Variability in essential oil content and composition of Origanum hirtum L., Origanum onites L., Coridothymus capitatus (L.) and Satureja thymbra L. populations from the Greek island Ikaria

Plants belonging to four “oregano” plant species (Origanum hirtum L., Origanum onites L., Coridothymus capitatus L., and Satureja thymbra L.) were collected during flowering from 33 sites located in the eastern part of the Greek island of Ikaria in the Eastern Aegean during April, May and July 2008. C. capitatus and O. hirtum were mostly observed in higher altitudes, whereas O. onites and S. thymbra in lower ones. The spatial distribution of all species was depicted on a GIS map. All four species exhibited essential oil concentrations higher than those reported in earlier literature, namely O. onites 3-4.3%, S. thymbra 4-6.5%, C. capitatus 3.7-5.6% and O. hirtum 5.5-10.0% (v/w). Carvacrol was the main constituent of the essential oils of all species, followed by γ-terpinene, p-cymene and caryophyllene, while thymol was not detected. All constituents varied remarkably among the four species, with carvacrol exhibiting the lowest variation. Carvacrol content varied between 72.3 and 89.2% in O. onites; 46.5 and 58.0% in S. thymbra; 82.9 and 90.9% in C. capitatus; and 84.4 and 93.8% in O. hirtum. By applying hierarchical cluster analysis on the basis of the essential oil constituents two main groups, divided into four subgroups of the taxa were evident. The first group consisted of O. onites and S. thymbra, while the second one of C. capitatus and O. hirtum. The results are discussed in terms of topography and climatic variation.     

Chloroplast DNA molecular characterization and leaf volatiles analysis of mint (Mentha; Lamiaceae) populations in China

Non-coding chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) was used to evaluate genetic diversity and relationships within the section Mentha collected from China. Leaf volatiles of Mentha spicata accessions and its parent were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To this end, genetic diversity of 30 Mentha accessions from different geographic origins of China, representing six species and two hybrids, was assessed. Molecular studies grouped the samples mainly according to genetic relationship established by conventional methods. Cluster analysis based on the leaf volatiles chemical composition of M. spicata accessions defined two main chemotypes: 1,8-cineole-piperitenone oxide type and limonene-carvone type. The results suggested that there was a high genetic variability among individuals of Mentha in China. A distinct correlation between cpDNA marker and volatile oils in M. spicata accessions was revealed. Moreover, the chemical composition followed maternal inheritance in M. spicata accessions. In conclusion, the genetic diversity of Mentha populations as shown in this study should play a critical role in future selection and breeding programs.     

Genetic structure of natural Tunisian Hypericum humifusum L. (Hypericacae) populations as assessed by allozymes and RAPDs

The genetic diversity within and among seven Tunisian natural populations of Hypericum humifusum L., from different geographic regions and bioclimates, was assessed using 11 isozymic polymorphic loci, and 166 RAPD markers amplified by 8 primers. The genetic diversity within populations based on allozymes was higher (P = 72.46%, Ap = 2.01 and H_e = 0.29), than that revealed by RAPDs (29.52 < P < 39.16% and 0.150 < H < 0.200). Both markers yielded high estimates of genetic differentiation and low gene flow (Nm = 0.257 and 0.508 for RAPD and allozymes, respectively) among populations at all space scales. However, the level of differentiation revealed by RAPDs (Φ_ST = 0.494; G_ST = 0.561) was higher than that based on allozymes (F_ST = 0.117). No correlation (Mantel test) among genetic (F_ST and Φ_ST matrices) and geographical distance matrices was observed indicating no isolation by distance. Cluster analyses from allozyme and RAPD loci did not completely agree. The dendrogram based on allozymes yielded higher separation among most populations, while that from RAPDs separated populations into three distinct subclusters. Groupings of populations, in both dendrograms, did not reflect spatial geographic or bioclimatic patterns, indicating specific adaptation of populations to local environments. The correlation between matrices of allozyme and RAPD band frequencies was not significant (Mantel test). The dendrogram obtained from combined data yielded similar population groupings to that probed by RAPDs suggesting higher accuracy of these markers. Given the high differentiation among all populations even at a low geographic distance, ex situ conservation should involve extensive seed collection from all populations from all bioclimatic zones. The populations from the upper semi-arid bioclimate exhibiting relatively high level of genetic diversity should be first protected.     

