Amount Of Pigment Research Articles

The Weathering of the Beech and Spruce Wood Impregnated with Pigmented Linseed Oil

This research aimed to examine the effects of a deep impregnation technique (Royal process) and surface coating using a linseed oil-based product, enhanced with small amounts of brown and grey pigments, on the natural and artificial weathering of wood. The treated and reference samples underwent natural weathering for five years and artificial weathering for 1900 h. Changes in color and surface roughness were assessed during weathering. For the artificially weathered samples, liquid water absorption was measured both before and after exposure. The impregnated and coated samples gradually lost their brown color, turning grey over time. More pronounced differences were observed during natural weathering, with the coated samples showing greater structural changes on the wood surface. In contrast, impregnated samples slowed down structural alterations compared to the reference samples. Both treatments effectively reduced water absorption before weathering, although this effect diminished after exposure. The treatments did not significantly impact the fire resistance of spruce and beechwood.

Studying the Influence of Salt Concentrations on Betalain and Selected Physical and Chemical Properties in the Lactic Acid Fermentation Process of Red Beetroot

This study emphasizes the significance of optimizing salt content during the fermentation of red beetroot to produce healthier and high-quality fermented products. It investigates the impact of different salt levels on fermentation, analyzing various parameters such as pH levels, dry matter content, total acidity, salt content, color changes, pigment content, and lactic acid bacteria count. This study identifies the most favorable salt concentration for bacterial growth during fermentation and storage as 2–3%. It was evaluated that salt levels fluctuated significantly during fermentation, with nearly 50% of the added salt absorbed by the beetroot tissues, mainly when lower salt concentrations were used. The fermentation process had a negative effect on the content of betalain pigments, as well as yellow pigments, including vulgaxanthin-I. It was also found that fermentation and storage affected the proportions of red pigments, with betacyanins proving to be more stable than betaxanthins, and that salt addition affected negatively pH and total acidity while causing an increase in yellow color. The pH was negatively correlated with the duration of the process, the amount of red pigment, and bacterial count. The results indicate that lower salt levels can lead to favorable physicochemical and microbiological parameters, allowing for the production of fermented red beetroot with reduced salt content without compromising quality.

Selenium Enrichment of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica) to Improve The Growth, Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity and Glucosinolate Compounds.

Selenium is a micronutrient element that is beneficial for the growth and development of plants. It has antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties that are essential for human and animal health. Low-consumption mineral elements such as selenium can be included in the diet from various sources. To investigate the growth and phytochemical attributes of a broccoli cultivar "Heracklion", an experiment with five levels of selenium concentration (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/L sodium selenate) was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in the field condition. With increasing the concentration of sodium selenate in the foliar application, the accumulation of sodium selenate in broccoli increased and the highest amount (1.47 mg/kg dry weight) was measured at 20 mg/L of sodium selenate. The highest amount of photosynthetic pigments in leaves was recorded at 15 mg/L of sodium selenate. In the case of glucosinolates, with increasing selenium concentration up to 20 mg/L concentration, glucoraphanin, 4-methoxy glucobrassicin, and aliphatic glucosinolates increased in leaves. It could be demonstrated that foliar application of selenium at 10 mg/L led to an improvement of secondary metabolites, especially glucoraphanin, both in leaves and florets, and could also have a positive effect on human nutrition.

Studying the composition and anti-radiation properties of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in wheat seeds

Aim. The purpose of the research was to study the chemical composition, develop methods for obtaining an extract from the leaves of Salvia officinalis L. and study their anti-radiation properties of irradiated wheat seeds of the Guneshli variety. Methods. Using qualitative reactions and chromatography, the content of lipids, essential oils, diterpene acids, phenolic compounds, macro- and microelements in plants was determined. Wheat seeds were irradiated using a URI installation (K-25) at a dose rate of 13.4 rad/sec, at a dose of 200 Gy. The amount of chlorophyll pigments, carotenoids, and malondialdehyde was measured using a spectrophotometer. Chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves was determined using a MINI-PAM device. Results. According to the results of morphological and physiological-biochemical parameters of seedlings, 0.01 % and 0.001 % Salvia officinalis extract has a positive effect on growth and development, increases the maximum quantum yield of PS II and reduces the yield of lipid peroxidation product. Conclusions. It has been established that Salvia officinalis extract has a radioprotective effect and can be used as a radioprotector for some agricultural plants.

