Accumulation Of Phenolics Research Articles

Salinity Stress Effects on Some Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Traits of Basak

Soil salinity has long been regarded as one of the most serious environmental constraints limiting agricultural crop growth and productivity. The goal of this study was to analyze the morpho-physiological and biochemical alterations of basak plants at varying salinity levels by a pot experiment. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The three different salinity levels (4 dS/m, 8 dS/m and 12 dS/m) and control (tap water) comprised the four different treatments in this investigation. The study showed that all parameters viz growth, physiological and biochemical were influenced significantly by different seawater induced saline treatments over time. Different morpho-physiological features, such as plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, and total dry matter (TDM) were shown to be decreased with increasing salinity as compared to control. However, chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl-b, total Chl and carbohydrate content of basak plants were also negatively associated with increasing different seawater induced salinity levels. In response to seawater stress plants accumulate several biochemical compounds. In that case, the accumulation of proline (Pro), total phenol, MDA content and total antioxidant activities were found to be highest when plants were exposed to the uppermost salinity level i.e. 12 dS/m. Collectively, the findings reveal that, while seawater-induced salinity had a substantial impact on basak growth and biochemical parameters, all plants were able to endure a wide range of salinity levels, demonstrating the basak plant's ability to cope with salt-induced membrane damage.

Phenolic Acid Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Whole and Defatted Seeds of Italian Hemp Cultivars: A Two-Year Case Study

The study investigated the nutritional profile and nutraceutical composition of the seeds (whole and defatted) of two monoecious hemp cultivars (Carmaleonte, Codimono) and one dioecious cultivar (CS) grown during the 2018 and 2019 crop seasons. The phenolic acid profiles, both free and bound, antioxidant activity (AA), protein content (PC), total phenolic content (TPC), β-carotene, lutein content, and condensed tannins (CT) were studied, and the effects of genotype (G), year (Y), and GxY interaction were also measured. The results indicated the stronger involvement of the year in the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the whole seeds than in those of the defatted seeds, as indicated by the analysis of the variance. The PC, TPC, AA, sum of phenolics free (SPF), and sum of phenolics bound (SPB) were significantly affected by year, while the lutein and some phenolic acids, free and bound (ferulic and p-coumaric acids and N-trans-caffeoyltyramine), showed significant effects of the genotype. In this respect, the Carmaleonte revealed the highest content of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, as well as CS of N-trans-caffeoyltyramine. A prevalence of Y effect over G was measured in the free and bound fraction of the phenolics of the whole seeds, in contrast to the defatted seeds, in which significant effects of GxY were also measured. Moreover, the Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated a strict involvement of precipitations in the variation of the phenolics accumulation, above all with bound p-hydroxybenzoic acid (r = 0.71 **), bound syringic acid (r = 0.69 *), bound N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (r = 0.64 *), and SPB (r = 0.60 *). As phenolics bound fractions have strong biological activities, (including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities) the high concentrations of N-trans-Caffeoyltyramine B in the CS defatted seeds suggest that it is valuable ingredient for functional foods.

Mixing fruits in ready-to-eat packaging leads to physiological changes that modify quality attributes and antioxidant composition

Fresh-cut fruits in ready-to-eat packaging are convenient healthy snacks that can be composed of one type of fruit or a mixture of different fruits to attract consumer's attention. However, to date, no studies have been performed to determine whether fruit mixing could impair fruit quality traits or their shelf-life. Here, we aimed at evaluating quality and hormonal changes in unmixed and mixed cut fruits in packaging of kiwis, mangoes, oranges and pineapples over a 6-day period in cold storage to (i) determine endogenous events compromising cut fruit quality and (ii) assess whether fruit mixing could have an impact in their storage. Results showed fruit cutting led to rapid losses in water content and firmness, while respiration rates increased. Fruit mixing altered several quality parameters, delaying firmness loss in mangoes, oranges and pineapples, and increasing ratios of sugars by acids (TSS/TA) over time. Fruit mixing increased vitamin C contents in mangoes and oranges but decreased total phenols accumulation in oranges and pineapples. Kiwis had an opposite pattern of vitamin C accumulation, with unmixed kiwis having the highest ascorbate contents, while no significant differences were found for total phenols. Increased abscisic acid contents were also found in mangoes, oranges and pineapples of unmixed packaging, and kiwis displaying a much lower accumulation compared to the other fruits. Other phytohormones were also affected by fruit composition, suggesting an active involvement in fruit quality regulation. In conclusion, fruit composition in ready-to-eat packaging is an important factor determining the final quality and shelf-life of cut fruits.

