Analysis of Isoflavone Contents in Vegetable Soybeans

In addition to oil and soyfoods, soybean is also produced for vegetable use. The importance of consuming vegetable soybean for the prevention of chronic diseases is well documented. The objectives of this study were to determine the magnitude of genotype × year interactions for isoflavone concentration and pattern, estimate heritabilities, and identify genotypes with a stable isoflavone concentration and pattern. Thirty-one soybean genotypes from maturity groups (MGs) III to VI were grown at Randolph Research Farm of Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia, during 3 years. The genotypes were harvested at immature green pod stage (R6–R7) and analyzed for isoflavone contents. Significant (P<0.05) differences among the genotypes were found for genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and total isoflavones. The genotype × year interactions were also significant (P<0.05) for the seed traits analyzed, indicating that the performance of the genotype changes from year to year. However, genotypes Pella and Aoda consistently showed with higher means than the overall means for all the seed traits throughout the 3 years. MG differences were also observed for genistein, daidzein, and total isoflavone content. Low- to moderate-heritability estimates of 54, 45, 58, and 64% were observed for genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and total isoflavone content, respectively, suggesting that the seed traits are equally influenced by environments and genetic variations. In general, for all seed traits with the exception of daidzein, the percentage contribution of genotype to the total sum of square was higher than the genotype × year interaction. The seed traits were interdependent and the associations among them were positive and significant suggesting that simultaneous selection and improvements are possible.     

Isoflavone Contents in Germinated Soybean Seeds

The effect of germination on isoflavone contents in two soybean varieties (Hutcheson and Caviness) was investigated. Soybean seeds were soaked at 25 ^∘C for 12 h, germinated at 40 ^∘C, and freeze-dried. The isoflavone contents of dry, soaked, germinated (hypocotyl length at 0.5, 2.5, and 6.5 mm), and nongerminated seeds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The maximum amount of total isoflavone, genistein, and daidzein with their β-glucoside conjugates was obtained when hypocotyl length of the germinated-seed from var. Hutcheson was 0.5 mm (2.491, 1.500, and 0.671 mg/g), and from var. Caviness was 2.5 mm (2.78, 1.523, and 0.905 mg/g). A dramatic increase in malonylgenistin and malonyldaidzin (1.305 mg/g and 0.476 mg/g in Hutcheson, and 1.308 mg/g and 0.677 mg/g in Caviness, respectively) was observed at these hypocotyl lengths. A decrease was observed after this stage. Genistein and daidzein contents were highest just after soaking. Glycitein and its β-glucoside conjugates remained almost the same during germination. Controlled germination can be used to enhance isoflavone content in soybean seed.     

不同纬度地点大豆子粒异黄酮含量差异

采用不同纬度的田间试验，对大豆异黄酮及其三种苷元含量的影响效应进行了研究。试验结果表明，环境条件的变化及品种对大豆异黄酮及其三种苷元的含量有极显著影响；除黄豆黄素以地点效应最大外，大豆黄素、染料木黄素及总含量均以基因型×地点互作影响效应最大，4种含量基因型影响最小。在黑龙江省范围内，大豆子粒异黄酮总含量及其三种组分含量均与纬度呈不同程度的正相关。     

Effect of inoculum density and quantitative PCR-based detection of Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-1 and Fusarium avenaceum on canola

Canola seedling blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium spp., can result in large yield losses to canola (Brassica napus) at high inoculum pressure. The effect of inoculum density was studied by mixing different amounts of R. solani AG-2-1 and Fusarium avenaceum into a sterilized natural soil and soil-less mix (2:1, v:v) separately, and recording seedling emergence, damping-off and seedling height within ten days after seeding; root rot severity at 12 days after seeding and seed yield at harvest on canola cultivars ‘45H29’ and ‘73-77RR’. Root rot severity increased and emergence, plant height and seed yield decreased with increased inoculum density of both R. solani and F. avenaceum. For quantification of R. solani AG-2-1, a primer and TaqMan probe set (Rs21F/Rs21R/Rs21P) was designed based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of R. solani AG-2-1. From a conventional PCR amplification, an 88-bp product was amplified from all isolates classified as AG-2-1 with the primers Rs21F and Rs21R. No product was amplified with DNA from isolates belonging to other anastomosis groups of R. solani, other pathogens or the host plant. By using quantitative PCR, DNA amounts as low as 100 fg of R. solani AG-2-1 were detected. The quantity of DNA from soil samples with different inoculum densities estimated using qPCR was highly correlated to the number of colony-forming units (cfu) obtained from the same soil samples for both R. solani AG-2-1 and F. avenaceum.     

