Humic Substances as Microalgal Biostimulants—Implications for Microalgal Biotechnology

Humic substances (HS) act as biostimulants for terrestrial photosynthetic organisms. Their effects on plants are related to specific HS features: pH and redox buffering activities, (pseudo)emulsifying and surfactant characteristics, capacity to bind metallic ions and to encapsulate labile hydrophobic molecules, ability to adsorb to the wall structures of cells. The specific properties of HS result from the complexity of their supramolecular structure. This structure is more dynamic in aqueous solutions/suspensions than in soil, which enhances the specific characteristics of HS. Therefore, HS effects on microalgae are more pronounced than on terrestrial plants. The reported HS effects on microalgae include increased ionic nutrient availability, improved protection against abiotic stress, including against various chemical pollutants and ionic species of potentially toxic elements, higher accumulation of value-added ingredients, and enhanced bio-flocculation. These HS effects are similar to those on terrestrial plants and could be considered microalgal biostimulant effects. Such biostimulant effects are underutilized in current microalgal biotechnology. This review presents knowledge related to interactions between microalgae and humic substances and analyzes the potential of HS to enhance the productivity and profitability of microalgal biotechnology.     

Effects of land use change on biodiversity and ecosystem services in tropical montane cloud forests of Mexico

Tropical montane cloud forests deliver important goods and services to society, such as timber, the supply and purification of fresh water, and carbon sequestration. In spite of their relevance, current deforestation rates are very high, at the expense of affecting the provision of ecosystem services. We explore the impact of land use change in terms of provision of ecosystem services by following two approaches, one very detailed (focused on hydrological services – water quality) and another one with a broader perspective (at a large scale and considering the ecosystem service value (ESV) of several ecosystems and their ecosystem services at the same time). In the highlands of the State of Veracruz, previously forested lands were converted into coffee plantations and cattle ranches. To evaluate the role of species composition and community structure on water quality, we studied nine small watersheds (<15 ha) covered by pristine cloud forest, coffee plantations and cultivated grassland (three each). Species richness of the three land use types was similar, although species composition was as different as 90%. Overall species diversity as well as that of woody species, and growth form diversities decreased in the transformed land uses. Water quality of streams flowing through these watersheds declined: nutrients (nitrate), conductivity, cations, chloride and suspended solids were lowest in the forest streams and highest in streams from coffee watersheds, whereas grasslands were intermediate. We also calculated ecosystem service values (using the transfer value method) and estimated economic market–non-market gains and losses owing to land transformation. Loss of natural ecosystems may imply a significant economic loss to society in terms of ecosystem services, although market gains may still lead land owners to land conversion because revenues are higher. Adequate Payment for Ecosystem Services may be a good option to prevent deforestation, but the compensation should be at least equal to the opportunity cost of the promoted land use. Our estimates are indicative of the urgent need to go beyond water quantity as the most relevant ecosystem service considered in PES schemes.     

Influence of modified atmosphere packaging on sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) were packaged under air in two macroperforated packages (A—9.0 × 10³ perforations/m², 0.1 mm² surface and B—17 perforations/m², 0.1 mm² surface) and under two gas mixtures (15% and 25% O₂) in polyethylene packages, and stored at 5 °C for 18 d. The sensory quality of the mushrooms was evaluated using a trained assessors panel.

Mushrooms packaged in macroperforated packages A showed the smallest deterioration rate. However, weight loss after 6 d of storage reached 15%, which is unacceptable. Besides, shelf life of shiitake mushrooms in active modified atmosphere was limited by off-odour development. Mushrooms in these packages developed off-odour after 12 d of storage due to the fact that O₂ concentrations fall bellow 5%.

On the other hand, the shelf life of mushrooms packaged in macroperforated packages B was limited by their sensory deterioration, particularly by changes in the colour and uniformity of their gills. In this film, mushrooms could be stored for approximately 10 d with a weight loss lower than 2%.

Results from the present work suggest that during the first 6 d of storage all the evaluated packaging conditions were useful for reducing mushroom deterioration rate.     

Effectiveness and mode of action of phosphonate inhibitors of plant glutamine synthetase

BACKGROUND: Aiming at the rational design of new herbicides, the availability of the three‐dimensional structure of the target enzyme greatly enhances the optimisation of lead compounds and the design of derivatives with increased activity. Among the most widely exploited herbicide targets is glutamine synthetase. Recently, the structure of a cytosolic form of the maize enzyme has been described, making it possible to verify whether steric, electronic and hydrophobic features of a compound are in agreement with inhibitor–protein interaction geometry. RESULTS: Three series of compounds (aminophosphonates, hydroxyphosphonates and aminomethylenebisphosphonates) were evaluated as possible inhibitors of maize glutamine synthetase. Aminomethylenebisphosphonate derivatives substituted in the phenyl ring retained the inhibitory potential, whereas variations in the scaffold, i.e. the replacement of the second phosphonate moiety with a hydroxyl or an amino residue, resulted in a significant loss of activity. A kinetic characterisation showed a non‐competitive mechanism against glutamate and an uncompetitive mechanism against ATP. A docking analysis suggested the mode of bisphosphonate binding to the active site. CONCLUSION: Results made it possible to define the features required to maintain or enhance the biological activity of these compounds, which represent lead structures to be further exploited for the design of new substances endowed with herbicidal activity. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Genetics of Gossypol Content and Its Racemic Forms

Our goal is to develop elite lines with low total gossypol levels in the seed using conventional genetic techniques.There are a number of ways to reduce seed gossypol,including mechanical processes to remove gossypol from cottonseed products.However,these treatments add cost to the products and reduce the nutritional value of the resulting cottonseed meal.     

