Total Soluble Protein Content Research Articles

Comparison of Cold Resistance between Aboveground and Underground of Sedum aizoon L. Seedling with Sprout under Low Temperature

The difference of cold resistance between aboveground and underground parts was compared by measuring the growth and cold-resistance physiology of dormancy-released Sedum aizoon L. seedling with sprout at -5, 0 and 5 degrees Celsius respectively. The results showed that with the decreasing temperature, the plant height and root length all showed a downward trend, and the plant height decreased more than root length. The aboveground fresh weight showed an upward trend, while the underground fresh weight showed a downward first and then upward trend. The relative electrical conductivity (REC), tissue water content, total soluble sugar and free proline content all showed an upward trend, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content showed a downward trend in leaves. The content of soluble protein showed a downward first and then upward trend in leaves. The changing trend of roots was the same as leaves in REC, total soluble sugar and soluble protein content, but the REC of roots increased less than leaves. There was no significant change in tissue water content, free proline and MDA content in roots. At the same low temperature, roots were all higher than leaves in the content of total soluble sugar and soluble protein, while the tissue water content and MDA content were the contrary. In conclusion, the cold resistance of the underground part was stronger than aboveground part in Sedum aizoon L. seedling with sprout.

Response of Early Sowing Pea Crop to some Natural and Chemical Substances for Improving Yield and Quality and Components

Two field experiments were conducted at Private Farm in El-Gammalia at District, Dakahlia at Governorate, Egypt during winter seasons of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of some natural and chemical substances effective microorganisms (EM) at 2 l/fed, humic acid at 2kg/ fed, moringa leaf extract (MLE) at 1ml/ 32 ml, yeast extract at 50 ml/ l, potassium citrate 5 ml/ l as well as silicon 300 mg/ l and boron 50 mg/ l on vegetative growth, pod yield and quality of early sowing pea crop. The results showed that EM at 2 l/ fed + humic acid at 2kg/ fed gave rise to more number of leaves and branches, longest plant height, heaviest fresh and dry weight, largest leaf area, and gave the highest number of pods/plant, average weight of pod (gm), pod yield/plant (gm) and total pod yield (ton/fed.). pod length, pod diameter, pod thickness, total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin C (mg/100g fw), and protein contents (%) and the lowest in titrable acidity. All foliar applications significantly increased all the studied parameters compared with the control treatment. The superior application was moringa leaf extract (MLE) followed by yeast extract and potassium citrate in both seasons, respectively. From the obtained results it could be concluded that EM at 2L/ fed + humic acid at 2kg/ fed and sprayed moringa leaf extract at 15,25 and 35 days after sowing resulted in improving growth, yield and pod quality of pea plants grown under early sowing conditions.

Effects of salicylic acid and sucrose on pigment content in Pistacia chinensis leaves

Pistacia chinensis leaves turn red or yellow in autumn due to changes in pigments. We investigated the effect of salicylic acid and sucrose on pigment in P. chinensis leaves. Different concentrations of salicylic acid (0.07 g/L, 0.14 g/L, and 0.21 g/L) and sucrose (6 g/L, 15 g/L, and 30 g/L) were sprayed on leaves at the hardening period, and the contents of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, soluble sugar and soluble protein were determined. After spraying for 7 and 17 days, the total chlorophyll content following salicylic acid treatment (0.07 g/L) was higher than that following water treatment. After spraying for 24 days, the carotenoid content following most treatments reached the maximum, and the carotenoid content following the 0.14 g/L salicylic acid and 6 g/L sucrose treatments was significantly higher than that following water treatment. After spraying for 47 days, the anthocyanin content following salicylic acid and water treatments reached the crest value, and the anthocyanin content following the 0.07 g/L salicylic acid treatment was significantly higher than that following water treatment. After spraying for 55 days, the anthocyanin content of sucrose treatments reached the peak value, and the anthocyanin content following the 15 g/L and 30 g/L sucrose treatments was significantly higher than that follwing water treatment. In addition, the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents showed a significantly positive correlation with the anthocyanin content and a significantly negative correlation with total chlorophyll content. In summary, salicylic acid applied at 0.07 g/L at the onset of hardening period increased chlorophyll content of P. chinensis seedlings. Meanwhile, salicylic acid and sucrose applied at 0.14 g/L and 6 g/L respectively promoted the synthesis of carotenoids. Salicylic acid applied at 0.07 g/L and sucrose applied at 15 g/L or 30 g/L at the later hardening period increased anthocyanin accumulation of P. chinensis seedlings.