Insecticidal and repellent activity of selected essential oils against of the pollen beetle, Meligethes aeneus (Fabricius) adults

The essential oils from 9 aromatic plants were tested on repellency and mortality of Meligethes aeneus adults. All the tested essential oils caused high mortality of M. aeneus adults in the tarsal tests. The lethal doses after 6 h exposure were ranged between 197 and 1508 μg cm⁻². Essential oils obtained from Carum carvi and Thymus vulgaris were most efficient where LD₅₀ was estimated as 197 and 250 μg cm⁻², respectively.Repellency declined in all the essential oils as a function of time. The longest persistence time was determined for essences obtained from C. carvi and T. vulgaris where significantly the highest repellent index of 65.6% and 63.8%, respectively, was determined. Repellent index lower than 15% was determined for the remaining essential oils.     

Population dynamics of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians on different plant species and management of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce under greenhouse conditions

The population dynamics of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians (Xcv) was studied both externally and internally in lettuce, tomato and pepper plants. In addition, the application of bactericides during transplant production period was carried out for the management of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce under greenhouse conditions. Epiphytic populations of Xcv were recovered on leaves of lettuce plants (10⁵ CFU/g) 5 weeks after sprayed than the other plant species when inoculated with 10⁸ CFU/ml of Xcv. When plants of each crop species infiltrated with the bacterium at 10⁵ CFU/ml, the highest populations were developed in lettuce (10⁸ CFU/cm²) followed by pepper with 10⁶ CFU/cm² and tomato with 10⁵ CFU/cm² 10-days after infiltration. Application of a mixture of Maneb and Kocide or Kocide alone as a foliar spray on lettuce significantly reduced the incidence and disease severity of bacterial leaf spot by 29 and 27% respectively. Spread of the bacterium and development of the disease may partly be managed by avoiding intercropping of these plants commonly grown in close proximity to lettuce. For the management of leaf-associated populations of Xcv in lettuce, use of a mixture of Maneb and Kocide is advocated to minimize the effect of attacks.     

Genetic characterization of kernel polyphenol oxidases in wheat and related species

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity causes undesirable darkening of raw Asian noodles and other wheat products. In this study we investigate the genetic origins and diversity of wheat kernel PPO. PPO was characterized via activity assays, antigenic staining, and Southern blots in Triticum aestivum, Triticum dicoccoides, Triticum durum, Triticum dicoccum, Triticum monococcum, Triticum urartu, Aegilops speltoides, and Aegilops tauschii. Among these species, PPO activity was well-correlated with antigenic staining intensity toward a wheat kernel-type PPO antibody. High PPO activity was observed in all three T. monococcum accessions (A^m genome), one Ae. speltoides accession, one T. durum accession, and two hexaploid wheat cultivars. Southern blots suggested the presence of two or more kernel-type PPO genes in diploid progenitors of the hexaploid A, B, and D genomes. Whole-kernel PPO activity was evaluated in disomic substitution lines derived from three T. dicoccoides accessions in the background of T. durum ‘Langdon’. PPO activity was primarily associated with chromosome 2A and to a much lower degree with chromosome 2B. DNA sequence comparisons showed that the intron associated with the high PPO allele on chromosome 2AL of hexaploid wheat had 94% nucleotide identity with the homeologous intron found in T. monococcum, a species with high kernel PPO activity. This implies that the ancestral PPO allele on the A genome is one of the high activity, and the low PPO allele found in hexaploid wheat represents a relatively recent genetic alteration. Results confirm the presence of multiple kernel-type PPO genes in the diploid and tetraploid progenitors and relatives of hexaploid wheat. However, it is likely that relatively few of the many kernel-type PPO genes present in wheat contribute substantially to kernel PPO activity. A single genetic locus on homeologous group 2 chromosomes may be the primary cause of high PPO activity in wheat kernels.     