Genetic variability among cotton genotypes for cold tolerance

Even though planting cotton early in the season is advantageous, the cold sensitivity of cotton seedlings and low germination rates, especially in the areas experiencing low temperatures, are the main obstacle for the early seasonal planting. A total of 106 genotypes from three different species; Gossypium hirsutum L., G. barbadense L., and G. herbaceum L. were screened for cold tolerance using three different approaches. Furthermore, the best screening method to differentiate between the genotypes for cold tolerance, and to predict their field emergence rates was also determined. In detail, optimal germination percentages were measured at 30 °C with the results ranging from 61% to 99%. On the other hand, cold temperature germination rates and emergence percentages ranged from 8% to 82% in paper test and from 8% to 88% (the 7th day after planting) in sand test at 18 °C, and field emergence percentages ranged from 44% to 77% at 28 days after planting. A significant difference between cotton species in terms of their tolerance to cold was observed. That is, G. barbadense genotypes had higher germination rates than the other two species in the three methods used. There was no correlation between optimal germination rates and field emergence percentages. Among cold temperature germination methods, the 18 °C paper test was better in predicting of field emergence percentage, in differentiating between genotypes in terms of their cold tolerance and in determining seed vigor. G. hirsutum cultivars; 8106-2, AYDIN-110, CORINA, DP-388, DPL-50, DPL-5614, NAZILLI-342 and one G. barbadense cultivar, GIZA 70 were more cold tolerant among all the cotton cultivars screened in this study.     

Effect of variety and seed dressing on emergence of high-oleic peanut under low temperature and high soil humidity conditions

Low temperature coupled with high soil moisture during sowing to emergence generally results in poor peanut stand, thereby posing a non-negligible threat to peanut production in north and northeast China. Five high-oleic (HO) peanut cultivars and 4 seed dressing treatments capable of controlling several diseases and insect pests along with untreated checks were used to find the best combinations to cope with the dual stresses during sowing to emergence period. High broad-sense hereditability estimates of seedling emergence indicated great potential for genetic improvement of this trait. Analysis of variance in the split-plot experiment showed that the main effects of variety and seed dressing and their interaction on seedling emergence were significant. Seed dressing treatments increased seedling emergence percentage by 2.09–35.00 percent points. Four of the 5 HO peanut cultivars yielded satisfactory results. For Huayu 665, Huayu 668 and Huayu 965, Huweisanbao may be the best option; for Huayu 962, Weilidan was highly acceptable. These combinations will be evaluated further in multiple environments before large-scale extension.     

Rice seedling establishment as affected by cultivar,seed coating with calcium peroxide,sowing depth,and water level

Inconsistent seedling establishment is a constraint to the adoption of direct seeding of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the tropics. Rice cultivars with superior seedling establishment in flooded soil have been recently identified. The establishment of these tolerant cultivars was compared with a control cultivar with and without calcium peroxide-coated seed under various combinations of water level and sowing depth. Water level had little effect on seedling establishment when seed were sown on the soil surface, but establishment was reduced by raising the water level when seed were sown below the soil surface. Calcium peroxide-coated seed established better than the tolerant cultivars at 13- and 25-mm sowing depths, but their seedlings were shorter and less vigorous than those of tolerant cultivars. Tolerant cultivars and coated seed had longer mesocotyls than controls. Sowing tolerant cultivars beneath a flooded soil surface at less than 13 mm assists achievement of consistent seedling establishment in lowland rice production.     

