Assessment of the diversity of comfrey (Symphytum officinale L. and S. × uplandicum Nyman)

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Comfrey Symphytum officinale L. (true comfrey) and S.?×?uplandicum Nyman (a hybrid between S. asperum Lepech?×?S. officinale...     

Analysis of volatile compounds of taperebá (Spondias mombin L.) and cajá (Spondias mombin L.) by simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE) and solid phase microextraction (SPME)

Volatile compounds of cajá and taperebá fruits, both classified as Spondias mombin, but from different geographic origins, were extracted (and analyzed) using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE). Forty-eight compounds were identified in taperebá and 47 in cajá by SPME using a DVB/CAR/PMDS fiber. (E)-Caryophyllene (18.7%), ethyl butyrate (10.0%), and ethyl hexanoate (7.0%) were the most abundant components in taperebá volatiles extracted by SPME, whereas myrcene (41.1%) and beta-phellandrene (8.5%) were the major compounds in cajá. In the taperebá SDE extract, 46 substances were identified, and (Z)-caryophyllene (13.2%) and limonene (9.5%) were predominant. From the 42 substances found in the SDE extract of cajá, the major components were myrcene (38.0%) and p-cymene (6.2%). The two fruits showed similar chromatograms upon the use of SDE and SPME. These methods made it possible to determine 30 identical components in both fruits by using SDE and 32 by using SPME.     

Evaluation of urea ammonium polyphosphate (UAPP) I. Effectiveness of banded and seed‐placed UAPP on irrigated corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Field trials were established on an irrigated loamy sand using corn as a test crop. Row fertilizer was placed with the seed (seed‐placed) or in the conventional side placement position (side‐placed). The side‐placed treatments consisted of two carriers of UAPP (28–28–0 and 36–18–0), diammonium phosphate (DAP, 18–46–0) plus ammonium nitrate (AN, 33–0–0), and a control treatment. Two rates of application were used for each carrier. Seed‐placed treatments consisted of two carriers of UAPP (28–28–0 and 36–18–0), concentrated superphosphate (CSP, 0–45–0) plus AN, CSP, AN, and a control treatment. Two rates of application were used for each carrier, except AN, which was used at three rates.

High rates of side‐placed UAPP delayed emergence of corn and lowered the final population. Early season N concentration in corn seedlings was not affected by rate or carrier of side‐placed N. Early season P concentration in the corn seedlings was greater for AN + DAP than UAPP treatments at all rates of P, presumably due to toxic accumulation of free NH₃ in the UAPP band. High rates of side‐placed UAPP also reduced the yield of corn.

High rates of seed‐placed AN + CSP and UAPP reduced the germination of corn. However, low rates of UAPP also reduced germination, whereas low rates of AN + CSP did not affect germination. Since UAPP has a lower salt index than AN + CSP, the “salt effect”; of low rates of UAPP does not explain its effect on germination and emergence. The deleterious effects of UAPP were due apparently to either NH₃ or NO₂‐N toxicity.     

Effect of seed‐placed fertilizer on the emergence (germination) of soybeans (Glycine max L.) and snapbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Field trials were established on a loamy fine sand and a silt loam using snapbeans and soybeans as test crops, respectively. Row fertilizer was placed with the seed (seed‐placed). Treatments were arranged in a 3×3×3 factorial experiment, and N, P, and K were applied in all combinations at three rates (0, 3.4, and 6.8 kg/ha). Ammonium nitrate (AN), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), concentrated superphosphate (CSP) and potassium chloride (KCl) were used as sources of N, P and K. Additional treatments compared MAP with diammonium phosphate (DAP) and KCl with potassium nitrate (KNO₃).

The salt index of each treatment was inversely related to emergence, i.e. as the salt index increased, the emergence decreased. Level of N was more important than level of P or K in regards to reduction in emergence. Snapbeans grown on a loamy fine sand were extremely sensitive to damage from seed‐placed fertilizer, even at rates as low as 3.4 kg/ha of N, P or K. Soybeans planted on a silt loam soil were less sensitive than snapbeans planted on a loamy sand. The soybeans were able to tolerate up to 10.2 kg/ha of seed‐placed P plus K or 6.8 kg/ha of seed‐placed N plus P or N plus K without causing a significant delay in emergence.     

美人蕉(Canna.L)的辐射诱发突变

本工作用60~(Co)γ射线及快中子处理美人蕉(Canna.L)休眠根茎,研究其辐射诱变规律,结果表明,γ射线处理的大花红美人蕉(Canna generalis Bai-ley)在VM_1代辐射效应十分明显,花色突变频率较高,其幅度在3.45—6％,适宜剂量为9.2—36.8Gy,不同基因型品种其辐射敏感性有明显差异。γ射线对美人蕉的诱变效果优于快中子,但连续几代重复照射的突变频率较低。应用γ射线处理大花红美人蕉共获得九个花色突变体,从中选育出三个花色各具特点的优良突变系,已繁育推广。     

Comparison of volatile constituents of Persicaria odorata(Lour.) Soják (Polygonum odoratum Lour.) and Persicaria hydropiper L. Spach (Polygonum hydropiper L.)