Infestation Differences and Control of the Clearwing Moth (Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkh.) in Apple Orchards, Egypt.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The clearwing moth (<i>Synanthedon myopaeformis</i> Borkh.) is considered one of the most dangerous pests infesting apple orchards in Egypt, causing the destruction of apple trees and a significant reduction in tree vigour and yield. Therefore, controlling it has become an important issue. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in <i>S. myopaeformis</i> infestation in apple orchards in different geographical regions and the infestation rates to different agricultural operations. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The infestation percentages of <i>S. myopaeformis</i> in different geographical regions under varying agricultural operations were determined. Additionally, the amounts of chemical components (e.g., phenols, proline and total carbohydrates and proteins) in the stems and leaves of both infested and healthy apple trees were determined. Finally, the efficacy of seven different materials of varying types to control the borer was tested by painting the trunks of the apple trees. <b>Results:</b> The highest numbers of <i>S. myopaeformis</i> were recorded in July at locations with varying agricultural operations: Melig (25.88 adults), Kafer-Aleim (20.30 adults) and Al-Khatatba (13.02 adults). The emergence percentages recorded at the abovementioned locations were 44.55, 33.40 and 22.05%, respectively. The infested trees contained high amounts of proline and phenols in both stems and leaves, whereas total carbohydrate and protein contents were low. The highest reduction in the emergent population was recorded with the use of the pesticide Ranous (82.16%) and the application of used motor oil on the trunk (78.15%). <b>Conclusion:</b> The proposed treatment of infested apple trees is painting the trunks during the summer months, when <i>S. myopaeformis</i> activity is high, with motor oil and the pesticide Ranous. The accumulation of phenol and proline in the infested trees indicated a type of direct defense mechanism against <i>S. myopaeformis</i> attacks.

Insights into the Major Metabolites Involved in the Underground Floral Differentiation of Erythronium japonicum.

Background Erythronium japonicum Decne (Liliaceae) is an early spring ephemeral with an underground initial floral differentiation stage. The flowering mechanism is crucial in ornamental plants due to the associated economic value. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the metabolic landscape during floral differentiation, including flower primordium, perianth, stamen, and the pistil differentiation period, in E. japonicum coupled with a conjoint analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome. Using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we identified 586 metabolites from 13 major metabolite classes. Comparative metabolomics between different floral developmental stages revealed several abundant metabolites during the respective phases. Upaccumulation of p-coumaroylputrescine, scopoletin, isorhoifolin, cosmosiin, genistin, and LysoPC 15 : 0 emphasized the significance of these compounds during flower development. Furthermore, previously identified DEGs, viz., EARLY FLOWERING 3, Flowering locus K, PHD finger-containing protein, and zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein for floral differentiation, depicted a high correlation with lipid, flavonoid, and phenolics accumulation during floral developmental stages. Conclusions Together, the results improve our interpretation of the underground floral development in E. japonicum.

Selenium, Sulfur, and Methyl Jasmonate Treatments Improve the Accumulation of Lutein and Glucosinolates in Kale Sprouts.

Kale sprouts contain health-promoting compounds that could be increased by applying plant nutrients or exogenous phytohormones during pre-harvest. The effects of selenium (Se), sulfur (S), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on lutein, glucosinolate, and phenolic accumulation were assessed in kale sprouts. Red Russian and Dwarf Green kale were chamber-grown using different treatment concentrations of Se (10, 20, 40 mg/L), S (30, 60, 120 mg/L), and MeJA (25, 50, 100 µM). Sprouts were harvested every 24 h for 7 days to identify and quantify phytochemicals. The highest lutein accumulation occurred 7 days after S 120 mg/L (178%) and Se 40 mg/L (199%) treatments in Red Russian and Dwarf Green kale sprouts, respectively. MeJA treatment decreased the level of most phenolic levels, except for kaempferol and quercetin, where increases were higher than 70% for both varieties when treated with MeJA 25 µM. The most effective treatment for glucosinolate accumulation was S 120 mg/L in the Red Russian kale variety at 7 days of germination, increasing glucoraphanin (262.4%), glucoerucin (510.8%), 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin (430.7%), and glucoiberin (1150%). Results show that kales treated with Se, S, and MeJA could be used as a functional food for fresh consumption or as raw materials for different industrial applications.

