Chlorophyll B Research Articles

Nitrogen availability in grain sorghum under Cerrado conditions

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the addition of increasing doses of nitrogen (N) in grain sorghum on development in sandy textured soil with low fertility in Cerrado conditions. The work was carried out at Fazenda Pântano located, in the municipality of Jataí – Goiás, Brasil. The seeds used for the experiment were the AG 1085 variety. Using five doses of N: 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1, the source being urea, with five replications each, with a design in randomized blocks, totaling 25 experimental units. The variables evaluated were: stem length (CC), stem diameter (DC), leaf area (AF), shoot dry mass (DM), leaf nitrogen content (TN), nutrient accumulation (AC), nitrogen efficiency (NE), chlorophyll A (CLA) and chlorophyll B (CLB). The different doses of N had a significant effect for all variables except for the nitrogen content in the leaf, chlorophyll A (CLA) and chlorophyll B (CLB) contents. The dose indicated for the best development of the grain sorghum crop in the low fertility conditions studied was 150 kg-1 of N per hectare.

Evaluation of pigment, antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds in microgreens of wheat landraces and cereals

Landraces that adapt to all kinds of stress factors over thousands of years are considered a very important genetic resource. In this study, antioxidant activities, bioactive compounds, and pigment contents of microgreen in Kose and Kirik wheat landraces, which are used extensively in bread making especially in rural areas of Eastern Anatolia, and some cereals, were examined. In the study, chlorophyll (CHLdx), flavonol (FLV), anthocyanin (ANT), and N balance index (NBI) were measured in fresh material with a Dualex device. Also, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid (AAC) content and pigment values such as total chlorophyll (TCHL), chlorophyll a (CHLa), chlorophyll b (CHLb) and carotenoid content (CAR) were determined. It was observed that TAC capacity of wheat landraces was more than twice that of other cereals (except ‘Alparslan’) and their NBI, AAC, ANT and FLV contents were low. Kirik landrace had high TCHL, CHLa, CHLb and CAR content, while Kose landrace had low all pigment values. Besides, NBI content of barley, AAC and FLV content of oat cultivars and ANT content of wheat ‘Alparslan’ were high as a group. The CHLdx values of barley and oats were twice that of wheat. A very important and positive correlation was determined between TCHL with CHLa, CHLb, and CAR contents. Also, correlations between CHLa with CHLb and CAR, and between CHLb with CAR was important and positive. In the study, especially TAC capacities of local wheat varieties were significantly higher.

Effects of putrescine application in culture medium in improving chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.) tolerance to osmotic stress under in vitro conditions

In order to assess the effect of osmotic stress induced by mannitol and putrescine under in vitro conditions on some growth parameters of chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.), treatments were arranged and compared for the main effect of osmotic stress induced by mannitol in four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/l), and the interaction effect of osmotic stress*putrescine (0, 0.5, and 1 mM). Osmotic stress, especially induced by 4 and 6 g/l of mannitol, were found to significantly reduce shoot height, root length, the number of shoot and root per plant, the fresh weight of shoot, and the fresh weight of root. At 0.5 mM of putrescine added fresh weight to root, carotenoid, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b was increased, compared to plants grown on medium with 0 and 1 mM of putrescine. Plants grown on medium with 0.5 and 1 mM of putrescine had an increased level of flavonoid, phenolic acid, and proline under four levels of mannitol. 0.5 mM of putrescine significantly improved plant biomass and essential oil content in plants grown on medium containing 0 and 2 g/l of mannitol. The results showed that the use of putrescine could improve chamomile tolerance to osmotic stress.

