大麦麦芽品质性状的基因型差异及相关性

为了解大麦麦芽品质的基因型差异,以191个DH系及其亲本日本啤酒大麦Noso Nijo和中国大麦泰兴9425为材料,测定了浸出率、可溶性氮含量、库尔巴哈值、α-氨基氮含量、糖化力、黏度和总氮含量等7个麦芽品质性状,根据啤酒麦芽行业标准(QB1686-93)对参试材料的麦芽品质进行综合评分,并依据7个麦芽性状对DH系进行了聚类分析。结果表明,Noso Nijo的浸出率、可溶性氮含量、库尔巴哈值、α-氨基氮含量、糖化力及麦芽品质评分均高于泰兴9425,黏度和总氮含量均低于泰兴9425;除可溶性氮含量在两亲本间差异显著外,其余6个性状及麦芽品质评分在两亲本间的差异均达到极显著水平。浸出率、可溶性氮含量、库尔巴哈值、α-氨基氮含量、糖化力、麦芽品质评分在DH群体中呈正态分布,数值呈连续变化,为典型的数量性状特征;黏度和总氮含量在DH群体中分布的偏度介于-1和1之间,峰度大于1,且数值呈连续变化,说明其受主效基因控制的同时,也受微效多基因作用;麦芽品质评分与浸出率、α-氨基氮含量、可溶性氮含量、库尔巴哈值和糖化力呈极显著正相关,与黏度和总氮含量呈极显著负相关。浸出率和库尔巴哈值对麦芽品质影响相对较大。DH系及亲本被聚为3类:第Ⅰ类包括泰兴9425在内的87个株系,其麦芽品质较差,综合评分较低;第Ⅱ类包括Noso Nijo在内的97个株系,其麦芽品质较好,综合评分居中;第Ⅲ类由9个株系组成,其麦芽品质最好,综合评分较高。     

氮钾配施对扬农啤7号籽粒产量与麦芽品质的影响

为了解氮、钾肥施用量及配比对啤酒大麦产量和品质的影响,以啤酒大麦品种扬农啤7号为材料,测定并分析了氮、钾肥配施对籽粒产量、蛋白质含量及麦芽品质的影响。结果表明,扬农啤7号的籽粒产量和蛋白质含量及麦芽品质性状在氮肥施用量间的差异均显著(P0.05);随着氮肥施用量的增加,籽粒产量、蛋白质含量和麦芽α-氨基氮含量、糖化力呈增加趋势,麦芽脆度、浸出率及库尔巴哈值呈降低趋势;在相同氮水平下,钾肥施用量对扬农啤7号籽粒产量、蛋白质含量及麦芽品质性状有一定影响,但无规律。除2017—2018年度的籽粒蛋白质含量与千粒重呈极显著(P0.01)负相关外,籽粒蛋白质含量与产量及其构成要素间均呈显著或极显著正相关;穗粒数、穗数及籽粒产量与麦芽α-氨基氮含量及糖化力呈极显著正相关,与麦芽浸出率及库尔巴哈值呈极显著负相关。氮肥水平太高导致扬农啤7号品质下降,兼顾高产与优质,扬农啤7号高产优质的氮、钾肥配施技术为:氮肥150 kg·hm~(-2),基肥∶拔节肥∶孕穗肥=4∶4∶2;钾肥150kg·hm~(-2),作基肥一次性施用。     

肥料运筹方式对不同用途大麦产量和品质的影响

为研究肥料运筹方式对不同用途大麦品种产量和品质的影响,以啤用大麦品种扬农啤7号和饲食兼用大麦品种扬饲麦3号为材料,分析4种肥料运筹方式对大麦籽粒产量和蛋白质含量及麦芽品质的影响。结果表明,在中等偏上肥力的土壤上,扬农啤7号优质高产施肥方式为基施尿素150 kg·hm^-2+复合肥375 kg·hm^-2,苗肥施尿素75 kg·hm^-2,拔节肥施尿素75 kg·hm^-2+复合肥225 kg·hm^-2,其产量水平在7 500 kg·hm^-2左右;主要啤酒麦芽品质接近国标二级,可适当减少氮肥用量及提前施用拔节肥改善扬农啤7号籽粒的麦芽品质。无论哪种肥料运筹方式,扬饲麦3号的麦芽品质指标均达不到国家二级麦芽标准,该品种不适宜作为啤酒大麦原料种植,宜作优质高产饲食大麦种植,其较佳肥料运筹方式为基施尿素75 kg·hm^-2+复合肥750 kg·hm^-2,拔节肥施尿素112.5 kg·hm^-2+复合肥375 kg·hm^-2,其产量水平在8 000 kg·hm^-2左右,籽粒蛋白质含量在14.0%左右。     