Properties of soy protein isolate/nano‐silica films and their applications in the preservation of Flammulina velutipes

This work evaluated the properties of soy protein isolate (SPI)/nano-silica (nano-SiO2) films. The particle size distribution of the film solutions and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of films indicated that there were hydrogen bonds and coordinate bonds between the SPI and nano-SiO2. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that an appropriate increase in the nano-SiO2 content improved the morphology of the films. Finally, the effect of SPI-based nanocomposite films on the preservation of Flammulina velutipes at 4 ± 1°C was investigated. After 10 days of storage, the weight loss and browning degree of F. velutipes in SPI films with 6% nano-SiO2 were significantly lower (p < .05), and the use of SPI/nano-SiO2 films could mitigate the losses of the total soluble solids and soluble protein contents. Therefore, SPI/nano-SiO2 films can prolong the shelf life and optimize the production of F. velutipes. Practical applications Fresh F. velutipes is nutritious and contains essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. However, F. velutipes quickly undergoes browning, aging, and decomposition. Therefore, research in the F. velutipes preservation technology has important practical significance. In food packaging, the application of nanotechnology is gradually replacing traditional food packaging. However, no studies have reported the effects of SPI-based nanocomposite materials on the shelf life of F. velutipes. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the properties of films and applications with F. velutipes.

Evaluation of some physiological and biochemical parameters of Camelina sativa seedlings under osmotic stress

Aim. To find the most drought resistant spring camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) genotype for further involvement in genetic transformation experiments, the some physiological and biochemical parameters of seedlings have been investigated under normal conditions and osmotic stress in vitro. Methods. Sterile seeds were planted on Murashige and Skoog agarized medium without hormones or the same media supplemented with mannitol as an osmotic stress inductor. Germination, fresh weight, total soluble protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity have been investigated in 7-day-old seedlings. Results. The analyzed camelina genotypes were differed in their reactions on water deficit in vitro. It has been revealed that higher SOD activity of FEORZhYaF-1 seedlings was accompanied by higher germination and higher ability to fresh weight accumulation under osmotic stress as compared to other varieties. Conclusions. FEORZhYaF-1 breeding form could be involved in genetic transformation experiments to improve drought resistance. SOD activity should be used as a parameter for selection of osmotic stress resistant plant material.&#x0D; Keywords: Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz drought resistance, superoxide dismutase, total soluble protein.

SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF TOTAL SOLUBLE PROTEINS IN ADULT TREES OF Quercus petraea (Matts.) Liebl. AND Fagus sylvatica L.

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The complete distribution of total soluble proteins was investigated in 40-year-old oak and beech trees, felled at two dates (October 1999 and June 2000), to estimate seasonal variations in protein content at tree level. The concentration of total soluble proteins was nearly twice as high in oak compared to beech (755 mg.g-1 Dry Mass vs. 4.2 mg.g-1 Dry Mass, respectively) and 10 times lower than total non structural carbohydrates. Scaling from samples to total tree biomass, the contribution of C stored as total soluble proteins accounted for 500 gC in oak trees and only for 250 gC in beech trees. The stem was the major storage compartment in both species. Soluble proteins made up most of nitrogen at the stem and roots of oaks, while in its branches and in all beech organs, several N compounds predominated. These concentrations varied before bud break and stem growth in oak and beech. The seasonal progression of total soluble proteins in twigs of both species showed opposite patterns, especially during Spring, probably due to internal redistribution of proteins from upper stem and large branches. The dates of minimum and maximum concentrations were different for total soluble proteins and total non structural carbohydrates.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Phenological variations of primary biochemicals in male and female plants of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don

