Buckwheat Plants Research Articles

Silicon biostimulant enhances the growth characteristics and fortifies the bioactive compounds in common and Tartary buckwheat plant

Silicon is a potential biostimulant that has been used to enhance the yield and quality of plant products. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of soluble silicon on the growth characteristics and bioactive compounds content of common and Tartary buckwheat. The silicon was applied with three different doses such as low, medium, and high three times after 3 weeks of buckwheat sowing at 10 days interval. The control was done without the application of silicon. It is observed that silicon has a significant influence on having identical inclination on growth and bioactive compounds accumulation in both buckwheat cultivars. Our study showed an interesting result that lower doses of silicon enhance the growth characteristics, total and single phenolic substances (syringic acid, 4 hydroxy benzoic acid, ferulic acid), total flavonoids, rutin, quercetin content, and antioxidant capacity in common buckwheat, on the other hand, higher doses of silicon favor for Tartary buckwheat. Moreover, further investigation is needed to evaluate the optimal dose and mode of action of silicon for the enhancement of growth and phytochemical content in buckwheat plants.

Exogenous Melatonin Modulates the Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Drought Tolerance in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn).

Tartary buckwheat is one of the nutritious minor cereals and is grown in high-cold mountainous areas of arid and semi-arid zones where drought is a common phenomenon, potentially reducing the growth and yield. Melatonin, which is an amphiphilic low molecular weight compound, has been proven to exert significant effects in plants, under abiotic stresses, but its role in the Tartary buckwheat under drought stress remains unexplored. We evaluated the influence of melatonin supplementation on plant morphology and different physiological activities, to enhance tolerance to posed drought stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviating lipid peroxidation. Drought stress decreased the plant growth and biomass production compared to the control. Drought also decreased Chl a, b, and the Fv/Fm ratio by 54%, 70%, and 8%, respectively, which was associated with the disorganized stomatal properties. Under drought stress, H2O2, O2•−, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased by 2.30, 2.43, and 2.22-folds, respectively, which caused oxidative stress. In contrast, proline and soluble sugar content were increased by 84% and 39%, respectively. However, exogenous melatonin (100 µM) could improve plant growth by preventing ROS-induced oxidative damage by increasing photosynthesis, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase), secondary metabolites like phenylalanine ammonialyase, phenolics, and flavonoids, total antioxidant scavenging (free radical DPPH scavenging), and maintaining relative water content and osmoregulation substances under water stress. Therefore, our study suggested that exogenous melatonin could accelerate drought resistance by enhancing photosynthesis and antioxidant defense in Tartary buckwheat plants.

The allelopathic properties of decomposing buckwheat residues are not directly related to phenolic compounds in soil

Previous studies have shown that residues of common buckwheat roots (BRR) (but not entire common buckwheat plants, BPR) in the soil inhibited the growth of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.). The objective of the study was to determine how both the residues affect the content of free phenolics, their esters and glycosides in the soil. The aqueous extracts were used to analyse of unbound phenolic compounds, while those bound to the soil were extracted with sodium citrate. Moreover, an in vitro test was used to assess the allelopathic effect of phenolic compounds present in the soil against barnyardgrass. Among the analysed phenolic compounds after 7 days of BPR and BRR decomposition, only ortho-, meta- and para-coumaric acids and apigenin were found in measurable amounts in the soil. The concentrations of free phenolic compounds were very low. Much higher contents occurred for the esters of these compounds, while no glycosides were found. The contents of phenolic compounds bound to soil were many times higher than unbound ones. The 37-day decomposition period resulted in an increase in bound phenolics, while the content of unbound changed slightly. Overall, the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil with the BRR-amended soil and no-buckwheat residue control were low, and significantly higher in the soil with BPR. An in vitro test showed that m-, p-coumaric acids and apigenin added to growth medium at a concentration higher than in the soil did not affect barnyardgrass shoot growth. Since the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil containing BRR and control soil were low and similar, phenolic compounds cannot be directly responsible for the allelopathic properties caused by the presence of BRR.