氮肥施用对稻茬小麦冠层结构及产量、品质的影响

为给安徽省沿淮稻茬小麦高产栽培的氮肥合理运筹提供理论依据,通过大田试验,选用当地小麦主栽品种济麦22（半冬性中筋品种）和烟农19（半冬性强筋品种）为材料,设置0、90、180、270和360 kg·hm^-2 5个施氮水平,分析施氮量对两种基因型小麦冠层结构、产量及品质的影响。结果表明,在0~180 kg·hm^-2 施氮范围内,随着施氮量的增加,小麦株高、叶面积指数和叶片SPAD值显著上升,群体截获更多光能,冠层截获光合有效辐射显著增加,群体透光率显著降低,冠层光谱反射率在400～725 nm波段逐渐下降,在725～1 000 nm逐渐上升;随着施氮量的进一步增加,360 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理的各冠层指标与270 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理之间差异未达到0.05显著水平。籽粒产量随施氮量增加呈先升后降趋势,2个小麦品种产量均以270 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理最高。穗数、穗粒数均随施氮量增加而显著提高,都以360 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理最大,但180、270和360 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理间差异较小或不显著;千粒重则表现为先升后降的趋势,以90 kg·hm^-2 施氮处理最高。小麦籽粒蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、沉降值均随施氮量增加而逐渐提高,除2014-2015年270和360 kg·hm^-2 两个施氮处理间差异不显著外,两年不同施氮处理间均差异显著。综合高产、优质、低环境风险的选择条件,沿淮稻茬麦区小麦季氮素在180~270 kg·hm^-2 范围内偏下限施用较为适宜,强筋品种烟农19可适当提高施氮量。     

长期定位施氮条件下不同品质类型冬小麦适宜施氮量的研究

为了探明河北不同品质类型冬小麦的适宜施氮量,在十年定位试验的基础上,研究了不同施氮水平（0、60、120、180、240和360 kg·hm^-2）下小麦中筋品种济麦22、中强筋品种石优20、强筋品种藁优2018和超强筋品种师栾02-1的产量和品质以及农田氮素平衡和土壤氮素盈余状况。结果表明,产量和品质在不同类型小麦品种间及氮肥处理间均差异显著。不施氮和施氮60 kg·hm^-2处理的产量和品质显著低于其他处理。长期不施氮肥时各小麦品种的蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、稳定时间等品质指标降至弱筋麦水平。济麦22、石优20、藁优2018和师栾02-1实现高产高效的适宜施氮范围依次是120～240、180～240、120～300和120～240 kg·hm^-2,济麦22达到品种本身品质水平的适宜施氮量范围为120～300 kg·hm^-2,其他品种为180～240 kg·hm^-2。不同品质指标对施氮量的反应有差异,强筋品种的蛋白质含量和面团稳定时间在施氮120 kg·hm^-2条件下能达到较高水平,而湿面筋含量、面团形成时间和延伸性则需要更高施氮量才能达到较高水平。济麦22、石优20、藁优2018和师栾02-1达到农田氮素表观平衡的适宜施氮量分别为197、166、199和218 kg·hm^-2,土壤氮素表观平衡的施氮量均为212 kg·hm^-2。过量施氮不能提高小麦产量和品质,降低施肥效益,会造成土壤氮素盈余。可见,施氮180 kg·hm^-2为最优施氮处理,能实现小麦高产、高效、优质和生态安全的统一。     

