Soil Cultivar Research Articles

Determination of antioxidant activity of olive oil cultivars in the region of Epirus, Greece

Determination of antioxidant activity of olive oil cultivars in the region of Epirus, Greece

Drought Resilience in Oil Palm Cultivars: A Multidimensional Analysis of Diagnostic Variables.

Water scarcity is a significant constraint on agricultural practices, particularly in Colombia, where numerous palm cultivators rely on rainfed systems for their plantations. Identifying drought-tolerant cultivars becomes pivotal to mitigating the detrimental impacts of water stress on growth and productivity. This study scrutinizes the variability in drought responses of growth, physiological, and biochemical variables integral to selecting drought-tolerant oil palm cultivars in the nursery. A comprehensive dataset was compiled by subjecting seedlings of eleven cultivars to four soil water potentials (-0.05 MPa, -0.5 MPa, -1 MPa, and -2 MPa) over 60 days. This dataset encompasses growth attributes, photosynthetic parameters like maximum quantum yield and electron transfer rate, gas exchange (photosynthesis, transpiration, and water use efficiency), levels of osmolytes (proline and sugars), abscisic acid (ABA) content, as well as antioxidant-related enzymes, including peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elucidated two principal components that account for approximately 65% of the cumulative variance. Noteworthy enzyme activity was detected for glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase. When juxtaposed with the other evaluated cultivars, one of the cultivars (IRHO 7001) exhibited the most robust response to water deficit. The six characteristics evaluated (photosynthesis, predawn water potential, proline, transpiration, catalase activity, sugars) were determined to be the most discriminant when selecting palm oil cultivars with tolerance to water deficit.

Nutritional profile and physicochemical analysis of two indigenous cultivars of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds and oil in Bangladesh

The black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil has a long history of use for food ingredients. The goal of this study is to figure out the nutritional and physicochemical properties of two indigenous black cumin cultivars (locally known as "Kali Jira" and "Kalonji") seed and oil. Additionally, the effects of extraction time and particle size on oil yield generation was investigated. The values of moisture content, crude protein content, crude fat, crude fiber, total ash, and carbohydrate of Kali Jira seed were 5.29%, 19.83%, 41.3%, 18.96%, 5.10%, and 9.52% whereas Kalonji had 5.43%, 19.95%, 40.3%, 14.28%, 4.35%, and 14.69%, respectively. In the Kali Jira and Kalonji types, the mineral analysis revealed significant potassium levels (829.11 mg/100 g, 746.27 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron and zinc. The minimum oil yield was 46.77% in the Kalonji variety compared to Kali Jira, which had 49.57% after the extraction time of 2 hrs for 1.4-2.5 mm particle size. On the other hand, a maximum oil yield of 91.08% and 94.77% was found in Kalonji seed and Kali Jira seed, respectively, following a 6-hour extraction time for 0.25-0.5 mm particle size. Characterization of extracted seed oil (iodine value, saponification value, and acid value) indicated the abundance of unsaturation in oil. FTIR analysis was used to investigate functional groups. According to the findings of this study, black cumin and extracted oil are rich in nutrients and can be used to treat lifestyle problems.

Cultivar authentication of olive oil from Ionian islands using volatile compounds and chemometric analyses

Two hundred and twenty-three olive samples of different olive cultivars (Koroneiki, Asprolia, Lianolia, Ntopia, Thiaki, Mavrolia, and Others) grown in the Ionian islands (Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Leukada, and Zakynthos) were subjected to headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The aim of the study was to characterize the aroma pattern of these olive oil cultivars, and track whether specific volatile compounds could be used for olive oil cultivar authentication using chemometrics. Multivariate analysis of variance implemented on the semi-quantitative data of volatile compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, benzene derivatives, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, and terpenoids), showed that olive cultivar had a significant impact on the volatile composition of olive oil samples. Factor analysis and linear discriminant analysis indicated those specific volatile compounds that could be related to olive oil cultivar and established statistical models for the olive oil cultivar authentication from Ionian islands, thus indicating a characteristic aroma fingerprint of these olive oils.

