Effect of centrifugal ultrafiltration on the composition of aqueous extracts of saffron spice (Crocus sativus L.)

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of centrifugal ultrafiltration (UF) on the composition of aqueous extracts of saffron spice. The contents of seven crocetin esters, picrocrocin, and two kaempferol glycosides were analyzed by UV-vis and HPLC in the filtrate and retentate fractions from 16 centrifugal filter devices with regenerated cellulose (RC) and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes ranging from 1-100 kDa nominal molecular weight cutoff (MWCO). The separation of crocetin esters from picrocrocin and their concentration with centrifugal UF have been demonstrated. A great heterogeneity of results regarding devices with equal MWCO was found that could not be related to the membrane material or manufacturer. Four devices of 5 and 10 kDa MWCO, three of which had RC membranes, showed the best results. The device having the lowest MWCO also showed a potential to obtain picrocrocin without crocetin esters and could be considered in successive UF steps. The less polar crocetin esters were rejected better than the others.     

Kinetics of individual crocetin ester degradation in aqueous extracts of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) upon thermal treatment in the dark

Kinetics of individual crocetin ester degradation in aqueous extracts of saffron upon thermal treatment in the dark has been studied. Special attention has been paid to the comparison between saffron extracts and aqueous solutions of a crocetin ester rich fraction, with a lower stability of the latter observed. The degradation reaction was the same for all crocetin esters whether they were in saffron extracts or whether they were purified, although it was affected by external factors that modified their kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, making some of them less stable than others.     

Chemical investigation of gamma-irradiated saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Changes in aroma and coloring properties of saffron (Crocus sativus) after gamma-irradiation at doses of 2.5 and 5 kGy (necessary for microbial decontamination) were investigated. The volatile essential oil constituents responsible for aroma of the spice were isolated by steam distillation and then subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). No significant qualitative changes were observed in these constituents upon irradiation, although a trained sensory panel could detect slight quality deterioration at a dose of 5 kGy. Carotene glucosides that impart color to the spice were isolated by solvent extraction and then subjected to thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fractionation of the above pigments into aglycon and glucosides was achieved by using ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Analysis of these fractions by HPLC revealed a decrease in glucosides and an increase in aglycon content in irradiated samples. The possibility of degradation of pigments during gamma irradiation is discussed.     

Rapid determination of crocetin esters and picrocrocin from saffron spice (Crocus sativus L.) using UV-visible spectrophotometry for quality control

The aim of this work was the development of multivariate models able to determine the content of the main crocetin esters and picrocrocin from spectrophotometric data that could be used for routine quality control of saffron. These compounds were determined with HPLC in Spanish saffron, and their absorbance spectra from 190 to 700 nm were simultaneously monitored. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) models have been obtained and applied to the determination of individual crocetin esters, to the sum of crocetin esters, and to picrocrocin. A modification of the Kennard-Stone algorithm was used to divide the pool of samples into calibration and validation subsets. The best predictions were obtained with the sum of crocetin esters model, followed by the model for cis-crocetin (beta- D-glucosyl)-(beta- D-gentiobiosyl) ester, trans-crocetin di-(beta- D-gentiobiosyl) ester, and trans-crocetin (beta- D-glucosyl)-(beta- D-gentiobiosyl) ester, whereas the worst predictions were found with the picrocrocin and trans-crocetin (beta- D-gentiobiosyl) ester models. These models may enhance quality control in saffron enterprises.     

Purification and characterization of a mannan-binding lectin specifically expressed in corms of saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.)

Despite the economical interest of Crocus sativus, its biochemistry has been poorly studied. Herein, we have isolated a lectin present in saffron corm by gel-filtration, anion-exchange, and reversed-phase chromatography. One- and two-dimensional PAGE, MALDI-MS, and N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses indicated that the native protein forms noncovalently linked aggregates of about 80 kDa apparent molecular mass, mainly composed of two charged heterogeneous (pI's, 6.69-6.93) basic subunits of approximately 12 kDa. Their N-terminal sequences shared 25% similarity and were homologous to the N- and C-terminal domains of monocotyledonous mannose-binding lectins, respectively. An additional polypeptide of around 28 kDa apparent molecular mass was also detected, probably corresponding to a precursor processed into two mature subunits. In addition, the N-terminal domain subunit exhibited 56% similarity with curculin, a sweet protein with taste-modifying activity. The native lectin specifically interacts with a yeast mannan and is a major corm protein specifically expressed in this organ.     

