Microwave-assisted efficient extraction of different parts of Hippophae rhamnoides for the comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity and quantification of its phenolic constituents by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)

The outcome of different extraction procedures (microwave, ultrasound, Soxhlet, and maceration) on the antioxidant activity of seeds, leaves, pulp, and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn or SBT) was investigated by two different bioassays: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The SBT extracts were found to possess strong antioxidant activity measured in terms of TEAC (2.03-182.13 and 6.97-282.75 mg/g) with ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. In general, the antioxidant capacity of microwave-assisted extracts was found to be significantly higher than those obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration while being slightly higher than Soxhlet extracts. Further, microwave extracts of seeds were found to possess maximum antioxidant capacity followed by leaves, fruits, and pulp. Also, the chemical composition of extracts, studied in terms of the total phenolic content, was found to be in the range of 1.9-23.5 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent (GAE), which indicates a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and phenolic content present in the SBT. In addition, some of its bioactive phenolic constituents, such as rutin ( 1), quercetin-3- O-galactoside ( 2), quercetin ( 3), myricetin ( 4), kaempferol ( 5), and isorhamnetin ( 6), were also quantified in different extracts by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).     

Seasonal Changes of Mineral Nutrients in Fruit and Leaves of ‘Newhall’ and ‘Skagg's Bonanza’ Navel Oranges

In southern Jiangxi province of China, ‘Newhall’(Citrus sinensis Osbeck) navel orange presented a conspicuous symptom of boron (B) deficiency in mature leaves, whereas B deficiency symptoms were not manifested on ‘Skagg's Bonanza’(C. sinensis Osbeck) navel orange. In this study, changes in concentrations of B, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were comparatively investigated in the structural parts of the fruit (rind and pulp) and leaves (old leaves from last season and spring-flush leaves from current year) of ‘Newhall’ and ‘Skagg's Bonanza’ navel orange during the growing season. Two peaks of B concentrations were observed in the rind of the two cultivars during fruitlet growth and fruit enlargement, respectively. Boron concentrations were relatively high in the rind during fruitlet growth, and then decreased in both rind and pulp, whereas, during middle and late fruit enlargement significant increases were found for B in both rind and pulp of the two cultivars. Boron concentrations in old leaves of ‘Newhall’ decreased progressively and remained relatively low, whereas that of ‘Skagg's Bonanza’ was relatively high and changed slightly as the season progresses. Both Ca and K concentrations were above the critical threshold values, while their dynamics were reverse to that of B in fruit and leaves during certain times. Old leaf Mg concentrations of samples at 140 days after full bloom from the two cultivars and spring-flush leaves from ‘Newhall’ were below the threshold limit for sufficiency. In addition, Mg in old leaves was much lower from ‘Newhall’ than from ‘Skagg's Bonanza’. Spring-flush leaf concentrations of Mn and Zn and Mn concentrations in old leaves from ‘Newhall’ were relatively lacking during middle and late season, which accelerated the occurrence of B deficiency symptoms on mature leaves of ‘Newhall.’     

Phenolic profile of quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga Miller) (pulp and peel)

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds were carried out on quince fruit samples from seven different geographical origins in Portugal. For each origin, both pulp and peel were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC-DAD and HPLC-DAD/MS.The results revealed differences between the phenolic profiles of pulps and peels in all studied cases. The pulps contained mainly caffeoylquinic acids (3-, 4-, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) and one quercetin glycoside, rutin (in low amount). The peels presented the same caffeoylquinic acids and several flavonol glycosides: quercetin 3-galactoside, kaempferol 3-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, and several unidentified compounds (probably kaempferol glycoside and quercetin and kaempferol glycosides acylated with p-coumaric acid). The highest content of phenolics was found in peels.     