Effects of Fusarium culmorum and water stress on durum wheat in Tunisia

The effects of water stress on Fusarium foot and root rot in durum wheat were investigated in growth chamber, greenhouse and field tests in Tunisia. In the seedling stage, emergence of six durum wheat cultivars in the growth chamber was significantly reduced by inoculation with Fusarium culmorum and water stress (P<0.0001), with more disease under drier conditions. Additionally, the tiller number per mature plant, the 1000 grain weight and disease severity in mature stage were reduced by inoculation in greenhouse studies. In a field test, inoculation with F. culmorum significantly reduced the yield (P<0.001), by more than 17% for Om Rabiaa and 38% for Karim, the two cultivars tested. Yield was also significantly affected by precipitation and irrigation levels. The severity of the disease, estimated by the percentage of white heads, was separately affected by the cultivar (P<0.001) and inoculation (P = 0.0004). Percentage of white heads was 1.5 and 2 × higher in inoculated plants than non-inoculated for Om Rabiaa and Karim cultivars, respectively. Disease severity was highest in treatments with the greatest water stress. This is the first detailed study of water stress and F. culmorum on durum wheat in Tunisia, and indicates that cultivar resistance and irrigation management may be important in the management of Fusarium foot rot.     

Ecological studies on Echinochloa crus-galli and the implications for weed management in direct-seeded rice

Echinochloa crus-galli, a C₄ grass, is one of the world’s most serious weeds. Weed management decisions for this species can be derived from knowledge of its seed biology. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of light on germination; seed burial depth and rice residue on emergence and growth; and flooding time and depth on emergence, survival and growth of this species. Light stimulated seed germination but it was not an absolute requirement for germination. The proportion of seeds germinating was greatest for seeds placed on the soil surface (92%), and emergence declined with increasing burial depth in soil; no seedlings emerged from the depth of 8 cm. A burial depth of only 0.4 cm reduced seedling emergence by 50%. Seedling emergence and seedling biomass were reduced by the addition of high level (6 ton ha⁻¹) of rice residue to the soil surface. Early and deep flooding significantly suppressed growth of E. crus-galli seedlings. In flooded conditions, with increased water depth the weed allocated more biomass to shoots at the expense of roots. The information gained from this study could contribute to improve weed control approaches. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence, use of crop residue as mulch and early flooding of the crop could serve as important tools for managing E. crus-galli and other weed species with similar germination requirements. These management options, however, would need to be compatible with other crop management requirements.     

6-BA浸种对HgCl2胁迫下小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

为探讨6-苄基腺嘌呤（6-BA）浸种对HgCl₂胁迫下小麦种子萌发及其幼苗生长的缓解作用,以3个小麦品种为材料,研究了不同浓度6-BA浸种对200 mg·L^-1HgCl₂胁迫下小麦种子发芽、幼苗生长、抗氧化酶活性、可溶性蛋白和丙二醛含量的影响。结果表明,200 mg·L^-1HgCl₂处理后,3个小麦品种种子的发芽势、发芽率、根长、芽长和鲜重降低,幼苗的抗氧化酶活性和可溶性蛋白含量降低,丙二醛含量增加。一定浓度6-BA浸种可以缓解HgCl₂胁迫对小麦种子萌发的抑制作用,但对小麦的根长、芽长和鲜重的影响因小麦品种而不同。HgCl₂胁迫下,3个小麦品种幼苗的SOD、POD活性和可溶性蛋白含量随着6-BA浓度的增加均基本呈先升高后降低的趋势,最佳6-BA浓度因品种而不同;3个小麦品种的MDA含量均呈先降低后升高的趋势,以6-BA浓度为15 mg·L^-1时MDA含量最低。说明一定浓度6-BA浸种能够缓解HgCl₂胁迫对小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的毒害作用,但最佳6-BA浓度因小麦品种的不同而不同。     

Soybean yield and biomass responses to cumulative transpiration: Questioning widely held beliefs