Chemo profiling and antioxidant activity of different genotypes of Brassica oleracea var acephala grown across Kashmir in different environments

Green leafy vegetables are gaining significant interest due to their nutritional value and disease-preventing potential. The Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is known as the queen of vegetables in some parts of the world due to its higher nutritional value. The current comparative study evaluated total phenols, total flavonoids, glucosinolates, and antioxidant activity in thirty different genotypes of kale grown across the Kashmir valley in different environments. The leaves were collected at the edible stage, and the extracts were made using three different solvent systems (80% methanol, 80% ethanol, and water). The majority of the genotypes of kale indicated a difference in the content of bioactive compounds. Based on the accumulation of nutraceutical important phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and sterols, the 30 genotypes of kale indicated a difference in bioactive compounds' content. The aqueous extract of K-29 demonstrated the phenolic content (71.68mg/gallic acid/g DW) and 60.98μMol/g DW glucosinolate content. Moreover, the methanolic extract of the K-29 genotype also indicated the higher phenolic content (85.56 mg/gallic acid/g DW), flavonoid content (16.64 mg/quercetin/g DW) as well as antioxidant activity (92.56 μMol FRAP/g DW). The higher antioxidant potential of K-29 is corroborated by its higher metabolic content of phenols and flavonoids.

Effects of Fruit Bagging Treatment with Different Types of Bags on the Contents of Phenolics and Monoterpenes in Muscat-Flavored Table Grapes

The effects of fruit bagging treatments with seven different types of bags on the physicochemical characteristics of three table grape cultivars: RuiduZaohong (RDZH), RuiduHongyu (RDHY), and RuiduHongmei (RDHM) were investigated. Headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine the compositions of monoterpenes in the fruit. The results showed that the total soluble solids in RDZH and RDHY fruits treated with the transparent, mesh, yellow, white, and blue bags were significantly higher than the control. The sugar–acid ratio of RDZH was optimized under the transparent bag and yellow bag treatments, and both significantly increased the sugar-acid ratio of RDHY and RDHM. Additionally, mesh bag, transparent bag, and white bag improved the contents of phenolics to a certain extent. The most abundant volatiles were linalool, geraniol, β-myrcene, β-cis-ocimene, and β-trans-ocimene, of which linalool was the main aroma component. The least squares discriminant analysis results showed that linalool, 4-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used to distinguish the main contribution of different bagging treatments for RDZH. Trans-isogeraniol, α-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used for RDHY. Trans-isogeraniol, β-myrcene, and terpinolen could be used for RDHM. In conclusion, transparent and white bags promoted the accumulation of phenolics and monoterpenes while pink and blue bags showed inhibitory effects.

Distinctive phenolic accumulation response to temperature-induced by row orientation of two field-grown Vitis vinifera cultivars

PurposePhenolic compounds play a critical role in grape quality, and their content is strongly influenced by bunch zone temperature during the ripening period. The mechanism of responding to temperature was found to highly depend on cultivars. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of row orientation and canopy side on phenolic content in grape berries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed the accumulation of phenolic compounds in mature berries of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Gernischt. They were harvested from various canopy sides of north-south and east-west row orientations, which were NS–E and NS–W, EW–S and EW–N.FindingsDuring the ripening period, mean temperatures of the bunch zones, NS–W and EW–N were respectively higher than NS–E and EW–S. At harvest, the total phenolic, total anthocyanin, tannin and reducing sugar contents were higher in NS–E and EW–S, than in NS–W and EW–N, respectively, indicating a negative relationship with temperature. For both varieties, EW–S had the highest proportion of malvidins anthocyanins. Peonidins, delphinidins, and cyanidins anthocyanins of EW–N showed a higher ratio in Cabernet Sauvignon, while NS–E showed a higher ratio in Cabernet Gernischt.Originality/valueTo improve grape monomeric anthocyanin content, the results indicate that Cabernet Sauvignon of NS–W and Cabernet Gernischt of NS–E can be utilized for an effective strategy. Moreover, the optimal combination planting choices with cultivars would improve wine quality by increasing pigment concentrations linked to the color and antioxidant potential.