HPLC analysis of naturally occurring methylated catechins, 3' '- and 4' '-methyl-epigallocatechin gallate, in various fresh tea leaves and commercial teas and their potent inhibitory effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol of green tea, undergoes substantial biotransformation to species that includes the methylated compounds. Recent studies have demonstrated that the methylated EGCG has many biological activities. In this study, we have investigated the composition of the three O-methylated EGCG derivatives, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate (3' '-Me-EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)gallate (4' '-Me-EGCG) and (-)-4'-methyl epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)gallate (4',4' '-di-Me-EGCG) in tea leaves which were picked from various species and at various seasons, ages of leaves, locations, and fermentation levels. Higher levels of 3' '-Me-EGCG and 4' '-Me-EGCG were detected in Chinshin-Kanzai (a species of Camellia sinensis) cultivated in the mountain area of Sansia, Taipei County, Taiwan. Also, these O-methylated EGCG levels were found to be higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. The young leaves were found to be richer in the O-methylated compounds than old leaves and the amount of O-methylated EGCG was higher in unfermented longjin green tea than in semifermented oolong tea. However, the fermented black tea and puerh tea did not contain these compounds. 4',4' '-diMe-EGCG could not be detected in either fresh tea leaves or commercial tea leaves. We also found that 3' '-Me-EGCG has a higher inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide generation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression as compared with EGCG, while 4' '-Me-EGCG and 4',4' '-di-Me-EGCG were less effective.     

Rapid Estimation of Glucosinolate Thermal Degradation Rate Constants in Leaves of Chinese Kale and Broccoli ( Brassica oleracea ) in Two Seasons

Kinetic modeling was used as a tool to quantitatively estimate glucosinolate thermal degradation rate constants. Literature shows that thermal degradation rates differ in different vegetables. Well-characterized plant material, leaves of broccoli and Chinese kale plants grown in two seasons, was used in the study. It was shown that a first-order reaction is appropriate to model glucosinolate degradation independent from the season. No difference in degradation rate constants of structurally identical glucosinolates was found between broccoli and Chinese kale leaves when grown in the same season. However, glucosinolate degradation rate constants were highly affected by the season (20-80% increase in spring compared to autumn). These results suggest that differences in glucosinolate degradation rate constants can be due to variation in environmental as well as genetic factors. Furthermore, a methodology to estimate rate constants rapidly is provided to enable the analysis of high sample numbers for future studies.     

Effect of wash water temperature and chlorination on phenolic metabolism and browning of stored iceberg lettuce photosynthetic and vascular tissues

Cut tissues from distinct anatomical locations in iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were subjected to washing in cold (4 degrees C) and warm (47 degrees C) water with or without chlorine to assess their propensity to discoloration during storage. Total protein (Bradford method) and phenolic (TPH; Folin-Ciocalteu method) contents and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; spectrophotometric method using catechol as a substrate), peroxidase (POD; guaiacol substrate), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL; phenylalanine substrate) activities were determined in photosynthetic and vascular tissue from outer and inner leaves. Unprocessed photosynthetic and inner leaf tissues had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of protein and TPH and PPO and POD activities than vascular and outer leaf tissues. PAL activities (on a fresh weight basis) were similar in all tissues. Changes in browning (light reflectance measurement) and phenolic metabolism in all four tissue types were observed during aerobic storage at 5 degrees C over 10 days. PAL activity increased in all tissues after 1-2 days of storage and then gradually decreased. POD activity also increased steadily for the storage duration. Protein content and PPO activity remained constant. Edge browning (measured with a Minolta Chroma Meter) and TPH increased in all tissues, especially in outer vascular tissue. Cut photosynthetic and vascular tissues washed at 4 and 47 degrees C with and without 100 microg mL(-1) chlorine for 3 min were analyzed during 7 days in storage at 5 degrees C. Enzyme activities and accumulation of phenolics in all tissues washed at 47 degrees C were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared to controls or tissues washed at 4 degrees C. Chlorine had no additional effect at 47 degrees C but significantly (P < 0.05) reduced browning and accumulation of phenolics in lettuce washed at 4 degrees C. These results showed that inherent differences between tissues affect phenolic metabolism and browning in stored, fresh-cut lettuce.     

Nitrogen nutrition diagnosis for olive trees grown in super-intensive cropping systems

Abstract

The results of a 4-year experiment combining irrigation, N, and K showed that to maintain productivity and tree growth it is necessary to attain a higher leaf N status than current diagnosis standards. To sustain high oil yield and quality and to avoid excessive vigor, a critical N concentration was established for olive trees of 1.94% for leaves sampled in July. A negative relationship was obtained between N leaf concentration and some quality parameters. Above 1.94% N, total phenolic content and oxidative stability fell below 220?mg kg^?1 and 10?hr, respectively. In addition, above this N leaf concentration other factors including the alternate bearing index (ABI) and vegetative growth distorted productive and qualitative responses. Moreover, the differential productive response of trees related to alternate fruit bearing status implies that the interpretation of leaf nitrogen content can be more accurate when ABI suggests an ON tree status.     