Yield under drought for several crops has been established as a linear function of the cumulative water transpired during the growing season. For well-watered crops, however, there are no published data on how the duration of the cropping cycle and plant population affect the relationship between yield and transpiration. We evaluated the relationship between yield and estimated cumulative transpiration (T) or evapotranspiration (ET) for well-watered soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) over a wide range of maturity groups (MG, 00–VI) and population densities (10–100 plants m⁻²) for 3 years. Daily T was estimated by determining the potential ET for a given day and multiplying this by the fraction of radiation intercepted by the crop, and a crop coefficient. Soil evaporation estimates were also made using an energy-balance approach after first subtracting the amount of radiation intercepted by the canopy. Daily values of T and ET were summed from emergence to R6. For all MG, cumulative T increased linearly with increasing population density (1.30 mm plant⁻¹ m⁻²), but predicted T at low populations (y intercept) more than quadrupled with increasing maturity, from 121 mm (MG 00) to 584 mm (MG VI). In contrast to the linear increase of yield to cumulative T for crops under drought stress, yield response to cumulative T for fully irrigated soybean differing in maturity was described well by an exponential model, predicting that 90% of the asymptotic yield would be obtained at 444 mm of T. Accounting for differences in harvest index and vapor-pressure deficit during the season among cultivars of differing maturity did not resolve the non-linear response of yield or biomass to cumulative T. These data indicate that for water-replete conditions, decreased T associated with short-season soybean need not result in decreased yield relative to full-season cultivars.     

外源类黄酮对大豆根瘤菌趋化性与结瘤效果的影响

以慢生型大豆根瘤菌(Bradyrhizobium japonicum)2-39为供试菌株,分别以不同浓度(5,10,15,20,25μg·mL~(-1))的大豆黄素、4-甲基伞形酮、金雀异黄酮、芒柄黄花素为诱导物,利用毛细管培养法对趋化的根瘤菌进行定量测定,研究不同种类和不同浓度的外源类黄酮对大豆根瘤菌趋化性的影响。选取对根瘤菌趋化性影响显著的外源类黄酮与大豆嫩丰16进行盆栽试验,进一步探究外源类黄酮对大豆结瘤效果的影响。结果表明:4种外源性类黄酮中,大豆黄素和金雀异黄酮对根瘤菌的趋化作用显著强于其它试验组,其最适作用浓度为15μg·mL~(-1)。盆栽试验结果显示:外源类黄酮大豆黄素和金雀异黄酮同时加入能够有效促进大豆结瘤。     

Calendar and degree-day requirements for emergence of adult Macroglenes penetrans (Kirby), an egg-larval parasitoid of wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin)

The chalcidoid wasp, Macroglenes penetrans (Kirby), is an important parasitoid of wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin), in Europe and western Canada. Emergence of adult wasps was evaluated at 12 sites in Saskatchewan in 1991-2000. Emergence was assessed in relation to calendar days and accumulated degree-days above five different threshold air temperatures. Male wasps emerged 1-2 days before the female wasps. Dates for 10%, 50% and 90% emergence of both wasp sexes were July 16, July 21 and July 30, respectively. Standard deviations (SD) indicated that emergence dates varied by 6.2-7.7 days. The variation in dates related to degree-day accumulations between March 1 and July 31. Wasps emerged 2-12 days earlier than expected at sites with the highest accumulation and 2-17 days later than expected at sites with the lowest accumulation. Accumulated degree-days above 9 °C provided the most accurate estimate of 10% emergence (450 DD, SD = 2.4 days) and 90% emergence (579 DD, SD = 5.0 days). Accumulated degree-days above 5 or 9 °C provided the most accurate estimate of 50% emergence (823 DD, SD = 3.0 days; 503 DD, SD = 3.1 days, respectively). Deviations between observed and expected emergence were greatest at sites with either low or high precipitation. In most instances, wasps emerged 1-8 days earlier than expected at sites that received 20-40 mm rain in May and 1-11 days later than expected at sites that received more than 145 mm rain in May and June. Degree-days above 5 or 9 °C minimized the variation at these sites. Emergence was re-assessed in 2008 and 2009. In both years, accumulated degree-days above 9 °C predicted 10%, 50% and 90% emergence within 0.1-2.2 days. Forecast maps, based on daily degree-day accumulations above 9 °C, would assist producers in monitoring their fields for the presence of wasps. Producers could also adjust the timing, rate and placement of sprays for control of wheat midge to protect and conserve the parasitoid.     