Registration of USDA‐N6006 soybean germplasm combining high yield, flood tolerance, and elevated oil content

AbstractUSDA‐N6006 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. no. GP‐527, PI 704140) is a conventional F4–derived early maturity group (MG) VI germplasm jointly released by USDA‐ARS and North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in 2023. USDA‐N6006 is the first MG VI, publicly released germplasm that combines flood tolerance with high‐yield lodging resistance, and elevated seed oil. Over 19 environments of the MG VI USDA Southern Uniform Soybean Trials (2017–2018), seed yield of USDA‐N6006 (3393 kg ha−1) was similar to high‐yielding lodging‐resistant check cultivars ‘NC‐Dunphy’ (3427 kg ha−1) and ‘NC‐Dilday’ (3475 kg ha−1). It matured 1 day earlier than NC‐Dunphy and exhibited similar lodging scores. Over 5 years of testing in North Carolina (2016–2019), USDA‐N6006 exhibited very robust flood tolerance. Mean flooding scores were numerically or statistically (p < 0.05) superior to the four flood‐tolerant controls at both V4 and R1 growth stages. USDA‐N6006 was not intentionally bred to be flood tolerant and identified as such only through an extensive screening of “in house” USDA breeding lines. USDA‐N6006 and most of its antecedents are unique in that they are derived from unreleased breeding lines developed at the flood prone Tidewater Research station in North Carolina. Inadvertent selection for flood tolerance may have been a part of the USDA's long‐term breeding effort to improve yield. Seed oil content of USDA‐N6006 (237 g kg−1) was similar to that of elevated seed oil cultivar NC‐Dilday, but significantly higher than NC‐Dunphy (228 g kg−1) in the Uniform Trials. Seed protein content and estimated meal protein contents of USDA‐N6006 (389 g kg−1 and 46.4%, respectively) were similar to that of NC‐Dunphy. USDA‐N6006 should be excellent parental stock for applied breeding in the southern United States.

Olive Cultivars and Harvest Index Determines Quality of Olive Oil

Olive Cultivars and Harvest Index Determines Quality of Olive Oil

Effects of combined application of nitrogen and potassium on oil concentration and fatty acid component of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

ContextNutrient inputs significantly affect the quality of rapeseed, yet comprehensive research on combined nutrient applications is lacking. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of combined application of N and K on rapeseed traits, including N, K, oil, and protein concentrations, fatty acid component, seed yield and oil yield. MethodsA 2-year field experiment was conducted in the Yangtze River Basin involving the rapeseed cultivars H9 (low oil) and Z11 (high oil). Sixteen N and K fertilizer combinations encompassed four N rates (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1) and four K fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg K2O ha−1). ResultsThe results revealed that the combined application of N and K significantly affected rapeseed oil and protein concentrations by modulating the nutrient concentrations. Specifically, applying N reduced the oil concentration while applying K increased the oil concentration. Each 1.0% rise in seed K concentration corresponded to a 14.9% average increase in oil concentration, counterbalancing a 2.8% increase in N concentration. Additionally, the higher oil concentration of Z11was closely linked to its seed K concentration. In contrast, protein concentration increased with the N application and decreased with the K application. Furthermore, applying N reduced palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acid content and increased oleic (C18:1) acid content, which further increased with K. Combining the K application with the N treatment resulted in higher seed yield and oil yield compared to a single N application, which particularly benefited the high oil cultivar Z11. ConclusionUtilizing an N180K120 combination significantly improved rapeseed oil concentration, fatty acid composition, seed yield, and oil yield. ImplicationsThis study details the effects of applying K at various N fertilizer rates on enhancing rapeseed quality and yield, emphasizing the importance of the N and K ration in oilseed rape production.

