Α-amino Nitrogen Content Research Articles

Impact of exogenous melatonin foliar application on physiology and fruit quality of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) under salt stress.

Soil salinisation is an important abiotic stress faced in grape cultivating, leading to weakened plant vigour and reduced fruit quality. Melatonin as a novel hormone has shown positive exogenous application value. Therefore, this study used wine grape (Vitis vinifera ) 'Pinot Noir' as a test material to investigate the changes of foliar spraying with different concentrations of melatonin on the physiology and fruit quality of wine grapes in a field under simulated salt stress (200mmolL-1 NaCl). The results showed that foliar spraying of melatonin significantly increased the intercellular CO2 concentration, maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII, relative chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content of the leaves, as well as the single spike weight, 100-grain weight, transverse and longitudinal diameters, malic acid, α-amino nitrogen and ammonia content of fruits, and decreased the initial fluorescence value of leaves, ascorbate peroxidase activity, glutathione content, fruit transverse to longitudinal ratio and tartaric acid content of plants under salt stress. Results of the comprehensive evaluation of the affiliation function indicated that 100μmolL-1 melatonin treatment had the best effect on reducing salt stress in grapes. In summary, melatonin application could enhance the salt tolerance of grapes by improving the photosynthetic capacity of grape plants under salt stress and promoting fruit development and quality formation, and these results provide new insights into the involvement of melatonin in the improvement of salt tolerance in crop, as well as some theoretical basis for the development and industrialisation of stress-resistant cultivation techniques for wine grapes.

Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield

The aim of the study was the evaluation of silicon foliar application on sugar beet yield. In the years 2017–2019, the effect of a single foliar application of various forms of silicon (potassium silicate—PS, calcium silicate—CS, sodium metasilicate—SM, and orthosilicic stabilized acid—OSA) applied in the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, 7 and 14 days later on yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots was assessed. It was found that the form of silicon does not have a significant effect on the yield of sugar beet roots, and significantly modifies the biological yield of sugar and the pure sugar yield. The highest biological yield of sugar is achieved by the foliar application of PS, and the pure sugar yield by PS and OSA. The date of foliar application as well as the interaction of the date of application and silicon forms do not have a significant effect on the root yield, biological yield of sugar, and pure sugar yield. The form of silicon has a significant effect on the technological quality of sugar beet roots (sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium content). The most beneficial effect on the sugar content and reduction of sodium content in sugar beet roots is the foliar application of OSA, and the reduction of α-amino nitrogen and potassium content—PS. The timing of the application of various forms of silicon has a significant effect on the sugar and potassium content in sugar beet roots. The most beneficial effect on the sugar content in the roots is the application carried out 7 days after the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, and the potassium content is most limited by the treatment 14 days after reaching this phase. The interaction of the timing of foliar application and the form of silicon significantly modifies the technological quality features of sugar beet roots: the content of sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium. The results of the study proved the significant effect of silicon foliar application on the physiological parameters of plants, such as leaf area index (LAI), absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) which are related to yield and sugar beet productivity.

Enhancing Bioaccessibility of Plant Protein Using Probiotics: An In Vitro Study.

As plant-based diets become more popular, there is an interest in developing innovations to improve the bioaccessibility of plant protein. In this study, seven probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, B. lactis Bl-04, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei Lpc-37, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Ll-23) were evaluated for their capacity to hydrolyze soy and pea protein ingredients in an in vitro digestion model of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT). Compared to the control digestion of protein without a probiotic, all the studied strains were able to increase the digestion of soy or pea protein, as evidenced by an increase in free α-amino nitrogen (FAN) and/or free amino acid concentration. The increase in FAN varied between 13 and 33% depending on the protein substrate and probiotic strain. The survival of probiotic bacteria after exposure to digestive fluids was strain-dependent and may have affected the strain's capacity to function and aid in protein digestion in the gastrointestinal environment. Overall, our results from the standardized in vitro digestion model provide an approach to explore probiotics for improved plant protein digestion and bioaccessibility of amino acids; however, human clinical research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on amino acid absorption and bioavailability in vivo.