Soil‐less bioassays for early screening for resistance to imazapyr in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

BACKGROUND: Rapid and efficient diagnostic tests for early screening of herbicide resistance are convenient alternatives to field screening methods. There is a need for a quick, reliable and cost‐effective method for rapid diagnosis of imidazolinone resistance in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). RESULTS: Two seed germination bioassays were developed. Seeds from three sunflower inbred lines differing in resistance to imidazolinones were germinated either on solid culture medium or placed in plastic pots filled with commercial perlite. After 8 days incubation under controlled conditions, both assays successfully distinguished susceptible genotype from the resistant and intermediate ones. The susceptible genotype showed arrested root growth at all herbicide treatments (root length < 1 cm). The resistant genotype developed a complete root system even when exposed to the highest dose of herbicide. However, no definite differences were observed for the intermediate and resistant genotypes with respect to root growth under the different herbicide treatments. CONCLUSION: The simple and rapid screening assays described in the present study were useful in discriminating imidazolinone resistance at the seedling stage. Therefore, these bioassays could be potential tools for early screening of imidazolinone resistance genes from large sunflower populations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Genetic and environmental analysis of NIR feed quality predictions on genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

This study investigated the use of NIR feed quality equations, developed from a multi-cereal calibration set, including barley, on barley breeding lines and commercial cultivars. The resultant predictions were then analysed to ascertain genetic and or environmental affects. The calibrations were developed by a third party, using a NIRSystems 6500 (master) instrument. The barley spectra we used were also from the same model of instrument, which had been spectrally standardised to match the master instrument. The breeding lines and commercial cultivars used were obtained from a field trial series which combined intermediate and advanced breeding lines, grown at 11 environments over two seasons. The results indicated there were significant (P < 0.05) genetic and environmental effects on a broad range of feed quality related traits; including metabolisible energy, digestible energy and apparent metabolisible energy. Other feed traits such as acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, β-glucan and starch also showed significant (P < 0.05) genetic and environmental affects. There was a high level of heritability for most traits, ranging from 70 to 90%. The results identified a number of strongly correlated traits when analysed by factor analysis. These included starch and the energy traits. There were no strong associations between particular cultivars and the NIR predicted feed traits. The results from this study highlighted NIR equations for predicted feed quality that can provide data to assist selection of barley breeding lines. In addition, the analysis also showed the genetic and environmental effects that could be expected to be observed in a broad range of barley breeding material and commercial varieties. This information can be combined in breeding programs to identify robust barley lines that would be suited to specific animal feed classes.     

Modeling the effects of solid state fermentation operating conditions on endoglucanase production using an instrumented bioreactor

Cellulase production is one of the most critical steps in the economics of second generation ethanol. Although solid-state fermentation (SSF) is an attractive process for the production of enzymes, SSF is highly limited by the difficulty in controlling the operating variables which affect microbial growth and metabolites production. In this context, this work evaluates the effects of operational conditions on endoglucanase production by a selected strain of Aspergillus niger cultivated under SSF using an instrumented lab-scale bioreactor equipped with an on-line automated monitoring and control system. The effects of air flow rate, inlet air relative humidity and substrate initial moisture on endoglucanase production were evaluated using a statistical design methodology. A correlation coefficient of 0.9106 and a calculated value of F, 5.46 folds higher than the listed value (P-value < 0.05) allowed the modeling of endoglucanase production under different process conditions. Higher endoglucanase production (56.1 U/g) was achieved for a selected condition of substrate initial moisture of 72%, air inlet humidity of 70%, and flow rate of 20 mL/min. A significant increase in endoglucanase production was also found to be achieved under forced aeration conditions (50.2 IU/g) compared to static conditions (29.8 IU/g) after 72 h of cultivation. Besides, respirometric analysis revealed that the total amount of CO₂ produced was linearly correlated with enzyme production (R² of 0.988). The bioreactor system used, as well as the methodology employed herein, was very effective in evaluating the influence of operational variables on enzymes production under SSF.     

Topographic laparoscopy for buffaloes in the quadruped position

This study aimed to describe the anatomical topography of the abdominal cavity of buffaloes in the quadruped position to establish the best endosurgical access and vantage points and identify possible limitations. Laparoscopies were performed on 10 healthy female buffaloes obtained from the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia to explore possible access points to the abdomen. Techniques for assessing and possibly observing certain organs and structures through the left and right flanks of 10 animals have been described. In five animals, access was created through the right side of the last intercostal space to allow more cranial access to the abdominal cavity. Despite the presence of the rumen, access through the left flank allowed the visualization of the structures of the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system. With access through the right flank, however, imaging was hampered by the presence of the greater omentum and its deep and superficial walls, which prevented the progression of the endoscope. Access through the last right intercostal space allowed the visualization of the cranial structures of the abdominal cavity, such as the caudate process, right lobe of the liver, right kidney, and pancreas. Laparoscopic access through the left flank and the last intercostal space in healthy buffaloes in the quadruped position is feasible, and it is promising for the exploration, diagnosis, and treatment of various disorders in buffaloes.