施氮量对川西平原酿酒小麦原粮及其酿酒品质的影响

为明确施氮量对酿酒小麦原粮品质和酿酒品质的影响,以绵麦902和中科紫糯麦168（糯性）两个小麦品种为材料,设置6个施氮量（0、45、90、135、180、225 kg·hm^-2）,对小麦产量、原粮品质和酿酒品质进行了分析。结果表明：（1）两供试小麦品种的产量和有效穗数无显著差异;随施氮量增加,两品种的有效穗数、穗粒数及产量增加,均在施氮225 kg·hm^-2达最大值。（2）随施氮量增加,两个小麦品种的籽粒蛋白质、脂肪和灰分含量增加,均在135 kg·hm^-2处理下较高;淀粉含量和粉质率降低,绵麦902直链淀粉含量和直支比均以180 kg·hm^-2处理最高,分别为22.6%和0.641,支链淀粉含量以45 kg·hm^-2处理最高,为 42.6%;中科紫糯麦168直链淀粉含量和直支比均以45 kg·hm^-2处理最高,分别为3.9% 和0.058,支链淀粉含量以90 kg·hm^-2处理最高,为69.3%。（3）与中科紫糯麦168相比,绵麦902出酒率较高,总酸、总酯含量较低,增施氮肥显著降低总酸含量,显著增加总酯含量;施氮90~135 kg·hm^-2范围内两品种出酒率较高,总酸和总酯含量较协调;（4）相关分析表明,出酒率与直链淀粉含量和粉质率呈显著和极显著正相关,与脂肪含量呈极显著负相关;总酸含量与总淀粉、支链淀粉和脂肪含量呈显著正相关,与粉质率呈显著负相关;总酯含量与灰分含量呈显著负相关。本研究认为,绵麦902和中科紫糯麦168酿酒品质各具优势,绵麦902出酒率高,中科紫糯麦168具有更好的产酯特性;在90 ~135 kg·hm^-2施氮范围内,两品种蛋白质含量较适宜,总淀粉和支链淀粉含量较高,灰分含量高,脂肪含量适宜,出酒率和总酸含量也较高,是川西平原酿酒小麦较佳施氮量范围。     

施氮量对渭北旱地冬小麦产量和籽粒品质的影响

为明确施氮量对渭北旱塬冬小麦产量与籽粒品质的影响,以小麦品种长6359和晋麦47为供试材料,设置0、60、120、180、240 kg·hm^-2共5个施氮水平(分别用N₀、N₁、N₂、N₃、N₄表示),探究施氮量对旱地冬小麦产量和籽粒品质相关指标及氮素农学效率的影响。结果表明：（1）在0~180 kg·hm^-2施氮范围内,施氮对旱地冬小麦的穗数和产量影响均达到显著水平,但穗粒数和千粒重在不同施氮处理之间差异均不显著。施氮量达到240 kg·hm^-2 时,穗数依旧增长,穗粒数和籽粒产量则出现一定程度的降低。（2）在 0~180 kg·hm^-2 施氮范围内,籽粒蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、吸水率、淀粉含量、沉降值、面团稳定时间和形成时间均随施氮量的增加而提高,但出粉率并未与施氮量呈现相关性,容重则与施氮量呈负相关。施氮量超过180 kg·hm^-2 后,除面团形成时间外,其余品质参数均下降。（3）从冬小麦各生育时期植株氮素含量与品质相关性看,拔节期二者关系最为密切。综合考虑冬小麦产量与籽粒品质,推荐渭北旱地麦田最适宜的施氮量为180 kg·hm^-2,较渭北旱塬平均施氮量降低约6.4%,推荐品种为晋麦47。     