Influence of Various Forms of Foliar Application on Root Yield and Technological Quality of Sugar Beet

The Green Deal adopted by the European Commission assumes a significant reduction in the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is necessary to search for environmentally safe technologies that will prevent a reduction in crop yield. One of such methods, which was examined in the study, is the foliar application of silicon, which can have a positive effect on root yield and its quality. In the period 2017–2019, a field experiment was carried out in which the effectiveness of the application of various forms of silicon (orthosilicic acid, a mixture of orthosilicic and polysilicic acid and calcium silicate) in sugar beet cultivation was assessed. The applied treatments of foliar application increased the root yield by 10.7–11.7%, the biological sugar yield by 8.4–12% and the pure sugar yield by 7.2–11.8% as compared to the control treatment. The differences between the individual treatments in terms of these characteristics were insignificant. Their impacts on the technological quality of roots (content of sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium and sodium) were different.

Effect of area specific mineral mixture supplementation on milk production, biochemical and blood mineral status of Black Bengal goats

This study was conducted to find out the effect of area-specific mineral mixture (ASMM) supplementation on production performances, the biochemical and mineral profile of Black Bengal does during the peripartum period. For this purpose, 20 pregnant does were made into two groups according to the bodyweight viz., Control-T 0 (n=10) and Treatment-T 1 (n=10) and supplemented with 0 and 6 g ASMM/animal/day, respectively starting from 3 months before the expected date of parturition to till the onset of the first post-partum estrus. Overall mean milk fat, total ash, total solids, solids not fat, milk crude protein and milk yield, blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, α-amino nitrogen, phosphorus and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentration were non-significant (P>0.05) between the groups. The overall mean of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, calcium, copper, and zinc concentration in control (T 0 ) and treatment (T 1 ) groups were127.05±1.27 vs.132.73±1.26 IU/L, 7.83±0.08 vs. 8.19±0.08 mg/dl, 0.66±0.02 vs. 0.94±0.02 ppm, 0.69±0.01 vs. 0.97 ± 0.02 ppm, respectively, and differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the groups. So by the findings of this study, it is concluded supplementation of the area-specific mineral mixture@ 6 g/day during the peripartum period had a significant effect on blood biochemical parameters in Black Bengal does.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the key regulatory genes for higher alcohol formation by yeast at different α-amino nitrogen concentrations

Higher alcohols are important flavor substance in alcoholic beverages. The content of α-amino nitrogen (α-AN) in the fermentation system affects the formation of higher alcohols by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, the effect of α-AN concentration on the higher alcohol productivity of yeast was explored, and the mechanism of this effect was investigated through metabolite and transcription sequence analyses. We screened 12 most likely genes and constructed the recombinant strain to evaluate the effect of each gene on high alcohol formation. Results showed that the AGP1, GDH1, and THR6 genes were important regulators of higher alcohol metabolism in S. cerevisiae. This study provided knowledge about the metabolic pathways of higher alcohols and gave an important reference for the breeding of S. cerevisiae with low-yield higher alcohols to deal with the fermentation system with different α-AN concentrations in the brewing industry.

THE EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM APPLICATIONS ON DROUGHT STRESS IN SUGAR BEET: PART I. SUGAR BEET QUALITY COMPONENTS