Transcription factors BBX11 and HY5 interdependently regulate the molecular and metabolic responses to UV-B.

UV-B radiation acts as a developmental cue and a stress factor for plants, depending on dose. Activation of the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) in a UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8)-dependent manner leads to the induction of a broad set of genes under UV-B. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating this process are less understood. Here, we use molecular, biochemical, genetic, and metabolomic tools to identify the B-BOX transcription factor B-BOX PROTEIN 11 (BBX11) as a component of the molecular response to UV-B in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). BBX11 expression is induced by UV-B in a dose-dependent manner. Under low UV-B, BBX11 regulates hypocotyl growth suppression, whereas it protects plants exposed to high UV-B radiation by promoting the accumulation of photo-protective phenolics and antioxidants, and inducing DNA repair genes. Our genetic studies indicate that BBX11 regulates hypocotyl elongation under UV-B partially dependent on HY5. Overexpression of BBX11 can partially rescue the high UV-B sensitivity of hy5, suggesting that HY5-mediated UV-B stress tolerance is partially dependent on BBX11. HY5 regulates the UV-B-mediated induction of BBX11 by directly binding to its promoter. BBX11 reciprocally regulates the mRNA and protein levels of HY5. We report here the role of a BBX11-HY5 feedback loop in regulating photomorphogenesis and stress tolerance under UV-B.

Keep oxygen in check: Contrasting effects of short-term aeration on hydrolytic versus oxidative enzymes in paddy soils

Enzymes produced by microorganisms and plants are very sensitive to variations in soil microclimate, yet most enzyme assays are conducted under oxic conditions irrespective of the origin of environmental samples. It remains unclear how short-term aeration (minutes to hours) affects the hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes in anoxic systems. This key gap in current methods was addressed by measuring the kinetics of hydrolytic phosphomonoesterase, β-glucosidase, and leucine aminopeptidase and the activities of oxidative phenol oxidases and peroxidases by fluorogenic substrates under oxic (+O2) and anoxic conditions (–O2). Aeration effects were tested in a flooded paddy soil with growing rice (research task 1: moderate O2 limitation) and without rice (research task 2: strong O2 limitation). We tested two hypotheses explaining possible effects of short-term aeration on hydrolytic versus oxidative enzymes. (1) Aeration promotes Fe(II) oxidation, which leads to the accumulation of phenolics through the “iron-gate” mechanism, thus suppressing the activities of hydrolytic enzymes compared to the anoxic conditions. (2) Aeration stimulates phenol oxidases that degrade phenolics according to the “enzyme latch” concept, thus eliminating the suppression of hydrolytic enzymes. The activities of hydrolytic enzymes were lower by 5–43% in both experiments under + O2 compared to –O2. In contrast, the activities of peroxidases and phenol oxidases were 2–14 times higher under + O2 than under –O2. Thus, the activation of oxidative enzymes under + O2 was uncoupled from the hydrolytic activities. This contradicts both the “iron gate” and the “enzyme latch” mechanisms. We explain the short-term suppressive effect of O2 in assays by increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species, which decreased microbial activity. We conclude that our modification of enzyme assays under anoxic conditions is required for samples taken from low-oxygen environments to avoid underestimation due to rapid suppression of hydrolytic enzyme activities by O2.

The Phenolic Composition of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Was Highly Influenced by Cultivar and Year and Little by Soil Liming or Foliar Spray Rich in Nutrients or Algae

The interest in expanding the production of hops outside the traditional cultivation regions, mainly motivated by the growth of the craft brewery business, justifies the intensification of studies into its adaptation to local growing conditions. In this study, four field trials were undertaken on a twenty-year-old hop garden, over periods of up to three years to assess the effect of important agro-environmental variation factors on hop phenol and phenolic composition and to establish its relationship with the elemental composition of hop cones. All the field trials were arranged as factorial designs exploring the combined effect of: (1) plots of different vigour plants × year; (2) plots of different plant vigor × algae- and nutrient-rich foliar sprays × year; (3) plot × liming × year; and (4) cultivars (Nugget, Cascade, Columbus) × year. Total phenols in hops, were significantly influenced by most of the experimental factors. Foliar spraying and liming were the factors that least influenced the measured variables. The year had the greatest effect on the accumulation of total phenols in hop cones in the different trials and may have contributed to interactions that often occurred between the factors under study. The year average for total phenol concentrations in hop cones ranged from 11.9 mg g−1 to 21.2 mg g−1. Significant differences in quantity and composition of phenolic compounds in hop cones were also found between cultivars. The phenolic compounds identified were mainly flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) and phenolic carboxylic acids (p-coumaric and caffeic acids).