Characterization of Solanum chomatophilum resistance to 2 aphid potato pests, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

The aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are responsible for yield reduction in potato (Solanum tuberosum) production by direct phloem feeding and by spreading viruses. Breeding resistant traits from Solanum chomatophilum into the potato germplasm provides alternative means to control aphid infestations. Integrated pest management strategy, using plant resistance, benefits from the characterization of the resistance and of its impact on aphid biology. Our objective was to characterize the resistance of S. chomatophilum by assessing the effects of accessions, plant parts on aphid performance, and by assessing the impact of the resistance factors on different aphid developmental stages and on alate morph production. Detailed aphid performance was obtained by measuring fecundity, survival, percentage of nymphs that reached adult moult, and population growth using whole plant and clip cage experimental designs. Accession and plant physiological age, but not aphid developmental stage, influenced all life-history parameters, except for alate morph production which was not induced on the resistant accessions. Plant part influence was independent of plant species and accession. Both experimental designs resulted in congruent resistance levels at the accession level for each of the two aphid species, supporting the use of any of them in S. chomatophilum resistance screening. PI243340 was resistant to both aphid species, while PI365324 and PI310990 were also resistant to M. euphorbiae and M. persicae, respectively.     

Comparative susceptibility of Ostrinia furnacalis, Ostrinia nubilalis and Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 toxins

Transgenic corn hybrids that express toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are highly effective against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and the closely related Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Since the registration of Bt corn hybrids in the U.S. in 1996, there has been a great deal of information generated on O. nubilalis. However, relatively little information exists for O. furnacalis. To help determine whether the information generated for O. nubilalis can be leveraged for decisions regarding the use of transgenic Bt corn against O. furnacalis, experiments were designed to determine whether the pattern of sensitivity to various Bt Cry1 toxins is similar between the two species. Test insects included laboratory-reared O. furnacalis originating from Malaysia, a Bt-susceptible laboratory colony of O. nubilalis maintained at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and an out-group consisting of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), from Louisiana which represents a different genus from the same family. O. furnacalis and O. nubilalis exhibited a similar pattern of susceptibility to all the Cry1 toxins and were highly susceptible to the range of Bt toxins tested including Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac and Cry1F. Both of the Ostrinia species were more tolerant to Cry1Ba compared with D. saccharalis, although sensitivity of O. furnacalis was intermediate and did not differ significantly from that of O. nubilalis and D. saccharalis. D. saccharalis was also susceptible to the range of toxins tested but unlike the two Ostrinia species, was more tolerant to Cry1F and more susceptible to Cry1Ba. These results indicate that both of the Ostrinia corn borer species are similar in sensitivity to the Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ba and Cry1F toxins, thus suggesting shared toxin receptors and mechanisms of toxicity for the two species.     

Identification of the Population Structure of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Peach Trees in China Using Microsatellites

In this study, we characterized the genetic structure of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) populations in China using microsatellites. We expected that these data will reveal the genetic relationships among various populations of M. persicae and will be of value in the development of better methods for pest control. Four hundred sixty individuals from 23 areas over 13 provinces were collected in the early spring of 2010, all from their primary host, Prunus persicae. The markers analyzed were highly polymorphic, as demonstrated by the expected heterozygosity value (H_e = 0.861) and the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC = 0.847), which indicated that M. persicae maintains a high level of genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance revealed an intermediate level of population differentiation among M. persicae populations (F_ST = 0.1215). Geographic isolation existed among these populations, and, consequently, the genetic structure of the populations was split into a southern group and a northern group divided by the Yangtse River.     