刺梨及其近缘种质叶片主要活性物质含量及抗氧化性分析

为明确刺梨及其2个近缘种质无籽刺梨和无刺刺梨叶片中活性物质含量变化及其对抗氧化能力的贡献,本研究以刺梨、无籽刺梨和无刺刺梨为试验材料,测定其不同叶龄叶片(幼叶、成熟叶和老叶)中维生素C(Vc)、总三萜、总酚、总黄酮含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性变化,并用铁离子还原(FRAP)、2,2'-联氨-二(3-乙基-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸)二铵盐(ABTS)和1,1-二苯基-2-苦肼基(DPPH)3种体系分析其体外抗氧化能力,同时对5种抗氧化活性物质进行主成分分析。结果表明,3个材料的不同叶龄叶片中,总酚、总黄酮、Vc含量和SOD活性变化以及3种抗氧化活性均依次表现为成熟叶>幼叶>老叶,而总三萜含量均在老叶中为最高;3个试验材料成熟叶中,无刺刺梨的总酚含量及其对ABTS自由基的清除能力、刺梨的Vc含量及其对DPPH自由基的清除能力,以及无籽刺梨的SOD活性及其对FRAP抗氧化能力均高于其他2个材料,刺梨老叶中的总三萜含量显著高于其他2个材料。相关性分析表明,总酚、总黄酮、Vc与3种抗氧化方法测定结果呈显著正相关;主成分分析表明,成熟叶中具有抗氧化能力的5种活性物质对抗氧化能力贡献依次表现为总酚、Vc>总三萜、SOD>总黄酮,且3种主成分的累计贡献率达90%以上。本研究结果为了解和开发利用上述3个蔷薇属种质叶片功能成分提供了理论依据。     

Phenolic composition of Malbec grape skins and seeds from Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) during ripening. Effect of cluster thinning

The phenolic composition of Malbec (Vitis vinifera L.) grape skins and seeds during ripening and the effect of cluster thinning (CT) in two consecutive seasons (2008-2009) were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS). Removal of 50% of clusters was performed at 40 days (T1), 80 days (T2), and 100 days after flowering (T3) in a vineyard located in southern Mendoza (Argentina). Yield components, with the exception of cluster weight, were significantly affected by CT in both seasons, but no statistically significant differences were found among treatments. Cluster thinning and its timing had little or no influence on physical parameters and fruit chemical composition, and the differences with respect to the control were mainly due to the season. At harvest in 2008, T1 encouraged the biosynthesis of individual anthocyanins in skins, generating 44.0, 39.6, and 41.2% more glucosylated, acetylated, and total anthocyanins, respectively, as compared to the control, whereas in seeds, T1 and T2 mainly changed the concentrations of (+)-catechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, procyanidin B4, dimer gallate 1, trimer gallate 2, and tetramer. Conversely in 2009, T1 significantly affected the content of flavanols and flavonols in skins, whereas in seeds, T1 and T2 modified the level of (+)-catechin, procyanidins B4 and B6, and trimer gallate 2. Moreover, in 2008 the grapes had a higher concentration of most phenolic compounds, indicating a greater potential for more complex wines. Finally, dihydroquercetin-3-glucoside was the major compound among all nonanthocyanin phenolics detected in Malbec skins and represented 25.7% (2008) and 39.9% (2009) of the total content of those compounds at harvest. This finding could represent a distinctive feature of this grape variety.     

Identification of phenolic compounds in tissues of the novel olive cultivar hardy's mammoth

A methodological approach to phenolic profiling making extensive use of LC-MS with extracted ion chromatograms was applied to extracts of five different olive tissues: pulp, seed, stone, new-season leaves, and old-season leaves. Tissue extracts of the cultivars Hardy's Mammoth, Corregiola, Verdale, and Manzanillo were analyzed by HPLC with UV and ESI MS detection. Chromatograms of samples of green Hardy's Mammoth drupes, a uniquely Australian olive cultivar, were dominated by a large, broad peak. This peak was not attributable to oleuropein, which is usually the dominant phenolic compound in green olive fruit, but the phenolic compound I. This compound was isolated by semipreparative HPLC and characterized by 1D- and 2D-NMR. Extraction studies showed that the compound was not likely to be an artifact of an enzymatic degradation process. Tritium labeling studies were used to establish a possible relationship between the biosynthesis of I and oleuropein.     