Increasing saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm size through the mycorrhizal inoculation,humic acid application and irrigation managements

Corm size is the most important factor in production of replacement corms and flower yield of saffron. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrition and irrigation managements on saffron corms characteristics in the experimental field of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2013–2015. The experiment was carried out as split-split plot based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with 18 treatments and three replications. Experimental factors were: 1- superabsorbent (SA) [application and no-application of superabsorbent (non-SA)], 2- irrigation intervals [irrigation every 2, 3 and 4 weeks] and 3- nutrition management [humic acid, mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices) and control]. The results showed that the highest total weight of replacement corms per clone in sum of two years was obtained in non-SA application, two weeks irrigation intervals and humic acid treatment. The corm/tunic weight ratio decreased by increasing the irrigation intervals and this index in two weeks irrigation intervals was 31% more than four weeks irrigation intervals. Application of nutritional treatments increased the number of saffron replacement corms per clone in all of the weight categories (0-3, 3–6, 6–9 and more than 9 g) on averaged 5, 40, 36 and 25%, respectively compared with control treatment in both years. Results showed that the replacement corms yield in large weight groups was on average 34% higher in the second year than the first year. Finally, application of SA, organic and bio fertilizers and four weeks irrigation intervals improved most of criteria and yield of saffron replacement corms.     

Development of a land suitability model for saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivation in Khost Province of Afghanistan using GIS and AHP techniques

In this study, we have attempted to develop a land suitability model for saffron, an agronomic crop, which is economically viable, environmentally bearable and socially equitable at Khost Province of Afghanistan. The objective was to determine different land suitability classes for saffron cultivation using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS). A decision tree was developed encompassing the physical, economic and social criteria. We used the secondary data (meteorological, remote sensing) from available sources and also substantial primary data generated from soil survey, interviews and experts’ opinion. A total of 30 physical and socio-economic factors were included in the analysis. The final land suitability result showed that out of the total land area of Khost Province, 1.5, 4.5, 8.6 and 85.4% areas were highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable, respectively. This modelling approach can be applied to determine the suitability of land for other crops covering a wider geographical region of Afghanistan.     

Effect of ionic detergents, nonionic detergents, and chaotropic agents on polyphenol oxidase activity from dormant saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1) catalyzes the hydroxylation of monophenols to o-diphenols (cresolase activity) and the oxidation of o-diphenols to o-quinones (catecholase activity), leading to browning in plants and produce. Further interest in the enzyme has been triggered by the active role that it plays in plant defense systems. PPO can be found in latent forms and is activated in vitro by various agents including urea, detergents, and proteases. The activation of PPO from several sources by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been extensively investigated, but reports on the effect of other detergents or on the differential effect of detergents on each of PPO's activities are scarce. In addition, investigations on the enzyme in other plant parts besides fruits and vegetables are also scarce. Here, the effect of various detergents and chaotropic agents on PPO from dormant saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm extract was investigated. SDS and sarkosyl activated the cresolase activity, while only SDS activated the catecholase activity. All other detergents tested, in milli- or micromolar concentrations, inhibited the cresolase activity but barely affected the catecholase activity. In contrast, urea and guanidine-HCl drastically inhibited the catecholase activity but moderately inhibited the cresolase activity. The same effects were obtained on the partially purified enzyme. Results identified a PPO, present in dormant corms, which was activated only by anionic detergents and was inhibited by other reputed activating agents such as urea. Results also emphasized the differences in structure and accessibility of the active sites for cresolase and catecholase activities.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities inhabiting the roots and the soil of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under different agricultural management practices

Crocus sativus L. cultivation is expanding to areas with low soil fertility, where mycorrhizal fungi are supposed to be essential for plants growth and ecosystems functioning. Agricultural practices applied under these conditions should lead to good saffron productivity and quality. Our objective was to study the density and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi populations associated with saffron grown in Taliouine (Morocco) under different agricultural management practices (fertilization type, age and plantation method). Morpho-anatomical studies identified rhizospheric mycorrhizal spores and assessed root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Molecular identification of AMF was realized by sequencing the Large Subunit (LSU) rDNA gene region. Among the eleven species of AMF spores identified, Funneliformis and Rhizoglomus species were the most abundant (> 35%). Modern saffron plantation showed higher roots colonization rates (mycorrhization intensity (100%) and frequency (51.6%)), while in traditional plantations lower mycorrhization frequency values were found (17.4%). LSU sequencing identified five AMF genera and three unknown genomic groups, whereas Shannon diversity index indicated that AMF community composition changed significantly according to plantation age and fertilization type. Our results contribute to a better knowledge of saffron AMF communities and open new perspectives for a rational utilization of the agricultural practices for organic saffron production.     