Retrogradation of waxy and normal corn starch gels by temperature cycling

Gelatinized waxy and normal corn starches at various concentrations (20–50%) in water were stored under temperature cycles of 4°C and 30°C (each for 1 day) up to 7 cycles or at a constant temperature of 4°C for 14 days to investigate the effects of temperature cycling on the retrogradation of both starches. Compared to starches stored only at 4°C, both starches stored under the 4/30°C temperature cycles exhibited smaller melting enthalpy for retrogradation (ΔH_r), higher onset temperature (T_o), and lower melting temperature range (T_r) regardless of the starch concentration tested. Fewer crystallites might be formed under the temperature cycles compared to the isothermal storage, but the crystallites formed under temperature cycling appeared more homogeneous than those under the isothermal storage. The effect of starch content on the retrogradation was greater when the starch gels were stored under cycled temperatures. The reduction in ΔH_r and the increase in conclusion temperature (T_c) by retrogradation under 4/30°C temperature cycles became more apparent when the starch concentration was lower (20 or 30%). Degree of retrogradation based on melting enthalpy was greater in normal corn starch than in waxy corn starch when starch content was low.     

A thermal time analysis of ageing of maize (Zea mays L.) seed can account for reduced germination in hot moist soil

After sowing into moist soil, maize seed imbibe although the soil moisture content may be too low to permit seedling emergence. The hypothesis tested here is that in such circumstances, and especially at high temperature, the seed age in the soil with the result that when the moisture restriction is subsequently removed, germination and seedling emergence are reduced.First, maize seed were artificially deteriorated in the laboratory at four elevated moisture and five constant temperature regimes for four different periods in order to determine the effect of ageing on radicle and coleoptile emergence. Next, the responses when seed were deteriorated at alternating temperatures were shown to be the same when the temperature exposure was expressed as thermal time. A base temperature for thermal ageing time was estimated as about 30°C. Finally, when four Sri Lankan maize cultivars were sown in soil, the seed imbibed and experienced temperatures above 30°C with the result that final seedling emergence was reduced. The effect of ageing in the soil appeared greater than that in the laboratory because the moisture content of seed in the soil was not constant but increasing.     

大豆成苗期抗旱性与根系生长的关系

选择抗旱性强、中、弱的大豆品种各5个,在试验室条件下研究成苗期抗旱性与根系生长、胚轴伸长的关系。结果表明:抗旱性强的品种发根早,主根长,侧根数量多,侧根总长度长,胚轴长,成苗率高。在干旱条件下的趋势更为明显。     

Large applications of fertilizer N at planting affects seed protein and oil concentration and yield in the Early Soybean Production System

An inverse relationship between soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed protein and oil concentration is well documented in the literature. A negative correlation between protein and yield is also often reported. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high rates of N applied at planting on seed protein and oil. Nitrogen was surface-applied at soybean emergence at rates of 290 kg ha⁻¹ in 2002, 310 kg ha⁻¹ in 2003, and 360 kg ha⁻¹ in 2004. Eight cultivars ranging from Maturity Group II–IV were evaluated under the Early Soybean Production System (ESPS). However, not all cultivars were evaluated in all 3 years. Glyphosate herbicide was used in all 3 years and a non-glyphosate herbicide treatment was applied in 2002. Cultivars grown in 2003 were also evaluated under an application of 21.3 kg ha⁻¹ of Mn. All cultivar, herbicide, and Mn treatments were evaluated in irrigated and non-irrigated environments with fertilizer N (PlusN treatment) or without fertilizer N (ZeroN treatment). When analyzed over all management practices (years, cultivars, herbicide, and Mn treatments), the PlusN treatment resulted in a significant decrease in protein concentration (2.7 and 1.9%), an increase in oil concentration (2.2 and 2.7%), and a decrease in the protein/oil ratio (4.7 and 4.6%) for the irrigated and non-irrigated environments, respectively. However, the overall protein and oil yield increased with the application of fertilizer N at planting (protein: 5.0% irrigated, 12.7% non-irrigated and oil: 9.9% irrigated and 18.9% non-irrigated). These increases were due to the increase in seed yield with the application of large amounts of fertilizer at planting. Additionally, a significant correlation (r = 0.45, P = 0.0001) was found between seed protein concentration and seed yield. No significant correlation was found between seed oil concentration and seed yield. The data demonstrate the inverse relationship between protein and oil and indicate that large amounts of N applied at planting do not change this relationship.     