High level of resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in introgression lines derived from hybridization between wild crucifers and the crop Brassica species B. napus and B. juncea

Sclerotinia rot caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most serious and damaging diseases of oilseed rape and there is keen worldwide interest to identify Brassica genotypes with resistance to this pathogen. Complete resistance against this pathogen has not been reported in the field, with only partial resistance being observed in some Brassica genotypes. Introgression lines were developed following hybridization of three wild crucifers (viz. Erucastrum cardaminoides, Diplotaxis tenuisiliqua and E. abyssinicum) with B. napus or B. juncea. Their resistance responses were characterized by using a stem inoculation test. Seed of 54 lines of B. napus and B. juncea obtained from Australia, India and China through an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) collaboration programme were used as susceptible check comparisons. Introgression lines derived from E. cardaminoides, D. tenuisiliqua and E. abyssinicum had much higher levels (P < 0.001) of resistance compared with the ACIAR germplasm. Median values of stem lesion length of introgression lines derived from the wild species were 1.2, 1.7 and 2.0 cm, respectively, as compared with the ACIAR germplasm where the median value for stem lesion length was 8.7 cm. This is the first report of high levels of resistance against S. sclerotiorum in introgression lines derived from E. cardaminoides, D. tenuisiliqua and E. abyssinicum. The novel sources of resistance identified in this study are a highly valuable resource that can be used in oilseed Brassica breeding programmes to enhance resistance in future B. napus and B. juncea cultivars against Sclerotinia stem rot.     

Comparative overwintering host range of three Adelphocoris species (Hemiptera: Miridae) in northern China

In northern China, Adelphocoris suturalis, Adelphocoris lineolatus and Adelphocoris fasciaticollis (Hemiptera: Miridae) are common pests of cotton and several other crops. These species have vastly diverse geographic distribution, seasonal dynamics and abundance, the underlying causal factors of which are poorly understood. In this study, the importance of a broad range of plant species as overwintering hosts for each Adelphocoris sp. was compared. Nymphal emergence from a total of 126 plant species was monitored at two distinct locations. The eggs of A. suturalis successfully eclosed from un-plowed cotton field soil and 115 plant species, primarily pastures, weeds and agricultural crops. The eggs of A. lineolatus successfully eclosed from 40 plant species, mainly pastures and weeds. Finally, A. fasciaticollis overwintered on 35 plant species, primarily tree species, weeds and agricultural crops. In conclusion, the most common and widely distributed mirid species, A. suturalis, overwintered on a comparatively broader range of plants compared to the other two species. These observations help to understand the differences in geographical distribution and abundance of the three Adelphocoris species, and constitute the basis for forecasting and pest management protocols for Adelphocoris spp. in China.     

Diversity maintenance and use of Vicia faba L. genetic resources

The faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an ancient crop that is represented in collections by cultivated forms only. Botanic and molecular data suggest that the wild ancestor of this species has not yet been discovered or has become extinct. This fact makes ex situ collections more crucial for the present and future breeding activities of this crop, especially when the modernization of agriculture reduces genetic diversity.     

Performance of hybrids between transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and wild Brassica juncea: An evaluation of potential for transgene escape

Understanding the potential for the evolution of herbicide tolerance in weeds following gene flow from transgenic crops is important for their management. The inter-specific hybrids formed between four Brassica juncea populations with different glyphosate-susceptibility and transgenic oilseed rape was studied, emphasizing on the possible population difference. Compared with both parents, the fitness-related components and photosynthetic capacity of hybrids decreased dramatically, but significant differences were observed among different hybrids. All F₁ hybrids exhibited highly enhanced but similar herbicide tolerance level regardless of the wild B. juncea parent, indicating that genetically engineered herbicide tolerance may over-dominate phenotype ones by wild-crop hybridization. The analysis of parental loci transmission revealed a higher transfer ratio of male-specific loci detected in F₁ hybrids, suggesting that oilseed rape genetic markers can be transferred at relatively high frequencies to the next generation. Therefore, higher transfer ratio of oilseed rape-specific loci, coupled with variation of populations in fitness-related parameters in F₁ hybrids, could complicate environmental risk assessment of transgenic oilseed rape, especially in current agroecosystems with increasing application of glyphosate.     

