Variability of phenotypic and morphological characteristics of some Lathyrus sativus L. and Lathyrus cicera L. accessions and nutritional traits of their seeds

The object of the study comprised 54 grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) accessions originating from Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Russia together with 18 red pea (Lathyrus cicera) accessions from Greece, Spain and Italy. The plants were grown under the same conditions in Poland. Some phenological and morphological traits of plants as well as some seed morphological properties and nutritive value were investigated. Lathyrus sativus seeds contained more protein (average 300?g vs. 255?g?kg^?1 dry matter (DM)), whereas the differences in the average contents of the other basic nutrients between both these species as well as between particular accessions were not substantial. Except for a low level of methionine, the protein of both species showed fairly high concentration of other exogenic amino acids (EAAI around 63–64%). Fat of both L. sativus and L. cicera seeds was found to contain a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (66.9 and 58.6%, respectively), mainly linoleic (57.4 and 47.2%, respectively). The researched L. sativus accessions had a quite low level of β-ODAP (733?mg with a range of 0.583–1.340?mg?kg^?1 DM). Slightly higher content of this ANF (1,168?mg with 911–1,349?mg?kg ^?1 DM) in L. cicera seeds was noted. Average tannin concentration in the L. sativus and L. cicera accessions reached 3.3 and 6.4?g?kg^?1 DM, respectively. Average content of this ANF in L. sativus significantly correlated with the colour of both, flowers and seeds; with generally, a darker colour associated with higher levels of tannins.     

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.     

Fermentation of seeds of Teff (Eragrostis teff), grass-pea (Lathyrus sativus), and their mixtures: aspects of nutrition and food safety

Fermentation of pure teff (Eragrostis teff), pure grass-pea (Lathyrus sativus), and their mixtures, 9:1 and 8:2 (teff/grass-pea) has been done at two temperatures (room temperature and 35 degrees C) in duplicate using the strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, for bacterial fermentation, and Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus in succession for solid-state fungal fermentation as inocula. In addition, the natural or spontaneous and back-slopping methods of bacterial fermentation have been done on the above four substrate groups. The pH and essential amino acid profiles of the different fermentation processes were compared. The back-slopping in teff at a temperature of 35 degrees C gave the sharpest pH drop. All fermentations done at 35 degrees C showed a steeper slope in their pH versus time plot compared to their room temperature counterpart. Fungal fermentation gave an improved amino acid profile for the essential ones in all of the substrate groups, except in pure grass-pea. Fermented teff/grass-pea (8:2) in this fungal fermentation has been found to be quite comparable in essential amino acid profile to an ideal reference protein recommended for children of 2-5 years of age. None of the bacterial fermentations produced a net change in their essential amino acid profile in any of the substrate groups investigated. Solid state fungal fermentation on pure grass-pea using the fungal strains R. oligosporous and A. oryzae in succession has shown that the neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid (beta-ODAP) in grass-pea has been removed by 80% on average for the high-toxin variety and by up to 97% for the low-toxin variety as determined by an improved chromatographic method with bioelectrochemical detection coupled on-line with refractive index detection.     

Diversity of seed globulins in Lathyrus sativus L. and some related species

Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of reduced seed globulins covered 141 accessions of Lathyrus sativus and the following related species: L. amphicarpos, L. blepharicarpus, L. cicera, L. gorgoni, L. marmoratus, L. pseudocicera and L. stenophyllus. In the total examined material 71 globulin polypeptide bands were distinguished. The number of polypeptide bands detected in particular species varied from 14 in L. amphicarpos to 29 in L. sativus; all the species under study showed intraspecific variation due to individual variation and/or differences among accessions. Electrophoretic data were subjected to statistical analysis using hierarchical UPGMA grouping. Frequency distribution of polypeptide bands in L. sativus showed some correlations with geographical origin and certain seed characteristics (seed coat colour, seed weight) of the studied accessions. As regards interspecific relationships, the studied species showed to be distantly related taxa except for the rather closely allied L. cicera and L. marmoratus. The obtained results are compared with the electrophoretic seed albumin data reported earlier for the same taxa.     