Biosynthesis and Extraction of Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, and Betalaine In Vivo and In Vitro.

As natural bioactive compounds, plant pigments play crucial roles not only in plant phenotype, growth, development, and adaptation to stress but also hold unique value in biotechnology, healthcare, and industrial applications. There is growing interest in the biosynthesis and acquisition of plant pigments. Thus, this paper explores emerging extraction methods of natural pigments and elucidates the biosynthesis pathways of four key plant pigments, chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalaine in vivo and in vitro. We comprehensively discuss the application of solvent, supercritical fluid [extraction], ultrasonic, and microwave-assisted extraction techniques, as well as introducing key enzymes, precursors, and synthetic pathways involved in pigment synthesis. δ-Aminolevulinic acid represents a pivotal initiating enzyme for chlorophyll synthesis, whereas isopentenylpyrophosphate, (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, (DMAPP) are closely associated with carotenoid biosynthesis. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are critical substances for anthocyanin and betalaine synthesis, respectively. Hence, crucial genes such as chlI, crtB, PGT8, CYP76AD1, and BvDODA can be employed for heterologous biosynthesis in vitro to meet the demand for increased plant pigment amount. As a pivotal determinant of plant coloration, an in-depth exploration into the high-quality acquisition of plant pigments can provide a basis for developing superior pigments and offer new insights into increasing pigment yield.

Comparison of the Characteristics of Baekak(chalk) and Hobun(shell) Pigment for Dancheong based on Natural Raw Materials

Calcium carbonate white pigments were manufactured by classifying them into Baekak(chalk) and Hobun(Shell) according to the type of natural raw material, and their material characteristics were analyzed. Their performances were compared by evaluating their weather resistance, antifungal activity, and flame retardancy. The main components of Baekak pigments are calcite and dolomite, and those of Hobun pigments a re calcite and a ragonite. Depending on the raw material, the specific factors identified are Mg from the mineral composition of Baekak pigments, and P and S from the protein composition of Hobun pigments. The particle shape of the pigment shows a crystal structure unique to minerals in the case of Baekak pigments, but the Hobun pigments are classified into plate-shaped or columnar structures depending on the raw material and are in an aggregated state with a large specific surface area. While the absorption amount of Baekak pigments made from limestone and dolomite is similar, that of Hobun pigments shows differences depending on the raw material, with the absorption amount being high in the order of oyster > cockle > clam. As a result of the color analysis, both the Baekak and the Hobun pigments had L* values of over 90 and opacity of over 90, indicating good whiteness and painting workability. As a result of the accelerated weathering test, the final color difference value(ΔE) was less than 2.02, which was difficult to recognize with the naked eye, and the Hobun pigment showed superior color and film stability compared to the Baekak pigment. As a result of the antifungal test, all calcium carbonate-based white pigments showed high preventive effects against decay fungi, and among them, the pigment made from clams and cockles showed excellent antiseptic properties. In addition, the pigment made from clams and cockles has been shown to have flame retardant properties, and it is expected that it will contribute to enhancing the preservation of organic cultural heritage when applied to it.

Functionalization of silk with actinomycins from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 for biomedical applications.

Silk, traditionally acclaimed as the "queen of fiber," has been widely used thanks to its brilliant performance such as gentleness, smoothness and comfortableness. Owing to its mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility silk has a definitive role in biomedical applications, both as fibroin and fabric. In this work, the simultaneous dyeing and functionalization of silk fabric with pigments from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 were investigated. This strain produced high amounts of orange extracellular pigments on mannitol-soy flour agar, identified as actinomycin D, C2 and C3. The application of purified actinomycins in the dyeing of multifiber fabric was assessed. Actinomycins exhibited a high affinity towards protein fibers (silk and wool), but washing durability was maintained only with silk. Acidic condition (pH5) and high temperature (65°C) facilitated the silk dyeing. The morphologies and chemical components of the treated silk fabrics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the pigments bind to the silk through interaction with the carbonyl group in silk fibroin rendering the functionalized, yet surface that does not cause skin irritation. The treated silk exhibited a remarkable antibacterial effect, while the biocompatibility test performed with 3D-reconstructed human epidermis model indicated safe biological properties, paving the way for future application of this material in medicine.

ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF INORGANIC PIGMENTS ON THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DECORATIVE CEMENTS

The article presents the results of research on the influence of inorganic pigments on the technological properties of decorative cements. It has been established that regardless of the color of the pigment, with an increase in its quantity in the system, we get a more saturated and bright color of cement stone, but at the same time there is a negative effect of pigments and technological and physical and mechanical properties of artificial stone. The research was conducted on cement systems based on white Portland cement without additives and on cement systems based on white Portland cement modified with polycarboxylate superplasticizer. An increase in the amount of pigment, regardless of its color, leads to an increase in the water consumption of the cement system, however, when a superplasticizer is introduced, the effect of the pigment is not so significant. At the same time, the introduction of a superplasticizer reduces the water consumption of white cement without the introduction of pigments by an average of 37-40%. In addition, it was established that the introduction of pigments affects the hardening time of cement systems. At the same time, pigments, depending on their color and dosage, have different effects on both the start and end of aging. With an increase in the pigment content in a cement system without a plasticizer, the time of the onset of hardening increases, and the introduction of a permanent pigment has the greatest effect on the end of hardening of such a system. The introduction of pigments into plasticized cement systems increases both the start and end time of hardening. As the number of pigments of all colors increases, the strength of the samples decreases. At the same time, the red pigment leads to the greatest decline in strength at all stages of hardening. The decrease in strength can be explained by the increased water consumption, and, as a result, the increased porosity of pigmented samples compared to samples without the introduction of pigments. Further research aimed at finding additives that will reduce the negative impact of inorganic pigments on the processes of hydration and hardening of the cement system, and therefore on the durability of the obtained artificial stone, will be relevant. At the same time, it is important to preserve the intensity of the color and the absence of sediment formation.

Alteration of stress-physiological mechanisms in sRNA-treated sweet corn plants during MDMV infection.

Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) can significantly reduce the growth and development of susceptible varieties of sweet corn. The virus utilises the energy and reserve sources of plant cells to ensure its reproduction in the microspaces formed by cell membranes. Therefore, the severity of stress can be monitored by examining certain physiological changes, for example, changes in the degree of membrane damage caused by lipid peroxidation, as well as changes in the amount of photosynthetic pigments. The activation of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase) and the accumulation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties can indirectly protect against the oxidative stress caused by the presence of the positive orientation, single-stranded RNA-virus. This study demonstrates the changes in these physiological processes in a sweet corn hybrid (Zea mays cv. saccharata var. Honey Koern.) susceptible to MDMV infection, and suggests that exogenous small RNA treatment can mitigate the damage caused by virus infection.

Creation of novel animal protein substitutes with potato protein and gellan gum: Control of food texture, color, and shape

It is challenging to accurately simulate the desirable sensory attributes of animal-derived foods (like meat, seafood, egg, or cheese) using plant-derived ingredients. As a result, many omnivores are reluctant to incorporate plant-based foods into their diet. In this study, our aim was to develop a new category of plant-based foods known as novel animal protein substitutes (NAPS), which are not designed to mimic the properties of animal-derived foods. Instead, they are designed to have appearances, textures, flavors, and nutritional profiles that consumers find desirable. In this study, we showed that NAPS with different textures, colors, and shapes could be formulated from potato protein (PP) and high acyl or low acyl gellan gum (HA-GG or LA-GG). In addition to their functional attributes, the PP provided a source of essential amino acids, whereas the gellan gum contributed to the overall dietary fiber content. Texture analysis showed that the elastic modulus and fracture properties of NAPS could be modulated by controlling the biopolymer composition of PP/HA-GG or PP/LA-GG hydrogels. Colorimetry showed that the color and appearance of NAPS could be manipulated by adding different types and amounts of natural pigments. In addition, the impact of food matrix effects on the thermal stability of the natural pigments was examined. Our results show that nutritionally enhanced plant-based foods with a wide range of physicochemical properties can be created from plant proteins and dietary fibers, which opens the opportunity of creating a new protein-rich food category to replace animal-derived foods. In the future, however, it will be important to establish whether this kind of product will be accepted by consumers, thereby increasing the diversity of plant-based dietary options in the market.