Lead toxicity alters the antioxidant defense machinery and modulate the biomarkers in Tartary buckwheat plants

Heavy metal toxicity is a serious global issue as it threatens the future food security by influencing the growth and development of the plant, thereby declining the production yield. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the crops that possess tolerance to heavy metals and investigate their potential as a novel hyperaccumulators, besides provide future food security. Buckwheat is one of potential crop with high nutritional profile compared to cereals and has quickly gained ground in the functional food sector. In the present study, Pb-induced stress in Tartary buckwheat using various physiological and biochemical attributes were investigated. The Pb accumulation was found to be time and dosage-dependent, besides roots were found to accumulate more Pb concentration (21.34 mg/g DM), that in turn declines root and shoot length; besides translocation factor value of <1, indicate sequestration of Pb in the root rhizosphere. Carotenoids and anthocyanin pigment were elevated under Pb-induced stress. The osmolytes (proline, sugar, protein and GSH) and antioxidant defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, POD, GST and GR) enhanced in a time and concentration-dependent manner as also revealed by multivariate analysis. This study suggests that Tartary buckwheat possess an efficient Pb detoxification mechanism as evidenced by enhanced osmolyte production and strong antioxidant enzyme defense system thus could be a novel candidate for cultivation in Pb contaminated soils.

Some aspects of flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation in buckwheat plants

The buckwheat is a plant species with a high ability to produce secondary metabolites such as flavonoids. Together with rutin, the dominant flavonoid of the Fagopyrum Mill genus representatives (The Common buckwheat (F. esculentum Moench), the Tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) and the Perennial buckwheat (F. cymosum Meissn.)), quercetin, vitexin, quercitrin, orientin, anthocyanides, phenolcarbonic acids and other compounds were found in buckwheat plants. Due to their considerable reactivity, flavonoids participate in the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, growth, reproduction and defence against different stresses. The purpose of this article is to overview the processes of flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation during the growth and development stages of buckwheat plants under the influence of external factors regarding its species diversity. Flavonoids content and induction were examined in vitro culture.

Higher yielding varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) with determinate growth habit (single mutation det) manifest higher photosynthesis rate at stage of grain filling

Comparison of common buckwheat varieties with determinate vs. indeterminate growth habit reveals no differences in leaf photosynthesis rate at stage before flowering. However, at stage of seed filling the difference was significant. Maximal difference was 20 days after early flowering, i.e in period of most intensive seed formation. These results show that determinate varieties have higher sink strength providing by developing seeds. It is correlated with higher yield ability of such varieties. Probably, growth limitation resulting from det-mutation leads to some shifts in system of sink priorities of buckwheat plant and allows initiate the development of additional seeds. One more possible cause of alteration of the physiological parameters in determinate varieties is some optimization of plant structure: in terms of physiology the determinate buckwheat is a plant which is more similar to cereals than indeterminate buckwheat. However, underlying physiological changes accompanying the transition from indeterminate toward determinate growth in buckwheat remain almost unknown. Assumption about strong effect of det-mutation per se on photosynthesis rate was not supported in our work. Alternative assumption about accumulation of additional genes enhancing the sink ability suggests opportunities for additional progress in the selection work using tools evaluating photosynthesis intensity at stage of grain filling.

Allelopathic effect of buckwheat extract for seedlings of selected weed species

The influence of 1% aqueous extract obtained from a 14-day plants of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) on weed species was evaluated. Seedling roots of wild oat (Avena fatua L.), yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca L.), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus galli (L.) P. Beauv.), common windgrass (Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv.), catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.), scentless mayweed (Matricaria inodora L), gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) and tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta L.) were exposed to buckwheat extract and compared with control plants grown in water. The obtained results show that the buckwheat extract had lower influence on the growth of shoot than on roots of the evaluated weed species. The use of buckwheat extract in the medium caused the inhibition of root growth in all species except from tiny vetch. In the case of shoot of weeds, inhibition of growth by buckwheat extract occurred only in wild oat. Whereas in yellow foxtail, scentless mayweed and tiny vetch, the stimulation of shoot growth was demonstrated. These results may indicate that the buckwheat extracts act on directly exposed tissues. A different metabolic reaction of wild oat to buckwheat extract after 5 days of exposure than after 2 days may indicate a quick adaptation of wild oat seedlings to stressful conditions.