Dioecious nature of a plant shows variations in male and female individuals of that species, due to their differential role in sexual reproduction. So it is evident for them to have different metabolite stock in various stages of their life. Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. is a deciduous and dioecious plant species with its immense livelihood, health, and ecological potential. Focussing on the dioecious nature of this plant species male and female individuals of the H. salicifolia were screened for primary metabolite contents viz. Total soluble protein content (TSPC), total free amino acid content (TFAAC) and Carbohydrates (total soluble sugars content-TSSC and total soluble starch content-TSStC) content in different growing seasons of the year. For this leaves and buds of male and female plants were selected during active and dormant seasons respectively. Variations were observed in primary metabolites in all studied months in leaves and buds of the male and female plant. TSSC in female leaves was lower in May and July whereas it was higher in September and November than male leaves. TSPC were found higher in male leaves than female leaves in all observed month except November. TFAAC in male was most elevated in September whereas it was highest in November in female leaves. Carbohydrate, protein and free amino acid contents were found higher in winter buds which help the plants to cope up with the harsh and chilled winter conditions. During dormancy releasing period, buds showed higher TSSC, lower TSStC, higher TSPC, and lower TFAAC.

Biochar or Biochar-Compost Amendment to a Peat-Based Substrate Improves Growth of Syngonium podophyllum

Increasing demand for sustainable and low-cost alternatives to peat is a challenge in the production of container-grown plants. Biochar (BC) and compost, as eco-friendly materials, could be used to completely or partially substitute for peat. However, information regarding plant responses to the substitution is limited. This study evaluated effects of the amendment of a BC or a BC-compost mixture (BioComp) to a peat-based substrate at 20% by volume on the growth of Syngonium podophyllum. BC was pyrolyzed from wheat straw at 350 °C. Compost was made from farm green waste. BC or BioComp amendment elevated the pH and electrical conductivity of formulated substrates and improved plant growth. Concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and chlorophyll in leaves and the net photosynthetic rate of plants grown in BC or BioComp amended substrates were significantly higher than those grown in the control substrate. Total soluble protein and total phenolic contents were greater in plants grown in BC- or BioComp-amended substrates as well, but no significant difference occurred in reactive oxygen-related enzymatic activities, reducing power or proline contents across substrates. Our results show that BC or BioComp can be used to replace 20% of peat by volume, and such replacement enhanced S. podophyllum growth.

Interactive Effect of Silicon (Si) and Salicylic Acid (SA) in Maize Seedlings and Their Mechanisms of Cadmium (Cd) Toxicity Alleviation

The present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of silicon (Si) and salicylic acid (SA) in the regulation of Cd-induced toxicity in maize seedlings. Cadmium (Cd: 100 µM) significantly reduced root and shoot fresh weight and length, photosynthetic pigments, total soluble protein content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Cadmium decreased root and shoot length by 23 and 19% and fresh weight by 27 and 24%, respectively when compared to their respective controls. Similarly, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and total soluble protein were decreased by 21, 18 and 28%, respectively by Cd. In contrast, the addition of SA (500 µM) and Si (10 µM), and their combination (SA + Si) together with Cd treatment successfully ameliorated Cd-induced harmful impacts on studied parameters as SA and Si alone and in combination reduced Cd accumulation and oxidative stresses and thus refurbish the damages. Cd significantly stimulated activity of superoxide dismutase while inhibited activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and declined total ascorbate and glutathione contents. In contrast, the addition of SA and Si alone and in combination stimulated the activities of APX, GR and DHAR and significantly increased levels of total ascorbate and glutathione. In conclusion, the present study suggested that although SA and Si both alone are able to alleviate Cd-induced toxicity in maize seedlings, but their combination was the most effective in nullifying Cd-induced toxicity in maize seedlings.

Hydrogen sulfide regulates photosynthesis of tall fescue under low-light stress

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is regarded as gaseous signaling molecule in plant response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated potential role of H2S in modulating photosynthesis in low light (LL) stress-induced tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seedlings. Results demonstrated that LL significantly reduced the plant height, leaf width, tiller number, dry mass, turf quality, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, photochemical efficiency of PSII, photochemical quenching, electron transport rate, and enzymatic activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase. Then, these parameters were found to be considerably alleviated by H2S donor application. Moreover, exogenous application of NaHS decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde, increased activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, total soluble sugar, soluble protein, and endogenous concentration of H2S. In addition, these responses could be reversed by treatment with hypotaurine (H2S scavenger) and aminooxy acetic acid (H2S biosynthesis inhibitor). These results suggested that H2S was possibly involved in the regulation of photosynthesis to strengthen LL tolerance by maintaining a high level of photochemical efficiency and improving antioxidant enzyme activities in tall fescue.

