Organogel-emulsions with mixtures of β-sitosterol and γ-oryzanol: influence of water activity and type of oil phase on gelling capability

In this study, water-in-oil emulsions were prepared from water containing different salt concentrations dispersed in an oil phase containing a mixture of β-sitosterol and γ-oryzanol. In pure oil, the β-sitosterol and γ-oryzanol molecules self-assemble into tubular microstructures to produce a firm organogel. However, in the emulsion, the water molecules bind to the β-sitosterol molecules, forming monohydrate crystals that hinder the formation of the tubules and resulting in a weaker emulsion-gel. Addition of salt to the water phase decreases the water activity, thereby suppressing the formation of sitosterol monohydrate crystals even after prolonged storage times (～1 year). When the emulsions were prepared with less polar oils, the tubular microstructure was promoted, which significantly increased the firmness of the emulsion-gel. The main conclusion of this study is that the formation of oryzanol and sitosterol tubular microstructure in the emulsion can be promoted by reducing the water activity and/or by using oils of low polarity.     

Seed Development,Oil Accumulation and Fatty Acid Composition of Drought Stressed Rapeseed Plants Affected by Salicylic Acid and Putrescine

Two field experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the impacts of salicylic acid (1?mM SA) and putrescine (1?mM Put) on leaf osmolytes, seed reserve and oil accumulation and fatty acid composition of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under different watering levels (irrigations after 70 and 150?mm evaporation as normal irrigation and severe drought stress, and 70?→?90?→?110?→?130?→?150 and 70?→?100?→?130→150 as gradual and moderately gradual water deficits, respectively). The experiments were laid out as split plot on the bases of randomized complete block design in three replications. Water stress increased the contents of glycine betaine, proline, soluble sugars, and proteins. Application of SA and Put further enhanced the contents of glycine betaine and soluble sugars, while reduced proline content of leaves. Seed filling duration, seeds per plant, plant biomass and seed yield were decreased with increasing irrigation intervals. Exogenous SA and Put enhanced all of these parameters under different irrigation intervals. Oil accumulation in seeds was diminished as water stress severed. The gradual water deficit considerably reduced the impacts of drought stress on yield related traits and oil content per seed, due to stress acclimation of plants. Oil content of seeds was augmented by SA and Put treatments through prolonging seed filling duration, particularly under limited irrigations. Percentages of palmitic acid and stearic acid (saturated fatty acids) were not affected by water limitation. However, unsaturated fatty acids of linoleic and linolenic acids were reduced, and oleic acid was enhanced due to water shortage. Unsaturation index was improved by SA and Put treatments under severe water stress as a result of decreasing oleic acid and increasing linoleic and linolenic acids contents. The SA spray was the best treatment for improving rapeseed seed and oil production under normal and stressful conditions.

     

Increased stored soybean dietary fibre concentration is positively correlated to testa darkening measured chromaticity

To assess efficacy of seed testa chromaticity indicator of dietary fibre changes in soybean (Glycine max L.), soybean samples were stored for zero (0 M), three months (3 M), six months (6 M) or nine months (9 M) at three moisture contents (MC) (9, 11 and 13%) and three temperatures (10, 20 and 30 °C). Stored soybean samples were analysed for seed testa colour and dietary fibre content. Extended storage (9 M) at high MC (13%) and temperature (30 °C) resulted in reduced chromaticity (C*ab) and L* (darkening) of the testa colour value by 6.7% and 4.7% respectively. Furthermore, storage time and elevated MC (13%) had the biggest effect on dietary fibre levels with insoluble and soluble dietary fibre increasing significantly up to 9 M of storage, by 4.90% and 15.09% respectively with a total dietary fibre increase of 4.62%. This effect was enhanced with increased storage time. Use of testa colour as an indicator of the effect of storage time and conditions on soybean dietary fibre levels contributed to understanding the related impact on the nutritional quality of soybean. This study elucidated the role of post-harvest storage time and conditions on soybean dietary fibre levels as related to chromaticity.     

Effects of Zinc Application on Growth,Absorption and Distribution of Mineral Nutrients Under Salinity Stress in Soybean (Glycine Max L.)

The purpose of the present work was to evaluate effects of zinc application on growth and uptake and distribution of mineral nutrients under salinity stress [0, 33, 66, and 99 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] in soybean plants. Results showed that, salinity levels caused a significant decrease in shoot dry and fresh weight in non-zinc application plants. Whereas, zinc application on plants exposed to salinity stress improved the shoot dry and fresh weight. Potassium (K) concentration, K/sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca)/Na ratios significantly decreased, while sodium (Na) concentration increased in root, shoot, and seed as soil salinity increased. Phosphorus (P) concentration significantly decreased in shoot under salinity stress. Moreover, calcium (Ca) significantly decreased in root, but increased in seed with increased salinization. Iron (Fe) concentration significantly decreased in all organs of plant (root, shoot, and seed) in response to salinity levels. Zinc (Zn) concentration of plant was not significantly affected by salinity stress. Copper (Cu) concentration significantly decreased by salinity in root. Nonetheless, manganese (Mn) concentration of root, shoot, and seed was not affected by experimental treatments. Zinc application increased Ca/Na (shoot and seed) ratio and K (shoot and seed), P (shoot), Ca (root and seed), Zn (root, shoot, and seed) and Fe (root and shoot) concentration in soybean plants under salinity stress. Zinc application decreased Na concentration in shoot tissue.     

Effect ofMelia azedarach fruit extract on juvenile hormone titer and protein content in the hemolymph of two species of noctuid lepidopteran larvae [insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae]

The effect of an enriched methanolic extract ofMelia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) fruits on the size of the corpora allata (CA), the juvenile hormone (JH) titer and the protein content in the hemolymph of two lepidopteran pests in Egypt,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) andAgrotis ipsilon (Hufn.), was studied. Different concentrations of the extract were incorporated into an artificial diet on which the larvae were allowed to feed. InS. littoralis, a significant reduction in the CA volume of larvae treated at the 1000 ppm extract levelvs that of control larvae was observed. In A.ipsilon, a reduction was found in the right CA gland only. Larvae of both species that had fed on a diet withMelia extract had a higher mean JH-II titer in the hemolymph than did control larvae. In both species, the content of hemolymph protein was decreased significantly after feeding for 6 days on a diet treated with concentrations above 50 ppm extract, followed by 6 days on a normal diet. The results show that aM. azedarach fruit extract has an effect on the neuroendocrine control in the insects. The effect on the hemolymph protein levels is discussed in connection with changes in the morphology/physiology of the gut.