ВИДОВЫЕ И СОРТОВЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ПЛОДОВ И СЕМЕННОЙ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ У РАСТЕНИЙ ГРЕЧИХИ

ВИДОВЫЕ И СОРТОВЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ПЛОДОВ И СЕМЕННОЙ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ У РАСТЕНИЙ ГРЕЧИХИ

Accumulation of Phenylpropanoids in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) under Salt Stress

Salinity stress affects plants by reducing the water potential and causing ion imbalance or disturbances in ion homeostasis and toxicity. Salinity stress frequently causes both osmotic and ionic stress in plants, resulting in the increase or decrease of certain secondary metabolites in plants. In this study, the effect of NaCl treatment on the nutritional quality of tartary buckwheat plants was studied by conducting an HPLC analysis of phenylpropanoid and anthocyanin content. It was observed that there was no significant change of color in tartary buckwheat during salt treatment. The accumulation of most phenylpropanoid compounds increased slightly in response to the NaCl concentration. The total phenylpropanoid content in tartary buckwheat was the highest at 100 mM NaCl treatment. Seven-day-old wheat plantlets treated with 100 mM NaCl for 2, 4, 6, and 8 days showed the highest accumulation of total phenylpropanoids at day 8 after treatment, while the content of most phenylpropanoids was higher than that in the control during this period. Although the development of tartary buckwheat slightly decreased with NaCl treatment and the accumulation of anthocyanin compounds did not change in plants with a diffident NaCl concentration and time treatment, the results suggest that the salinity treatment of tartary buckwheat causes antioxidant activity improvement by inducing an accumulation of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. However, since the anthocyanin content did not increase, the antioxidant effect of the treatment is not expected to be significant.

INVESTIGATION OF SALICYLIC ACID-INDUCED CHANGE ON FLAVONOIDS PRODUCTION UNDER CADMIUM TOXICITY IN BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM MOENCH) PLANTS

Salicylic acid (SA) is an imperative endogenous plant hormone. It is considered as one of the most important signaling molecule, involved in both abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Application of optimal concentrations (0,05 mM) of SA enhances plants tolerance to cadmium stress by modulating levels of several metabolites, including components of antioxidative defense, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, and metal-chelating compounds. We showed that when SA and Cd were applied simultaneously, the damage was less pronounced than without SA. SA treatment itself also caused the oxidative stress, but decreased flavonoids content, regulated phenolic synthesis and lignin formation. Thus, the main purpose was to investigate how SA treatment, used prior the Cd stress, prevented the damaging heavy metal effects in buckwheat plants. And show that regulation of flavonoids and lignin formation are an important indicator of stability and stress resistance. The obtained data will expand the knowledge about the role of phenolic compounds and the action of salicylate under the cadmium chloride conditions. Also data with this type of buckwheat – Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Rubra variety under the action of cadmium chloride and salicylic acid not found.

Sort reaction of buckwheat to complex application of biological preparations and fertilizers

Sort reaction of buckwheat to complex application of biological preparations and fertilizers

Allelopathic influence of common buckwheat root residues on selected weed species

This study was conducted to determine if common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) root residues (BRR) in soil are effective in limiting the growth and metabolic responses of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), wind grass (Apera spica-venti L.), cleavers (Galium aparine L.), and tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta L.). After removal of above ground parts, BRR of 14-day-old buckwheat plants remained in soil for an additional 7 days when the weeds were seeded. After 30 days of growth, biomass of above ground parts of the weeds as well as free and bound phenolic acids and flavonoids were determined. Antioxidant capacity and peroxidase activity were measured in barnyard grass and cleavers. The biomass of 30-day-old plants of barnyard grass and cleavers grown in bare soil was approximately 5- and 3.5-fold higher, respectively, than in plants grown in the presence of BRR. BRR did not affect the biomass of wind grass and tiny vetch plants, but activate the antioxidant response, increase in peroxidase activity, and the content of phenolic compounds in weed tissues, which indicates an adaptation to the stressful environmental conditions.