Evaluation of Organic Matter Release and Economy for Various Pretreatments of Sewage Sludge

Mechanical, chemical, and biological methods are always used to pretreat sewage sludge. To determine which pretreatment can release more organic matter from sewage sludge, and therefore, make it more economical, mechanical pretreatment (ultrasonic treatment at 20 kHz), chemical pretreatment (pH 10), and biological pretreatment (anaerobic conditions at 70℃) were compared. Results showed that all three pretreatments increased the organic matter release of sewage sludge; the initial total soluble protein and carbohydrate concentration of which was only 418.9 mg·L-1 (cal. as COD) and the DNA content was 18.1 mg·L-1. However, the pH 10 and anaerobic (70℃) pretreatments resulted in a greater organic release than the ultrasonic (20 kHz) pretreatment, with total soluble protein and carbohydrate concentrations of 7516.0 mg·L-1 and 7892.5 mg·L-1, and DNA contents of 1343.3 mg·L-1 and 1766.1 mg·L-1, respectively. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess cell morphology. The cell mortality rates of sludge after pretreatment accounted for 61.6%, 59.9%, and 34.5% respectively, which was improved by 45.6% (at pH 10), 43.9% (under anaerobic conditions at 70℃), and 18.5% (with ultrasonic pretreatment at 20 kHz) compared with raw sewage sludge. At the same time, organic matter removal ratios of sludge after pretreatment were 19.1% (at pH 10), 13.8% (under anaerobic conditions at 70℃), and 7.6% (with ultrasonic pretreatment at 20 kHz). Moreover, the pretreatment of per liter sludge at pH 10 saved 28.5% and 124.1% more than ultrasonic pretreatment (20 kHz) and anaerobic (70℃) pretreatment. Taking both organic matter release and economic analysis into consideration, the chemical method of pretreatment (at pH 10) was identified as the best option.

Effects of Cu stress on physiological, biochemical, and spectral properties of wheat at different growth stages

To study the mechanism of Cu toxicity on wheat, the characteristics of Cu stress in pivotal growth periods of wheat were explored by field planting methods. The results showed that at the tillering stage, the concentrations of Cu in the leaf cell fluid were significantly higher than those in the cell wall, and the Cu was primarily enriched in cell fluid. At the jointing and heading stages, the Cu concentration in the leaf cell wall was significantly higher than that in the cell fluid, and the main enrichment was transferred to the cell wall. During the above three growth stages, no Cu was discovered in leaf organelles. Further studies showed that the total soluble protein content in wheat leaves at the tillering and jointing stages showed a trend of first rising and then falling with increased Cu dosage. At the heading stage, under low and medium Cu stress, the total soluble protein content showed no remarkable change. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content at the tillering stage increased with the increase of Cu concentration in the soil, while MDA content did not change noticeably at the jointing and heading stages. At the tillering and heading stages, the low concentrations of Cu increased peroxidase (POD) activity. The POD activity decreased gradually with the increased Cu concentration. However, at the high concentrations of Cu, there was no significant difference in the activity of POD. At the jointing stage, the POD activity did not change significantly under the low Cu stress while it was evidently inhibited under high Cu stress. Based on the above studies, further analyses on the correlation between canopy spectral characteristics and the Cu accumulation at different growth stages of leaf cells were performed, and a new combined index SIPI/NDVI705 performed well in Cu content prediction. The results showed that at different growth stages, different sensitive spectral characteristic parameters should be used to predict the Cu content in leaf cells. Keywords: Cu stress, physiology, biochemistry, heavy metal pollution, growth stage, wheat, spectrum characteristic parameter DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191203.4403 Citation: Su Z L, Wang G D, Xu L Q, Zhang J H, Liu X Y. Effects of Cu stress on physiological, biochemical, and spectral properties of wheat at different growth stages. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(3): 147–153.

Production of Human IFNγ Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana Plant through an Enhanced Expression System Based on Bamboo mosaic Virus.