Osmotic priming of true potato seed: Effects of seed age

Summary The effects on germination and early seedling growth of presowing true potato seed in water or gibberellic acid (GA) at 1500 ppm and of priming in −1.0, −1.25 and −1.5 MPa solutions of KNO₃+K₃PO₄ were studied using 30, 18, 6 and 3/4 month-old seed. The influence of light during presowing on the effectiveness of treatments was also investigated. Overall, priming in the light at −1.0 MPa was the most, and GA the least successful treatment for enhancing emergence and subsequent seedling growth. Though GA increased final emergence from about 20 to 70% in the most recently harvested lot (3/4 mo), the rate and extent of final germination or emergence in this dormant seed was still much lower than that of the nondormant lots (6–30 mo), especially when the latter were primed. For all lots, dry weight per seedling was 40% lower in dormant than in nondormant seed, and 20% higher when seeds were primed at −1.0 MPa than when GA treated. In conclusion, the use of nondormant seed may be a requirement for both effective priming and sowing of potato crops via true seed.     

Seed variation among annual ryegrass cultivars in south-eastern USA and the relationship with seedling vigour and forage production

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is grown on more than one million ha in the south‐eastern USA each year. Recommended and actual seeding rates vary substantially within the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate variation in seed weight, germination, seedling vigour and seasonal yield performance among annual ryegrass cultivars. During 1997, 1998 and 1999, seed from fourteen commercial cultivars was weighed and germinated to determine numbers of pure live seed (PLS) m^?2 before yield evaluation at four locations. Seed from ten cultivars was planted at 0·7 and 2·0 cm depth in a greenhouse study to evaluate relative seedling vigour. Cultivar mean single‐seed weight ranged from 2·4 to 4·8 mg in 1997, 1·8 to 4·5 mg in 1998, and 2·6 to 4·6 mg in 1999. Seed germination ranged from 78·8% to 98·0% in 1997, 82·3 to 98·3% in 1998 and 77·8 to 98·3% in 1999. Seed number, PLS m^?2, ranged from 675 to 1289 in 1997, 710 to 1550 in 1998, and 717 to 1179 in 1999. Among the ten cultivars evaluated for seedling vigour, seedling weight differed between planting depths and a significant cultivar by year interaction was observed. Seedling weight was highly correlated with seed weight at each seeding depth. The effect of increasing number of PLS m^?2 on subsequent yield performance, although small, was consistently negative. These results indicate that target plant populations may be obtained more economically by adjusting seeding rates for seed size differences among cultivars and seed lots of annual ryegrass.     

氯化胆碱浸种处理对盐胁迫下小麦种子萌发以及幼苗生长的影响

为了明确氯化胆碱对盐害的缓解作用,以小麦品种周麦18为材料,采用不同浓度（0、200、400、600和800 mg·L^-1）的氯化胆碱溶液浸种处理,研究氯化胆碱浸种对NaCl（150 mmol·L^-1）胁迫下种子萌发以及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,盐胁迫下小麦种子的萌发受到抑制,叶片叶绿素含量以及根系活力下降,叶片质膜透性增大,丙二醛和脯氨酸含量上升;而400 mg·L^-1氯化胆碱浸种处理能明显提高盐胁迫下小麦种子的萌发率,缓解幼苗叶绿素的降解,增加可溶性糖含量,提高根系活力,降低叶片质膜透性,减少丙二醛和脯氨酸的积累。由此说明,氯化胆碱浸种可以缓解盐胁迫引起的小麦幼苗的失水伤害以及膜脂过氧化,从而增强小麦幼苗的抗盐性。