Diversity analysis of cyanobacterial flora from the Tatapani Hot Spring of Chhattisgarh and exploration of their industrially as well as environmentally valuable properties

The present study investigates the cyanobacterial diversity of Tatapani hot spring, Chhattisgarh, India, using a polyphasic approach, their pigment system, biofuel properties and ability to bioremediate emerging pollutant triclosan. While the microscopic analyses of the natural samples reflected high cyanobacterial diversity with all morpho-forms, physicochemical studies revealed temperature being the major factor affecting the cyanobacterial distribution in the hot spring. Among the 22 collected cyanobacterial samples, 14 were grown successfully under laboratory conditions and 10 of them showed optimum growth at 45 °C. However, four strains displayed preference for lower temperature (27 °C) for optimum growth. The polyphasic characterization of 14 strains revealed that all the thermophiles belonged to the genus Mastigocladus whereas the strains Sytonema sp. TPJ-3, Calothrix sp. TPB-2, Westiellopsis sp. TPR-29 and Desikacharya sp. TPB-4 constituted the group of mesophiles. Calothrix sp. TPB-2 was identified as a novel genus (Neocalothrix thermalis) based on distinct morphology and phylogenetic position with unique ITS folding pattern. Additionally, our study disclosed the production of comparatively higher amounts of pigments and medium chain length fatty acids (C16 to C18) by the thermophilic strains, which indicated their potential to be used as feedstocks for pigments and biofuel production respectively. Although the triclosan bioremediation study reflected considerable triclosan removal efficiencies of all the strains, most impressive results were observed in case of Westiellopsis sp. TPR-29 (93.08 %) and Mastigocladus sp. TA-8 (91.92 %). Moreover, the in-silico study-based revelation of high triclosan binding ability of cyanobacterial laccase (−5.8 and − 5.4 kcal/mol) and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (−5.9 and − 6.0 kcal/mol) suggested the probable triclosan degrading potential of Westiellopsis and Mastigocladus. Conclusively, the Tatapani hot spring represents a unique environment with the dominance of true-branched heterocytous thermophilic cyanobacteria that have enormous potential to remove triclosan and produce high amounts of pigments and medium chain length fatty acids.

Synthesis and Characterization of Red Pigment from Acid Regeneration Plant (ARP) By-product Via Rod Milling Process

Iron o xide waste from acid regeneration plants (ARP) is often discarded due to its non-profitability. This research aims to introduce a value-added process to convert iron oxide waste into red pigment via rod milling process. The iron oxide waste collected from ARP was grinded with a rod milling machine at 30 rpm for 24 hours. The ground product was then mixed with industrial-grade red pigment in various ratios. The mixed samples were then rod-milled again into ultra-fine particles. A total of seven samples were prepared, applied onto a canvas and analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. From the analyses, the existence, composition, and orientation of iron oxide were established. The waste-derived red pigments were subsequently subjected to particle size analysis on a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) platform, with results showcasing the efficiency of the rod milling process. Colour-related properties of the samples before and after canvas application were investigated using the L*a*b* system with a chromameter. Empirical outcomes indicated that the a* value plays an important role in determining the redness of the sample. Overall, the a* values obtained were above 15 and gradually increased in accordance to the amount of industrial-grade red pigment added. The oil absorptivity of red pigments was also tested via an oil absorptivity test. Notably, the assay signified that particle size and porosity affect the amount of oil that can be absorbed by the pigment.

A deoxyviolacein-based transposon insertion vector for pigmented tracer studies.

Pigments provide a simple means to rapidly visually ascertain the quantities or presence of specific microbes in a complex community. The selection of pigment-producing colonies that are simple to differentiate from common colony phenotypes provides a high degree of certainty for the identity of pigment-tagged strains. Successful employment of pigment production is dependent on various intrinsic factors related to proper levels of gene expression and pigment production that are not always easy to predict and vary within each microbe. We have constructed a simple transposon system that incorporates the genes for the production of deoxyviolacein, a pigment produced from intracellular reserves of the amino acid tryptophan, to randomly insert these genes throughout the genome. This tool allows the user to select from many thousands of potential sites throughout a bacterial genome for an ideal location to generate the desired amount of pigment. We have applied this system to a small selection of endophytes and other model bacteria to differentiate these strains from complex communities and confirm their presence after several weeks in natural environments. We provide two examples of applications using the pigments to trace strains following introduction into plant tissues or to produce a reporter strain for extracellular nitrogen compound sensing. We recognize that this tool could have far broader utility in other applications and microbes, and describe the methodology for use by the greater scientific community.