Plant-based systems are safe alternatives to the current platforms for the production of biologically active therapeutic proteins. However, plant-based expression systems face certain major challenges, including the relatively low productivity and the generation of target proteins in biologically active forms. The use of plant virus-based expression systems has been shown to enhance yields, but further improvement is still required to lower the production cost. In this study, various strategies were employed to increase the yields of an important therapeutic protein, human interferon gamma (IFNγ), in Nicotiana benthamiana through modifications of expression vectors based on potexviruses. Among these, the vector based on a coat protein (CP)-deficient Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV), pKB△CHis, was shown to exhibit the highest expression level for the unmodified IFNγ. Truncation of the N-terminal signal peptide of IFN (designated mIFNγ) resulted in a nearly seven-fold increase in yield. Co-expression of a silencing suppressor protein by replacing the coding sequence of BaMV movement protein with that of P19 led to a 40% increase in mIFNγ accumulation. The fusion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal with mIFNγ significantly enhanced the accumulation ratio of biologically active dimeric mIFNγ to 87% relative to the non-active monomeric form. The construct pKB19mIFNγER, employing the combination of all the above enhancement strategies, gave the highest level of protein accumulation, up to 119 ± 0.8 μg/g fresh weight, accounting for 2.5% of total soluble protein (TSP) content. These findings advocate the application of the modified BaMV-based vector as a platform for high-level expression of therapeutic protein in N. benthamiana.

Storability, Quality Changes, and General Postharvest Behavior of Dudaim Melon Harvested at Two Maturity Stages

Dudaim melon (Cucumis melo Group Dudaim) is a unique edible melon for which few postharvest physiology studies have been conducted. To investigate the postharvest behavior of dudaim melon, two cultivars (Zangi-Abad and Kermanshah) were planted, tagged at anthesis, and harvested at two maturity stages: 21 and 28 d after anthesis (DAA). Harvested fruit were stored at 5 or 13 °C for up to 3 weeks and various quality parameters including color, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, chilling injury (CI), ethylene production, protein content, glucose content, fructose content, sucrose content, and maltose content were assessed during storage. After 3 weeks of storage at 13 °C, early-harvested fruit (21 DAA) had relatively similar color values (L*, lightness; a*, green–red tones; b*, blue–yellow tones) and TA compared with late-harvested fruit (28 DAA); however, some quality traits, such as TSS, were not similar. Ethylene content decreased initially after harvest and then started to increase during storage at 13 °C. For most treatments, glucose and fructose contents decreased whereas sucrose and maltose contents increased with advancing maturity. Increased ethylene production, in concert with color development at 13 °C, similar to ripe fruit, and the changing balance of measured mono- and disaccharide sugars in harvested fruit likely indicates ‘Kermanshah’ is climacteric. Results for ‘Zangi-Abad’ were not as definitive. Dudaim melon fruit can be harvested at an optimum stage of maturity, similar to known climacteric melon fruit, and then allowed to ripen at proper storage temperatures before consumption. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that harvest at 21 DAA and storage at a nonchilling temperature such as 13 °C are the optimal stage and temperature for long storage purposes.

Stimulating Effect of Gamma Radiation on Some Active Compounds in Eggplant Fruits

A FIELD experiment was performed to study the effect of gamma irradiation (0.0, 50 and 100Gy) on growth parameters and bioactive compounds of different parts of eggplant. All growth parameters studied showed an increase when using a dose of 50Gy gamma rays. Also, 50Gy increased total phenolic contents (2.140, 4.039 and 2.965mg/g DW) for pulp, peel and whole fruits, respectively. A dose level at 50Gy increased flavonoid contents (0.835, 4.301 and 3.166mg/g DW) for pulp, peel and whole fruits, respectively. Moreover, tannin contents increased at a dose of 50Gy to (5.853, 7.94 and 7.79mg/g DW) for pulp, peel and whole fruits respectively; the highest contents were detected in peels followed by the whole fruits and the pulps. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of eggplant extracts varies according to the plant part. The antioxidant activity in the whole fruit was less than the peel and pulp while the highest antioxidant activity was in the peel. Otherwise, the amino acid and total soluble protein contents were higher in pulp in all treatments. Phenyl alanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme and polyphenol oxidase enzyme showed increases in their activities as gamma radiation increased to 50Gy, while increasing irradiation dose level to 100Gy reduces both enzyme activities. FT-IR showed the appearance and disappearance of function group in control and irradiated plants. Meanwhile, the results confirmed the presence of C-H stretching phenol (1020cm-1), alkane C-H blending (1450cm-1) and O-H stretching, lipid at (1450cm-1), and carbohydrate amino acids (3940.39cm-1) in eggplant plants different parts control and irradiated.