氮、硫肥配施对稻茬麦氮素利用及籽粒产量和品质的影响

为探讨稻茬小麦的氮硫肥施用技术,在水稻秸秆全量还田条件下设置0、195和270 kg·hm^-2 3个施氮水平和0、30和60 kg·hm^-23个施硫水平,研究氮、硫肥配施对小麦氮素吸收利用、籽粒产量和品质的影响。结果表明,随施氮量的增加,小麦穗数、穗粒数和产量均显著增加,面团形成时间和稳定时间延长,但施氮量达270 kg·hm^-2时氮肥农学效率和表观利用率显著下降,籽粒支链淀粉、清蛋白、醇溶蛋白和谷蛋白含量降低。增施硫肥可使籽粒产量显著增加,延长面团形成时间和稳定时间,并提高籽粒支链淀粉、谷蛋白和总蛋白含量。相比其他氮、硫肥组合处理,施氮195 kg·hm^-2配合施硫60 kg·hm^-2提高了总氮素积累量、氮肥农学效率和氮肥利用效率;该组合处理下籽粒产量比仅施氮270 kg·hm^-2处理提高了5.7%。此外,195 kg·hm^-2施氮量配施硫60 kg·hm^-2还提高了面团形成时间、稳定时间和蛋白各组分含量。这说明氮硫合理配施可提升小麦对氮素的吸收利用,起到提高籽粒产量、改善籽粒蛋白品质和粉质质量的作用;减氮条件下通过适量配施硫肥可作为小麦优质高效生产的栽培途径。     

播量和施肥对甘啤6号产量和品质的影响

为筛选出河西地区啤酒大麦高产优质栽培的适宜播量和施肥组合,以当地啤酒大麦主栽品种甘啤6号为材料,采用正交设计,研究了播量、氮肥、磷肥对该品种产量、籽粒品质及麦芽品质的影响。结果表明,播量、氮肥、磷肥组合对大麦产量、籽粒品质和麦芽品质影响显著。就产量而言,最佳播量为525 万粒·hm^-2,施氮最佳水平为180 kg·hm^-2,P₂O₅最佳水平为90 kg·hm^-2;对产量的影响表现为播量>氮肥>磷肥。播量在375万～525万粒·hm^-2范围内,籽粒蛋白质含量随播量的增加而下降,但播量达到600万粒·hm^-2时蛋白质含量又有所增加。籽粒蛋白质含量随着氮肥施用量的增加呈直线上升趋势,适量施磷可以在保证产量的同时,抑制蛋白质含量的增加;对蛋白含量的影响表现为氮肥>播量>磷肥,对千粒重的影响表现为播量>磷肥>氮肥。综合来看,在播量为525万粒·hm^-2、施氮量为120 kg·hm^-2、P₂O₅施用量为210 kg·hm^-2条件下,甘啤6号具有较高的籽粒产量和较低的蛋白质含量,且千粒重、整齐度和主要麦芽品质均达国家优级水平,因此该处理可作为河西地区甘啤6号实现高产优质的适宜播量与施肥组合。     

施氮量对弱筋小麦籽粒品质形成的影响

为明确施氮量对弱筋小麦籽粒产量与品质形成的影响,以弱筋小麦品种扬麦13和宁麦13为材料,设置不同施氮量（纯氮0、105、210和315 kg·hm^-2）处理,分析了施氮量对弱筋小麦籽粒蛋白质及其组分含量、淀粉粒度分布与黏度参数的影响。结果表明,两个弱筋小麦品种的籽粒蛋白质及其组分含量均随施氮量增加而增加;与醇溶蛋白相比,氮肥对谷蛋白含量的影响较大。当施氮量为105 kg·hm^-2时,小麦籽粒蛋白质含量分别为10.59%（扬麦13）、11.37%（宁麦13）,达到弱筋小麦标准要求;施氮量为210 kg·hm^-2时,两个小麦品种的蛋白质含量均超过12.5%。增施氮肥能有效提高弱筋小麦籽粒灌浆中后期谷氨酰胺合成酶（GS）活性。在施氮0~210 kg·hm^-2时,增施氮肥可提高B型（<10 μm）淀粉粒体积、表面积百分比,降低A型（>10 μm）淀粉粒体积、表面积百分比。施氮量对弱筋小麦B型、A型淀粉粒数目百分比无显著影响。淀粉峰值黏度、最终黏度在施氮0~210 kg·hm^-2范围内均随施氮量增加而增高。本试验条件下,要保证弱筋小麦籽粒品质和相对较高的产量,更为适宜的施氮量应在105~210 kg·hm^-2之间。     

Comparative Assessment of the Efficacy of Various Nitrogen Fertilizers

Summary

The efficiency of N fertilizers is usually poor; often less than 50% of the applied N is taken up by the crop. This review focuses on various N fertilizers with respect to the significance of different N loss pathways, namely (i) ammonia volatilization, (ii) dinitrogen and nitrogen oxide emissions, and (iii) nitrate leaching. Further, the significance of biological N immobilization, ammonium fixation and, finally, the impact of nitrate vs. ammonium uptake on crop yield are also discussed. The reviewed literature shows that N fertilizers may differ markedly in their susceptibility to losses. There is, however, considerable scope to improve N efficiency of each N source by proper N management practices.     