This is the first in a series of papers describing the effects of potassium applications on drought stress in sugar beet. Drought stress is the stress to which there is the most exposure in agricultural areas. In this research, the effect of potassium applications under drought stress on some quality parameters of sugar beet, which is a strategic plant, was investigated. In the experiment, irrigation levels were kept at 33%, 66% and 100% of field capacity. Different doses (10-20-40-80 mg kg-1) of potassium were applied to the plants. The plants were grown in the growth chamber under controlled conditions (day/night 16/8 hours, 25/15 0C, 60-70% humidity). A comparison of the plants irrigated at the level of 100% of the field capacity and stressed plants showed that the root sugar content decreased by 53.18% and 65.1%, and shoot sugar content by 20.8% and 17.8% respectively at 66% and 33% irrigation levels. Root white sugar content (58.61 mg g-1) was obtained at the dose of 10 mg kg-1 potassium level, while the lowest (32.61 mg g-1) was obtained at the dose of 80 mg kg-1 potassium level. Shoot protein content has increased significantly with an increasing level of potassium under drought (33% and 66%) condition. The root α-amino nitrogen content decreased under drought stress with increasing potassium concentrations while it increased in non-stressed plants. According to the results obtained from the experiment, the potassium applied to the plants under drought stress led to the increase of the root sugar, root white sugar content and shoot protein content the reduction of root α-amino nitrogen content. Therefore, it can be said that potassium may play a critical role in reducing the negative effect of drought stress in sugar beet.

Assessment of different proteases on degree of hydrolysis, functional properties and radical scavenging activities of salted duck egg white hydrolysate.

The impact of different proteases (alcalase, ficin, protamex, and neutrase) on the hydrolyzation, foaming and radical scavenging potency of salted duck egg white was studied. Egg white without protease hydrolyzation served as control. Regarding the degree of hydrolysis, neutrase and protamex were more capable of hydrolyzing duck egg white than the others. The α-amino nitrogen content in the egg whites was highly correlated with hydrolysis ability of the enzymes, and it had gradually increased with curing. Foam stability, capacity and emulsion stability were significantly influenced by proteases and curing period. However, the solubility of the egg white hydrolysate was not much affected by curing but showed significant differences between hydrolyzed and control samples. Emulsion stability of hydrolysate decreased with curing times. Neutrase and alcalase hydrolysates gave the best foaming and emulsion properties. Moreover, neutrase and protamex hydrolysates showed good scavenging potency against the DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and ferrous ion radicals. Overall, the hydrolysate from neutrase hydrolyzed duck egg white showed the highest foaming and radical scavenging capacities among the other hydrolysis treatments in this study.

Quality Changes in Deep-Sea Shrimp (Aristeus alcocki) During Ice Storage: Biochemical and Organoleptic Changes

The exploration of deep-sea fisheries for food uses is recommended worldwide and particularly in India. In the present work, quality changes in deep-sea shrimp, Aristeus alcocki, during the ice storage period of 7 days have been studied. Quality indicators such as trimethylamine nitrogen, total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), peroxide value, free fatty acid value, pH and total plate count increased significantly (P < 0.05) during the storage period and reached the value of 4.5 mgN/100 g, 18.88 mgN/100 g, 4.09 % of lipids as oleic acid, 17.73 milliequivalent of O2 /kg, 8.05 and 1.93 × 105 cfu/g at the end of the study, respectively. Other biochemical parameters such as α-amino nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and water soluble protein contents were found to decrease significantly (P < 0.05). Changes in sensory attributes had significant correlation with quality indicating parameters. It was found that during ice storage, A. alcocki retained the prime quality up to 4 days; thereafter, the rate of quality deterioration was high and reached the lower margin of overall acceptability on the 7th day. The overall acceptability score of 4.20 on the 7th day, indicating that the shrimps were acceptable by the panelist. The total plate count up to 7 days of ice storage was low indicated that the quality deterioration in deep-sea shrimp was mainly because of biochemical deterioration rather than the microbial putrefaction.