Drought-protective effects of nutrient seed treatments during early growth of oilseed rape

Crop production is increasingly affected by water limitation even in temperate climates due to a rising frequency of drought periods, related with global change. The stress-protective nutrients, discussed as a mitigation strategy, were investigated for their potential drought-protective effects of nutrient seed treatments, based on Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Mn on early growth of oilseed rape (OSR). Responses were observed in five OSR hybrids under greenhouse conditions on two soils with contrasting properties (sandy-loam pH 5.6 vs. silty-loam pH 6.9) in two independent pot experiments. A 7-days drought period with reduced soil moisture level (40% soil water-holding capacity. WHC) inhibited shoot and root growth and caused irreversible wilting and leaf necrosis (27-46% of total leaf area) particularly on the sandy-loam with lower WHC, depending on the investigated genotype. Nutrient seed treatment increased shoot (10-15%) and particularly root growth (14-23%) as well as nutrient accumulation, but also reduced the proportion of irreversibly damaged leaves to 17-21%, with the largest effect in strongly drought-affected genotypes under the challenging conditions on the sandy-loam soil. Analysis of physiological stress indicators revealed increased accumulation of phenolics (23-28%), antioxidants (14-47%) and higher activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (23-87%) in the leaf tissue, counteracting drought-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, APX activity was positively related with root length (R20.8953), suggesting a protective effect on drought-induced oxidative IAA degradation with inhibitory effects on root growth. Increased levels of absisic, jasmonic and salicylic acids during drought stress recovery point to stress priming effects, strengthening the natural adaptive responses to water limitation.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Dry Raw Garlic Stalk Amendment Alleviate Continuous Monocropping Growth and Photosynthetic Declines in Eggplant by Bolstering Its Antioxidant System and Accumulation of Osmolytes and Secondary Metabolites.

Vegetable production under plastic sheds severely threatens regional eco-sustainability via anthropogenic activities (excessive use of agrochemicals, pesticides) and problems associated with replanting. Long-term successive cropping across growing seasons induces continuous cropping stress, whose effects manifest as diminished plant growth. Therefore, it is imperative that we develop environmentally sustainable approaches, such as replacing agrochemicals with vegetable waste like dry raw garlic stalk (DRGS) or use biofertilizers like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (e.g., Diversispora epigaea). In this study, the influence of AMF on the growth, biochemical attributes, antioxidant defense system, phytohormones, accumulation of osmolytes, phenols, and mineral elements in eggplant grown on DRGS-amended soils under continuous monocropping (CMC) was studied. The results showed that inoculation with AMF or the DRGS amendment could improve the pigments’ content, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system; augmented phytohormones synthesis (except for ABA), and increased the leaves’ mineral nutrients. These parameters were enhanced most by the combined application of AMF and DRGS, which also increased the concentration of osmolytes, including proline, sugars, and free amino acids in eggplant when compared with the control. Furthermore, either AMF and DRGS alone, or in combination, ameliorated the induced stress from continuous cropping by reducing the incidence of Fusarium wilt and production of ROS (reactive oxygen species); lipid peroxidation underwent maximal reduction in plants grown under the combined treatments. The AMF, DRGS, and AMF + DRGS exhibited a lower disease severity index (33.46, 36.42, and 43.01%), respectively, over control. Hence, inoculation with AMF coupled with DRGS amendment alters the photosynthetic attributes in eggplant through the upregulation of its antioxidant system and greater accumulation of osmolytes, which led to the improved growth and yield of eggplant.