Polygonum odoratum Lour. has been reclassified as Persicaria odorata (Lour.) Soják [Wilson, K. L. Polygonum sensu lato (Polygonaceae) in Australia. Telopea 1988, 3, 177-182]; other synonyms currently used are Vietnamese mint or Vietnamese coriander and, in Malaysia, Daun Laksa or Laksa plant. The aerial parts of Laksa plant are highly aromatic, and they contain many organic compounds such as (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, decanal, undecanal, and dodecanal that are typical for green, citrus, orange peel, and coriander odors. In addition to these aldehydes, 3-sulfanyl-hexanal and 3-sulfanyl-hexan-1-ol were discovered for the first time in this herb. The fresh leaves are pungent when they are chewed, although the active compound has never been identified. The pungency of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach (formerly Polygonum hydropiper L., synonym water pepper) is produced by polygodial, a 1,4-dialdehyde derived from drimane terpenoids. We also identified polygodial as the active pungent compound in P. odorata (Lour.) Soják.     

β-Glucosidase involvement in the formation and transformation of oleuropein during the growth and development of olive fruits (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) grown under different farming practices

The present study investigates oleuropein metabolism, as well as the involvement of β-glucosidase during the growth, development, and ripening of olive fruit. The results show that in olive fruit the in vivo formation and transformation of oleuropein takes place in three different stages. The first one is characterized by a net accumulation of oleuropein and occurs in the immature fruit. In the second stage, associated with the green and light-green fruits, oleuropein content is maintained practically constant, and finally, a third stage that begins in the green-yellow fruit is characterized by a progressive decline of the oleuropein concentration. Our findings confirm that in the absence of β-glucosidase the Damtoft-proposed pathway is active and that net synthesis of oleuropein is unquestionable. β-Glucosidase activity plays a key role in the oleuropein metabolism catalyzing its in vivo hydrolysis.     

Effects of processing and of storage on the stability of pantothenic acid in sea buckthorn products (Hippophaë rhamnoides L. ssp. rhamnoides) assessed by stable isotope dilution assay

A stable isotope dilution assay for quantification of pantothenic acid in sea buckthorn berries, juice, and concentrate using a four-fold labeled isotopologue of vitamin B5 as the internal standard was adopted using reversed phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Because of a rapid sample clean up procedure without the necessity of external calibration, this methodology permits the accurate analysis of a high number of samples within a short time. Sea buckthorn juice was stored at 25 and 40 degrees C for up to 7 days to determine the effects of storage temperature on the stability of pantothenic acid. Analysis of kinetic data suggested that the degradation follows a first-order model. The results of the experiments showed that storage of sea buckthorn juice for 7 days at ambient temperature (25 degrees C) already resulted in a significant degradation of pantothenic acid of about 18%. The processing effects of juice production and subsequent concentration revealed a decrease of about 6-7% in the juice and of 23% in the juice concentrate.     

Origin and cytology of a novel cytotype of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng. (2n = 48)

Naturally occurring/spontaneously produced polyploids with six/more genomes are rarely found in Alliums. A hexaploid form of Allium tuberosum with 2n = 48 chromosomes has been isolated for the first time amongst the open-pollinated seedlings of a hypotetraploid plant (2n = 4x = 31); latter being the seed-derived product of a normal tetraploid stock (2n = 4x = 32) growing in Jammu University Botanical Garden. Except for the guard cells and pollen grains that are of increased size, this form compared to its progenitor is dwarf, has smaller leaves and bears inflorescences with few flowers. This plant is also different from its progenitor in having nearly one-fourth (27.8 %) of its pollen mother cells (PMCs) with varying chromosome number viz. 27–64, with the remaining cells having somatic or double the somatic number of chromosomes. To assess the nature of hexaploid form, its chromosomes were studied for morphological details, putative grouping and pairing properties during reduction division. Morphological similarity in the chromosomes of the present cytotype and its progenitor, arrangement of 48 chromosomes in eight groups of six chromosomes each and presence of 21.88 % euploid cells with eight hexavalents pointed towards the autopolyploid nature of the present strain. Regarding the origin of this strain, observation made on the meiosis in the two sex mother cells of the progenitor provides some clues. In the later plant, presence of most of embryo-sac mother cells with 62 chromosomes that showed 31:31 segregations and existence of majority of the PMCs with 31 chromosomes exhibiting erratic segregations indicate that the hexaploid strain has probably originated as a result of the fusion of reduced male (n = 17) and unreduced female gamete (2n = 31).     

