Differences In Sugar Content Research Articles

Sugar Content Composition of Various Types of Honey Produced by Apis Mellifera L.: A Review

The purpose of this review is to determine the sugar content profile in various types of honey produced by Apis mellifera, such as monofloral, unifloral, extra-floral, and honeydew. Generally, the goal is to assess the average sugar content parameters within acceptable ranges set by SNI, Codex, and EU as quality and sugar content requirements. Among the honey types studied, monofloral honey met the sugar standards but some samples were found to have low sugar content, ranging from 21.77% to 58.95%, below SNI and Codex standards. In contrast, unifloral, extra-floral, and honeydew honeys exhibited higher sugar levels, in accordance with established standards, ranging from 73.40% to 83.9%. The differences in sugar content among the types of honey produced by A. mellifera are influenced by nectar sources, geography, climate, and vegetation. Monofloral honey tends to have lower sugar content, while unifloral, extra-floral, and honeydew honeys are richer in sugar, making them more compliant with honey quality standards. Further research should focus on identifying plant species and the quantity of nectar that can consistently produce honey with sugar content meeting established quality standards.

Effects of phosphorus and potassium fertilization and fruit canopy position on sugar accumulation in mangifera indica cv. 'Kent' pulp

Sugar content is the key to mango quality and growers are constantly seeking methods to optimize it. In this study, fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose sugars were evaluated to determine how phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in varying amounts could affect these sugar levels and how sunlight exposure effects fruit. The experiments were conducted in the KALRO Orchard of Kiambu County, Kenya. Thirty-five healthy 7- to 8-year-old ‘Kent’ trees were selected and divided into five treatment groups with five replicates each. Treatment with 1 kg, 2 kg P, K and combined PK per tree resulted in a significantly higher fructose content than the control. In contrast, neither 1 kg nor 2 kg P resulted in significantly higher glucose contents than the control. Combined PK fertilizers at 0.5+0.5 kg per tree reduced fructose and increased glucose, sucrose, and maltose. A combination of PK fertilizers at 1.0+1.0 kg significantly increased only fructose, but not other sugars. Even after applying P and K fertilizers, the position of the fruit canopy did not affect fructose, glucose, or maltose contents. However, there was a trend towards a higher sucrose content in fruits exposed to sunlight (5.17 g/100 g) than in canopy fruits (2.29g/100g), although this difference was not statistically significant. The same trend was observed for the other sugars. The t-test revealed no significant differences between the two canopy positions (t = 1.01, p = 0.344). A significant difference in sugar content (p < 0.05) between fruits harvested at different canopy positions suggests that fruits harvested at different canopy positions did not ripen simultaneously. In contrast, neither 1 kg nor 2 kg of P produced a significant difference in the glucose content. Combining PK fertilizers at 0.5+0.5 kg per tree decreased fructose while increasing glucose, sucrose, and maltose. A combination of PK fertilizers at a rate of 1.0+1.0 kg significantly increased only fructose but not other sugars. Even after the application of P and K fertilizers, the position of the fruit canopy did not affect fructose, glucose, and maltose contents. However, there was a trend towards a higher sucrose content in fruits exposed to sunlight (5.17 g/100 g) than in crown fruits (2.29 g/100 g), although this difference was not statistically significant. The same trend was observed for the other sugars. The t-test revealed no significant differences between the two canopy positions (t = 1.01, p = 0.344). A significant difference in sugar content (p< 0.05) between fruits harvested at different canopy positions suggests that fruits harvested at different canopy positions did not ripen simultaneously.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Profiling Reveals the Variations in Carbohydrate Metabolism between Two Blueberry Cultivars.

Blueberry is a high-quality fruit tree with significant nutritional and economic value, but the intricate mechanism of sugar accumulation in its fruit remains unclear. In this study, the ripe fruits of blueberry cultivars 'Anna' and 'Misty' were utilized as experimental materials, and physiological and multi-omics methodologies were applied to analyze the regulatory mechanisms of the difference in sugar content between them. The results demonstrated that the 'Anna' fruit was smaller and had less hardness than the 'Misty' fruit, as well as higher sugar content, antioxidant capability, and lower active substance content. A total of 7067 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (3674 up-regulated and 3393 down-regulated) and 140 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) (82 up-regulated and 58 down-regulated) were identified between the fruits of the two cultivars. According to KEGG analysis, DEGs were primarily abundant in phenylpropanoid synthesis and hormone signal transduction pathways, whereas DAMs were primarily enriched in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. A combined multi-omics study showed that 116 DEGs and 3 DAMs in starch and sucrose metabolism (48 DEGs and 1 DAM), glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (54 DEGs and 1 DAM), and the pentose phosphate pathway (14 DEGs and 1 DAM) were significantly enriched. These findings suggest that blueberries predominantly increase sugar accumulation by activating carbon metabolism network pathways. Moreover, we identified critical transcription factors linked to the sugar response. This study presents new understandings regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying blueberry sugar accumulation and will be helpful in improving blueberry fruit quality through breeding.

The Effect of Ultrasound and Pulsed Electric Field on the Osmotic Dehydration Process of Strawberries

Currently, the demands of consumers are growing, and they expect safe and natural products of higher quality compared to products processed using thermal methods. Thermal treatment influences the sensory as well as quality and nutritional value of processed plant material. This results in the development of innovative, non-thermal methods of food preservation and processing. Hence, the study was conducted to examine how ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) affect the osmotic dehydration process of strawberries. An US treatment with a power of 400 W and a frequency of 24 kHz for 30 and 90 s and a PEF treatment were used, adopting the appropriate energy consumption of 1 and 2.5 kJ/kg. Then, strawberries after both processes were osmotically dehydrated in 0.5; 1, and 2 h at 30 °C. Dehydration was carried out in a 50% sucrose solution. Research findings have indicated that the pretreatment positively enhanced the efficiency of osmotic dehydration. An improvement in the dry weight gain rate was noted. Strawberries dehydrated with the use of pretreatment had similar or lower color values and the content of bioactive components compared to strawberries subjected to dehydration only. The material treated with the PEF turned out to be the softest. Significant differences in sugar content were noted in fruits after pretreatment. Sucrose levels increased, glucose levels decreased, and fructose remained at a comparable level.