Concentration of benzoxazinoids in roots of field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties

Benzoxazinones are naturally occurring secondary metabolites of some Gramineae plants, responsible for their resistance to some pathogenic fungi and for their allelopathic action. Six varieties of winter wheat grown in fields under organic or conventional systems and 11 old accessions were tested for two consecutive seasons and three plant development stages for the concentration in their roots of cyclic hydroxamic acids and their degradation products. This is the first report of six benzoxazinones analyzed in plants grown in the field. An analytical technique employing LC-DAD was used for determination. It was shown that 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one, its degradation product 6-methoxybenzoxazolin-2-one, and the lactam 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one were predominant compounds in all tested samples. Their concentrations significantly differed with plant development stage and season, but no significant differences were found between varieties and between plant cultivation systems. The concentrations of 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and its degradation product benzoxazolin-2-one (BOA) were much lower, ranging from 60 to 430 mg/kg of dry matter, depending on accession, stage of development, and season. There was no significant difference found between plants grown in different cultivation systems, but there were significant differences between old and new varieties; concentrations of DIBOA and its derivatives were significantly lower in old accessions. It was concluded that the concentrations of DIBOA and BOA, which are precursors of highly fungicidal 2-aminophenol, 2-amino-3H-phenoxazin-3-one, and 2-acetylamino-3H-phenoxazin-3-one, are theoretically high enough to protect plants against some soilborne pathogens.     

Bending affects phenolic content of William pear leaves

Abstract

The effect of branch bending on the phenolic content in pear leaves was investigated. Leaves were sampled from the tree branches which were bent in summer 2003 (1 September), in spring 2004 (15 May), and from unbent trees. Samplings were made during the growing season May to October 2004, on the following dates: 1st sampling, 15 May; 2nd sampling, 11 June; 3rd sampling, 9 July; 4th sampling, 6 August; 5th sampling, 2 September; and 6th sampling, 1 October. The leaves contained caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, rutin, epicatechin and catechin. The lowest contents of phenolics were found on the first occasion. After that, in the sequence of sampling dates, an increase was noticed at first, but after reaching their highest point, the contents of phenolics decreased. In most cases fewer contents of phenolic compounds were found in leaves from bent branches (especially from branches bent in summer), and the highest ones in leaves from the control group. For all phenolics, apart from the caffeic and vanillic acids, significant differences were evident among treatments, with the highest contents in the control group and almost the lowest in the summer treatment. It is suggested that the change in branch angle caused the physiological response of pear tree, with different contents of phenolic compounds in its leaves from bent and non-bent branches.     

Phenolic profile of Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves

Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves phenolic compounds were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD and HPLC/UV. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolics were carried out in a total of 36 samples of quince leaves from three different geographical origins of Northern (Bragan?a and Carrazeda de Ansi?es) and Central Portugal (Covilh?) and three collection months (June, August, and October of 2006). These leaves presented a common phenolic profile composed by nine compounds: 3- O-, 4- O- and 5- O-caffeoylquinic acids, 3,5- O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3- O-galactoside, quercetin-3- O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3- O-glycoside, kaempferol-3- O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3- O-rutinoside. 5- O-caffeoylquinic acid was the major phenolic compound (36.2%), followed by quercetin 3- O-rutinoside (21.1%). Quince leaves are characterized by higher relative contents of kaempferol derivatives than fruits (pulps, peels, and seeds), especially in what concerns kaempferol-3- O-rutinoside (12.5%). C. oblonga leaves total phenolic content was very high, varying from 4.9 to 16.5 g/kg dry matter (mean value of 10.3 g/kg dry matter), indicating that these leaves can be used as a good and cheap source of bioactive constituents. Significantly differences were observed in 3- O-caffeoylquinic and 3,5- O-dicaffeoylquinic acids contents, according to geographical provenance and harvesting month, suggesting a possible use of these compounds as geographical origin and/or maturity markers.     

黄连木雌雄株叶水溶性酚类物质和两种氧化酶活性的比较

黄连木为雌雄异株植物。为探索鉴别黄连木幼苗性别的方法,应用比色法对其雌雄株不同发育阶段叶片中水溶性酚类物质的含量、过氧化物酶（POD）活性和多酚氧化酶（PPO）相对活性进行测定和比较分析,结果表明：不同性别的黄连木叶片水溶性酚类物质含量存在极显著的差异（P〈0．01）;POD、PPO相对活性在雌雄株问也存在显著差异,特别在老叶中则存在极显著差异,认为黄连木雌雄株老叶中的水溶性酚类物质含量差异,可以作为其性别鉴定的依据,为进一步研究黄连木植株早期性别鉴定提供参考。     