Comparative study of productive performance of two olive oil cultivars Chemlali Sfax and Koroneiki under arid conditions

Comparative study of productive performance of two olive oil cultivars Chemlali Sfax and Koroneiki under arid conditions

Endocarp Development Study in Full Irrigated Olive Orchards and Impact on Fruit Features at Harvest.

Endocarp development in olive trees includes three periods: growth (Period I), massive sclerification (Period II) and maximum hardening (Period III). The two first are strongly related to yield and irrigation management. Period I was reported to coincide with mesocarp cell division and thus with final fruit size. Period II was considered to be the most drought-resistant phenological stage. However, little is known in olive trees about the length of these periods and their capacity for predicting fruit size at harvest. The aim of this work was to evaluate the length of both periods in different cultivars and different location of full irrigated orchards. We also aimed to study the fruit feature impact on harvest at the end of Period I. Data from full irrigated olive orchards of cv Cornicabra, Arbequina and Manzanilla in two different locations (Ciudad Real, Central Spain, and Seville, South Spain) were used. The pattern of pit-breaking pressure throughout the season was measured with fruit samples for several years (2006 to 2022). These data and climatic data were used to compare different estimation methods for the length of Period I and II of endocarp development. Then, fruit volume and dry weight at the end of Period I were used to estimate fruit features at harvest. Results suggest that the Period I length was less temperature- and cultivar-dependent than expected. The duration of this period was almost constant at around 49 days after full bloom. Thermal time was negatively correlated with fruit size at the end of Period I. On the contrary, a lineal thermal model presented the lowest variability when estimating the Period II length, which was also affected by the cultivar. The best fit between fruit dry weight and volume at Period I vs. harvest was unique for oil cultivars (Cornicabra and Arbequina), while cv Manzanilla presented a different relationship. A temperature increase in the future would not affect the Period I length but would reduce the fruit size at the end of this period and at harvest.

Sequence characterization and temporal expression analysis of different SADs and FAD2-2 genes in two Iranian olive cultivars

Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) desaturases (SADs) and fatty acid desaturases (FADs) are the main genes catalyzing the first and the second desaturation steps throughout the biosynthesis of oleic and linoleic acids, respectively, hence, the major determinants of oil quality and composition. To uncover the molecular mechanisms behind differential oil content and composition in olive fruit, the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of FAD2-2 and three SAD genes were characterized in 'Mari' and 'Shengeh' as two Iranian olive cultivars displaying high contrasting oil composition. In addition, the expression levels of these genes were screened at different time points during fruit development and ripening. Despite detection of a number of nucleotide sequence variations in four characterized genes, the results of amino acid analyses have shown most of them were synonymous and caused no differences at protein level. However, some of the single nucleotide variations caused non cognate amino acid substitution indicating possible conformational changes in the resultant peptide. In particular, regarding OeFAD2-2, a nonsynonymous SNP was detected in 'Shengeh' compared with other olive's FAD2-2 causing an amino acid lysine residue substitution for a glutamic acid, as well as a nonsynonymous substitution in 'Mari' (threonine to serine). The in silico prediction of three-dimensional structure of FAD2-2 revealed these substitutions may lead to structural changes in the final protein structure and function, hence, may contribute to the higher activity of FAD2-2 protein in mesocarp of 'Shengeh' than 'Mari' cultivars. According to results obtained from sequence analysis of oil biosynthesis genes, two Iranian olive cultivars were the most similar and had high sequence differences with international varieties. Results of temporal transcript abundance revealed that OeSAD2 had higher expression in 'Mari' (the high quality oil cultivar) than 'Shengeh' during the critical period of oil biosynthesis. Results of our data corroborates the previous records suggesting that OeSAD2 as the most pronounced isoform of stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturases responsible for oleic acid biosynthesis in olive mesocarp. In addition our results also suggest that OeSAD3 may have contributed to the higher oil quality of 'Mari' than 'Shengeh'. Based on our results, OeSAD2 and OeFAD2-2 are suggested as the possible targets for engineering fatty acid composition to help pyramid genes to improve quality and quantity of olive oil and creating high quality olive cultivars.