Rubus plicatus Weihe & Nees: resilience to pollution caused by stone quarries

This study aimed to analyze the effect of pollution caused by stone quarries on the morpho-anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology of a medicinal wild bramble Rubus plicatus Weihe & Nees. Samples were collected from two natural protected areas: Iron Gates Natural Park and Jiu Gorge National Park, both located in the southwestern part of Romania, and two unpolluted areas from these parks as background sites. We carried out the following analyses on the collected leaves of this taxon: morphology, micromorphology, anatomy, assimilating pigments, heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe), dry mass, bioactive compounds (total phenols and flavonoids), and antioxidant capacity. The results showed more stomata, higher amounts of assimilating pigments, higher amounts of heavy metals (especially lead), less dry mass, less phenols, and more flavonoids in Rubus plicatus leaves from polluted areas compared to areas without sources of pollution. The increased number of stomata and the amounts of assimilator pigments revealed the mechanisms developed by this species in order to survive in polluted conditions.

The effect of betel nut extract on melanin pigment levels in rats' skin exposed to Ultraviolet B radiation

This study aims to analyze the effect of areca nut extract on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light. The research method used was post-test with control group design. The total sample of white rats used was 20 rats, which were divided into 4 groups with each group consisting of 5 rats. The cream preparation was made using cold cream base. The rats were then exposed to UVB with a certain intensity for 5 days, characterized by erythema as a result of UVB absorption into the epidermis. Each group of treated rats received base cream, 10% areca nut extract cream, and 15% areca nut extract cream topically for 14 days before termination on day 15. The collected data were then tabulated and analyzed. To determine significant differences or influences between the test groups, analysis was carried out with t-test or Independent Samples T-Test approach at 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). The results of the analysis showed that the administration of areca nut extract was effective in reducing the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to Ultraviolet-B light. From histopathological observations, the administration of areca nut extract with a concentration of 15% is effective in removing or fading melanin pigments in the skin exposed to Ultraviolet-B light and the results of damaged skin melanin pigments appear in the epidermis of rat skin barely visible grain.

Salt-induced changes in morpho-physiological and biochemical properties in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings

Salinity is one of the most severe abiotic stresses for crop production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of NaCl on growth and some biochemical parameters in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings. Chickpeas were grown hydroponically for 14 days and then treated with 0 mM and 200 mM NaCl. Plants were harvested for the experiment 7 days after salt treatment. Salinity showed marked changes in growth parameters (fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots) and the amount of photosynthetic pigments. The study revealed that the activity of photosystems (PS I and PS II) under salt stress is lower than that of plants growing under normal conditions. The spectral characteristics of the chloroplasts isolated from chickpea leaves were studied by the fluorescence method at liquid nitrogen temperature (77K). Under salt stress, the chloroplast fluorescence emission spectrum decreased in the parts of the spectrum characterizing the PSII (maxima at 686 nm and 695 nm) and PSI complexes (maxima at 735 nm). Keywords: Photosynthetic pigments, chloroplasts, photosystems, fluorescence, chickpea

An open-labeled randomized non-comparative clinical trial on the efficacy of fairfoot ointment in Vipadika

In Ayurveda, cracked or fissured feet are often associated with an imbalance in the Vata dosha. An excess of Vata in the body can lead to various skin issues, including dry and cracked skin, not only on the feet but on other parts of the body. Fairfoot ointment, a proprietary product, is an antifungal and antiseptic combination of Jathyadi Grutham, Jeevanthyadi Yamakam and Karanja Thailam, intended for external application of cracked feet and other skin conditions like chapped lips, anal fissures etc. An open-labeled randomized non-comparative clinical trial study was conducted on 30 patients presenting with cracked feet, fissures, dry scaly skin, pain, and itching to prove the efficacy in Vipadika. The associated symptoms of pigmentation and skin elasticity were also evaluated as part of this trial. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to quantify pain. On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, dryness, wrinkles, scaling, itching, and skin laxity were scored. At each point of examination, the amount of cracking and pigmentation were counted. The study involved four evaluations of the participants. Following pairwise analysis using the SPSS 16.0 program, data were examined using Repeated Measure ANOVA. The results of the study showed a considerable reduction in the symptoms of dryness, cracking, pain, and itching. Additionally, there was a statistically significant decline in the symptoms of skin laxity, wrinkles, sealing, and pigmentation. No adverse events were observed during the course of the experiment, suggesting that the medication is safe. Clinical findings indicate that Fairfoot ointment could be used for the improvement and treatment of patients with Vipadika.