Interactive effect of potassium and spermidine protects growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthesis in Vigna angularis from salinity induced damage by up-regulating the tolerance mechanisms

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of potassium (100 mg KCl / kg soil) and the spermidine (100 µM Spd) in regulation of growth, chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis in Vigna angularis under salinity stress (100 mM NaCl). Salinity declined chlorophyll synthesis by causing a significant decline in the synthesis of δ-amino levulinic acid (ALA), prototoporphyrin IX (Proto IX) and Mg-prototoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX), however application of K and Spd alone as well as combinedly alleviated the decline to considerable extent. Further, K and Spd treated plants exhibited a significant decline in reactive oxygen species and the lipid peroxidation and such effects were also obvious under salinity stress. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, Fv/Fm and photochemical quenching increased significantly due to K and Spd application, and salinity induced alleviation of the decline was maximal due to combined K and Spd treatment. Up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes activity, increased content of ascorbic acid and glutathione (GSH), and the accumulation of compatible osmolytes due to K and Spd application strengthened the tolerance against the salinity stress thereby lessening the oxidative effects considerably. Accumulation of phenols and flavonoids increased significantly due to application of K and Spd. Salinity caused significant increase in Na however K and Spd application induced a significant decline concomitant with increase in K content reflecting in decreased Na/K. Results suggest that K and Spd application protect the growth and photosynthesis from salinity induced oxidative damage by up-regulating the ion homeostasis, antioxidant system, osmolyte accumulation and secondary metabolite synthesis.

A Microbial Fermentation Product Induces Defense-Related Transcriptional Changes and the Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds in Glycine max.

With the progressive loss of fungicide efficacy against Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Asian soybean rust (ASR), alternative methods to protect soybean crops are needed. Resistance induction is a low impact alternative and/or supplement to fungicide applications that fortifies innate plant defenses against pathogens. Here, we show that a microbial fermentation product (MFP) induces plant defenses in soybean, and transcriptional induction is enhanced with the introduction of ASR. MFP-treated plants exhibited 1,011 and 1,877 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) 12 and 60 h after treatment, respectively, compared with water controls. MFP plants exposed to the pathogen 48 h after application and sampled 12 h later (for a total of 60 h) had 2,401 DEGs compared with control. The plant defense genes PR1, PR2, IPER, PAL, and CHS were induced with MFP application, and induction was enhanced with ASR. Enriched pathways associated with pathogen defense included plant-pathogen interactions, MAPK signaling pathways, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, flavonoid metabolism, and isoflavonoid metabolism. In field conditions, elevated antioxidant peroxidase activities and phenolic accumulation were measured with MFP treatment; however, improved ASR control or enhanced crop yield were not observed. MFP elicitation differences between field and laboratory grown plants necessitates further testing to identify best practices for effective disease management with MFP-treated soybean.

Non-rolling flag leaves use an effective mechanism to reduce water loss and light-induced damage under drought stress.

The study reports on four different types of flag leaf rolling under soil drought in relation to the level of cell wall-bound phenolics. The flag leaf colonization by aphids, as a possible bioindicator of the accumulation of cell wall-bound phenolics, was also estimated. The proteins of the photosynthetic apparatus that form its core and are crucial for maintaining its stability (D1/PsbA protein), limit destructive effects of light (PsbS, a protein binding carotenoids in the antennas) and participate in efficient electron transport between photosystems II (PSII) and PSI (Rieske iron-sulfur protein of the cytochrome b6f complex) were evaluated in two types of flag leaf rolling. Additionally, biochemical and physiological reactions to drought stress in rolling and non-rolling flag leaves were compared. The study identified four types of genome-related types of flag leaf rolling. The biochemical basis for these differences was a different number of phenolic molecules incorporated into polycarbohydrate structures of the cell wall. In an extreme case of non-rolling dehydrated flag leaves, they were found to accumulate high amounts of cell wall-bound phenolics that limited cell water loss and protected the photosynthetic apparatus against excessive light. PSII was also additionally protected against excess light by the accumulation of photosynthetic apparatus proteins that ensured stable and efficient transport of excitation energy beyond PSII and its dissipation as far-red fluorescence and heat. Our analysis revealed a new type of flag leaf rolling brought about by an interaction between wheat and rye genomes, and resulting in biochemical specialization of flexible, rolling and rigid, non-rolling parts of the flag leaf. The study confirmed limited aphid colonization of the flag leaves with enhanced content of cell wall-bound phenolics. Non-rolling leaves developed effective adaptation mechanisms to reduce both water loss and photoinhibitory damage to the photosynthetic apparatus under drought stress.

