Comparison of isoflavone concentrations in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) sprouts grown under two different light conditions

We determined and compared the composition and content of isoflavones in the cotyledon, hypocotyl, and root of 17 soybean sprout varieties grown under dark and light conditions. The total average isoflavone concentrations in 17 soybean sprout varieties were 2167 microg g(-1) (green sprout) and 2538 microg g(-1) (yellow sprout) in cotyledons, 1169 microg g(-1) (green sprout) and 1132 microg g(-1) (yellow sprout) in hypocotyls, and 2399 microg g(-1) (green sprout) and 2852 microg g(-1) (yellow sprout) in roots. There were no significant differences in total isoflavone concentrations between the green and yellow sprouts. However, significant differences in total isoflavone amounts were observed among the three organs, with roots exhibiting the highest total isoflavone concentrations followed by cotyledons and hypocotyls. Total daidzin concentrations of green (775 microg g(-1)) and yellow (897 microg g(-1)) sprouts increased to more than 4 times that in seeds (187 microg g(-1)). Yellow sprouts contained the highest (1122 microg g(-1)) total genistin concentrations, and green (155 microg g(-1)) and yellow (155 microg g(-1)) sprouts had more total glycitin concentrations than seeds. In cotyledons of green and yellow sprouts, genistin, daidzen, and glycitin constituted more than 67%, more than 28%, and less than 4% of the total isoflavone contents, respectively. In hypocotyls, total daidzin represented more than 45% of the total isoflavones, and total glycitin was higher than in cotyledons and roots. Malonylglycoside concentrations were highest in cotyledons, whereas glycoside concentrations were highest in hypocotyls and roots. The high accumulation of isoflavones in roots is consistent with isoflavones serving as signal molecules in the induction of microbial genes involved in soybean (Glycine max) nodulation.     

Evaluation of Dry Peas (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties for Seedling Vigor Indices in Eastern Montana

Genetic and environmental factors lead to a variation in yield and protein content of dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. The quality of seed, particularly seed vigor, also influences the establishment of crop and thus final grain yield. The area and production for dry peas are increasing in the Northern Great Plains but knowledge is lacking on how the pea lines/varieties differ in the seed vigor at seven leaf stage. This field and greenhouse study evaluated the eight dry pea lines/varieties for seedling vigor indices and correlated them with grain yield and protein concentrations. Significant differences were observed among the lines/varieties for nodule number plant^?1 in greenhouse, and grain yield in field conditions. The highest number of nodules plant^?1 was obtained with the line MT632, which were at par with lines MT457, and MT190. The highest Vigor Index I was achieved with line MT632 associated with their more shoot lengths as compared to other lines/varieties. The highest Vigor Index II was obtained by variety Majoret and line MT632. The variety DS Admiral yielded 5205 kg ha^?1, which was 17.4 and 33.3% higher than lines MT460 and MT190, respectively. The highest seed protein content was obtained with variety Majoret (23.4%) having highest Vigor Index II and seed yield (4940 kg ha^?1) at par with variety DS Admiral. The lowest seed protein was found with variety DS Admiral (20.3%). The line named MT190 showed lowest yield potential along with the lower protein contents also. Studies show a positive and significant correlation between biomass and Vigor Index I only. Plant nitrogen uptake was positively and significantly correlated with biomass and Vigor Index I in greenhouse only. The results also indicated that seed vigor indices did not reveal any significant correlations with dry peas yield and protein content, so more efforts are needed to evaluate varieties for higher yield and protein content during initial stages of growth in order to maximize their acreage and productivity.     

Isoflavone aglycon and glucoconjugate content of high- and low-soy U.K. foods used in nutritional studies

The isoflavone aglycon and glucoconjugate content of commercially prepared and "home-prepared" high- and low-soy foods selected for use in an on-going nutritional study were measured by LC-MS. The daidzin, daidzein, 6"-O-malonyldaidzin, 6"-O-acetyldaidzin, genistein, genistin, 6"-O-malonylgenistin, 6"-O-acetylgenistin, glycitin, glycitein, 6"-O-malonylglycitin, and 6"-O-acetylglycitin content are expressed in terms of individual isoflavones, total isoflavone equivalents, and milligrams of isoflavones per portion served. Soybeans (774 mg x kg(-1) total isoflavones) and soybean-containing foods had the highest isoflavone content of the foods examined. The low-soy foods all contained very low concentrations (<8 mg x kg(-1) total isoflavones) of the isoflavone aglycons and glucoconjugates. High- and low-soy 11 day rotating menus were constructed from the analyzed foods to deliver 100.0 and 0.5 mg of isoflavones per day, respectively.     