Studies on natural repellents against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) in country stores

Summary The effects of the leaves of five plant species, one from each of the generaAmbrosia, Anemone, Eupatorium, Eucalyptus andLantana, on potato tuber moth were investigated under indigenous storage conditions at the Central Potato Research Station, Shillong (1800 m above sea level). Their action was compared with that of a biological insecticide (spores ofBacillus thuringiensis), a chemical insecticide (carbaryl), and an untreated control. The data collected after six months storage on tuber damage, sprout damage and the rotting indicated that the leaves ofLantana aculeata provided most protection to the tubers, reducing damage from over 70% in the check to below 5%, and sprout damage from over 45% to below 3%. Next best wasEucalyptus globulus followed byB. thuringiensis. They may be used on tubers stored for table use or for seed as they had no adverse effect on germination or on the yield of a subsequent crop.     

Novel food and non-food uses for sorghum and millets

Sorghum and millets have considerable potential in foods and beverages. As they are gluten-free they are suitable for coeliacs. Sorghum is also a potentially important source of nutraceuticals such antioxidant phenolics and cholesterol-lowering waxes. Cakes, cookies, pasta, a parboiled rice-like product and snack foods have been successfully produced from sorghum and, in some cases, millets. Wheat-free sorghum or millet bread remains the main challenge. Additives such as native and pre-gelatinised starches, hydrocolloids, fat, egg and rye pentosans improve bread quality. However, specific volumes are lower than those for wheat bread or gluten-free breads based on pure starches, and in many cases, breads tend to stale faster. Lager and stout beers with sorghum are brewed commercially. Sorghum's high-starch gelatinisation temperature and low beta-amylase activity remain problems with regard to complete substitution of barley malt with sorghum malt . The role of the sorghum endosperm matrix protein and cell wall components in limiting extract is a research focus. Brewing with millets is still at an experimental stage. Sorghum could be important for bioethanol and other bio-industrial products. Bioethanol research has focused on improving the economics of the process through cultivar selection, method development for low-quality grain and pre-processing to recover valuable by-products. Potential by-products such as the kafirin prolamin proteins and the pericarp wax have potential as bioplastic films and coatings for foods, primarily due to their hydrophobicity.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of different accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. from Uruguay

Summary The in vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts from accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. collected in the south of Uruguay was investigated against five microorganisms including the pathogenRalstonia solanacearum. A total of 30 extracts corresponding to organic and aqueous extracts were studied. Interestingly, most of the positive results for growth inhibition were againstR. solanacearum. The extracts were also analyzed for the presence of glycoalkaloids and lectins. Six of the ten aqueous extracts showed lectin presence and a wide variation in the type and amounts of glycoalkaloids, was found. Results indicate that there is no clear relationship between the antimicrobial activity against the five microorganisms screened and the presence or amounts of lectins and glycoalkaloids, traditionally regarded as possible antimicrobial metabolites in theSolanum genus, which indicates the presence of as yet unidentified antimicrobial compounds.     

Extreme resistance to infection by potato virus X in genotypes of wild tuber-bearingSolanum species

Summary Clones derived from thirty-one different accessions (nineteen of Argentine origin) belonging to eightSolanum species were screened for resistance to infection by potato virus X strain cp (PVX cp) by mechanical inoculation of plantlets that had been micropropagated in vitro. Estimates of PVX multiplication obtained by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and slot blot nucleic acid hybridization allowed the identification of resistant clones derived from five accessions belonging toS. commersonii S. oplocense, S. sparsipilum andS. tuberosum andigena. Resistant genotypes supported PVX concentrations 5 to 15 times smaller than did the susceptible control cultivar Spunta. Graft inoculation test confirmed the presence of extreme resistance similar to that conferred by the ‘immunity’ gene X¹ (also called RX_act).     