Genetic Variation, Population Structure and the Possibility of Association Mapping of Biochemical and Agronomic Traits Using Dominant Molecular Markers in Iranian Tea Accessions

One of the important methods for the study of quantitative traits is the association mapping through the use of phenotypic information and molecular markers. This study was carried out to examine the contrastive relationship between the biochemical and agronomic traits in tea accessions at the molecular level via association mapping and genetic diversity. In this study, 22 tea accessions were studied in an RCBD with two replications in 2017. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the accessions for the studied traits. Cluster analysis classified tea accessions into three groups based on the quantitative traits as well as DNA markers (SCoT and ISSR). Based on the Bayesian model, the tea accessions were classified into four subpopulations. In order to identify the molecular markers associated with the genes controlling traits variation, association mapping was carried out via two mixed linear models (MLM). Based on (G + P+K) and (G + P+Q + K) MLM models, 47 and 71 QTLs were identified for the studied traits, respectively. The SCoT4-1 locus was common between the four traits of chlorophyll a (CA), chlorophyll b (CB), total chlorophyll (CT) and leaf yield (LY) in both models. Also, the results showed that the development of STS and CAPS markers based on the identified markers can be used in breeding programs.

Effects of LED light quality on the growth of pepper seedling in plant factory

The extensive environment, especially low temperature and weak lighting in winter and spring, which limits the growth of pepper (Capicum annuum L.) seedlings, the use of plant factory with artificial lighting technology can effectively control the lighting environment to produce high-quality seedlings. In this study, white LED lamps with R:B ratio of 0.7 (L0.7) and 1.5 (L1.5) and red-blue LED lamps with R:B ratio of 3.5 (L3.5) were used to cultivate seedlings of “CAU-24” pepper in the light intensity of 250 μmol/m2·s and photoperiod of 12 h/d, white fluorescent lamps with R:B ratio of 1.7 (F1.7) was used as control. The results showed that plant height, stem diameter, hypocotyl length, biomass accumulation, light energy use efficiency (LUE) and electric energy use efficiency (EUE) of pepper seedling under L1.5 were the highest. After 36 days of sowing, the dry weight of shoot reached 302.8±45.2 mg/plant. Leaf area reached maximum value of 153.5±22.0 cm2 under L0.7. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll of pepper seedling leaves under all kinds of LED light were greater than F1.7, but there was no significant difference in net photosynthetic rate. The total dry weight with lamp electric power consumption of L1.5 were 3.0 g/(kW·h) which was 1.5, 2, and 3 times greater than that of L3.5, L0.7, and F1.7, respectively. Therefore, compared with fluorescent lamp and other LED lamps, the white LED light quality with R:B ratio of 1.5 is suitable for pepper seedling production in plant factory because of the high LED lighting efficiency, greater LUE and EUE. Keywords: pepper seedlings, LED light quality, R: B ratio, light energy use efficiency (LUE), electric energy use efficiency (EUE) DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191205.4847 Citation: Liu N, Ji F, Xu L J, He D X. Effects of LED light quality on the growth of pepper seedling in plant factory. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(5): 44–50.

Antioxidant activity, carotenoids, chlorophylls and mineral composition from leaves of Pallenis spinosa: an Algerian medicinal plant.

Background Plant and medicinal herbs are important sources of bioactive compounds and minerals that can play a role in preventing various diseases and they are considered a factor indispensable for the proper functioning of the human body. Methods We investigated the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls of leaves from Pallenis spinosa (P. spinosa), as well as their antioxidant activity and mineral composition then, we optimized the solvent extraction for the recovery of total carotenoids and chlorophylls using spectrophotometric method. Finally, we tested the antioxidant activity of the optimized extract by three assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and we determined the mineral composition by Emission Spectrometer Induced Couple Plasma (ICP). Results Carotenoid (CART), chlorophylls (CHLa + b), chlorophyll a (CHLA), chlorophyll b (CHLB) contents were about 36.337 ± 0.312; 347.769 ± 6.326; 224.286 ± 5.601; 123.483 ± 1.339 mg/100 g dw, respectively. We revealed an interesting antioxidant capacity by the tested extract (DPPH: 127.522 ± 1.406 mmol ET/Kgdw, ABTS: 104.827 ± 1.222 mmol ET/Kgdw and FRAP 71.89 ± 0.495 ± 0.994 mmol ET/Kgdw). Carotenoids and chlorophylls content correlate positively with the antioxidant activity of P. spinosa leaves extract (r=0.646-0.986). Eight minerals have been detected (Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cr), Mg and Ca being the predominant ones (6479.32 ± 48.33 and 3851.88 ± 130.63 mg/Kg, respectively). Conclusions These results have shown that P. spinosa leaves are a good source of carotenoids and chlorophylls with a potent antioxidant potential with high amount of minerals.

