Relationships between line per se and testcross performance for agronomic traits in two broad-based populations of maize

Degree of the association between line per se performance (LP) and testcross performance (TP) is important in breeding programs and simultaneous improvement of commercial hybrids and their parental lines. This experiment was designed to study genetic variability and genetic correlation for several agronomic traits in two maize (Zea mays L.) broad-based populations (NS12-SG and NS14-SG). Independent trials with 80 entries of S₁ progenies as well as their testcrosses were arranged according to an incomplete block design with replicates in sets. Grain yield, stay green, anthesis-silking interval, stalk water content and grain moisture were evaluated in four environments. The anthesis-silking interval had the highest genetic variation, followed by stay green. High heritability estimates (>0.50) for all traits, pointed out that further selection would be possible. Genetic correlations between line per se and testcross performance were lowest for grain yield (0.396** and 0.592**, for NS12-SG and NS14-SG, respectively), and highest for grain moisture (0.937** and 0.821**, respectively). High correlations between line per se and their testcrosses for stay green, anthesis-silking interval, stalk water content and grain moisture indicated that additive gene action might be more important than dominance in controlling the expression of these traits.     

Kinetic study of flavonoid reactions with stable radicals

The antiradical activities of some flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, robinetin, quercetagetin, and myricetin), flavones (apigenin, baicalein, and luteolin), flavanones (naringenin and dihydroquercetin), and flavanols [(+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin] were determined by measuring the reaction kinetics with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and alpha,gamma-bisdiphenylene-beta-phenylallyl (BDPA) radicals. The reactions, which follow the mixed second-order rate law, were investigated under pseudo-first-order conditions by use of a large excess of flavonoids, and their stoichiometry was determined by spectrophotometric titration. The results confirm stoichiometric factors of 1, 2, and 3 for flavonoids with one, two, and three hydroxyl groups in the B-ring, respectively, excluding kaempferol, which, despite a single OH group in the B-ring, has a factor of 2, which is explained by the 3-OH group supporting the reaction with free radicals. Structure-activity considerations indicate for the present series of flavonoids the importance of multiple OH substitutions and conjugation. The logarithms of reaction rate constants with the OH, DPPH, and BDPA radicals correlate well with the reduction potential of the flavonoids.     

Erfahrungen über den Einsatz des Phosphorwasserstoffpräparates PHOSTOXIN in Jugoslawien

Summary This report is dealing with the fumigation of grain in granaries with phosphine against the main stored-grain insects in Yugoslavia. The phosphine gas was generated from PHOSTOXIN tablets which were inserted in the grain mass. The efficacy was tested by the mortality of laboratory-bred insects and insects of the natural infestation. The successful fumigation was depending on the temperature of the grain and of the storage rooms and on the exposure period. The covering of the grain mass by plastic sheets reduced the gas leakage considerably. The dosage of 5–6 tablets per ton of grain and an exposure time of 5 days resulted in a 100% mortality of all insect stages at a grain temperature of 19° C. In all trials the exposure time proved to be the main factor. For the control of the angoumois grain moth and the Indian meal moth in the storage rooms outside the grain mass an additional treatment with an insecticidal spray was necessary. The control of hot spots by inserting the tablets through a probe was successful, provided that these hot spots were not too numerous and could be marked off very accurately.

---

---

Die Übersetzung aus dem Jugoslawischen besorgte Herr Dipl.-Ing. MAYR, die Bearbeitung des deutschen Textes erfolgte durch Herrn. Dr. F. NEUBECKER; beide Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schädlingsbekämpfung m. b. H., Frankfurt a. M.     

Phenolic compound profiles and antioxidant capacity of Persea americana Mill. peels and seeds of two varieties

Avocado processing by the food and cosmetic industries yields a considerable amount of phenolic-rich byproduct such as peels and seeds. Utilization of these byproducts would be favorable from an economic point of view. Methanolic (80%) extracts obtained from lyophilized ground peels and seeds of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) of the Hass and Shepard varieties were characterized for their phenolic compound profiles using the HPLC-PAD technique. The structures of the identified compounds were subsequently unambiguously confirmed by ESI-MS. Compositional analysis revealed that the extracts contained four polyphenolic classes: flavanol monomers, proanthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonol glycosides. The presence of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, and procyanidin A trimers was identified in seeds of both varieties. Intervarietal differences were apparent in the phenolic compound profiles of peels. Peels of the Shepard variety were devoid of (+)-catechin and procyanidin dimers, which were present in the peels of the Hass variety. Peels of both varieties contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin derivatives. The differences in the phenolic profiles between varietals were also apparent in the different antioxidant activity of the extracts. The peel extracts had a higher total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity when compared to the seed extracts. The highest TEAC and ORAC values were apparent in peels of the Haas variety in which they amounted to 0.16 and 0.47 mmol Trolox/g DW, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were apparent between the TEAC values of seeds of the two varieties but the ORAC values differed significantly (p < 0.05). Overall these findings indicate that both the seeds and peel of avocado can be utilized as a functional food ingredient or as an antioxidant additive.     

OIL AND GAS INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS' CYTOTOXICITY STUDIED BY ALLIUM TEST

Allium test has already been used to determine cytotoxicity of waste drilling fluids. In the present work the cytotoxicity of four pure chemicals (Defoamex, Idthin 400, Magco Thin and Slick Pipe) was investigated. Those chemicals are components of drilling fluids, therefore, they are usually constituents of oil and gas industry waste waters. The tested chemicals were prepared in 1:9 dilution and cytotoxic effects on root-tip meristem ofAllium ascalonicum were analysed after 24-, 48- and 72-hour-treatments. All samples showed cytotoxicity which was proved by cytogenetic parameters such as inhibition of mitotic activity and increase of mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations in comparison with the control. Almost all mitotic abnormalities induced by four chemicals tested were the result of disturbed spindle mechanisms accompanied with stickiness. Slick Pipe revealed the most prominent mitodepressive effect and induced a high number of abnormalities. It caused a significant decrease of mitotic activity and increase of mitotic abnormalities after all three treatment durations, while chemicals Defoamex and Magco Thin showed a significant decrease of mitotic activity only after 72-hour-treatment. Chemicals Defoamex, Idthin 400 and Magco Thin revealed a significant increase of mitotic abnormalities after 48- and 72-hour-treatments.