Optimization of yeast autolysis under solid-state fermentation conditions

Yeast autolysis under solid-state fermentation can effectively promote the release of various active substances, thereby improving the quality of yeast products. The optimal process for yeast autolysis under solid-state fermentation was obtained by optimizing the autolysis temperature, autolysis time and the zinc ion concentration. We analyzed the indexes of free amino acid, soluble protein and α-amino nitrogen in the fermentation material, as well as A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio to determine yeast autolysis process conditions in the solid-state fermentation. On the basis of the obtained data, L₉ (3³) orthogonal test was designed to optimize the solid-state fermentation parameters for yeast autolysis: temperature at 40, 50 and 55 °C; time 12, 18 and 24 h; zinc ion concentration 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg. The optimum process conditions for yeast autolysis were: autolysis temperature 55 °C, time 18 h, zinc ion concentration 2 mg/kg, and soluble protein content reached 9.31 mg/g, free amino acid 14.36 mg/g, α-amino nitrogen 10.16 μg/g and A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ 1.73. After optimization of the process, the soluble protein, free amino acid and α-amino nitrogen contents of the yeast autolysis production can be significantly increased, thereby obviously improving the quality of the composite culture.

Impact of sugar beet seed priming on molasses components, sugar content and technological white sugar yield

The impact of non-treated and primed seeds on molasses components, sugar content and technological white sugar yield of the same cultivar of sugar beet root was investigated. The study was conducted in 2012–2014 at the Experiment Field Station of Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW in Skierniewice (51°97'N, 20°19'E) in the central region of Poland. The use of primed seeds resulted in a higher technological white sugar yield with higher sugar content and lower content of α-amino nitrogen in the roots. Also, seed priming increased the technological value of the roots by a lower share in the root yield fractions of the root weight less than 300 g, characterized by lower sugar content and a higher content of α-amino nitrogen.

Protein and fatty acid profile of marine fishes from Java Sea, Indonesia

Priatni S, Ratnaningrum D, Kosasih W, Sriendah E, Srikandace Y, Rosmalina T, Pudjiraharti S. 2018. Protein and fatty acid profile of marine fishes from Java Sea, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1737-1742. Indonesia is the second largest producer of capture fisheries products in the world and the most capture fisheries production comes from marine fisheries. Marine fish is a source of protein, amino acid, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which are important components of diet. The objective of the study was to investigate the protein and fatty acids profile of nine marine fish samples from Java Sea of Indramayu West Java, Indonesia. The analysis data showed that the total protein content of fish samples ranged from 61.07% (Pampus argenteus) to 86.56% (Tetraodontidae). Meanwhile, total lipid content of fish samples ranged from 1.73% (Tetraodontidae) to 9.82% (Leiognathus equulus). The concentration of α-Amino Nitrogen (AN) of fish protein hydrolysate was ranging from 31 mM (Nemipterus hexodon) to 69 mM (Mystacoleucus padangensis) and% Degree of Hydrolysis (DH) was ranging from 9.33% to 20.39%. The molecular weight of protein fish samples had similar profiles primarily for almost all samples, which could be observed from a typical band with the weight around 49 kDa. The saturated fatty acid (Ʃ SFA) compositions of fish species ranged from 1094.03-4233.03 µg/g. Oleic acid (MUFA) content of all fish species ranged from 257.91-1216.06 µg/g. However, only three fish species contain of Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) linoleic acid as the following; Selaroides leptolepis (171.36 µg/g), Oxyeleotris marmorata (249.40µg/g) and Tetraodontidae (140.35 µg/g). The highest SFA content was found in S. leptolepis with palmitic acid (C16:0) as the dominant saturated fatty acid (2320.88 µg/g). S. leptolepis also contained high oleic acid (1216.06 µg/g) and linoleic acid (171.36 µg/g).