Genetic analysis of morpho-physiological characteristics of sunflower under stress and Non-stress drought conditions

Studying the general and specific combinability of the lines under the favorable and limited irrigational conditions is essential to utilize the parents in creating new hybrid varieties. Furthermore, the type of genetic trends can be effective in determining the suitable corrective methods and in forecasting the rate of genetic development stemmed from the choicemade.To achieve the desired goal five CMS lines and four restorer lines (tester) were crossed in a line × tester scheme in order to analyze general and specific combining abilities and gene effects on sunflower for some agronomic and physiologic traits. Hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with three replications under optimum and limited water conditions in the Agriculture Research Station, Khoy, Iran during 2017 and 2018growing seasons. The results of simple analysis of variance in optimum and limited conditions for all traits including 1000 seed weight, %RWC, grain yield, oil yield were significant for all traits. In addition, the results of combined analysis of variance for different traits in optimal conditions showed that the mean square, except for the %RWC traits in the limited conditions for plant height, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000 seed weight, proline, catalase enzyme, superoxide dismutase enzyme , Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, grain yield and oil yield were significant. results of data variance analysis indicated that the general combinability for lines and tester was significant, as well as the specific combining ability (line×tester) for most traits. Based on the AGK30 and AGK44 combining ability, the RGHK25, RGHK50 and (RGHK50 ×RGHK56) and the (RGHK56 × AGK44) tester were identified as the most suitable line for the hybrid test in both conditions.

Detection of grapevine leaf stripe disease symptoms by hyperspectral sensor

Hyperspectral sensors can measure reflectance in a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. These can be used as an indirect method for detecting plant disease, by comparing the specific spectral signatures between symptomatic and asymptomatic vegetation. Grapevine Leaf Stripe Disease (GLSD), including the Esca complex, is a very important Grapevine Trunk Disease (GTD) worldwide. With the objective of developing an innovative method for quantitative and qualitative analyses of symptomatic plants using remote sensing, this study measured and characterized the spectral behaviour of GLSD asymptomatic and symptomatic grapevine leaves using a hyperspectral sensor. Asymptomatic, initial and final GLSD symptomatic leaves were collected in two stages of the phenological cycle (before and after harvest) from a ‘Merlot’ vineyard in Veranopolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Reflectance measurements (350 to 2,500 nm) were performed using a spectroradiometer. The spectral behaviour of vine leaves with GLSD symptoms changed especially in the visible light range; reflectance increased in the green edge (520-550 nm) and red edge (700 nm) associated with reduced photosynthetic pigments (especially chlorophyll b ). At near-infrared, reflectance decreased, especially in leaves with advanced GLSD, due to cell structure loss and toxin accumulation induced by pathogens. Even at different intensities, leaf reflectance changed in initial and final GLSD symptoms and at different stages of the cycle. These results showed that proximal, non-destructive sensing techniques may be useful tools for detecting the changing spectral behaviour of grapevine leaves with GLSD, which could be used for disease identification and detection.

Photosynthetic pigments accumulation and some growth indices of cowpea, maize and tomato in response to interspecific and intraspecific competition stress