The response of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) to the application of PCB-contaminated sewage sludge and urban sediment.

BackgroundThe increasing production of sewage sludge (SS) engenders the problem of its responsible utilization and disposal. Likewise, urban sediments (SED) are deposited at the bottom of urban reservoirs and sedimentation ponds, and these require periodical dredging and utilization. However, while the SS and SED deposits often contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus; however, they also contain a variety of hazardous compounds including heavy metals, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and microbial pollutants. Fortunately, some species of Cucurbitaceae can accumulate high levels of POPs, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), in their tissues.MethodsSS was collected from the Lodz Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant and SED from the Sokołówka Sequential Biofiltration System. The SS and SED samples were added to soil in flower pots at three concentrations (1.8 g, 5.4 g and 10.8 g per flower pot), and one pot was left as an unamended control (C). Soil PCB concentrations were determined before cucumber planting, and after five weeks of growth. Also, total soluble protein, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio and degree of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were examined in the leaves of the cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Cezar after five weeks. Antioxidative response was assessed by ascorbate peroxidase (APx) and catalase (CAT) assay.ResultsThe initial PCB concentration in soil after application of SS or SED was dependent on the applied dose. After five weeks, PCB concentration fell significantly for all samples and confirmed that the dose of SS/SED had a strong effect. Soil remediation was found to be more effective after SS application. Total soluble protein content in the cucumber leaf tissues was dependent on both the type and the dose of the applied amendments, and increased with greater SS doses in the soil. The total chlorophyll content remained unchanged, and the chlorophyll a/b ratio was slightly elevated only after the application of the highest SS and SED dose. The use of SS and SED did not significantly affect TBARS content. APx activity fell after SS or SED application; however, CAT activity tended to increase, but only in the leaves of plants grown in SS-amended soil.DiscussionThe cultivation of cucumber plants reduces PCB concentration in soil amended with SS or SED; however, this effect is more evident in the case of SS. SS application also induced more intensive changes in the activity of enzymes engaged in antioxidative response and oxidative stress markers in plant tissues than SED. The levels of PCB in the SS may have triggered a more severe imbalance between pro- and antioxidative reactions in plants. Cucumber plants appear to be resistant to the presence of toxic substances in SS and SED, and the addition of SS and SED not only acts as a fertilizer, but also protects against accelerated aging.

Effects of LPDBD Plasma and Plasma Activated Water on Germination and Growth in Rapeseed (Brassica napus)

The study deals with the effect of low pressure dielectric barrier discharge (LPDBD) plasma and plasma activated water (PAW) produced with Ar, O2 and Air on germination and growth in rapeseed. Although H2O2 concentration showed no significant changes, α‑amylase activity (germination inducer) significantly increased in seeds due to LPDBD plasma. In addition, the activity of SOD and CAT was significantly induced in seeds of rapeseed treated with PAW. Rapeseed plants grown from the LPDBD plasma treated seeds showed significant improvements in shoot characteristics, chlorophyll synthesis, total soluble protein and sugar concentration compared to controls. Interestingly, plasma treated plants also showed no significant variations of H2O2 in tissue(s) which is supported by the biochemical and molecular evidence(s) of antioxidant enzymes. Plants exhibited a significant increase in tissue APX and CAT activities along with BnAPX and BnCAT expression(s) in roots when seeds were treated with LPDBD Air/O2 and PAW O2. This suggests that LPDBD plasma might have been involved with elevated level of reactive oxygen species, which was tightly controlled through the upregulation of APX and CAT activities and thus trigger the growth and development in rapeseed plants. These findings reveal the role and mechanisms of LPDBD technique facilitating germination and growth in rapeseed plants.