Contents and bioactivities of lunasin, bowman-birk inhibitor, and isoflavones in soybean seed

It has been previously demonstrated that lunasin is a novel and promising cancer preventive peptide from soybean. The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI) and isoflavones are well-studied substances from soy. This study evaluated the levels and bioactivities of these three compounds as affected by stages of seed development and sprouting under light and dark conditions. BBI and lunasin appear at 7 and 6 weeks, respectively, after flowering and increase as the seed matures. Daidzein and genistein both decrease during seed maturation. During sprouting under light, BBI increases up to the 6th day and decreases thereafter, disappearing at the 9th day after soaking. Under dark conditions, BBI increases up to the 7th day after soaking and decreases thereafter, disappearing at the 10th day. Lunasin starts to decrease at 2 days after soaking and disappears completely at 7 days under light and dark conditions. Daidzein and genistein increase continuously during the 10 days of soaking, and both increase more in the dark than under light conditions. Protein extracts from early seed development (2-5 weeks after flowering) suppress cell viability to a greater degree than those from later stages (6-9 weeks). Inhibition of foci formation by protein extracts from later stages is greater than those from earlier stages. Lunasin and BBI suppress foci formation more than the isoflavones. Sprouting decreases lunasin and BBI contents but increases isoflavones. Protein extracts from early soaking times inhibit foci formation more and suppress cell viability less than those from later soaking times. Light and dark conditions have no influence on the bioactivities of protein extracts. These data are useful in the preparation of soy fractions enriched in lunasin, BBI, and isoflavones and in making dietary recommendations.     

Isoflavone levels in five soybean (Glycine max) genotypes are altered by phytochrome-mediated light treatments

The objective of the present study was to determine whether concentrations of different isoflavones (puerarin, genistein, genistin, daidzein, and daidzin) in shoots and roots of five selected soybean genotypes would respond the same or differently to red (650 nm peak transmittance) and far-red (750 nm peak transmittance) light treatments given under controlled environments. Levels of isoflavones (mg g(-1) dry weight biomass) present in seeds, control roots, and shoots and 10 day light-treated seedlings (light, dark, red, and far-red wavelengths) of soybean (Glycine max) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis in comparison with known isoflavone standards. Seeds of the five soybean genotypes studied consistently stored most of their isoflavones as glucosyl conjugates (e.g., daidzin, genistin, and puerarin). For the five soybean genotypes, isoflavone levels were lower in the seeds as compared with roots plus shoots of control, time zero (first true leaf stage) seedlings. Following 10 days of the respective light treatments, we found that (i) isoflavone levels were enhanced in dark-grown plants over light-grown plants for three of the five genotypes (a new finding) and the reverse occurred for a single genotype (a typical response of legumes) and (ii) generally, far-red end of day (EOD) light treatment enhanced total isoflavone levels in roots plus shoots over red EOD light treatment. Results from the present study show that phytochrome does appear to play a role in regulating isoflavone levels in developing soybean seedlings and that this influence by red/far-red-mediated phytochrome reactions is strongly dependent on the genotypes selected for study.     

Effect of temperature, elevated carbon dioxide, and drought during seed development on the isoflavone content of dwarf soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] grown in controlled environments

The effects of elevated temperature, carbon dioxide, and water stress on the isoflavone content of seed from a dwarf soybean line [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] were determined, using controlled environment chambers. Increasing the temperature from 18 degrees C during seed development to 23 degrees C decreased total isoflavone content by about 65%. A further 5 degrees C increase to 28 degrees C decreased the total isoflavone content by about 90%. Combining treatments at elevated temperature with elevated CO(2) (700 ppm) and water stress to determine the possible consequences of global climate change on soybean seed isoflavone content indicated that elevated CO(2) at elevated temperatures could partially reverse the effects of temperature on soybean seed isoflavone content. The addition of drought stress to plants grown at 23 degrees C and elevated CO(2) returned the total isoflavone levels to the control values obtained at 18 degrees C and 400 ppm CO(2). The promotive effects of drought and elevated CO(2) at 23 degrees C on the 6' '-O-malonygenistin and genistin levels were additive. The individual isoflavones often had different responses to the various growth conditions during seed maturation, modifying the proportions of the principal isoflavones. Therefore, subtle changes in certain environmental factors may change the isoflavone content of commercially grown soybean, altering the nutritional values of soy products.     