Features of stomatal conductance of СО2 of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench leaves

In the conditions of field and vegetation experiments on intact plants, the specific features of stomatal conductivity of CO2 of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench leaves were studied for the first time. It is shown that its value significantly depends on the growth phase, the location of leaves on the plant, daytime and environmental conditions. The most active diffusion of carbon dioxide molecules through the stomata is carried out during the period of mass flowering, formation and filling of fruits in the leaves of the upper tiers in the afternoon – from 13 to 16 hours. Dry conditions adversely affect the state of the process, and increased insolation, on the contrary, is positive. The first is due to the need to protect plants from dehydration in dry and hot weather, and the second – the creation of the most favorable conditions for the realization of the potential of photosynthesis in conditions of increased insolation. As a result, it was concluded that stomatal conductivity of leaves plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism of buckwheat plants, having a positive effect not only on the intensity of transpiration, but also photosynthesis.

Soil incorporation of buckwheat as a pre-plant amendment provides control of Rhizoctonia damping-off and root rot of radish and Pythium damping-off and root rot of cucumber

Buckwheat is a rapidly growing cover crop with the potential to improve soil quality and health. In this study, the impact of buckwheat plant material (BPM) as a soil amendment on seedling emergence and suppression of damping-off and root rot of radish (Rhizoctonia solani) and cucumber (Pythium ultimum) was investigated in pot assays. Fresh BPM grown in a greenhouse potting mix for 4 weeks was chopped in small 1–2 cm long pieces and incorporated into field soil containing 0–10% of R. solani or P. ultimum inoculum produced on sterilized rye seed. The infested soil was then incubated for 0–8 weeks prior to planting radish or cucumber seed. The effects of BPM on plant growth and disease development were determined 2 weeks after planting. There was no disease protection if radish and cucumber seeds were planted within 1–2 weeks after soil incorporation of BPM. Disease protection was evident when planting was delayed for 3 weeks after BPM amendment to soil. BPM soil amendment provided protection of radish plants from Rhizoctonia damping-off and protection of cucumber plants from Pythium damping-off and root rot. BPM amendments had no effect on promoting plant growth but slightly increased soil pH. In amended soil receiving 4% and 10% of BPM planted with radish or cucumber seeds 0, 3 and 8 weeks later, total populations of indigenous fungi were 0.66–2.01 log units higher and bacteria were 0.53–0.92 log units higher compared with the populations in the non-amended soils. Buckwheat soil amendment offers a potential option to improve plant and soil health.

Establishment of Grass Strips for Maintaining Biodiversity in Agroecosystems

Main principle of the common agricultural policy of European Union is achievement of high results with the least possible negative impact on the environment, land protection and efficient use of natural resources. For that purpose, a number of studies are carried out, related to the improvement of biodiversity and protection of the pollinators in the areas of production. Two type of grass mixes were observed: “Laitamag” (Hungary) composed of White mustard (Sinapis alba L.), White clover (Trifolium repens L.), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham), Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), Red clover (Trifolium pretense L.), Wild oats (Avena sativa L.), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and a mix, proposed by the Agrarian University: White mustard (Sinapis alba L.), White clover (Trifolium repens L.), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The vegetation of the autumn crops began in March, as the blossoming lasts for 60-63 days, from the beginning of April until 24 June. For the spring sowing (18 March), the flowering of the mixes occurred later, in the second 10-day period of May and ended at the end of June. As a result of the low temperatures during winter, the white mustard, buckwheat and sainfoin plants perished. White clover proves to be the most resilient species.