A novel method of flash‐hydrolysis assisted pigment extraction (carotenoids) from microalgae biomass

AbstractThe human body can easily convert β‐carotene into retinol (a precursor of vitamin A), a significant ingredient in dietary supplements. The need for commercial natural pigment production, including β‐carotene, has led to intensive research in this area. Processing after biosynthesis is a vital stage that involves the use of nontoxic solvents, efficient mechanical disruption of cells, and the isolation of the required compounds. With the growing popularity of green extraction methods and the increasing market demand for carotenoids due to their health benefits, the use of clean, nontoxic, flash‐hydrolyzed biomass for carotenoid production presents a significant advantage. Furthermore, the remaining biomass can serve as a protein source for animal feed, thereby aligning with the principles of the biorefinery concept. In this study, our aim was to optimize the disruption of cells in two microalgal species using flash hydrolysis (FH). We applied two distinct levels of pressure and four separate temperature conditions over a brief residence time. Following this, we employed an ethanol extraction method to assess the efficiency of carotenoid pigment extraction. Flash hydrolysis is a chemical‐free subcritical water‐based continuous‐flow process, injected with wet biomass slurry at a high temperature (150–250 °C) for a very short time (8–12 s) to obtain bioproducts. In this study, we discovered that the pigment β‐carotene constituted 0.04 to 0.3% of the dry biomass in the case of Chlorella vulgaris. Bands of lutein and zeaxanthin were also observed in the thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the treated slurry. This was achieved under conditions of an effective temperature of 200 °C and a pressure of 1700 psi. The Arthrospira platensis (1Tex), β‐carotene yield was 0.014 to 0.021% of dry biomass. Some lutein and zeaxanthin bands were also found in the treated slurry with an effective temperature of 150 °C and 1000 psi pressure. This study reports pigment extraction by FH for the first time. It is a viable process to scale up high‐value natural products like carotenoids from microalgae at the industrial level without adverse environmental impacts. Due to low residence time, the temperature does not have a negative effect on pigments; cell rupture was accomplished effectively using water as a solvent. A considerable amount of pigment could be recovered from microalgae at specific combinations of temperature and pressure depending on the type of cell wall that microalgae possess.

Вміст пластидних пігментів у дерев сосни звичайної уражених сосновим вертуном в умовах Західного Полісся

The biosynthesis of plastid pigments in Pinus sylvestrys L.was investigated in pine trees affected by Melampsora pinitorqua in the conditions of the Western Polissya. The total content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the needles of trees with a mild and moderate degree of damage by Melampsora pinitorqua is 13,3…30,0% lower than in the control. Trees severely affected by Melampsora pinitorqua synthesize 21.8...38.4% less green and yellow pigments. A decrease in the content of green pigments in experimental pine trees is caused by chlorophyll a. Іt influences on absorption direct sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. The ratio of chlorophylls a/b is close to the control in experimental trees with a mild and moderate degree of disease damage and decreases by 23.3...32.9% in trees with a severe degree of disease damage. Іn all affected trees, the ratio between the amount of green and yellow pigments is close to the control.

Comparison of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrate contents in fungus-infected juniper plant (Juniperus phoenicea L.) and the uninfected plant

This study aimed to compare the physiological characteristics of a fungus-infected juniper plant with another healthy plant, these characteristics include photosynthetic pigment content, soluble sugars and sucrose content. The present study revealed the presence of 4 genera of fungi belonging to Ascomycetae and Deuteromycetes isolated from the leaves of Juniperus phoenicea L. and identified by morphological and microscopic characteristics. The species of fungi isolated from the juniper plant are Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium crustaceum. The affected juniper plant contained 0.306, 0.296 and 0.351 mg g -1 FW chlorophyll a and b and a carotenoid, respectively. The observed decrease in photosynthetic pigment content in the affected plant compared to the healthy plant was 0.713, 0.695 and 0.874 mg g -1 FW, respectively. The content of soluble sugars in juniper plants was measured and found to be 2.26 mg g -1 FW in healthy plants and 1.937 mg g -1 FW in infected plants. The sucrose content was 2.938 mg g -1 FW in the pathogen infected plant and 3.28 mg g -1 FW in the healthy plant. There was a very significant decrease because the sugars are attached to photosynthetic pigments, and as the amount of pigments decreases, the amount of sugars decreases.