崇明西红花根际土壤和球茎微生物多样性分析

为研究崇明西红花栽培地根际土壤和球茎中微生物多样性,采用Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术对其微生物群落组成进行了比对分析。结果表明,西红花根际土壤和球茎中细菌和真菌在门类水平上菌群类别差异不显著,但在丰富度和多样性方面根际土壤明显高于球茎;在属和种水平上差异显著;在种水平上,根际土壤或球茎均有各自特有的细菌或真菌,且具有较高的相对丰度。西红花致病真菌瓶霉(Phialophora)和背芽突霉(Cadophora)在崇明西红花球茎大量存在。因此,推测西红花病害发生,除与土壤菌群相关外,与其内生细菌和真菌也紧密相关。本研究结果初步分析了崇明栽培地西红花根际土壤和球茎中微生物多样性及群落结构组成,为进一步筛选合适的崇明西红花栽培地土壤和种球杀菌剂提供了理论依据。     

Shifting saffron (Crocus sativus L.) culture from traditional farmland to controlled environment (greenhouse) condition to avoid the negative impact of climate changes and increase its productivity

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a geophyte herbaceous perennial medicinal plant, whose flower’s three style arms plus stigmas are used as the most expensive spice in the world. Saffron is exclusively propagated in a vegetative manner through clonal corm multiplication. Saffron stigma?+?style and daughter corms (also termed as progenies or propagules) multiplication and growth greatly depend on edaphoclimatic conditions (such as soil characteristics, precipitation, geographical location, and most importantly temperature), agricultural managements (such as fertilization, irrigation, planting density, date and depth, and most importantly mother corm size), as well as harvest and postharvest processing (drying, packaging, and storing). Cultivation of saffron under controlled environment provides an opportunity to produce saffron and escape from the negative impact of climate change, importantly increased temperature. Since most studies have focused on farmlands/orchards, this article aimed to provide the up-to-date knowledge on saffron culture to optimize corm and stigma?+?style yield and quality in open field and specifically in soil-less and soil-based greenhouse conditions.     

Genetic diversity in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Genetic diversity was investigated in 348 accessions and subaccessions of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) from 10 geographical regions. Polymorphism for 20 isozymes of 13 enzyme systems was studied to estimate the genetic diversity. The Near East and North Africa regions included the most variability for these isozyme systems, suggesting that the center of diversity (center of origin) for grasspea is in this general area. The lowest variability was found in accessions and subaccessions from South America, followed by those from Sudan–Ethiopia. Diversity was measured for individual loci over regions and EST-1 and SKDH had the highest genetic diversity. The closest genetic diversity was observed for LAP-2, followed by AAT-1 and PGM. The closest genetic distance existed between populations from the Near East and North Africa. Populations from South Asia and Sudan–Ethiopia, though geographically widely separated, exhibited a closer genetic distance from each other than from other regions.     

A reevaluation of karyotype in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

A karyotype analysis was conducted on the mitotic chromosomes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2 × = 14), using improved chromosome preparation and C-banding techniques. Chromosome pairs were characterized on the basis of length and arm ratio value. The length of metaphase chromosomes ranged from 1.48 to 2.31 m, and the total length of the haploid chromosome complement was 13.06 m. The karyotype of this species was symmetric, and consisted of six metacentric and one submetacentric chromosomes. All chromosomes were defined by their unique C-banding patterns. The C-banded karyotype included centromeric, telomeric, and intercalary bands depending on chromosome pair leading to a precise identification of each pair. The C-banding patterns were distinctly different from observations made in previous study.     

~(60)Coγ辐照对西红花发育的影响

本文利用剂量为5~25Gy的60Coγ射线,对重12~14g的西红花球茎进行辐照处理,研究辐照对西红花开花、花器官发育和球茎再生等方面的影响。结果显示:辐照处理对西红花开花有刺激作用;5~10Gy为西红花的最适诱变剂量。     

Genetic variation in a radish (Raphanus sativus L.) geodiversity collection

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - A radish panel of 152 accessions with diverse root shapes was assembled from the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) collection based on weighted...     