This study aimed at investigating the photosynthetic pigment accumulation and some growth indices of cowpea, maize and tomato in response to interspecific and intraspecific competition stress. The study was carried out under a screen-house to minimize extraneous factors such as pests and rodents using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Seeds of cowpea, maize and tomato were collected from the Department of Crop Production and Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. These seeds were planted at a depth of about 3 mm below the soil. The seeds were sown at the rate of six seeds per pot in the monoculture, while in the pots designed for the mixed culture of maize and cowpea, maize and tomato, cowpea and tomato, three seeds of each plant were sown. Two seeds of each plant were sown in the pots with the three crops. The treatments were then supplied with 500 mL of tap water in the morning and in the evening respectively until the seedlings become fully established. The photosynthetic pigments were determined spectrophotometrically with three replicates. Plant growth indices were determined according to Hunts (1978) using leaf area and dry matter data collected at four and six weeks after planting. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical analytical software SAS version 9.2. The results indicated that photosynthetic pigments accumulation (Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid) in maize (15.98, 23.92 and 44.72 μM), Chlorophyll b and carotenoid in tomato plants (12.48 and 1,178.7 μM) in the sole stands were more than the mixed culture of maize with cowpea and tomato (7.195, 14.74 and 0.00 μM). Also, total Chlorophyll in maize (1,127.8 μM), Chlorophyll a and total Chlorophyll in tomato (3.95 and 1,317.5 μM) in the mixed culture were more than in the sole culture of maize (1,030.9 μM) and tomato plants (−9.40 and 546.3 μM). The different photosynthetic pigments accumulated in cowpea were greatly enhanced in the mixed culture than in the sole culture. All the photosynthetic pigments of maize, cowpea and tomato in all the treatments analysed in this study were significantly different at P >0.05. Plant growth indices such as net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, crop growth rate and tissue water contents of these plants had higher value in the intercropped than the check crop (sole). These plant growth indices were significantly different to one another at P >0.05. This study concluded that competition for shared resources in the mixed culture of tomato, maize and cowpea enhanced growth and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments.

Eco-physiological and biochemical characterization of Rhus tripartita (Ucria) Grande growing in Algerian Sahara under arid climate

Rhus tripartita (Ucria) Grande, is an Anacardiaceae autochthonous shrub of the Algerian Sahara. Its ecological, pastoral and therapeutics interests prompted us to carry out an eco-physiological and biochemical behavior in relation to aridity. Therefore, relative water content of shrub leaves were found on average 81.55% and the maximum of electrolyte leakage recorded was 14.29. The biochemical determination of proteins and sugars shows that leaves are a true source of protein (33.76 mg/g FM) and sugars (938.93 μg/g FM) while the proline assay gave a value of 824.40 μg/g. The quantitative study of flavonoids in the leaves gave a result of 36.53 mg/g. The analysis of photosynthetic pigments content showed respectively results of 28.1 μg/g, 31.24 μg/g, 56.47 μg/g and 11.23 μg/g for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids. The total antioxidant capacity was evaluated and gave result of 95.5 mg GAE/g. Therefore, Rhus tripartita was found to accumulate high proportions of primary and secondary metabolites which showed a good adaptation to its arid environment. In conclusion, the plant can be considered as a xeromorphic plant, that is, a desert-adapted plant that is not limited by the water availability.

Evaluation of salinity tolerance in fourteen selected pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars

Cultivars and rootstocks tolerant to salinity are determinant to increase the salt tolerance of planted fruit trees including pistachio. In this research, the effect of salinity stress on morphological and physiological traits as well as the concentration of nutrition elements in some pistachio cultivars was investigated based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors cultivars and irrigation water salinity. Studied cultivars were Ghazvini, Shahpasand, Akbari, Khanjari, Jandaghi, Italiyayi, Fndoghi 48, Sabz Pesteh Tohg, Ahmad Aghaee, Rezaie Zood Res, Mousa Abadi, Ebrahimi, Kaleh Ghochi and Badami Zarand and levels of salinity were 0.5, 4.9, 9.8, 14.75 and 19.8 dS/m. Each treatment had nine replicas. The results showed that increasing salinity reduced branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, and percentage of green leaves, relative humidity content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophylls in all cultivars. But percentage of necrotic leaves, percentage of downfall leaves, relative ionic percentage and cell membrane injury percentage were increased. The results showed that salinity stress affected the young trees through increasing the amount of minimum fluorescence (F0) and decreasing the maximum fluorescence (FM) and reducing variable fluorescence (FV) as well as the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence from 0.83±1 in the control plants to 0.59±0.015 in Rezaie Zood Res cultivar and 0.61±0.009 in Mousa Abadi cultivar. The results also showed that in the total cultivars studied, the highest amount of Na+ in leaves and roots (2.09±0.04% and 3.04±0.06%), and the lowest amount of K+ in leaves and roots (0.40±0.02% and 0.34±0.01%), were observed in treatment 19.75 dS/m. Overall, Ghazvini was found to be the most tolerant cultivar to salinity stress. This cultivar could well tolerate salinity 14.75 dS/m.