Genetic diversity of accessions of Iranian Aloe vera based on horticultural traits and RAPD markers

In this study, genetic diversity of 10 accessions of Aloe vera, collected from different parts of Iran, were evaluated using horticultural and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data. Statistical analysis showed significant differences for all horticultural characteristics among the accessions, suggesting that selection for relevant characteristics could be possible. The analysis of molecular diversity was used the RAPD technique, with 10 random primers of 10-mer oligonucleotides. Out of the 10 primers, five were polymorphic, producing 269 DNA bands, 189 of which were polymorphic among accessions. A dendrogram was prepared on the basis of a similarity matrix using the Unweighted Pair Group Method Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) algorithm, separating the 10 accessions into two groups. Results show that both environmental and genetic factors are effective in observing variations. Our results also indicate that the RAPD approach, along with horticultural analysis, seemed to be best-suited for assessing with high accuracy the genetic relationships among distinct A. vera accessions.     

Conservation and storage of Curcuma amada Roxb. synseeds on Luffa sponge matrix and RAPD analysis of the converted plantlets

Curcuma amada Roxb. (family Zingiberaceae), is gaining global attention as potential source of new drug molecule(s) as it is credited with compounds having remarkable pharmacological properties. Recognizing the risk of loss of genetic variability of C. amada in response to imprudent exploitation of the natural resources coupled with unsystematic cultivation practices, preservation of its genetic resources has attracted the current research attention. The present study exploited the multifarious properties of Luffa sponge (i.e. sound physical strength, stability in texture/shape over wide pH range and repeated autoclaving, cost effective availability, etc.) as a novel matrix for synthetic seed conservation. In this study, we have evaluated the consequences of the presence of two fungicides, namely - bavistin and rosebengal, in the gel matrix as well as in the Luffa sponge for conservation of contamination free germplasm of C. amada. A maximum of 50% and 75% regrowth could be recorded amongst rosebengal and bavistin containing synthetic seeds respectively after 4 weeks of plating on plant growth regulator-free MS medium. Further growth of the encapsulated microshoots was significantly impeded by the presence of rosebengal within the synthetic seeds. On the contrary, the bavistin containing synthetic seeds demonstrated five times better regeneration ability to contamination-free shoots. A total of 78% survival was achieved upon transfer of these healthy plantlets to glass-house. RAPD fingerprinting revealed 84.62% genetic similarity between randomly selected synthetic seed derived plantlets. This report strengthened the vital conservation approach of C. amada using inexpensive Luffa sponge as storage matrix and bavistin for eradication of contaminations.     

Rapid detection of Meloidogyne spp. by LAMP assay in soil and roots

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a novel DNA amplification technique, has been used to detect a variety of pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. However, diagnosis of sedentary plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) species has not yet been attempted. In this study, we developed a universal LAMP set (RKN-LAMP) for the diagnosis of four common Meloidogyne species (Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. hapla), and M. incognita-specific LAMP set (Mi-LAMP). In both assays, a typical ladder-like pattern on gel electrophoresis was observed in all positive samples but not in the negative controls. Amplification products were further confirmed using restriction analysis of the Hpa II enzyme, detection by visual inspection using SYBR Green I and the lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay. The two LAMP sets were specifically able to detect four common Meloidogyne species and M. incognita populations having several different geographical origins and pathotypes. No cross reaction with DNA of other PPNs was observed. Sensitivity of the RKN- and Mi-LAMP was 10 and 100 fg of pure genome DNA respectively. Both LAMP sets could also amplified crude DNA isolated from the galled root tissue and from soil containing juveniles of M. incognita. The RKN- and Mi-LAMP sets offer the advantages of simplicity, rapidity and cost effectiveness. Both LAMP sets will be instrumental for the diagnosis of Meloidogyne spp. by local extension and regulatory personnel.     