How different amounts of leaves added during the extraction process affect the biochemical composition of Chemlali olive oil cultivar?

How different amounts of leaves added during the extraction process affect the biochemical composition of Chemlali olive oil cultivar?

Monovarietal olive oils fortified with carotenoids: Physicochemical and sensory trends and taste sensor evaluation

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of lutein or β‐carotene incorporation (0.1 mg/ml) on the quality, sensory attributes and stability of Arbequina, Picual or Royal monovarietal extra virgin olive oils. The fortification significantly decreased (p value < 0.05) the chemical quality of the fortified oils (peroxide values: +3% to +34%; extinction coefficients: +4% to +55%). The negative impact was higher on Arbequina oil, followed by Royal and Picual oils, especially in lutein fortified oils. Nevertheless, all fortified oils fulfilled the legal thresholds required by extra virgin category. Compared with the unfortified ones, fortified oils showed significantly lower (p value < 0.05) stability and total phenol content (−6% and −12%, respectively). The fortification changed the oils' green color into a yellowish‐orange color. Bitterness, pungency and sweetness varied significantly (p value < 0.05) with the type of monovarietal olive oil. Bitter and pungent intensities increased in Arbequina and Picual fortified oils (+29% to +191%, especially for the former) and decreased in Royal fortified oils (−42% and −62%, respectively). The fortification increased the sweetness of Picual and Royal oils (+109% and +10%), but decreased in Arbequina oils (−74%). The physicochemical‐sensory changes induced by the fortification allowed a clear differentiation of the monovarietal oils and, for each oil cultivar, by fortification agent. The use of an electronic tongue further confirmed the fortification impact at the phenolic and sensory levels, allowing the discrimination of unfortified and fortified oils and the quantification of oils' bitterness, pungency or sweetness and, in a less extent, the total phenols contents.

The effect of different climatic zones on fatty acid profile of Ricinus communis seed oil

Castor bean has not been well studied in different genotypes and geographic zones despite its application in industry and medicine. Recently, the use of castor beans as biodiesel and industry makes this plant a point of interest for researchers. However, more studies are needed for evaluating genotypes from different ecologies. The effect of climatic zones, Adana and Mersin, on the fatty acid profile of chaster bean seed oils was investigated. It was found that locations significantly influenced the fatty acid content. The main fatty acid was ricinoleic acid with 84.63% and 86.87% in both Adana and Mersin locations, respectively. Despite ricinoleic acid, Adana had higher concentrations of Palmitic acid (1.97%), Stearic acid (2.1%), Oleic acid (4.4%), and Palmitoleic acid (2.29%) whereas Linolenic acid (5.83%), and Ricinoleic acid (86.87%) was high in Mersin. These results showed that climate affects the fatty acid contents of studied caster oil. This study will help in the selection of proper caster oil cultivars not only in these regions but in other regions of the world as well.

‘ShowMeSoy 4301’: High‐yielding soybean with multiple disease resistance and elevated seed oil content

Abstract‘ShowMeSoy 4301’ (Reg. no. CV‐544, PI 699899) is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) early maturity group IV soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar released by the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center soybean breeding program in 2019. It originated from the cross ‘S08‐17361’ × ‘S05‐11482’′ designed to develop new high‐yielding germplasm with multiple disease resistance and desirable seed composition. ShowMeSoy 4301 is resistant to charcoal rot, frogeye leaf spot, stem canker, sudden death syndrome, southern root‐knot nematode, and reniform nematode, moderately resistant to soybean cyst nematode races 1 (HG Type 2.5.7) and 2 (HG Type 1.2.5.7), and tolerant to salt stress. Seeds of ShowMeSoy 4301 have 234.9 g kg–1 of oil, 402.4 g kg–1 of protein, and 478.4 g kg–1 of meal protein content on a dry weight basis, making it a high oil cultivar based on the industry's standards. ShowMeSoy 4301 was tested from 2014 to 2019 in a total of 150 geographically diverse environments across 13 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It demonstrated high‐yielding potential and broad adaptability across multiple states. The combination of these traits with a comprehensive disease package and desirable seed composition makes it a good cultivar choice for growers in the mid‐southern United States.