Nano-iron fertilizer effects on some plant traits of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) under different sowing densities

evaluate the effects of iron nano-fertilizer rates (0, 1, 2 and 3 g l-1) and planting density levels (10, 15, 20 and 40 cm) on the fresh herb, essential oil content and other traits under the natural conditions. Traits such as number of flowering branches (NFB), height of first flowering branch (HFB), number of secondary branches (NSB), stem diameter (SD), essential oil content (EOC), dry mass (DM), essential oil yield (EOY), total anthocyanins (TA), chlorophyll a (CA), chlorophyll b (CB), flavonoid 270 nm (F270), flavonoid 300 nm (F300), and total flavonoid (TF) were measured. Results showed that the nano Fe treatment × trait (TT) biplot accounted 39 % and 25 % of total variation, respectively. The vertex treatments in polygon biplot were D2-N2 (15 cm density and 1 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best in the EOC, DM and EOY, while D4-N3 (40 cm density and 2 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best for TA, F270, F300 and TF. Sowing densities (10, 15 and 20 cm) with iron nano-fertilizer treatments (1 and 2 g l-1) were the best combinations of evaluated factors for all the measured traits of the dragonhead.

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF COTTON LEAF CURL BUREWALA VIRUS-INFECTED PLANTS OF TOLERANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE GENOTYPES OF DIFFERENT GOSSYPIUM SPECIES

The effect of Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBuV) on cotton growth, yield, photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll contents was studied in susceptible (CIM-496 and NIAB-111 from Gossypium hirsutum) and tolerant (Ravi from G. arboreum and Co Tiep Khac from G. herbaceum) cotton genotypes under glasshouse condition through artificial inoculation. Compared to the non-inoculated plants, the inoculated plants of susceptible genotypes showed stunted growth, reflected as significant decrease in plant height, internode length, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, number of bolls per plant, boll weight and yield per plant. Upon virus inoculation, transpiration rate decreased significantly in both susceptible genotypes while water use efficiency (WUE) was enhanced in CIM-496 compared to the non- inoculated plants. However, overall plant growth, net photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance and WUE remained unaffected by CLCuBuV-infection in tolerant genotypes. Moreover, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content increased in one of the tolerant genotypes (Ravi) in response to CLCuBuV-infection while remaining unaffected in all other genotypes. Level of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was not affected by CLCuBuV-infection in all genotypes. In conclusion, CLCuBuV infection adversely affected the overall plant growth and yield in susceptible genotypes while tolerant genotypes were able to maintain the growth and yield in the presence of infection. Reduced transpiration rate and increased WUE in susceptible genotypes and increased chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content in tolerant genotypes on virus inoculation provided evidence for their significant involvement in CLCuBuV-tolerance mechanism in cotton.

Effect of Irradiation of Carbon Ions Beam on the Photosynthetic Pigments and Oxidative Activity of Scenedesmus quadricauda

Chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,carotenoid,superoxide dismutase( SOD) and malondialdehyde( MDA) of Scenedesmus quadricauda were measured to study the injury mechanism of different doses( 10- 80 Gy) after irradiation by 80 MeV / u12C6 +of Heavy Ion Research Facility( HIRFL,Lanzhou,China). The obtained results were as follows: 1) Chlorophyll a( Chl a),chlorophyll b( Chl b) and carotenoid were measured in different culture times after irradiation. For low-dose groups( 10- 20 Gy),contents of Chla,Chlb and carotenoid decreased slightly or did not vary significantly; for middle-dose groups( 40- 60 Gy),contents of Chl a,Chl b and carotenoid increased apparently,and then went down to the level of control group; for high- dose group( 80 Gy),contents of Chl a,Chl b and carotenoid were impacted severely and did not show sign of recovery. 2) Malonaldehyde( MDA) was measured in different culture times after irradiation. For low-dose group( 10 Gy),the injury of membrane lipid appeared immediately after irradiation,it became lighten after 8 h, and then recovered to the level of control group within 24- 48 h; for the 20 Gy group,the content of MDA decreased immediately,and then came back to the normal level; for middle and high-dose groups( 40- 80 Gy), the injury of membrane lipid did not happen instantly,while it became obviously in 24- 48 h,and did not has the ability of recovery to the normal level. 3) Superoxide dismutase( SOD) was measured in different culture times after irradiation. For low-dose group( 10 Gy),the activity of SOD rose significantly,and then declined to the normal level in 8 h; for middle-dose groups( 20- 60 Gy),the activity of SOD ascended markedly and went back to the normal within 48 h; for high-dose group( 80 Gy),the activity of SOD did not has a sign of increment,while it descended obviously and did not recover to the normal within 48 h.