Seasonal variation in alkaloid content, phenolic constituent and biological activities of some Leucojum aestivum L. populations in Turkey

Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.), a bulbous plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, is a well-known source of two pharmaceutically significant alkaloids: galanthamine that is used to treat Alzheimer's disease and lycorine that has potent antiviral properties, especially against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Environmental factors such as temperature, light, soil, and so on, as well as harvest time and plant parameters such as genotype and plant parts, all have a quantitative and qualitative impact on secondary metabolite production such as alkaloids and phenols. This study hypothesized that different populations (genotype), growing seasons, environmental temperature and soil type can change the alkaloid (galanthamine and lycorine) and phenolic content, and biological activities (antioxidant and antibacterial) in the bulbs and leaves of this plant. Summer snowflakes were collected from 6 different locations in Turkey (Gölcük-Bolu, Yeniçağa-Bolu, Kaynarca-Sakarya, Delmece-Yalova, Uluabat-Bursa and Terkos-İstanbul) at 3 different growing periods (vegetative, reproductive and ripening). Methanol extract of the plant parts were quantitatively analyzed for their alkaloid content with HPLC-DAD, and for their antioxidant capacity and total phenol-flavonoid content with spectrophotometric determination. Besides, antibacterial activity was investigated with disc diffusion assay. The locations of Delmece-Yalova and Gölcük-Bolu provided galanthamine-rich population and optimal growing conditions for the cultivation of this species. Generally, vegetative and ripening periods were the most effective in alkaloid production. But, phenolic content accumulation was unrelated to the growing seasons. Higher temperatures in the bulbs and lower temperatures in the leaves supported the galanthamine and lycorine production. It was noticeable that alkaloid and total phenol accumulation in the bulbs showed similar tendency in that the highest temperature caused the highest alkaloid levels and phenolic content. Also, neutral to slightly alkaline soils with high organic matter content were effective in enhancing the alkaloid content and phenolic constituents. Moderate antioxidant activity and no antibacterial potential were observed with L. aestivum. The results found can be a guide for revealing the best population and environmental conditions for the cultivation of this plant, as well as showing the correct harvest time for bulbs and leaves to get the best galantamine and lycorine content.

Enhancement of phenolic acids accumulation in Salvia abrotanoides (Kar.) Sytsma shoot cultures under elicitation with nitric oxide

Enhancement of phenolic acids accumulation in Salvia abrotanoides (Kar.) Sytsma shoot cultures under elicitation with nitric oxide

The Inclusion of Green Light in a Red and Blue Light Background Impact the Growth and Functional Quality of Vegetable and Flower Microgreen Species

Microgreens are edible seedlings of vegetables and flowers species which are currently considered among the five most profitable crops globally. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for plant growth, development, and synthesis of health-promoting phytochemicals with a more flexible and feasible spectral manipulation for microgreen production in indoor farms. However, research on LED lighting spectral manipulation specific to microgreen production, has shown high variability in how these edible seedlings behave regarding their light environmental conditions. Hence, developing species-specific LED light recipes for enhancement of growth and valuable functional compounds is fundamental to improve their production system. In this study, various irradiance levels and wavelengths of light spectrum produced by LEDs were investigated for their effect on growth, yield, and nutritional quality in four vegetables (chicory, green mizuna, china rose radish, and alfalfa) and two flowers (french marigold and celosia) of microgreens species. Microgreens were grown in a controlled environment using sole-source light with different photosynthetic photon flux density (110, 220, 340 µmol m−2 s−1) and two different spectra (RB: 65% red, 35% blue; RGB: 47% red, 19% green, 34% blue). At harvest, the lowest level of photosynthetically active photon flux (110 µmol m−2 s−1) reduced growth and decreased the phenolic contents in almost all species. The inclusion of green wavelengths under the highest intensity showed positive effects on phenolic accumulation. Total carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity were in general enhanced by the middle intensity, regardless of spectral combination. Thus, this study indicates that the inclusion of green light at an irradiance level of 340 µmol m−2 s−1 in the RB light environment promotes the growth (dry weight biomass) and the accumulation of bioactive phytochemicals in the majority of the microgreen species tested.