LC/UV/ESI-MS analysis of isoflavones in Edamame and Tofu soybeans

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/UV/ESI-MSD) was applied to the study of isoflavones in both Edamame and Tofu soy varieties, from which the immature fresh soybeans or the mature soybean seeds are consumed, respectively. Positive atmospheric pressure interface (API) MS and MS/MS were used to provide molecular mass information and led to the identification of a total 16 isoflavones, including three aglycones, three glycosides, two glycoside acetates, and eight glycoside malonates. The major isoflavones in soybean seeds were daidzein and genistein glycoside and their malonate conjugates. Trace levels of daidzein and genistein acetyl glycosides were found only in the mature dry soybean seeds. To facilitate quantitative analysis, acid hydrolysis during extraction of soy samples was selected to convert the various phytoestrogen conjugates into their respective isoflavone aglycones, allowing accurate quantitation of total phytoestrogens as aglycones. On the basis of HPLC combined with UV and MS detection, all three targeted soy isoflavone aglycones, daidzein, genistein and glycitein in hydrolyzed extracts were successfully quantified within 25 min with formononetin used as the internal standard. The standard curves of UV detection were fitted in the range of 14.16-29000 ng/mL for daidzein, 15.38-31500 ng/mL for genistein, and 11.72-24000 ng/mL for glycitein. For MS detection, the standard curves were established in the range of 3.54-1812.5 ng/mL for daidzein, 3.85-1968.75 ng/mL for genistein, and 2.93-1500 ng/mL for glycitein. Good linearities (r(2) > 0.999 for UV and r(2) > 0.99 for MS) for standard curves were achieved for each isoflavone. The accuracy and precision (RSD) were within 10% for UV detection and 15% for MS detection (n = 10). Using this method, the phytoestrogen levels of total isoflavone aglycones from 30 soybean seed varieties were then evaluated for confirmation of the technique. Total isoflavones ranged across the varieties from 0.02 to 0.12% in the Edamame varieties, which are harvested while the seeds are still immature, and from 0.16 to 0.25% in Tofu varieties, harvested when the seeds are physiologically mature. While the literature has focused on the isoflavone content of soy products and processing soy, this report provides a reliable analytical technique for screening of authenticated fresh immature Edamame soybeans and Tofu soybeans.     

NITROGEN NUTRITION ON LEAF CHLOROPHYLL,CANOPY REFLECTANCE,GRAIN PROTEIN AND GRAIN YIELD OF WHEAT VARIETIES WITH CONTRASTING GRAIN PROTEIN CONCENTRATION

Wheat cultivars (‘AC Barrie’, ‘Brook Field’, ‘Hoffman’, and ‘Norwell’) with different protein concentrations were compared under four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^?1) in an environment-controlled greenhouse, and the same experiment with an additional N level (200 kg N ha^?1) was repeated in the field in 2007. In the greenhouse experiment, application of 100 kg N ha^?1 resulted in significantly greater grain yield due mainly to higher number of grains per spike and heavier mean grain weight; in the field study, the 150 kg N ha^?1 treatment produced the greatest yield (P<0.01) primarily due to more number of grains per spike. Crude grain protein percentage was increased significantly with each increment of N up to the highest level; however, protein yield (kg ha^?1) increased significantly with fertilizer up to 150 kg N ha^?1. Leaf chlorophyll contents were increased linearly with increment of N levels up to 150 kg ha^?1 both in the greenhouse and field trials while leaf area indices continued to increase up to the highest application rate (200 kg N ha^?1). Canopy reflectance, expressed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), attained maximum value with 150 kg N ha^?1 in the field experiment. Among the varieties tested, “Hoffman” out-yielded other three varieties due to heavier grain weight. Although highest grain and/or plant crude protein content were recorded in ‘AC Barrie’, it was the variety ‘Hoffman’ that produced the highest total protein (kg ha^?1) with largest NDVI and leaf area index (LAI) values.     