NMR-based metabolomics for olive oil cultivar classification: A comparison with standard targeted analysis of fatty acids and triglycerides

Chromatographic techniques such as GC and HPLC are traditionally used for the analysis and classification of olive oil, while NMR is another powerful technique. In this paper we used NMR for the first time to classify olive oil produced by four cultivars, namely ‘Arbequina’, ‘Arbosana’, ‘Koroneiki’, and ‘Sikitita’, planted in super-high-density frames in California, United States. We compared the results with the targeted analysis of fatty acids and triglycerides obtained by GC-FID and UHPLC-CAD, respectively. All three techniques were able to distinguish between cultivars, with fatty acids from GC-FID generating the best models. GC-FID require time-consuming sample preparation; both GC-FID and UHPLC-CAD require lengthy analysis time and protocols for different classes of compounds, while NMR is rapid and able to conduct a simultaneous broad-spectrum analysis of compounds, which led to the discovery of more biomarkers. In addition, NMR was in a good agreement with GC-FID for the determination of fatty acids, as found by Bland-Altman analysis, although in several cases it was not able to distinguish among individual fatty acids.

Effects of Soil Amendments on Metal Uptake, Antioxidant Activities and Production of Bioactive Compounds by Sunflower Sprouts

The effects of soil amendments on Cd and Zn uptake, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in two cultivars (Pacific 33 and Black Oil) of Helianthus annuus L. were evaluated. Dicalcium phosphate/cattle manure and leonardite/cattle manure mixed in a 1:1 w/w ratio with soil served as soil treatments. The Black Oil cultivar experienced greater metal uptake, biomass production and survival rate compared to the Pacific 33 cultivar. The increased Cd and Zn uptake (>0.2 and >99.4 mg/kg, respectively) in Black Oil cultivar exceeded the regulatory standard for vegetables. Significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were detected in the control treatment for Pacific 33 leaves compared to Black Oil cultivar. Synergistic effects of heavy metals, amendment application and plant genotype are considered key factors in decreased levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities.

Geographical origin discrimination of "Ntopia" olive oil cultivar from Ionian islands using volatile compounds analysis and computational statistics.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the aroma profile of olive oil of the “Ntopia” (local) cultivar from the Ionian islands (Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Leukada, and Kerkyra) (Greece), and investigate whether specific volatile compounds could be considered as indicators of olive oil geographical origin, using computational statistics. In this context, 137 olive oil samples were subjected to headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using the internal standard method. Computational statistics on the semi-quantitative data of olive oil samples, as rapid machine learning algorithms, showed that specific volatile compounds could be used as indicators of geographical origin of olive oil of the “Ntopia” cultivar, among the four main Ionian islands. Volatile compounds such as ethanol, pentanal, 2,4-dimethylheptane, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene (E), 2,5-dimethylnonane, 1-hexanol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, octanal, dl-Limonene, acetic acid hexyl ester and dodecane could aid to the geographical origin discrimination of “Ntopia” olive oil cultivar when two (Zakynthos and Kefalonia) or four (Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Leukada and Kerkyra) Ionian islands are subjected to statistical analysis. The discrimination rate using the cross-validation method was 100% and 85.7%, respectively. These results were further evaluated using training and holdout partitions, during which a comparable classification rate was obtained.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00217-021-03863-2.

Photoperiodic Flowering Response of Essential Oil, Grain, and Fiber Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars.

Cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in tropical and subtropical regions can be challenging if the flowering behavior of a given cultivar is unknown, poorly understood, or not accurately selected for the photoperiod. Identifying cultivars adapted to local environmental conditions is key to optimizing hemp vegetative and flowering performance. We investigated the effects of varying light cycles in regulating extension growth and flowering response of 15 essential oil and 12 fiber/grain hemp cultivars both indoors and outdoors. Plants were subjected to 11 photoperiods in the controlled rooms ranging from 12 to 18 h, and natural day length in the field. The critical photoperiod threshold was identified for seven essential oil cultivars and two fiber/grain cultivars. “Cherry Wine-CC,” “PUMA-3,” and “PUMA-4” had the shortest critical day length between 13 h 45 min and 14 h. The flowering of essential oil cultivars was generally delayed by 1–2 days when the photoperiod exceeded 13 h compared with 12 h, and flowering was further delayed by 7–8 days when the photoperiod exceeded 14 h. In fiber/grain cultivars, flowering was generally delayed by 1–3 days when the day length exceeded 14 h. Flowering for most essential oil cultivars was delayed by 5–13 days under a 14-h photoperiod compared with 13 h 45 min, suggesting a photoperiod difference as little as 15 min can significantly influence the floral initiation of some essential oil cultivars. Cultivars represented by the same name but acquired from different sources can perform differently under the same environmental conditions, suggesting genetic variation among cultivars with the same name. Average days to flower of fiber/grain cultivars was correlated with reported cultivar origin, with faster flowering occurring among northern cultivars when compared with southern cultivars. Plant height generally increased as the day length increased in essential oil cultivars but was not affected in fiber/grain cultivars. In addition, civil twilight of ~2 μmol·m−2·s−1 was discovered to be biologically effective in regulating hemp flowering. Collectively, we conclude that most of the essential oil cultivars and some southern fiber/grain cultivars tested express suitable photoperiods for tropical and sub-tropical region cultivation.

Chemometric Study of Fatty Acid Composition of Virgin Olive Oil from Four Widespread Greek Cultivars.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is one of the key components of the Mediterranean diet owing to the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids and various bioactive compounds. These beneficial traits, which are usually associated with the cultivar genotype, are highlighting the demand of identifying characteristics of olive oil that will ensure its authenticity. In this work, the fatty acid (FA) composition of 199 VOO samples from Koroneiki, Megaritiki, Amfissis, and Manaki cultivars was determined and studied by chemometrics. Olive cultivar greatly influenced the FA composition, namely, oleic acid (from 75.36% for Amfissis to 65.81% for Megaritiki) and linoleic acid (from 13.35% for Manaki to 6.70% for Koroneiki). Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients revealed differences and similarities among the olive oil cultivars. The use of the forward stepwise algorithm identified the FAs arachidonic acid, gadoleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, palmitoleic acid, and palmitic acid as the most significant for the differentiation of samples. The application of linear and quadratic cross-validation discriminant analysis resulted in the correct classification of 100.00% and 99.37% of samples, respectively. The findings demonstrated the special characteristics of the VOO samples derived from the four cultivars and their successful botanical differentiation based on FA composition.

‘Chemlali Mhassen’: New olive cultivar derived from crossbreeding program in Tunisia with high oil quality and productivity

The new olive cultivar ‘Chemlali Mhassen’ was derived from the autopollination of the Tunisian oil cultivar ‘Chemlali Sfax’. The main morphological differences between the two cultivars were observed on the endocarp (symmetry, position of maximum diameter, apex, base and surface). On the agronomic plan, this cultivar is distinguishable from the original cultivar due to its medium earliness of bearing (4 years), medium alternate bearing (0.44), early ripening, moderate sensitivity to verticillium and its high olive production per tree (7.7 kg). Concerning oil quality, ‘Chemlali Mhassen’ had higher performances than the original cultivar for oleic acid content (70 to 77 %) and lower contents for palmitic acid (9.2 to 11.5 %) and linoleic acid (9.3 to 14.7 %). Similar performances were recorded between the new and the original cultivars for rhizogenesis behavior and pollen compatibility.