Total phenolic, anthocyanins and TBA-active pro­ducts in buckwheat plants under NaCl impact

Total phenolic, anthocyanins and TBA-active pro­ducts in buckwheat plants under NaCl impact

Вплив органічних добрив на ріст й розвиток рослин гречки

Вплив органічних добрив на ріст й розвиток рослин гречки

Selenium treatment alters the effects of UV radiation on chemical and production parameters in hybrid buckwheat

ABSTRACTAmbient UV radiation is recognised as an important environmental factor in the regulation of plant growth and development, and selenium (Se) as a beneficial nutrient that can increase plant tolerance to different environmental constraints. The effects on hybrid buckwheat plants of full (+UV) and reduced (−UV) ambient UV radiation without (−Se) and with (+Se) foliar Se treatment (10 mg L−1 sodium selenate) provided the four conditions of Se−UV–, Se–+UV, +Se−UV and +Se+UV. Plant morphological, biochemical and physiological properties were examined, along with leaf elemental composition and content, efficiency of Se enrichment, and production parameters. Leaf anatomical parameters under all conditions were mainly affected by UV radiation, and less so by Se. +Se+UV plants showed a trade-off between primary and secondary metabolism, which resulted in high levels of protective substances (e.g. anthocyanins, UV absorbing compounds), and low levels of photosynthetic pigments. All +UV plants were significantly shorter in comparison to those under the reduced −UV, while biomass production was highest for −Se+UV plants and lowest for +Se+UV plants. +Se plants accumulated ∼20-fold greater Se content compared to −Se plants, and full ambient UV radiation partly reduced this effect. +UV plants showed increased phosphorus content in leaves, independent of Se status, while +Se plants showed increased K content. Si content was increased by Se treatment and decreased by the full UV exposure. Se treatment and the ambient UV radiation, separately have positive effects on growth and production of this hybrid buckwheat, while the combination of the Se treatment and ambient UV resulted in lower yields. However, under these conditions (+Se+UV), the buckwheat plants established good protection against the different environmental constraints that are becoming more and more frequent due to changes to our climate.

Industrial Applications of Selected JFS Articles

Industrial Applications of Selected <i>JFS</i> Articles

Biochemical composition of promising leaves genotypes of buckwheat grown in Himachal Pradesh

Buckwheat originated from China and being cultivated all over the world, and has become a prominent pseudocereal. Among the pseudocereals (amaranthus, buckwheat and quinoa), buckwheat plant is economically important primarily due to their carbohydrate and protein rich grains, short growth span; besides foliage being used as a green vegetable and commercial source of the glycoside rutin used in medicine. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the biochemical constituents of nutritional and nutraceutical significance of fourteen promising leaves genotypes of common buckwheat grown in Sangla region by following standard procedures. Wide variations in moisture content, crude protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, oxalate and in vitro protein digestibility were observed to range from 87.4 to 92.2 %, 22.4 to 30.4 %, 1.8 to 3.7 %, 10.6 to 15.4 %, 12.0 to 13.9 %, 34.8 to 42.4 %, 25.0 to 29.2 mg/100g, 1375 to 1390 mg/100g and 53.4 to 65.1 % in that order. The content of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and copper varied from 1767.5 to 2035.0 mg/100g, 808 to 910 mg/100g, 394 to 409 mg/100g, 232.0 to 248.2 mg/100g, 3.1 to 6.1 mg/100g, 20.4 to 29.8 mg/100g and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/100g respectively. Based on cumulative grading done in respect of nutritionally desirable quality i.e., protein, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, in vitro protein digestibility, calcium, phosphorus, iron and oxalate content, the genotype IC-323731 followed by Kullugangetri and VL-27 emerged out to be overall superior versatile cultivars for cultivation under dry temperate climate.