Analysis of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in potato plant flowers, leaves, stems, and tubers and in home-processed potatoes

Potato plants synthesize phenolic compounds as protection against bruising and injury from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and insects. Because antioxidative phenolic compounds are also reported to participate in enzymatic browning reactions and to exhibit health-promoting effects in humans, a need exists for accurate methods to measure their content in fresh and processed potatoes. To contribute to our knowledge about the levels of phenolic compounds in potatoes, we validated and used high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to measure levels of chlorogenic acid, a chlorogenic isomer, and caffeic acid in flowers, leaves, stems, and tubers of the potato plant and in home-processed potatoes. The total phenolic acid content of flowers (626 mg/100 g fresh wt) was 21 and 59 times greater than that of leaves and stems, respectively. For all samples, chlorogenic acid and its isomer contributed 96-98% to the total. Total phenolic acid levels (in g/100 g fresh wt) of peels of five potato varieties grown in Korea ranged from 6.5 to 42.1 and of the flesh (pulp) from 0.5 to 16.5, with peel/pulp ratios ranging from 2.6 to 21.1. The total phenolic acid content for 25 American potatoes ranged from 1.0 to 172. The highest amounts were present in red and purple potatoes. Home processing of pulp with various forms of heat induced reductions in the phenolic content. The described methodology should facilitate future studies on the role of potato phenolic compounds in the plant and the diet.     

Fruit quality of Redhaven and Royal Glory peach cultivars on seven different rootstocks

Two peach cultivars, Redhaven and Royal Glory, grafted on seven different rootstocks (Adesoto, Barrier 1, GF 677, Ishtara, Monegro, Penta, and peach seedling) were analyzed for tree vigor and yield. Fruit of similar ripeness (fruit firmness) was analyzed in terms of pomological (fruit weight, soluble solids content) and biochemical parameters (individual sugars, organic acids, phenolic acids in the flesh and peel, as well as flavonols and anthocyanins in the peel). A uniform effect of rootstock on tree size was evident in the cases of both cultivars. The Ishtara rootstock induced weak tree growth; Adesoto, Penta and peach seedling semivigorous growth; and Barrier 1, GF 677, and Monegro vigorous tree growth. We recorded higher yields in the Redhaven cultivar, while no significant differences in yield in the fourth growing season were found among the rootstocks for each cultivar. Rootstock had no effect on soluble solids in the Redhaven cultivar, while in the Royal Glory it did. Penta yielded the highest soluble solids content levels, while Adesoto and Monegro were associated with low levels. In the fruit from both cultivars, the rootstock had a significant influence on individual sugars, organic acids, and phenolic acids in the pulp. We also found that phenolic acids in the pulp and skin were more affected by the rootstock than other secondary metabolites analyzed, regardless of the cultivar.     

Ratio of Nutrient and Minerals to Defensive Compounds Indicative of Plant Quality and Tolerance to Herbivory in Pear Trees

The phenolic ester 3-0-trans-p-coumaroyltormentic acid and the volatile compounds (E,E)-α-farnesene and methyl salicylate have been identified previously in pear tree cultivars ‘Bartlett,’ ‘NY10355,’ and ‘Conference.’ Here, using the same dried extract of leaf samples, the contents of total protein, chlorophyll, and the minerals calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) were determined. Differences between pear cultivars were found with regard to their absolute content in Ca, K, chlorophyll, and total protein, and to carbon/nitrogen values in uninfested leaves compared with leaves infested by Cacopsylla pyricola (Foester) and C. pyri L. (Homoptera, Psyllidae) on partially and completely infested trees. The ratio of nutrients and minerals to the constitutive and Cacopsylla-induced phenolic and two volatiles reflects a diminution of the leaf quality as food for Cacopsylla nymphs in infested leaves of all cultivars. In uninfested leaves, the magnitude of this ratio in partially infested trees of cv. ‘Conference’ with local response, together with Ca ion content and chlorophyll loss, point to classification of this cultivar as tolerant to herbivory.     