Effects of inoculating autochthonous starter cultures on biogenic amines accumulation of Chinese traditional fermented fish

The effects of three autochthonous starter cultures (Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2018 and Staphylococcus xylosus 135) on biogenic amines (BAs) accumulation in Chinese traditional fermented freshwater fish products (CTFPs) were studied. Some quality parameters of CTFPs, namely microbiological characteristics, α-amino nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides, protease activity, and free amino acids (FFAs) were also detected. No histamine accumulation was observed in each fermentation group. Putrescine and tyramine were the dominating BAs in CTFPs. Putrescine accumulation was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by inoculated with L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135, and lowest tyramine content (363.15 mg/kg) was observed in sample inoculated with mixed starter cultures. Low levels of cadaverine (8.22–20.03 mg/kg), spermidine (6.60–8.11 mg/kg) and spermine (7.94–9.62 mg/kg) were observed in all groups at the end of the fermentation. Additionally, total BAs contents showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation with protease activities and α-amino nitrogen contents. Practical applications The present study demonstrated the changes in some quality parameters and BAs contents of CTFPs influenced by different starter cultures. Results showed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast were gradually increased, severe hydrolysis of proteins was occurred during CTFPs fermentation process, histamine accumulation was inhibited completely in all fermentation groups, putrescine was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by inoculated with L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135, and significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of tyramine was observed in sample inoculated with mixed starter culture. To date, CTFPs were usually produced by spontaneous fermentation, and the quality was unsteady. Therefore, to improve the quality and avoid the unacceptable levels of BAs accumulation, inoculation of proper autochthonous starter cultures is advisable.

Dvostepena fermentacija za proizvodnju mlečne kiseline na destilerijskoj džibri

The aim of this study was to assess utilization of distillery stillage in a two-stage fermentation using Bacillus licheniformis TFUNS and Lactobacillus paracasei NRRL B-4564. In the first stage the stillage was pretreated with B. licheniformis which is an efficient producer of proteolytic enzymes, in order to increase the content of free α-amino nitrogen in the waste substrate. In the subsequent stage the lactic acid (LA) fermentation by L. paracasei was performed. The results of the fermentation of proteolytically pretreated stillage (i.e. of two-stage fermentation) were compared with the untreated stillage (one-stage fermentation). The results have shown that the amount of free α-amino nitrogen in pretreated media was 107 % higher compared to the initial value. The concentration of the LA obtained in the second stage by L. paracasei was 48 % higher than in untreated stillage. In addition, the growth of L. paracasei in pretreated stillage was also better supported compared to that in untreated media. The process enabled economical and sufficient supply of easily assimilative nitrogen sources needed for lactic acid bacteria, thus avoiding addition of costly sources in the media commonly performed in LA production.

Selection of the best lines of sugar beet sterility maintainers in terms of potassium content in breeding for improved technological quality of roots

Purpose. To study the variability of potassium content sign in sterility maintainers of sugar beet, establish the correlation with sugar content of roots, select sources of the low content of potassium ions for the improved technological quality of roots.Methods. Genetic and statistical analysis of the genotypic variability of agronomic traits in sterility maintainers, regression analysis. Source material: five sterility maintainer lines.Results. The content of potassium ions in the best sterility maintainer lines of Uladivska RBS origin ranged from 3.5 to 4.1 mg/equivalent per 100 g of raw material that was due to their genotype. The coefficient of variation in lines Ot 1, and Ot 3 was average, while in lines Ot 2 and Ot 4 high, creating an opportunity for inter-line selection. Selections groups of improved agronomic characteristics (root weight, sugar content, reduced content of potassium, sodium, α-amino nitrogen) were completed. A regression model of the interdependence of the signs of potassium content and sugar content was investigated, low correlation coefficients between signs (r = 0,09 ... -0,15) were found. The comparative characteristic in regression graph contrasting the content of potassium ions in sterility maintainer lines was performed.Conclusions. Lines Ot 2 and Ot 1 characterized by low content of potassium ions were selected. They will be involved in the crosses arranged in diallel design as a source of improved features. Selection groups for each of the five O-type lines, which had their potassium, sodium and α-amino nitrogen content significantly reduced were created. Low interdependence of the signs of sugar content and potassium content was found out, which is a genetic feature of breeding materials of Uladivska RBS origin.

