Invigoration of Expired Soybean Seeds Using Plant Extract: Effects on Viability and Growth

The use of immunoaffinity columns containing anti-gibberellin (GA) antibodies for the selective purification of GAs in plant extracts is described. GA(1), GA(3), GA(4), GA(5), GA(7), and GA(9) conjugates to bovine serum albumin were synthesized and used to elicit anti-GA polyclonal antibodies (Abs) in rabbits. Protein A purified rabbit serum, containing a mixture of anti-GA Abs, was immobilized on matrices of Affi-gel 10 or Fast-Flow Sepharose 4B. Columns of these immunosorbents retained a wide range of C-19 GA methyl esters, but no C-20 GA methyl esters. Quantitative recovery of C-19 GA methyl esters was achieved from the columns, which, after reequilibration in buffer, could be reused up to 500 times. The immunosorbents were tested by examination of extracts from immature soybean and pea seeds. GAs were initially purified by passing the extracts through DEAE-cellulose and concentrating them on octadecylsilica. The extracts were methylated and further purified on the mixed anti-GA immunoaffinity columns. GAs were detected and quantified as methyl esters or methyl ester trimethylsilyl ethers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring. GA(7) was found in soybean seeds, 17 days after anthesis, at low levels (8.8 nanograms per gram fresh weight). C-19 GAs were examined in cotyledons, embryonic axes, and testae of G2 pea seeds harvested 20 days after anthesis. High levels of GA(20) and GA(29) were found in cotyledons (3580 and 310 nanograms per gram fresh weight, respectively) and embryonic axes (5375 and 1430 nanograms per gram) fresh weight, respectively). Lower levels of GA(9) were found in cotyledons and embryonic axes (147 and 161 nanograms per gram fresh weight, respectively). GA(9) was the major GA of testae at levels of 195 nanograms per gram fresh weight. Trace quantities of GA(20) and GA(51) were also observed in testae.

Some medicinal plants contain natural compounds such as isoflavonoids and polyphenols that produce sterility in male animals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Sea Island cotton, Gossypium barbadense; the ethanolic extract of seeds of soybean, Glycine max; and the ethanolic extract of the leaves of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, on the fertility of male albino mice as a prelude for their usage in the control of house mice. The extraction of cottonseeds was performed by soaking and shaking, and the extraction of soybeans seeds and rosemary leaves was performed using the Soxhlet apparatus. Sperm parameters, histology of testes, and biochemical parameters of treated mice were compared with the corresponding ones of untreated mice. The oral administration of all extracts caused a significant reduction in sperm count and motility, and had severe histopathological effects on the testes. The plant extracts also caused significant decreases in the concentration of free testosterone, significant increases in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and a significant decrease in the concentration of urea in serum (except the extract of soybeans). The plant extracts tested in the present study proved to have anti-fertility effects on male albino mice, but it caused significant perturbations in the kidney and liver. These extracts could be used in the control of house mice. Key words: Cotton seeds, plant extracts, Rosemary, semen analysis, soybeans, testosterone.

A two-step screening method, using estrogen receptor-mediated transactivation, to measure estrogenicity in edible plants

Quantification of isoflavones by capillary zone electrophoresis in soybean seeds: effects of variety and environment

The aim of the paper was to examine the allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts of herbs and medicinal plants on the quality parameters of aged soybean seeds. The research was carried out at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on aged seeds of two soybean varieties, NS simba and NS viseris. The seeds were aged for 20 months. In order to determine the allelopathic effect, the seeds were primed in aqueous plant extracts: geranium (Geranium sinense), dill (Anethum graveolens), andy everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), celery (Apium graveolens), oregano (Origanum vulgare), basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), sage (Salvia officinalis), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). The results show that it is not possible to talk about the universal application of a particular aqueous extract, because the effect of the allochemicals was significantly influenced by the variety. In the variety NS viseris, all aqueous extracts except Melissa officinalis, significantly reduced GE, GP, and VI. The most negative effect was achieved with the use of Apium graveolens, Thymus serpyllum, and Ocimum basilicum. Apium graveolens and Thymus serpyllum also had the greatest impact on quality reduction in the NS simba variety. However, in the NS simba variety, a significant increase in seed quality was achieved in addition to the reduction. The use of the aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis increased GE and GP by 13.7%, and VI by 10.21%. A positive effect was achieved with the use of Melissa officinalis. All aqueous extracts had a significant effect on T50 in both varieties, even the aqueous extracts that had a negative effect on GE and GP.

The use of mass spectrometry to identify recombinant proteins that are expressed in total soluble proteins (TSPs) from plant extracts is necessary to accelerate further processing steps. For example, the method consists of TSP sample preparation and trypsin digestion prior to the preliminary characterization using nanoUPLC-MS(E) analysis of the recombinant proteins that are expressed in TSP samples of transgenic soybean seeds. A TSP sample as small as 50 μg can be effectively analyzed. In this study, transgenic soybean seeds that expressed recombinant cancer testis antigen (CTAG) were used. The procedure covered 30% of the protein sequence and was quantified at 0.26 ng, which corresponded to 0.1% of the TSP sample. A comparative proteomic profile was generated by the comparison of a negative control and sample that showed a unique expression pattern of CTAG in a transgenic line. The experimental data from the TSP extraction, sample preparation and data analysis are discussed herein.

Overcome Deterioration of Soybean Seed During Storage by Using Some Plant Extracts

The flower-inducing activities of aqueous extracts of several plants were fractionated by gel filtration. Three major peaks, corresponding to molecular weights of about 120, 20 to 30, and 5 to 10 kilodaltons, were detected in extracts of Lemna, Pharbitis, and Brassica. The latter two peaks may be degradation products generated during the extraction procedure. In extracts of soybean seeds, only the peak of material of 120 kilodaltons was detected. This is the first published report of a high molecular mass substance with florigenic activity in Lemna plants. The florigenic substance had some properties associated with proteins (or polypeptides), but the activity was unaffected by treatment with proteinase K.

The yield of soybean in the Philippines is significantly low. Presoaking is one of the seed priming techniques to improve seed quality. This study aimed to determine the effects of selected fermented plant extracts and commercial organic fertilizer on germination and vigor of soybean seeds. The seeds presoaked in organic agriculture inputs such as ipil ipil FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice), squash FFJ (Fermented Fruit Juice), commercial organic fertilizer (PSPLOF), and water (control). The seeds were then subjected to seed quality tests to evaluate germination and vigor. Ipil ipil FPJ and squash FFJ significantly improved the percentage germination, first count, vigor index, seedling growth, and seedling emergence. Commercial fertilizer showed poor results in seed germination and vigor tests. Seeds soaked in water showed high percentage germination but have poor vigor. Data were arranged in factorial in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The initial seed quality results revealed significantly poor germination and vigor. Therefore, presoaking of soybean seeds in ipil ipil FPJ and squash FFJ is recommended to improve the germination and vigor of soybean seeds. The results could be useful to reduce the cost of soybean production and to enhance the yield of soybean.

Fungicidal and growth-stimulating effect of Rheum rhaponticum L. roots and leaves plant extracts in the soybean seeds presowing treatment