Chemical variation in essential oil of Cryptomeria fortunei from various areas of China

Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Cryptomeria fortunei from the principal habitats in China. The essential oil yields of samples from various locations ranged from 0.61 to 1.66% (w/w). GC-MS analysis revealed eighty-seven compounds, constituting 85.89-94.75% of the total essential oils. The main constituents were kaurene (0-44.69%), phyllocladene (0.07-32.98%), kaur-16-ene (0-32.28%), elemol (5.28-18.92%), α-cadinol (0-11.39%), α-eudesmol (0-11.21%), α-pinene (2.32-9.15%). The samples were separated into 3 chemotypes by hierarchical cluster analysis, according to the composition of the corresponding essential oils. Chemical composition of essential oils was significantly related to nine geographic distributions among populations. Our results revealed chemical polymorphism in the essential oils of the C. fortunei leaf in China. The chemical variability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The chemical diversity of the oils offers opportunity to choose C. fortunei leaves and essential oils with preferential compound for green plant protection, pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries.     

Mycoparasitic Trichoderma viride as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. adzuki and Pythium arrhenomanes and as a growth promoter of soybean

Trichoderma viride was proved as an effective biocontrol agent against two fungal pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. adzuki and Pythium arrhenomanes, infecting soybean. During an in vitro biocontrol test, Trichoderma showed mycoparasitism and destructive control against the tested fungal pathogens. Both the pathogens significantly influence the germination and P. arrhenomanes had a severe effect (only 5% germination). The root system of the soybean plant was poorly developed due to the infection and it exerted a negative influence on the nodulation and further growth phases of the plant. During pot assay along with biocontrol activity, Trichoderma showed growth promoting action on the soybean plant. Trichoderma enhanced growth of shoot and root systems and fruit yield after 12 weeks of growth. Pythium and Fusarium infected plants treated with Trichoderma had ∼194% and 141% more height than pathogens alone. The fruit yield treated with Trichoderma was ∼66 per plant whereas the yield was only 41 for a control plant. The plants infected with Pythium and Fusarium and treated with Trichoderma had fruit yields of 43 and 53 respectively and those were 5 and 1.6 times higher than plants infected with pathogens.     

Molecular analyses of genetic variability in soap nut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)

Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. (Sapindaceae) is commercially an important plant much valued for its fruits commonly known as soap nut as well as for the seed oil used as a feed-stock for biodiesel production. Molecular polymorphism, determined, using three single primer amplification reaction (SPAR) methods (RAPD, DAMD and ISSR) is used to assess the genetic variability in 69 accessions of S. mukorossi Gaertn., encompassing different geographical regions in India. Cumulative band data generated using the three SPAR methods resulted in 82.49% polymorphism across all genotypes of S. mukorossi Gaertn. UPGMA tree showed two major clusters that were in accordance with the geographical diversity. The intra-population genetic diversity (0.16), Shannon information index (0.24) and polymorphic loci (45.62%) were highest in AS population, while the corresponding lowest values were recorded in HP population. The inter-population average distance ranged from 0.05 (GA and HP) to 0.26 (AP and HP). Based on these distances, the UPGMA tree for the populations was computed, which showed the presence of two major clusters. Cluster I contained all the populations from Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand (GA and KU) and cluster II grouped the populations from North Eastern region (AS, AP, MG). The present study showed that SPAR methods are informative and useful to unravel the diversity among different populations of the soap nut plants and is a prelude for further utilization of promising and genetically divergent materials in the breeding programmes.     

Bioactive compounds from Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris

Aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive phytochemicals in Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris (syn. C. orientalis), a less investigated species of caper and compare the chemical profile of this species with that of other studied Capparis sp. and especially with the related cultigen C. spinosa subsp. spinosa. Chemical composition of seed oil and glucosinolates, as well as of glucosinolates and flavonoids from the aerial parts of the plant have been determined and data reported here. Oil from the plant seeds is rich in unsaturated and rare lipids such as cis-vaccenic acid; the main glucosinolate is glucocapperin. The aerial parts are characterized by rutin as the dominant flavonoid. The overall phytochemical data obtained from the analysis of C. spinosa subsp. rupestris indicate that this species represents a very rich source of bioactive compounds of nutraceutical relevance although the compositional profile does not differentiate this subspecies from C. spinosa subsp. spinosa.