Potential chemopreventive properties of anthocyanin-rich aqueous extracts from in vitro produced tissue of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Anthocyanin-rich aqueous extracts from cell suspension cultures of a high anthocyanin-producing sweetpotato PL (purple line) cell line grown under two different media conditions, MM (multiplication medium) and APM (high anthocyanin-producing medium) and from the cell line's donor tissue, field-grown storage root (SR) of sweetpotato, cv. Ayamurasaki, were evaluated for antioxidative (DPPH test), antimutagenic (Salmonella/reversion assay; mutagen, Trp-P-1), and antiproliferative (human promyelocytic leukaemia cells HL-60) activities. Both cell line extracts MM and APM exhibited higher radical scavenging activities (RSA), 3.8- and 1.4-fold, respectively, than the SR extract. The antimutagenic activity of all extracts was found to be dose-dependent. At a dose of 1 mg/plate, the highest activity exhibited APM (73% inhibition of Trp-P-1-induced reverse mutation of Salmonella typhimurium TA98), followed by MM (54% inhibition) and SR (36% inhibition). The MM extract was the strongest inhibitor of the proliferation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells. At a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL medium during 24 h, it suppressed the growth of 47% of HL-60 cells. A significantly lower growth suppression effect displayed APM and SR extracts (21 and 25%, respectively). Total anthocyanin levels and anthocyanin composition in evaluated samples seem to be related to their activities. The MM extract, which exhibited the highest RSA and antiproliferation activities, contained the highest level of anthocyanins. Among them, nonacylated cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucoside dominated. It is speculated that the presence of this anthocyanin contributed toward enhanced activities of MM extract.     

二、四倍体萝卜光合特性比较研究

二、四倍体萝卜光合特性比较研究表明:四倍体叶片厚度、叶绿素含量和叶面积明显高于二倍体,且其气孔增大,密度减小.二倍体和四倍体的净光合速率(Pn)和气孔导度(Gs)均随光强增大而增加;而细胞间隙CO2浓度(Ci)随光强增强缓慢下降.二倍体的净光合速率、气孔导度和细胞间隙CO2浓度均高于四倍体.四倍体的光饱和点(LSP)为1 960 μmol · m-2 · s-1,光补偿点(LCP)为59.87 μmol · m-2 · s-1,均高于二倍体.     

Influence of thermal treatment on black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) juice aroma

The influence of thermal treatment on black currant juice aroma was investigated in temperature and time ranges relevant for black currant juice concentration processes, namely, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees C. Forty-nine aroma compounds were quantified, and the thermal treatment resulted in concentration increases of most terpenes, aldehydes, furans, and phenols, whereas the concentration of esters slightly decreased. Higher temperatures and longer exposure times had larger effects on the aroma compounds. Odor triangle tests showed no sensory difference between pasteurized juice and juice heated at 60 degrees C, whereas juice heated at 90 degrees C differed significantly from pasteurized juice. It is concluded that a 90 degrees C thermal treatment of black currant juice, which is in the temperature range used for conventional evaporation of black currant juice, has an effect on the aroma and sensory properties.     

Genetic diversity in African cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) provides potential for germplasm enhancement

Genetic diversity among 26 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. sativus) accessions from five African countries [Algeria (1), Egypt (21), Ethiopia (2), Kenya (1), and Libya (1)] present in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) were examined by assessing variation at 71 polymorphic random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) loci. Genetic distances (GD; simple matching coefficient) were estimated among these African accessions and a reference array (RA) of 21 accessions representative of the genetic variation in cucumber. GD among African accessions ranged between 0.41 and 0.97. GD among accessions in the reference array ranged between 0.36 and 0.88. Multivariate analysis identified three distinct groupings (1–3) of African accessions; Group 1 contained 21 accessions (Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya), Group 2 consisted of two accessions (Kenya, Algeria), and Group 3 possessed three accessions (Egypt). These groupings were distinct from each other (P > 0.001). Accessions in Group 1 differed genetically from all other accessions examined (P > 0.01), and accessions in Groups 2 and 3 were uniquely associated with several RA accessions. While GD among accessions in Group 1 ranged between 0.52 and 0.90, distances among Group 2 accessions varied between 0.93 and 0.97. The GD between the two accessions in Group 3 was 0.65. An accession from Syria (PI 181874) and from one Turkey (PI 199383) were genetically more similar to accessions in Group 1 than to other accessions in the RA. Likewise, accessions in Group 2 were genetically similar to two RA accessions from China and a European glasshouse cucumber line, and Group 3 accessions showed genetic affinities with the U.S. market class cultivar Dasher II. Data suggest that some Egyptian accessions (Group 1) possess unique genetic variation, that this germplasm has potential for broadening the genetic base of commerical cucumber, and that further collection of African germplasm is likely to enhance genetic diversity of cucumber in NPGS.