EFFECTS OF CARBONIZED CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH,NODULATION, YIELD,NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS CONTENTS OF FOUR GRAIN LEGUMES

The effects of carbonized chicken manure (CCM) on the growth, nodulation, yield, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents of four grain legumes (soybean, cowpea, common bean and adzuki bean) were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Carbonized chicken manure produced from chicken manure dried in a furnace at 450°C was used in this experiment. The manure was incorporated into the sandy loam soil of each grain legume at two rates (0 kg N ha^?1 and 100 kg N ha^?1) three weeks before sowing. Growth, nodulation and total biomass N and P were evaluated at peak flowering stage of growth. The CCM showed positive effects on nodule number and weight of soybean and cowpea while it depressed nodule number in adzuki bean. Biomass total N content of soybean and cowpea increased with CCM supply while it decreased in adzuki bean. Biomass and seed total P content of soybean, cowpea and adzuki bean all increased in response to CCM application. Soybean and cowpea seed yields increased by 27% and 43% respectively in response to CCM supply. There was a strong positive correlation between seed P content and seed yield of soybean which indicates the importance of elemental P to soybean seed yield. No such phenomenon was observed in adzuki bean. A strong positive correlation was also observed between seed total N content and seed yield of the grain legumes. The results indicate that although common bean had the highest biomass total P content at peak flowering stage both vegetative and reproductive growth were poor due to the unsuitably high day/night temperatures in the greenhouse. Application of CCM slightly depressed yield of adzuki bean due to the reduction in the number of pods per pot and the 100 seed weight. This study shows that CCM is a good source of N and P for the growth, nodulation and yield of some grain legumes particularly soybean and cowpea.     

宽谱带转光棚膜力学与光学特性及提高番茄产量和品质

为探索添加VTR-660转光剂后涂覆型棚膜的力学特性、光学特性及日光温室覆盖该转光膜对番茄产量和果实品质的影响。该研究采用了荧光光度计、红外光谱仪和双光束紫外可见光分光光度计对试样棚膜"传统内添加EVA消雾无滴棚膜"(F1,对照)、"涂覆型持久流滴耐老化消雾无滴棚膜"(F2)和"添加了VTR-660转光剂后涂覆型宽谱带紫外转红棚膜"(F3)的光学特性进行分析;参照国家标准测定了试样棚膜的力学特性(厚度、拉伸强度、断裂伸长率和直角撕裂强度);并对覆盖不同试样棚膜日光温室内的温光环境(光照强度、气温和地温)、番茄的生理和产量指标进行了测试。结果显示:与F1相比,F3纵向的拉伸强度和直角撕裂强度分别显著提高了30.72%和7.20%(P0.05);在4 000~1 430,1 430~770和770~400 cm-13个波段下的红外线透过率积分面积分别显著提高13.69%,61.78%和41.83%(P0.05);紫外吸光度显著降低了49.21%(P0.05);覆盖宽谱带紫转红棚膜日光温室(T3)番茄每公顷产量比覆盖传统内添加型EVA消雾无滴膜(T1)显著提高了25.71%(P0.05),果实维生素C和番茄红素含量分别显著提高了11.11%和33.04%(P0.05)。由此可知,添加VTR-660转光剂的宽谱带紫转红棚膜显著提高了红外线透过率,改善了日光温室内的温光环境,提高了番茄产量并改善了果实品质。     

Influence of the application of three different elicitors on soybean plants on the concentrations of several isoflavones in soybean seeds

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a rich source of isoflavones that are often affected by biotic and abiotic factors. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of three natural elicitors applied at different soybean growth stages on isoflavone content and to compare the efficiency of several solvent systems in isoflavone extraction and quantification. The isoflavones extracted from R96-3444 soybean using eight solvent systems were separated, identified, and quantified by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure. The soybean plants were sprayed with salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, or ethyl acetate at 0, 10(-6), 10(-3), and 10(-1) M at R1 (blooming) or R4 (full pods) growth stage. Results showed that 10(-3) M ethyl acetate sprayed at the R1 stage significantly increased total isoflavone content and the levels of some individual isoflavones in soybean seeds. With all the elicitors that were tested, concentration was a more important factor than application time with respect to isoflavone content with lower concentrations being more effective on most isoflavones. A 53% acetonitrile solvent system was the best solvent system for extracting total isoflavone, malonyl glucosides, genistein, glycitin, genistin, acetyl-daidzin, and acetyl-genistin. The results of this study will be useful for increasing the isoflavone content in desirable soybean varieties and improving isoflavone concentration during extraction.     

New oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) varieties – canopy development,yield components,and plant density

Full exploitation of the potential of new varieties requires research, whose aim is to adapt the technology to their needs. A two-factor experiment evaluated the effect of row spacing (33, 44, and 55 cm) of three oilseed rape (OSR) varieties (conventional, hybrid, and “semi-dwarf” hybrid variety) on canopy area index (CAI) and yield components. At higher row spacing, OSR plants were characterized by a strong increase in the CAI at successive growth stages; thereby, the incomplete use of production area was compensated at the pod development stage. The differences in the CAI between row spacings were significant until the end of flowering, whereas differences in the CAI between varieties were significant until the flower bud development stage. In the next development phases, CAI of OSR plants was at a similar level to all plots. However, the statistical analysis showed a declining trend in seed yield and yield biomass (pods and straw weight) with increasing row spacing. A positive aspect of increased row spacing was a decrease in glucosinolates content in seeds. The differences in fat content were statistically insignificant. The hybrid varieties of OSR produced the highest seed yield at a row spacing of 33 cm, while the conventional – at a row spacing of 44 cm. These relationships are confirmed by high positive correlations of seed weight and pod weight per unit area with CAI. The results have important practical aspect, because it shows that it is possible to reduce the number of OSR plants per unit area, thereby reducing demand for expensive certified seeds for sowing but to certain limits. Too small plant density binds to the risk of decreased seed yield. It may be justified, e.g., in extensive or organic farming where wide row creates the possibility of mechanical weed control.     

Phenolic compounds contribute to dark bran pigmentation in hard white wheat

Unacceptably dark bran color has prevented the white-kernelled variety Argent from meeting grain color marketing standards for hard white wheats (Triticum aestivum L.). The objective of this research was to identify phenolic compounds that negatively affect bran color in white wheat using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and vanillin-HCl and NaOH staining methods. In mature bran, FT-ICR-MS detected derivatives of the flavonol quercetin in varieties Argent and RL4137 (red-kernelled wheat) but not in W98616, a white wheat variety with acceptable grain color. Derivatives of the isoflavone formononetin were more abundant in W98616 relative to RL4137 and Argent. Vanillin-HCl staining indicated that RL4137 sequestered high levels of proanthocyanidin (PA) throughout its entire seed coat, whereas white wheats sequestered PAs as discrete speckles. Argent possessed abundant speckles over its entire seed coat, whereas speckles were almost undetectable in W98616. In mature kernels, flavonoids throughout the seed coat of RL4137 reacted with NaOH, but only the speckles appeared to react in white wheats. W98616 consistently had lighter grain than Argent before and after NaOH treatment. Free and bound phenolic differences in bran samples confirmed that the darker seed coat color of Argent, relative to W98616, was likely due to higher total phenolic acid content. Although isoflavones accumulated in Argent and RL4137, it appears that the majority of the flux through the flavonoid pathway ultimately accumulates quercetin derivatives and PAs. In W98616, PAs accumulate, but it appears that flavonoid biosynthesis ultimately accumulates isoflavones. Argent, compared to W98616, generally accumulated higher levels of total phenolics (flavonols, stilbenes, and PAs) within its darker pigmented bran.     

Variations in isoflavone levels in soy foods and soy protein isolates and issues related to isoflavone databases and food labeling