Characterization of the proteins from Vigna unguiculata seeds

The proteins from Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea) seeds were investigated. Globulins constitute over 51% of the total seed protein, with albumins composing approximately 45%. The globulins may be fractionated by native electrophoresis or anion exchange chromatography into three main components, which were termed (in decreasing order of anodic mobility) alpha-vignin, beta-vignin, and gamma-vignin. alpha-Vignin, with a sedimentation coefficient of 16.5S, is a major, nonglycosylated globulin, composed of a major 80 kDa subunit, which upon reduction, produces two polypeptides (20 and 60 kDa). beta-Vignin, with a sedimentation coefficient of 13S, is a major, glycosylated globulin, composed of two main polypeptides (55 and 60 kDa) with no disulfide bonds. Finally, gamma-vignin, a minor globulin, is composed by one main type of subunit (22 kDa), which upon reduction, is converted into a single, apparently heavier polypeptide chain (30 kDa) due to the presence of an internal disulfide bond. Immunological analyses revealed structural homology between beta-vignin and beta-conglutin (the vicilin from Lupinus seeds) but not between alpha- or gamma-vignins and their Lupinus counterparts. Haemagglutination activity toward trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes was found exclusively in the albumin fraction and was strongly inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine or chitin.     

Water stress and accumulation of beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus)

Grass pea seedlings were grown in an irrigated field. Roots of 15-day-old seedlings were treated with PEG, and leaves were studied. With the duration of PEG treatment, changes in the lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase as well as contents of hydrogen peroxide and beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) were assayed. The results indicate that with the duration of PEG treatment, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase decreased, whereas contents of hydrogen peroxide and ODAP, extent of lipid peroxidation, and activity of glutathione reductase increased. Both diethyldithiocarbamate and aminotriazole strongly inhibit activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, respectively. At same time, the extent of lipid peroxidation was obviously increased. However, mannitol decreased the extent of lipid peroxidation. Diethyldithiocarbamate, aminotriazole, and mannitol do not affect the accumulation of ODAP. The observations suggest that there is no direct relationship between the accumulation of ODAP and the metabolism of free radicals. In addition, the relationship between water stress and ODAP accumulation in grass pea is discussed.     

Diversity of seed albumins in the grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.): an electrophoretic study

Electrophoretic analysis of seed albumins covered 105 Lathyrus sativus accessions originating from different geographical regions. Four major albumin bands were responsible for the detected variation. Due to differences in the number and combination of these bands, eleven electrophoretic seed albumin patterns were distinguished; four of them were rare phenotypes found in less than 1% of the 817 examined individuals. Electrophoretic data were subjected to statistical analysis using hierarchical UPGMA grouping and biplot techniques. Generally, no correlation was found between occurrence of either the seed albumin patterns or the major albumin bands and geographical origin of the forms under study. On the other hand, data concerning frequency distribution of the major albumin bands tended to separate two groups of accessions, white-seeded with large seeds and coloured-seeded with relatively small seeds; coloured-seeded accessions with rather large seeds mixed with the above groups.     

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) accessions collected from North-Western Ethiopia using SSR markers

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a legume crop known to be an excellent source of protein, tolerant to drought, waterlogging, and salinity. The crop is used...     

Phenotypic diversity of Ethiopian grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in relation to geographical regions and altitudinal range

Fifty grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) populations collected from different administrative regions and altitude classes in Ethiopia, were evaluated for variations of five morphological traits. Shannon-Weaver diversity index was calculated for traits, populations and altitude classes. Monomorphism was recorded in flower color (blue) for most of the populations. Olive seed colour was dominantly distributed in all regions with mean frequency of 50% while black seed colour is rare with mean frequency of 4% in Ethiopia. Much variability was observed within populations. High diversity values for pattern of testa colour and leaflet size were recorded in populations of highland origin (>2550 m.a.s.l.). Shannon's diversity index is highest in Gondar (H = 0.65) followed by Tigray region (H = 0.64) even though there was no significant variation in H values between regions. These regions with high diversity are recommended for immediate in situ and ex situ conservation.     

Diversity of seed albumins in some Lathyrus species related to L. sativus L.: An electrophoretic study

Electrophoretic analysis of seed albumins covered 66 Lathyrus accessions representing L. amphicarpos, L. blepharicarpus, L. cicera, L. gorgoni, L. marmoratus, L. pseudocicera and L. stenophyllus. The number of major albumin bands recorded in particular species varied from two in L. amphicarpos to eight in L. gorgoni. Apart from L. amphicarpos, all the species under study showed intraspecific variation. In total, 21 bands were distinguished. The results were compared with the corresponding data reported earlier for L. sativus. All the data were statistically analysed. The species examined in this study proved to be distantly related to L. sativus. Distinctness of particular Lathyrus species was quite marked except for L. cicera and L. marmoratus which produced similar electrophoretic seed albumin patterns.     

Effects of salinity,drought, and priming treatments on seed germination and growth parameters of Lathyrus sativus L.