Foliar Damage,Ion Content,and Mortality Rate of Five Common Roadside Tree Species Treated with Soil Applications of Magnesium Chloride

Sensitivity to magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) was assessed on five common roadside tree species by maintaining soil concentrations at 0-, 400-, 800-, or 1,600-ppm chloride via MgCl₂ solution over four growing seasons. Evaluations of growth, leaf retention, foliar damage, and ion concentrations were conducted. Water potentials were measured on two species. Foliar chloride and magnesium concentrations were positively correlated with foliar damage in all species. Conifers exhibited mild damage during the first growing season but moderate to severe damage during the first winter and second growing season. The two highest MgCl₂ treatments caused leaf loss, severe damage, or mortality of Douglas-fir, lodgepole, and ponderosa pines after two seasons of treatments and of limber pine after four seasons. Aspen also displayed foliar damage and crown loss but abscised damaged leaves and flushed asymptomatic leaves throughout the growing seasons. The highest treatment caused mortality of aspen in 4 years. Approximately 13,000–17,000-ppm foliar chloride was associated with severe damage in conifers but ranged from 13,000- to 33,000-ppm in fully necrotic leaves. Aspen foliage contained the highest concentrations of chloride (24,000–36,000-ppm), and limber pine leaves had the lowest (<14,200-ppm). Although MgCl₂ caused reductions in leaf water potential, aspen and ponderosa pine did not appear to be under substantial moisture stress and continued to take up ions. Mortality of common roadside tree species in 2 to 4 years can occur due to high MgCl₂ soil concentrations, and transportation officials should consider these implications in their management plans.     

Changes in eucalypt litter quality during the first three months of field decomposition in a Congolese plantation

In fast-growing tree plantations, decomposition of leaf litter is considered as a key process of soil fertility. A three-month field experiment, spanning both rainy and dry seasons, was conducted to determine how changes in litter decomposition affect the main parameters of litter quality—namely, the concentrations of phenolic and non-phenolic carbon (C) compounds, nitrogen (N), and fibres, and the litter C mineralization rate. This study was conducted to test (1) if these changes vary according to the compound and to the season, and if they are greater for soluble compounds, and (2) if after a three-month period of field decomposition, the chemical composition of the remaining litter drives C mineralization, as measured in laboratory conditions, through a greater influence on the concentration of N and lignin. We found that the concentrations of water- and methanol-soluble phenolic compounds and the concentrations of non-phenolic compounds decreased during decomposition in all plots and in each season, while the fibre and N concentrations increased. The relationships among litter decomposition, C mineralization, and litter quality depended on the season, which strongly suggests that different processes are involved in dry and rainy seasons. The C mineralization rates were driven by soluble organic compounds in the initial litter and by soluble phenolic compounds in the decomposed litter.     

不同品种和生长期嘉宝果叶片酚类及挥发性物质研究

为研究不同品种和生长期嘉宝果叶片酚类及挥发性物质的含量和组成,分别通过比色法、水蒸气蒸馏法和顶空-气相色谱/质谱联用技术,对沙巴、四季早生、福冈等9个品种嘉宝果老/嫩叶的总酚、总黄酮、精油含量和挥发性成分进行测定。结果表明,沙巴嫩叶的总酚含量(31.87%)最高;阿根廷嫩叶总黄酮含量(24.81%)最高;沙巴老叶精油含量(2.78‰)最高,其次为沙巴嫩叶(2.42‰)。老叶中相对含量在0.05%以上的挥发性化合物有31~44种,均以萜类为主;嫩叶中相对含量在0.05%以上的化合物有28~40种,同样以萜类为主。除沙巴、阿根廷、大红钻老/嫩叶和福冈老叶外,其余老/嫩叶均以倍半萜为优势成分。沙巴老叶主要成分为α-蒎烯、桉叶油醇;沙巴嫩叶为β-蒎烯和α-蒎烯;阿根廷老/嫩叶、大红钻嫩叶和白艾斯老叶为β-蒎烯;福冈老/嫩叶为β-石竹烯;四季早生、大巨红晶、艾斯卡老/嫩叶为β-胡椒烯;乔尼尔老/嫩叶为β-石竹烯、β-胡椒烯。主成分分析结果表明,单萜含氧衍生物、α-蒎烯、单萜烯、β-蒎烯、α-芹子烯是导致不同品种间嘉宝果老叶香气差异的主要物质;倍半萜烯、单萜烯、β-蒎烯、α-蒎烯、β-石竹烯是导致不同品种间嘉宝果嫩叶香气差异的主要物质。综上,沙巴嫩叶总酚含量最高,精油含量较高,活性挥发性物质蒎烯(α-蒎烯+β-蒎烯)相对含量高达62.41%,在抗菌、抗炎、抗氧化、抗肿瘤等方面有潜在的利用价值,在医药领域有极大的研究价值和开发潜力。