Characterization of Vitis vinifera L. Cv. Carménère grape and wine proanthocyanidins

A formal compositional study of the proanthocyanidins of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Carménère was conducted in this work. We first characterized the polymeric proanthocyanidins of Carménère skins, seeds, and wines. In addition, the wine astringency was analyzed and compared with Cabernet Sauvignon. Although Carménère wines had a higher proanthocyanidin concentration and mean degree of polymerization than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the former wines were perceived as less astringent. The low seed/skin proportion in Carménère wines as compared to other varieties, as evidenced by the reduced number of seeds per berry and the higher amount of epigallocatechin subunits of Carménère wine proanthocyanidins, could explain this apparent paradox.     

Triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols in berries and seeds of two subspecies (ssp. sinensis and mongolica) of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides)

Berries and seeds of two subspecies (ssp. sinensis and mongolica) of sea buckthorn (Hippopha? rhamnoides L.) were compared in terms of triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. The berries of ssp. mongolica contained less oleic acid (4.6 vs 20.2%, p < 0.001) and more palmitic (33.9 vs 27.4%, p < 0.01) and palmitoleic (32.8 vs 21.9%, p < 0.05) acids in triacylglycerols than those of ssp. sinensis. The proportions of linoleic acid (32.1 vs 22.2%, p < 0.01, in berries; 47.7 vs 42.7%, p < 0.05, in seeds) and palmitic acid (21.1 vs 16.4%, p < 0.001, in berries; 17.0 vs 14.1%, p < 0.05, in seeds) in glycerolphospholipids were higher in ssp. mongolica than in ssp. sinensis, and vice versa with oleic acid (4.3 vs 18.5% in berries, 10.0 vs 22.2% in seeds, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid was also found in the glycerophospholipids of ssp. sinensis berries (16.2 vs 10.1%, p < 0.001). alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols constituted 93-98% of total tocopherols and tocotrienols in seeds, and alpha-tocopherol alone constituted 76-89% in berries. The total contents of tocopherols and tocotrienols varied within the ranges of 84-318 and 56-140 mg kg(-1) in seeds and whole berries, respectively. The seeds of ssp. mongolica were a better source of tocopherols and tocotrienols than those of ssp. sinensis (287 vs 122 mg kg(-1), p < 0.001). The compositional differences between the two subspecies should be considered when the berries are bred and exploited for nutritional purposes.     

土壤中含钾测定方法(J.L.Smith法)的改进

以碳酸鈣、氯化銨混合体,来熔化土壤中鉀矿物的方法^{[Lawrence Smith(史密司)法]}是分析化学上通用了最久的方法之一^[1]。这个方法,显然具有分解作用比較彻底的优点,而土壤及岩石中某些原生鉀矿物又为一般酸液所不能溶解。分析化学家在最近20-30年以来,企图用各种混合酸液(特别是氟氫酸——过氯酸——硫酸)来代替史密司的冗长熔化步驟^[2],但是在对待某些富有Al、Ti、Ba等合鉀矿物的土壤时,显然沒有达到完全分解的目的。     

Enzymatic Activities in Soil Cultivated with Coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. ‘Bourbon’) and Amended with Organic Material

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth of coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. ‘Bourbon’) in soil amended with compost, vermicompost, and bokashi at 25%, 50%, and 66% while mycorrhizal colonization and activity of acid and alkaline phosphatases and urease in soil were monitored. Treatments with 25% compost as well as higher application rates of compost and bokashi (50% or 66%) increased coffee growth. Shoot fresh weight increased 5 times when 25% bokashi or compost was applied, 8 times when 50% was applied and 10 times when 66% was applied compared to the control plants without organic fertilizer. Acid and alkaline phosphatase and urease activity increased when organic fertilizer was applied to soil. Application of organic fertilizers increased the growth and fresh weight of root and shoot of coffee plants and improved the root mycorrizal colonization and enzymatic activity of the soil.     

Metabolic profiling of strawberry grape ( Vitis × labruscana cv. 'Isabella') components by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and evaluation of their antioxidant and antiproliferative properties

In the assessment of the antioxidant properties of edible plants, the widely consumed Vitis × labruscana cv. 'Isabella', known in Italy as "fragola" (strawberry) grape, was of interest. Phenol and flavonoid contents of the methanolic extracts of peel, pulp, seed, leaf, and stalk components of the plant were determined. The metabolic profile of the extracts was performed by 1D and 2D NMR. Quantitative analysis, obtained in the presence of 0.01% of internal standard trimethylsilyl propionate, evidenced the presence of catechins in both stalk and seed extracts, whereas caffeic acid and quercetin were the main metabolites of the leaf extract. Furthermore, the extracts were tested for their radical scavenging and reducing capacities by measuring their capacity to scavenge DPPH(?) and ABTS(?+) and to reduce Fe(III) and Mo(VI) salts. The antioxidant efficacy of the extracts in cell-free systems and their antiproliferative activity toward HepG2 and A549 cells were also evaluated. Seed and stalk components are able to reduce by 39.6 and 40.6%, respectively, the amount of the metabolically active HepG2 cells after only 24 h of exposure.     