Enhanced germination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using chitooligosaccharide as an elicitor in seed priming to improve malt quality.

To study enhanced barley germination by chitooligosaccharide as an elicitor for improving the quality of malt. Barley germination for both radical and leaf sprouts was enhanced when chitooligosaccharide was added to the steeping water in the first steeping cycle. The activities of hydrolases (α-/β-amylase, proteinase and β-glucanase) and antioxidases (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the resultant malt were increased in a dose-dependent manner when chitooligosaccharide was supplemented in the steeping water. Maximal promotion was at 1 mg chitooligosaccharide/l for α-/β-amylase and proteinase, and at 10 mg/l for β-glucanase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Malt quality, including free α-amino nitrogen content, Kolbach index, malt extract content, diastatic power, wort viscosity and the ratio of glucose, maltose and maltotriose, was significantly improved by chitooligosaccharide in seed priming at 1 mg/l. Application of chitooligosaccharide in the steeping water promotes barley germination and improves the quality of malt.

A physiological increase in maternal cortisol alters uteroplacental metabolism in the pregnant ewe.

Key points Fetal nutrient supply is dependent, in part, upon the transport capacity and metabolism of the placenta.The stress hormone, cortisol, alters metabolism in the adult and fetus but it is not known whether cortisol in the pregnant mother affects metabolism of the placenta.In this study, when cortisol concentrations were raised in pregnant sheep by infusion, proportionately more of the glucose taken up by the uterus was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues while less was transferred to the fetus, despite an increased placental glucose transport capacity. Concomitantly, the uteroplacental tissues produced lactate at a greater rate.The results show that maternal cortisol concentrations regulate uteroplacental glycolytic metabolism, producing lactate for use in utero.Prolonged increases in placental lactate production induced by cortisol overexposure may contribute to the adverse effects of maternal stress on fetal wellbeing. Fetal nutrition is determined by maternal availability, placental transport and uteroplacental metabolism of carbohydrates. Cortisol affects maternal and fetal metabolism, but whether maternal cortisol concentrations within the physiological range regulate uteroplacental carbohydrate metabolism remains unknown. This study determined the effect of maternal cortisol infusion (1.2 mg kg−1 day−1 i.v. for 5 days, n = 20) on fetal glucose, lactate and oxygen supplies in pregnant ewes on day ∼130 of pregnancy (term = 145 days). Compared to saline infusion (n = 21), cortisol infusion increased maternal, but not fetal, plasma cortisol (P < 0.05). Cortisol infusion also raised maternal insulin, glucose and lactate concentrations, and blood pH, PCO2 and HCO3 − concentration. Although total uterine glucose uptake determined by Fick's principle was unaffected, a greater proportion was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues, so net fetal glucose uptake was 29% lower in cortisol‐infused than control ewes (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, uteroplacental lactate production was > 2‐fold greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05), although uteroplacental O2 consumption was unaffected by maternal treatment. Materno‐fetal clearance of non‐metabolizable [3H]methyl‐d‐glucose and placental SLC2A8 (glucose transporter 8) gene expression were also greater with cortisol treatment. Fetal plasma glucose, lactate or α‐amino nitrogen concentrations were unaffected by treatment although fetal plasma fructose and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity were greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05). Fetal plasma insulin levels and body weight were also unaffected by maternal treatment. During stress, cortisol‐dependent regulation of uteroplacental glycolysis may allow increased maternal control over fetal nutrition and metabolism. However, when maternal cortisol concentrations are raised chronically, prolonged elevation of uteroplacental lactate production may compromise fetal wellbeing.