Cyanobacteria Secondary Metabolites as Biotechnological Ingredients in Natural Anti-Aging Cosmetics: Potential to Overcome Hyperpigmentation,Loss of Skin Density and UV Radiation-Deleterious Effects

The loss of density and elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are among the first noticeable signs of skin aging. Beyond UV radiation and oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) assume a preponderant role in the process, since their deregulation results in the degradation of most extracellular matrix components. In this survey, four cyanobacteria strains were explored for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential for use in anti-aging formulations. Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 and Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493 from freshwater ecosystems, and Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 from marine habitats were sequentially extracted with acetone and water, and extracts were analyzed for their toxicity in cell lines with key roles in the skin context (HaCAT, 3T3L1, and hCMEC). The non-toxic extracts were chemically characterized in terms of proteins, carotenoids, phenols, and chlorophyll a, and their anti-aging potential was explored through their ability to scavenge the physiological free radical superoxide anion radical (O₂^•−), to reduce the activity of the MMPs elastase and hyaluronidase, to inhibit tyrosinase and thus avoid melanin production, and to block UV-B radiation (sun protection factor, SPF). Leptolyngbya species stood out for anti-aging purposes: L. boryana LEGE 15486 presented a remarkable SPF of 19 (at 200 µg/mL), being among the best species regarding O₂^•− scavenging, (IC₅₀ = 99.50 µg/mL) and also being able to inhibit tyrosinase (IC₂₅ = 784 µg/mL), proving to be promising against UV-induced skin-aging; L. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 was more efficient in inhibiting MMPs (hyaluronidase, IC₅₀ = 863 µg/mL; elastase, IC₅₀ = 391 µg/mL), thus being the choice to retard dermal density loss. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data allowed the grouping of extracts into three groups, according to their chemical composition; the correlation of carotenoids and chlorophyll a with MMPs activity (p < 0.01), O₂^•− scavenging with phenolic compounds (p < 0.01), and phycocyanin and allophycocyanin with SPF, pointing to these compounds in particular as responsible for UV-B blockage. This original survey explores, for the first time, the biotechnological potential of these cyanobacteria strains in the field of skin aging, demonstrating the promising, innovative, and multifactorial nature of these microorganisms.     

Marine Pharmacology in 2009–2011: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial,Antidiabetic, Antifungal,Anti-Inflammatory,Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis,and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems,and other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action ?

The peer-reviewed marine pharmacology literature from 2009 to 2011 is presented in this review, following the format used in the 1998–2008 reviews of this series. The pharmacology of structurally-characterized compounds isolated from marine animals, algae, fungi and bacteria is discussed in a comprehensive manner. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, and antiviral pharmacological activities were reported for 102 marine natural products. Additionally, 60 marine compounds were observed to affect the immune and nervous system as well as possess antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, 68 marine metabolites were shown to interact with a variety of receptors and molecular targets, and thus will probably contribute to multiple pharmacological classes upon further mechanism of action studies. Marine pharmacology during 2009–2011 remained a global enterprise, with researchers from 35 countries, and the United States, contributing to the preclinical pharmacology of 262 marine compounds which are part of the preclinical pharmaceutical pipeline. Continued pharmacological research with marine natural products will contribute to enhance the marine pharmaceutical clinical pipeline, which in 2013 consisted of 17 marine natural products, analogs or derivatives targeting a limited number of disease categories.     

Recent Modifications of Chitosan for Adsorption Applications: A Critical and Systematic Review

Chitosan is considered to be one of the most promising and applicable materials in adsorption applications. The existence of amino and hydroxyl groups in its molecules contributes to many possible adsorption interactions between chitosan and pollutants (dyes, metals, ions, phenols, pharmaceuticals/drugs, pesticides, herbicides, etc.). These functional groups can help in establishing positions for modification. Based on the learning from previously published works in literature, researchers have achieved a modification of chitosan with a number of different functional groups. This work summarizes the published works of the last three years (2012–2014) regarding the modification reactions of chitosans (grafting, cross-linking, etc.) and their application to adsorption of different environmental pollutants (in liquid-phase).