Effects of benomyl on vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal infection of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and consequences for phosphorus inflow.

The roots of red clover plants inoculated with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus clarus Nicolson & Schenck were treated with a drench of benomyl at a time when mycorrhizal infection was already well established. Benomyl halted further infection and reduced phosphorus inflow by one order of magnitude compared to untreated controls. The fungicide also decreased the rate of plant growth probably as a consequence of reduced phosphorus inflow.     

Solar UVB response of bioactives in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. L.): a comparison of protected and open-field cultivation

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cvs. Everest, Elsanta) were grown in a tunnel covered with two films, which were distinguished in their ultraviolet transparency, as well as under open-field conditions. One applied film was not transparent for UVB radiation, and the second film transmitted 70% of UVB radiation. During the present study, the nutritional value and quality parameters of the fruits were evaluated. Strawberries were UV-unresponsive in view of the content of ascorbic acid and sum parameters like total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity measured with TEAC (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and total phenols. These parameters were mainly affected by sampling date and cultivar. However, HPLC analysis showed that individual phenolics were affected in the absence of UV radiation. The content of the anthocyanin cyanidin 3-glucoside and the flavonols quercetin 3-glucuronide and kaempferol 3-glucoside was decreased in the fruits grown under UV blocking film compared to open-field grown strawberries. By means of the UV transparent film the content of the mentioned flavonoids could be enhanced up to similar amounts like in open-field grown strawberries. All other phenolics were not consistently affected by UV radiation. This result was independent of cultivar.     

Hans Løkke and Cornelis A.M. van Gestel: Handbook of Soil Invertebrate Toxicity Tests

Water, Air, &; Soil Pollution -     

Studies of O,O-dimethyl α-(2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetoxy)ethylphosphonate (HW02) as a new herbicide. 1. Synthesis and herbicidal activity of HW02 and analogues as novel inhibitors of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex

On the basis of the previous work for optimization of O,O-diethyl α-(substituted phenoxyacetoxy)alkylphosphonates, further extensive synthetic modifications were made to the substituents in alkylphosphonate and phenoxy moieties of the title compounds. New O,O-dimethyl α-(substituted phenoxyacetoxy)alkylphosphonates were synthesized as potential inhibitors of pyruvate dehydorogenase complex (PDHc). Their herbicidal activity and efficacy in vitro against PDHc were examined. Some of these compounds exhibited significant herbicidal activity and were demonstrated to be effective inhibitors of PDHc from three different plants. The structure-activity relationships of these compounds including previously reported analogous compounds were studied by examining their herbicidal activities. Both inhibitory potency against PDHc and herbicidal activity of title compounds could be increased greatly by optimizing substituent groups of the title compounds. O,O-Dimethyl α-(2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetoxy)ethylphosphonate (I-5), which acted as a competitive inhibitor of PDHc with much higher inhibitory potency against PDHc from Pisum sativum and Phaseolus radiatus than from Oryza sativa , was found to be the most effective compound against broadleaf weeds and showed potential utility as herbicide.     

Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries of different subspecies and harvesting times

Sea buckthorn (Hippopha? rhamnoides) seeds, berries, and berry fractions are often used as sources of bioactive ingredients for health products. The aim of the present study was to analyze lignans in these fractions of sea buckthorn. Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries of sea buckthorn of three subspecies were analyzed by isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total content of the two lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol varied widely from 8 to 139 microg/100 g in fresh berries and from 51 to 319 microg/100 g in dry berries. The content of secoisolariciresinol varied in the range of 34-313 microg/100 g of dry mass in the fruit pulp/peel and 93-355 microg/100 g in dry seeds. The content of matairesinol fell within the range of 3-25 microg/100 g in dry pulp/peel and 1-13 microg/kg in dry seeds. Wild H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis contained a significantly higher total level of secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in dry seeds, dry berries, and fresh berries compared with wild ssp. rhamnoides (253 vs 135 microg/100 g, P < 0.01, in seeds; 224 vs 153 microg/100 g, P < 0.05, in dry berries; 71 vs 29 g/100 g, P < 0.01, in fresh berries) and the cultivar of ssp. mongolica (253 vs 112 microg/100 g in seeds, 71 vs 9 microg/100 g in fresh berries). Harvesting dates had a significant influence on the content of the two lignans in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries. This is the first report of lignans in sea buckthorn.     

Relationship of seed pericarp color with seed quality in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. altissima Döll)

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Quantitative traits of seed pericarp color were used to evaluate the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seed quality. These traits were measured on 10 single cross...