The reliability of databases on the isoflavone composition of foods designed to estimate dietary intakes is contingent on the assumption that soy foods are consistent in their isoflavone content. To validate this, total and individual isoflavone compositions were determined by HPLC for two different soy protein isolates used in the commercial manufacture of soy foods over a 3-year period (n = 30/isolate) and 85 samples of 40 different brands of soy milks. Total isoflavone concentrations differed markedly between the soy protein isolates, varying by 200-300% over 3 years, whereas the protein content varied by only 3%. Total isoflavone content varied by up to 5-fold among different commercial soy milks and was not consistent between repeat purchases. Whole soybean milks had significantly higher isoflavone levels than those made from soy protein isolates (mean +/- SD, 63.6 +/- 21.9 mg/L, n = 43, vs 30.2 +/- 5.8 mg/L, n = 38, respectively, p < 0.0001), although some isolated soy protein-based milks were similar in content to "whole bean" varieties. The ratio of genistein to daidzein isoflavone forms was higher in isolated soy protein-based versus "whole bean" soy milks (2.72 +/- 0.24 vs 1.62 +/- 0.47, respectively, p < 0.0001), and the greatest variability in isoflavone content was observed among brands of whole bean soy milks. These studies illustrate large variability in the isoflavone content of isolated soy proteins used in food manufacture and in commercial soy milks and reinforce the need to accurately determine the isoflavone content of foods used in dietary intervention studies while exposing the limitations of food databases for estimating daily isoflavone intakes.     

Accumulation of genistein and daidzein, soybean isoflavones implicated in promoting human health, is significantly elevated by irrigation

To circumvent drought conditions persisting during seed fill in the mid-south U.S. soybean production region, researchers have developed the early soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production system (ESPS), which entails early planting of short-season varieties. Because soybean supplies a preponderance of the world's protein and oil and consumption of soy-based foods has been associated with multiple health benefits, the effects of this agronomic practice on seed quality traits such as protein, oil, and isoflavones should be investigated. Four cultivars of soybean, two from maturity group IV and two from maturity group V, were planted in April (ESPS) and May (traditional) in a two-year study at Stoneville, MS. Near-infrared analysis of soybean seed was utilized to determine the percentages of protein and oil. Dependent upon variety, the oil content of the early-planted crop was increased by 3-8%, whereas protein was not significantly changed. Visualization of protein extracts fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis and fluorescence two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis revealed that early planting did not affect the relative accumulation of the major seed-storage proteins; thus, protein composition was equal to that of traditionally cultivated soybeans. Maturity group IV cultivars contained a higher percentage of oil and a lower percentage of protein than did the maturity group V cultivars, regardless of planting date. Gas chromatographic separation of fatty acids revealed that the percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were not significantly altered by planting date. Methanol extracts of seed harvested from different planting dates when analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography showed striking differences in isoflavone content. Dependent upon the variety, total isoflavone content was increased as much as 1.3-fold in early-planted soybeans. Irrigation enhanced the isoflavone content of both early- and late-planted soybeans as much as 2.5-fold. Accumulation of individual isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, was also elevated by irrigation. Because this cultural practice improves the quality traits of seeds, ESPS provides an opportunity for enhancing the quality of soybean.     

Use of cyclic voltammetry, photochemiluminescence, and spectrophotometric methods for the measurement of the antioxidant capacity of buckwheat sprouts

This paper describes the use of cyclic voltammetry, photochemiluminescence (PCL), and spectrophotometric methods (TEAC and FCR reducing capacity) for the measurement of the antioxidant capacity of dark- and light-grown buckwheat sprouts. Moreover, the flavonoid profile of studied material is provided. Methanol extracts (80%) from ungerminated buckwheat grain and 6 and 8 DAS (days after seeding) sprouts were used. The 8 day germination period was sufficient to obtain good quality sprouts with completely removed pericarps. The ungerminated buckwheat grain contained only rutin, whereas in sprouts produced in dark or light, a high level of isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, rutin, and isovitexin was found. The flavonoid content in sprouts produced under light was almost 2 times higher than those of sprouts produced in the dark. The antioxidant capacity of light-grown sprouts was higher than that of dark-grown ones. The results from voltammetric experiments obtained for buckwheat seeds and 6 and 8 DAS sprouts harvested under dark or light conditions highly correlated with those obtained by PCL antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances (PCL ACW) (r = 0.99), PCL antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble substances (r = 0.99), TEAC (r = 0.99), and FCR reducing capacity (r = 0.99). The use of cyclic voltammetry, PCL ACW, and TEAC was fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of buckwheat sprouts.     