Effects of lutein and chlorophyll b on GSH depletion and DNA damage induced by cisplatin in vivo

Recent studies have proposed the use of low concentrations of phytochemicals and combinations of phytochemicals in chemoprevention to reduce cytotoxicity and simulate normal ingestion through diet. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the DNA damage, chromosome instability, and oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (cDDP) are modulated by a combination of the natural pigments lutein (LT) and chlorophyll b (CLb). The protective effects observed for synergism between phytochemicals have not been completely investigated. The comet assay and micronucleus test were performed and the catalase activities and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, liver, and kidney cells of mice. The comet assay and micronucleus test results revealed that the pigments LT and CLb were not genotoxic or mutagenic and that the pigments presented antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects in the different cell types evaluated. This protective effect is likely related to antioxidant properties in peripheral blood cells through the prevention of cDDP-induced GSH depletion. Altogether our results show that the combination of LT and CLb, which are both usually present in the same foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can be used safely.

Examination of some physiological and biochemical changes based on ripening in fruits of different types of apricots

This study was performed to determine some of the physiological and biochemical changes that occurred during ripening period in fruits of different types of apricots. In the fruits of six types of apricots (Hasanbey, Canino, Turfanda Eskimalatya, Hacihaliloglu, Ozal, and Levent) collected during green, mature green and ripe periods, amounts of total soluble solids (TSS) (Brix°), titratable acidity, chlorophyll a (Cha), chlorophyll b (Chb) and total chlorophylls (Ch) were determined. During ripening, the highest and lowest increase in TSS occurred in apricot types called ‘Hacihaliloglu’ and ‘Turfanda Eskimalatya’, respectively. In all three ripening periods, it was found that ‘Hacihaliloglu’ had the lowest acid content. During ripening, decreases in amounts of Cha, Chb and Ch were observed. Differences between apricot types in terms of decrease in chlorophyll amounts was detected and the highest difference occurred in apricot type called ’Turfanda Eskimalatya.’ Key words: Apricot, ripening, Brix, chlorophyll.

THE EFFECT OF INTERMITTENT LIGHT ON CHLOROPLAST DEVELOPMENT IN A GREENING PIGMENT MUTANT OF THE GREEN ALGA SCENEDESMUS OBLIQUUS

ABSTRACT Pigment mutant C-2A' from Scenedesmus obliquus which greens only in the light was submitted to intermittent light conditions (2 min white light (60 W/m2)/60 min darkness). Under these conditions only 10% of the total chlorophyll was formed compared to cells under continuous light, whereas chlorophyll b remained at the initial trace level. All chlorophyll-protein complexes of the light-harvesting complex were missing, while those related to PSII reaction centers increased. The capacities of PSI and PSII per chlorophyll were higher in cells partially greened under intermittent light than in those under continuous light. Transformation of cells from intermittent to continuous light caused a drastic increase in chlorophylls a and b above the normal level, establishing a chlorophyll a/b ratio and the light-harvesting complex pattern found in wild-type cells.