Identification and Fine Mapping of a White Husk Gene in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Barley is the only crop in the Poaceae family with adhering husks at maturity. The color of husk at barely development stage could influence the agronomic traits and malting qualities of grains. A barley mutant with a white husk was discovered from the malting barley cultivar Supi 3 and designated wh (white husk). Morphological changes and the genetics of white husk barley were investigated. Husks of the mutant were white at the heading and flowering stages but yellowed at maturity. The diastatic power and α-amino nitrogen contents also significantly increased in wh mutant. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed abnormal chloroplast development in the mutant. Genetic analysis of F2 and BC1F1 populations developed from a cross of wh and Yangnongpi 5 (green husk) showed that the white husk was controlled by a single recessive gene (wh). The wh gene was initially mapped between 49.64 and 51.77 cM on chromosome 3H, which is syntenic with rice chromosome 1 where a white husk gene wlp1 has been isolated. The barley orthologous gene of wlp1 was sequenced from both parents and a 688 bp deletion identified in the wh mutant. We further fine-mapped the wh gene between SSR markers Bmac0067 and Bmag0508a with distances of 0.36 cM and 0.27 cM in an F2 population with 1115 individuals of white husk. However, the wlp1 orthologous gene was mapped outside the interval. New candidate genes were identified based on the barley genome sequence.

Preparation of Egg White Liquid Hydrolysate (ELH) and Its Radical-Scavenging Activity.

In the present study, an optimum protease was selected to hydrolyze the egg white liquid protein for the antioxidant peptides. Alcalase treatment yielded the highest amount of α-amino groups (15.27 mg/mL), while the control (no enzymatic hydrolysis) showed the lowest amount of α-amino groups (1.53 mg/mL). Alcalase also gave the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) value (43.2%) and was more efficient for egg white liquid hydrolysis than the other enzymes. The Alcalase hydrolysate had the highest radical-scavenging activity (82.5%) at a concentration of 5.0 mg/mL. The conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of egg white liquid with Alcalase were selected as substrate : water ratio of 2:1. Five percent Alacalse treatment did not show significant (P>0.05) increases of DH and α-amino nitrogen content after 24 h-hydrolysis. Thirty two hour-hydrolysis with 5% Alcalase is sufficient to make antioxidative egg white liquid hydrolysate from egg white liquid. DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities were significantly (P<0.05) higher after enzymatic digestion. These results suggest that active peptides released from egg-white protein are effective radical-scavengers. Thus, this approach may be useful for the preparation of potent antioxidant products.

Effect of different tillage methods on the nutritional status, yield and quality of sugar beets

Optimal nutrition of sugar beets at critical growth stages is one of the crucial factors for the achievement of their highest yield potential. In the present study, it was presumed that reduced systems of sugar beet cultivation had no effect on the plants’ nutritional status at critical growth stages, on their yield or technological quality. In 2012-2013, two series of one-factorial field experiments with different beet crop husbandry were carried out in order to verify this hypothesis. The cultivation systems of sugar beet crops differed in the postharvest cultivation technology, mulch types and seedbed tillage. Conservation tillage systems were compared with the control treatment, which represented the conventional cultivation system with an application of manure and 35 cm deep autumn ploughing. The plant nutritional status assessment was carried out at two dates corresponding to the following growth stages: BBCH 16/17 (6-8 fully unfolded true leaves) and BBCH 39/40 (row closing). Regardless of the methods of tillage or the year of observation, the results showed that the plants at BBCH16/17 stage were well-nourished with macroelements but malnourished with microelements, mainly iron and zinc. The microelement deficiency in the plants was a result of adjusted soil reaction, which varied from slightly acidic to neutral. At the BBCH 39/40 stage, there was a decreasing trend in the content of leaf macronutrients in the no-tillage systems treatments compared to the conventional tillage with the ploughing depth to 35 cm and manure application. The reduced tillage systems in sugar beet cultivation did not result in either a yield decrease or a worse technological quality of roots. The experimental factor had no significant effect on the content of molassegenic compounds in beet roots. A decreasing trend was observed in the content of α-amino nitrogen and potassium when compared to the traditional cultivation system. The study showed that the choice of a cultivation technology is of secondary importance as long as the plant grows in optimal conditions resulting from an appropriate site selection.