Germination of plants is one of the most important stages during their growth, which is often influenced by environmental stresses, especially drought and salinity. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of salinity and drought on seed germination and growth of Lathyrus sativus. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement in four replications. Salinity treatments were 0, 2, and 4 dS/m and drought treatments included 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 MPa. Salinity and drought treatments were prepared by using sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol 6000, respectively. The results showed that salinity and drought stresses decreased germination percentage, and root and radicle length.     

高静压处理改善白果蛋白致敏性和功能特性

为了研究高静压处理对白果蛋白结构、抗原性及功能特性的影响,分别采用100,200,300,400,500,600和700 MPa的压力对白果蛋白进行处理,采用酶联免疫吸附检测法测定蛋白的致敏性,分别采用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳,圆二色谱,荧光光谱和紫外吸收光谱检测白果蛋白分子量和构象的改变,功能特性的检测包括热稳定性和乳化特性。结果表明,高静压处理在300~700 MPa范围内可显著降低白果蛋白的致敏性(P0.05),同时高压处理后,白果蛋白能被分解为分子量为4~30 k Da范围内的小分子蛋白,此外,其二级结构中的α-螺旋和β-折叠结构被大量破坏形成无规则卷曲结构,其紫外吸收强度,表面疏水性和游离巯基含量明显提高(P0.05),高压对白果蛋白的致敏性影响与其结构变化密切相关,另外高压处理(300~700 MPa)可明显改善白果蛋白的热稳定性和乳化性能(P0.05)。因此,高静压技术可以作为一种降低白果蛋白致敏性和改善其功能特性的有效手段。     

~(60)Coγ射线对山黧豆种胚发育进程中ODAP含量累积的抑制效应

用60~(Co)γ射线不同照射量分别处理山黧豆(Lathyrus sativus)干种子,辐照后检测了种胚发育过程中ODAP含量的动态变化。结果表明:种子中ODAP含量随着种胚发育进程而积累,特别是从心形胚到鱼雷胚时期,ODAP几乎成倍增加。但是辐照后,种胚累积ODAP的速率明显低于对照,尤以3.2kR处理最为明显。如以每克干重表示,对照ODAP含量开始有所上升,随后呈下降趋势,而辐照后的种胚,ODAP含量下降的速率远远大于对照。本文还讨论了这种抑制效应的可能机理。     

Analysis of neurotoxin 3-N-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid and its alpha-isomer in Lathyrus sativus by high-performance liquid chromatography with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization

A method was developed for the quantitative determination of the neurotoxic nonprotein amino acid, 3-N-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (beta-ODAP), and its nontoxic alpha-isomer, 2-N-oxalyl-L-2, 3-diaminopropionic acid (alpha-ODAP), in the plant samples of Lathyrus sativus after derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hippuric acid was used as an internal standard. A linear response was recorded in the concentration rang 0.32-32 nmol with r > 0.999. The RP HPLC detection limit for both isomers is 1.8 ng. According to different experimental needs, a ternary gradient system can be used to determine toxin and other nonprotein amino acids. The RP HPLC method and a colorimetric method were compared for measuring ODAP.     

Isozymic polymorphism and phylogeny of 10 Lathyrus species

Isozyme variation and phylogenetic relationships between ten annual andperennial Lathyrus species: L.aphaca, L.articulatus, L.cicera, L.hirsutus, L.latifolius, L.nissolia, L.odoratus, L.ochrus, L.sativus and L.sylvestris were studied. Four enzyme systems,leucine-amino-peptidase (LAP), 6-phosphogluconatedeshydrogenase (6-PGD), glutamateoxalo-acetate transaminase (GOT) and phosphoglucoisomerase(PGI) were analyzed, using gel electrophoresis. Fivepolymorphic loci were detected and eleven alleles were identified at these loci.Zymogram data revealed that almost all-present species studied exhibited isozymepolymorphism. L. latifolius andL. sylvestris maintain high levels ofisozyme diversity, which is probably associated with the perenniality of thesetwo species and their predominantly outcrossing reproduction system. Incontrast, the low level of genetic diversity observed in other species isattributed to their breeding systems. These species are annuals and have higherproportions of selfing. The distribution of genetic variation within and amongspecies showed large genetic differences between the analysed species.PGD-1 andPGD-2 loci contributed the most to thedistinction between species. GOT-2,LAP-1 and PGI-1loci contributed to the distinction within species. The low level of gene flowrevealed could be partly related to the high level of autogamy in the majorityof species. The regroupement of species revealed by Nei's genetic similarityagrees only in parte with Kupicha's classification based on morphologicalcharacters. Thus, these isozymic markers are important in germplasm collectionand conservation.