Antigenotoxic Properties of Chlorophyll b Against Cisplatin-Induced DNA Damage and its Relationship with Distribution of Platinum and Magnesium In Vivo

The chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (cDDP) is widely used to treat a variety of solid and hematological tumors. However, cDDP exerts severe side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and bone-marrow suppression. The use of some dietary compounds to protect organs that are not targets in association with chemotherapy has been encouraged. This study evaluated the protective effects of chlorophyll b (CLb) on DNA damage induced by cDDP by use of single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assays. Further, this investigation also determined platinum (Pt) and magnesium (Mg) bioaccumulation in mice tissues after treatment with CLb alone and/or in association of cDDP (simultaneous treatment) by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). All parameters were studied in peripheral blood cells (PBC), kidneys, and liver of mice after administration of CLb (0.2 or 0.5 mg/kg of body weight [b.w.]), cDDP (6 mg/kg b.w.), and the combination CLb 0.2 plus cDDP or CLb 0.5 plus cDDP. Pt accumulation in liver and kidneys was higher than that found in PBC, while DNA damage was higher in kidneys and liver than in PBC. Further, treatment with CLb alone did not induce DNA damage. Evidence indicates that genotoxic effects produced by cDDP may not be related to Pt accumulation and distribution. In combined treatments, CLb decreased DNA damage in tissues, but the PT contents did not change and these treatments also showed that CLb may be an important source of Mg. Thus, our results indicate that consumption of CLb-rich foods may diminish the adverse health effects induced by cDDP exposure. We are grateful to Joana D'Arc Castania Darin and Mara Ribeiro de Almeida (FCFRP-USP) for their technical assistance. The authors would like to thank São Paulo Foundation Research (FAPESP 2005/59552-6, 2008/06793-4, and 2010/05096-8), the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Education Personnel (CAPES) for financial support.

Cambios diarios del contenido de pigmentos fotosintéticos en hojas de caléndula bajo sol y sombra

La caléndula (Calendula officinalis L.) es una planta medicinal de gran importancia en la medicina no convencional, desde la homeopatía hasta la medicina oriental. La comercialización de caléndula se encuentra en segundo lugar en Colombia, entre las plantas utilizadas para la fitofarmacia de especies medicinales. Se realizó un estudio en Tunja, Colombia, en el que se evaluó cada hora el contenido de clorofilas y carotenos, en plantas de caléndula cultivadas a plena exposición y bajo una malla de polisombra del 37% de reducción de luz. La extracción de los pigmentos se realizó por dilución en metanol y su concentración se determinó con un espectrofotómetro. Se encontró que los contenidos de clorofila b, carotenos y clorofila total mostraron diferencias a lo largo del día con tendencia al incremento entre las 6:00 y 18:00 horas. La sombra afectó las relaciones clorofila a / clorofila b y carotenos / clorofila. Mientras que el valor de la relación clorofila a / clorofila b fue más elevado en hojas de plantas sombreadas, el valor de la relación carotenos / clorofila fue más alto en las plantas que crecieron a plena exposición. Los cambios diarios en el contenido de pigmentos han sido motivo de controversia a través de los resultados de muchos trabajos, sin embargo, se debe tomar en consideración que la concentración de pigmentos varía con la edad de las hojas y con la especie.

Growth Performance and Biochemical Responses of Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Grown in Fly-Ash Amended Soil

The disposal of huge amount of fly-ash from coal-fired power stations causes significant economic and environmental problems. The conventional disposal methods for fly-ash lead to degradation of arable land and contamination of the ground water. However fly-ash is a useful ameliorant that may improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of acidic soils and is a source of readily available plant macro and micronutrients. Fly-ash can enhance plant biomass production from degraded soils. In the present investigation Tomato (Pusha rubi) were grown in degraded soil of Chandrapura (as control) and various amendments (60, 120, 180 and 240) of Chandrapura Thermal Power Plant fly-ash for a period of 100 days and effect on growth and productivity of plant was evaluated vis-a-vis metal accumulation in the plants. The toxicity of fly-ash at higher concentration was reflected by the reduction in plant height and fruit weight. However, at lower concentrations (60-180), Fly-ash enhanced growth of the plants as evident by the increased growth parameters. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, Carotenoid, root and shoot length showed increase in their levels up to 180 t/ha fly-ash as compared to control.