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Improves Leaf Food Quality of Tea Plants

Tea (Camellia sinensis) plants inhabit arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in rhizosphere, whereas it is not clear whether AMF improves leaf food quality of tea plants. A potted study was conducted to determine effects of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Diversispora spurca, D. versiformis and a mixture of the three AMF species on leaf sugar, amino acid, soluble protein, tea polyphenol, catechuic acid, and flavonoid contents of Camellia sinensis ‘Fuding Dabaicha’ seedlings. After 12 weeks of AMF inoculation, mycorrhizal plants recorded significantly higher shoot biomass and total leaf area, whilst the effect was ranked as C. etunicatum &gt; D. spurca &gt; mixed-AMF &gt; D. versiformis in the decreasing order. AMF treatments significantly increased leaf total amino acid concentrations, accompanied with up-regulation of amino acid synthetic enzymes genes glutamine synthetase (CsGS), glutamate synthase (CsGOGAT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (CsGDH). Leaf glucose, sucrose, total soluble protein, tea polyphenol, catechuic acid, and flavonoid contents were significantly higher in AMF- than in non-AMF-inoculated plants. In addition, mycorrhizal inoculation notably up-regulated the expression level of leaf 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme gene (CsHMGR), ascorbate peroxidase gene (CsAPX), and tea caffeine synthase 1 gene (CsTCS1). These results implied that AMF inoculation had positive effects on leaf food quality partly by means of up-regulation of relevant gene expression in ‘Fuding Dabaicha’ seedlings.&#x0D; &#x0D; *********&#x0D; In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.&#x0D; *********

Effects of air temperature before harvest on the concentration of human adiponectin in transgenic strawberry fruits.

Transgenic ever-bearing strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch. 'HS 138') was cultivated in a closed plant production system to produce functional proteins that can enhance human immune functions. We investigated the effects of air temperature before harvest on fruit growth and the concentration of human adiponectin (hAdi) at harvest in transgenic strawberry. During the different stages of maturity (mature white and immature green stages), hAdi-expressing plants were exposed to four air temperature treatments (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) under 24-h illumination provided by fluorescent lamps. Fruits were harvested at the mature red stage. The number of days to the mature red stage decreased with increasing air temperature, being the least at 30°C. Fruit total soluble protein (TSP) concentration increased with decreasing air temperature, particularly at 15°C, whereas fruit hAdi concentration tended to be higher under the 30°C treatment than under any other of the temperature treatments. There was no significant relationship between fruit fresh weight at harvest time and hAdi concentration within treatments, nor between the number of days to harvest and hAdi or TSP concentration. Although there were no significant differences in fruit hAdi content among treatments, hAdi production rate was the highest at 30°C because of the shortest duration to harvest. These results indicate that a higher air temperature promoted fruit maturation and accelerated the production of functional hAdi proteins in the fruit. For hAdi-expressing strawberry plants, exposure to 30°C may reduce energy consumption (lighting and air conditioning) for functional protein production under controlled environments.

Intensification in biological properties of chitosan after γ-irradiation.

Chitosan, a functional biopolymer, was irradiated with 100 kGy gamma irradiation and used to access its physical, antioxidant, plant growth promoting and antimicrobial properties. The molecular weight of chitosan reduced to 82.2 kDa from 337.7 kDa after irradiation. UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR results revealed slight changes in chitosan skeleton after irradiation but the degree of acetylation of both chitosan was ~18%. DSC profile indicated a prominent decline in enthalpy and energy for phase transition, TGA indicated shift in decomposition temperature, while XRD analysis showed a reduction in chitosan crystallinity after irradiation. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of chitosan (2-10 mg/mL) enhanced significantly by 1.25-1.45 and 1.80-3.14 folds after irradiation. There was a considerable improvement in morphological parameters (number of leaves, nodes, height, fresh weight and dry weight) and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll, total soluble sugars and soluble proteins content) of in vitro potato plant in chitosan supplemented medium at 75 mg/L concentration than the control. The minimum inhibitory concentration of normal and irradiated chitosan for Alternaria spp. was 2500 and 2000 mg/L and for Fusarium spp. was 1750 and 1500 mg/L, respectively. IC50 value of normal and irradiated chitosan for Fusarium spp. was 1387.9 ± 9.2 and 954.3 ± 6.1 mg/L, and for Alternaria spp. was 1536.1 ± 24.3 and 1416.8 ± 3.5 mg/L, respectively.