Effects of light and temperature treatments on germination and physiological traits of stevia seedling (Stevia rebuadiana Bertoni)

Light and temperature are among the environmental factors affecting germination of seeds and seedling growth. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of light (light, dark, and combined light and dark) and temperature (15, 20, 25, and 30?°C) treatments on seed germination indices and physiological traits of stevia. With increasing temperature to 25?°C, percentage and rate of germination, seedling length, and vigor index increased. Also, dark and integrated treatments light and dark conditions caused increased all traits, except for the mean germination time. The highest proline and protein contents were achieved under light conditions at 15 and 30?°C, respectively. With increasing temperature, the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase increased. The highest activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed under light condition. In contrary, the highest peroxidase activity was observed under dark condition. Overall, the results showed that dark and combined dark and light conditions at 25?°C improved the physiological characteristics of the plant that can increase germination indices.     

Evaluation of isoflavone aglycon and glycoside distribution in soy plants and soybeans by fast column high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector

An ultrafast HPLC/UV-vis DAD method working at 254 nm was applied for the determination of isoflavone aglycons and glycosides (genistin, genistein, daidzein, daidzin, glycitin, glycitein, ononin, formononetin, sissotrin, and biochanin A) in roots, stems, leaves, and soy pods of soy plants and in soybeans of five varieties (Korada, Quito, Rita, OAC Erin, and OAC Vison). An Atlantis dC18 ultrafast RP chromatographic column (20 mm x 2.1 mm, 3 microm particle size) was applied for separation of the isoflavone aglycons and glycosides. A flow rate of the mobile phase (0.1% (v/v) acetic acid, pH 3.75-solvent A and methanol-solvent B) was 0.35 mL min(-1), and the column temperature was 36 degrees C. A linear gradient profile from 13 up to 22% B (v/v) from zero to 2.5 min, up to 30% B to 3.21 min, up to 35% B to 4 min, up to 40% B to 4.5 min, up to 50% B to 5.14 min, and followed by negative gradient up to 13% B to 7.71 min was used. The absolute limits of detection per sample injection (5 microL) were the highest for biochanin A (166.2 fmol) and the lowest for genistin (17.0 fmol), respectively. An accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) in combination with sonication was applied for isolation of biologically active compounds. A solid-phase extraction procedure was used to purify the extracts in the case of analysis of soy plants parts. The recoveries of 96-106% were obtained for the different concentrations of the isoflavone aglycons and glycosides and the different matrixes (overall RSDs 2-9%). The highest isoflavone concentrations were found in roots (12.5 microg g(-1) dry weight), while the amounts were about 3-1100 microg g(-1) fresh weight in different varieties of soybeans.     

Flowering and podding characteristics on the main stem of soybean grown on varying levels of phosphate nutrition 1

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) plants normally abort a high percentage of flowers and pods. This study was conducted to determine the effect of P nutrition on flower and pod abscission in soybean. Williams 82 soybeans were established in hydroponic culture in the greenhouse at four levels of P (0.45 mM, 0.20 mM, 0.10 mM or 0.05 mM), and main stem flowers and pods were counted every two days from flowering to maturity. The two highest P treatments had similar flower production, pod production, pod abortion, seed weight and seeds per pod, but the 0.20 mM P treatment had 20% lower dry matter production and 19% lower seed yield. At P supplies of 0.10 or 0.05 mM, flower production, pod production, flowers per node, pods per node, seed yield, seed number and weight per seed were less (P < 0.05) than at 0.20 mM. Flowers produced per main stem node and seeds per pod were largely unaffected by limited P. Plants supplied 0.10 or 0.05 mM P aborted more flowers and pods than did those supplied 0.45 or 0.20 mM P. At P supply of 0.05 mM, flower, pod and total abortion was 80%, 49% and 90%, respectively. Flower and pod production were 50% and 78% less, while plant dry weight, seed yield and weight per seed were 83%, 90% and 23% less, respectively for the 0.05 mM P treatment compared to control. The data indicate that the primary effect of limited P on reproductive growth of soybean is to increase flower and pod abortion.     

土壤水分供给对不同水稻的产量构成及其淀粉品质的影响

在人工气候室和网室条件下,测定了4个水分处理下2个籼型水稻材料中9B和金早47的株产量和淀粉品质。结果表明,中9B在水分胁迫下株产量显著降低主要原因在于有效穗数显著减少,而金早47随水分胁迫加重株产量显著降低,原因是水稻穗型变小,总粒数和实粒数显著减小。在水分胁迫下,2个水稻品种在产量构成中的不同表现,反映了不同水稻品...