantly different values of LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ were established for acute (LD₅₀ = 1.76, and LD₉₀ = 8.29) as well as chronic toxicity (LD₅₀ = 0.45, and LD₉₀ = 1.01). Decrease of both values over experimental period was evident, which showed that the larval mortality was slow and cumulative. The composition of EO used for biological experiments was also assessed. The main component detected in EO from P. anisum was anethole (79.87%), followed by anisaldehyde (7.74%), estragole (5.88%) and β-linalool (1.07%). Within five days, residual concentration of EO decreased from 3.87 mg/g of dry weight immediately after foliar applications to 0.9 mg per g of dry weight. The effect of this slow evaporation could be explained by dominant presence of anethole or by the type of formulation and the addition of oil and tween. Results of our study demonstrate that EO from P. anisum has insecticidal properties that may lead to the development of new organic products for the control of Colorado potato beetles.     

Seasonal deviation effects foliar endophyte assemblage and diversity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asparagus racemosus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemidesmus indicus</Emphasis>

Background

Fungal endophytes are the living symbionts which cause no apparent damage to the host tissue. The distribution pattern of these endophytes within a host plant is mediated by environmental factors. This study was carried out to explore the fungal endophyte community and their distribution pattern in Asparagus racemosus and Hemidesmus indicus growing in the study area.

Results

Foliar endophytes were isolated for 2 years from A. racemosus and H. indicus at four different seasons (June–August, September–November, December–February, March–May). A total of 5400 (675/season/year) leaf segments harbored 38 fungal species belonging to 17 genera, 12 miscellaneous mycelia sterile from 968 isolates and 13 had yeast like growth. In A. racemosus, Acremonium strictum and Phomopsis sp.1, were dominant with overall relative colonization densities (RCD) of 7.11% and 5.44% respectively, followed by Colletotrichum sp.3 and Colletotrichum sp.1 of 4.89% and 4.83% respectively. In H. indicus the dominant species was A. strictum having higher overall RCD of 5.06%, followed by Fusarium moniliforme and Colletotrichum sp.2 with RCD of 3.83% and 3%, respectively. Further the overall colonization and isolation rates were higher during the wet periods (September–November) in both A. racemosus (92.22% and 95.11%) and H. indicus (82% and 77.11%).

Conclusion

Study samples treated with 0.2% HgCl₂ and 75% EtOH for 30 s and 1 min, respectively, confirmed most favorable method of isolation of the endophytes. Owing to high mean isolation and colonization rates, September–November season proved to be the optimal season for endophyte isolation in both the study plants. Assessing the bioactive potential of these endophytes, may lead to the isolation of novel natural products and metabolites.

     

Hypolipidemic Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia euphlebia</Emphasis> Flower Extract in High–fat-fed Mice

Camellia euphlebia (family, Theaceae) has been used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Southern China. However, there has been no report on the hypolipidemic activity of Camellia euphlebia flower. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic activity of different preparation of Camellia euphlebia flower extracts using in vivo models. Mice intragastrically administered aqueous extract at 400 mg/kg dose or ethanol extract at 100 and 400 mg/kg doses of Camellia euphlebia flower for 28 days exhibited significant decreases in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while displaying increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum. The Camellia euphlebia flower extracts also improved the antioxidant ability of hyperlipidemic mice as well as protecting the animals against liver damage by lowering the level of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity. Furthermore, 400 mg/kg ethanol extract effectively down-regulated the mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase, suggesting that Camellia euphlebia flower extract may potentially inhibit lipid accumulation in the liver by regulating the expression of fatty acid synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase. These results provided support for the potential hypolipidemic activity of Camellia euphlebia flower and could partly explain the basis of using Camellia euphlebia for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.     

Effective Management of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phthorimaea operculella</Emphasis> (Zeller) Using PVA Nanofibers Loaded with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinnamomum zeylanicum</Emphasis> Essential Oil

Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is one of the most common insect pests of cultivated potato in tropical and subtropical regions. In this research, a potential strategy to improve the insecticidal activity of plant essential oils for the effective management of P. operculella was studied. The insecticidal and residual effects of nanofiber oil (NFO) and pure essential oil (PEO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum were assessed on PTM under laboratory conditions. The nanofibers were made by the electrospinning method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. The morphological characteristics of the nanofibers were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The chemical constituents of cinnamon essential oil (EO) were detected by GC/MS. Fumigant toxicity of NFO and PEO were evaluated on different growth stages (egg, male and female adults) of P. operculella. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of EO on the nanofiber structure. The yield of the EO from C. zelanicum on the nanofibers was 1.86%. GC/MS analysis showed that cinnamaldehyde was the primary constituent (69.88%) of cinnamon EO. LC₅₀ values of C. zelanicum EO and NFO were 4.92 and 1.76 μl/l air for eggs, 0.444 and 0.212 μl/l air for female adults, and 0.424 and 0.192 μl/l air for male adults, respectively. Fumigant bioassays revealed that NFO was more toxic than C. zeylanicum oil against at all stages of P. operculella. The residual effect of PEO and NFO was evaluated against the egg stage of the P. operculella. NFO lost insecticidal effectiveness 47 days after application, while the efficacy of PEO decreased 15 days after application. Our results suggest that NFO of C. zeylanicum can be used as an effective new tool for the management of P. operculella.     

The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Kiwiberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Actinidia arguta</Emphasis>) – a Review

The kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a new product on the market that is enjoying growing consumer acceptance around the world. This widespread interest has created increased demand for identification of the kiwiberry’s nutritional health benefits. Containing over 20 essential nutrients and a range of vitamins, the kiwiberry comes near the top of fruits classed as superfoods. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C with up to 430 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) and is considered the richest dietary source of myo-inositol (up to 982 mg/100 g FW). The kiwiberry is also one of the richest sources of lutein (up to 0.93 mg/100 g FW) in commonly consumed fruit. Furthermore, containing up to 1301.1 mg/100 g FW phenolics and significant amounts of the essential minerals of potassium, calcium and zinc, the kiwiberry rates very highly as a ‘healthy food’. The type and number of this fruit’s medicinally promising nutrients have motivated ongoing investigations into its antioxidant, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory properties. Early research has pointed to the kiwiberry being a very promising treatment for some cancers and health issues involving the gastrointestinal system, hypercholesterolemia and certain cancers. A pharmaceutical composition of A. arguta, A. kolomikta, and A. polygama extracts has already been registered for the prevention and treatment of some immune (inflammatory) mediated diseases, as well as the treatment of some non-allergic inflammatory diseases. This paper reviews and highlights the limited nutritional and therapeutic information currently available on the kiwiberry, a minor fruit possessing such major properties.