Efficacy of convenience meal-type foods designed for diabetes in the management of metabolic syndrome based on a 3-week trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of meal-type food for diabetes on improving metabolic syndrome risk factors in adults. MethodsThe participants were adult men and women aged 40–55 y with 1 or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome. They were provided with a diabetic diet (a meal-type food) and general diet in the form of home meal replacement for 3 wk. The current research used a crossover design. All participants had iso-caloric meal replacement per day, and there was a 2-wk washout period between each diet. The nutritional standards of a diabetic diet were based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which are: <50% carbohydrates, <10% sugars, <7% saturated fat, and >10 g dietary fiber. The average caloric content was 489.1 ± 45.0 kcal. The composition of the general diet was similar to that of the diabetic diet; however, there were differences in sugar content. In total, 15 participants were included in the research, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of nutrient intake during the intervention period. ResultsBody weight (P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.004), waist circumference (P = 0.030), triacylglycerol (P = 0.002), total cholesterol (P = 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.008) levels were significantly lower in the diabetic diet intervention period than before and after 3 wk of the intervention. In addition, reduction in body weight (P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.006), waist circumference (P = 0.032), and triacylglycerol (P = 0.036) and total cholesterol (P = 0.007) levels in the diabetic diet intervention period significantly differed compared with those in the general diet intervention period. ConclusionsReplacing 1 meal per day with meal-type food for diabetes improved body composition and blood lipid levels in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors.

A comprehensive investigation of the regulatory roles of OsERF096, an AP2/ERF transcription factor, in rice cold stress response.

OsERF096 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance and mediates IAA biosynthesis and signaling under cold stress. The APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors play important roles in regulating plant tolerance to abiotic stress. OsERF096 was previously identified as a direct target of miR1320, and was suggested to negatively regulate rice cold tolerance. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing and targeted metabolomics assays to reveal the regulatory roles of OsERF096 in cold stress response. GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the starch and sucrose metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were significantly enriched. Quantification analysis confirmed a significant difference in sugar contents among WT and OsERF096 transgenic lines under cold treatment. Targeted metabolomics analysis uncovered that IAA accumulation and signaling were modified by OsERF096 in response to cold stress. Expectedly, qRT-PCR assays confirmed significant OsIAAs and OsARFs expression changes in OsERF096 transgenic lines. Finally, we identified three targets of OsERF096 based on RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, and dual-LUC assays. In summary, these results revealed the multiple regulatory roles of OsERF096 in cold stress response.

Floral nectar reabsorption and a sugar concentration gradient in two long-spurred Habenaria species (Orchidaceae)

BackgroundFloral nectar is the most common reward flowers offered to pollinators. The quality and quantity of nectar produced by a plant species provide a key to understanding its interactions with pollinators and predicting rates of reproductive success. However, nectar secretion is a dynamic process with a production period accompanied or followed by reabsorption and reabsorption remains an understudied topic. In this study, we compared nectar volume and sugar concentration in the flowers of two long-spurred orchid species, Habenaria limprichtii and H. davidii (Orchidaceae). We also compared sugar concentration gradients within their spurs and rates of reabsorption of water and sugars.ResultsBoth species produced diluted nectar with sugar concentrations from 17 to 24%. Analyses of nectar production dynamics showed that as flowers of both species wilted almost all sugar was reabsorbed while the original water was retained in their spurs. We established a nectar sugar concentration gradient for both species, with differences in sugar concentrations at their spur’s terminus and at their spur’s entrance (sinus). Sugar concentration gradient levels were 1.1% in H. limprichtii and 2.8% in H. davidii, both decreasing as flowers aged.ConclusionWe provided evidence for the reabsorption of sugars but not water occurred in wilted flowers of both Habenaria species. Their sugar concentration gradients vanished as flowers aged suggesting a slow process of sugar diffusion from the nectary at the spur’s terminus where the nectar gland is located. The processes of nectar secretion/reabsorption in conjunction with the dilution and hydration of sugar rewards for moth pollinators warrant further study.

Quality Control Analysis of Carica Products Based on Sugar Content Parameters in PT AHA, Central Java

PT AHA is a manufacturing industry company engaged in the processing of carica fruit food in the form of candied syrup (carica in syrup). On PT AHA every day will be carried out quality control to control the quality of carica in syrup. This study contributes to investigating the sugar content of carica in syrup. The sugar level was analyzed using a refractometer, dropper pipette, and toothpick, then the data obtained was analyzed using the SPC method (Statistical Process Control) and this test was carried out for 19 days. The results showed that there were 4 product samples outside the quality control limits, namely day 1 (22.1% Brix), day 6 (21.8% Brix), day 9 (18.3% Brix) and day 13(22.0 %Brix). Only 1 sample is found that exceeds the quality control limit, namely on day 1, while the others are still under control. The difference in sugar content in carica products is possible because when entering sugar using a manual scale, errors can occur when reading the weight.

PENDEKATAN LEAN SIX SIGMA DAN TAGUCHI UNTUK MENGATASI MASALAH PENGEMASAN DAN PEMASARAN PRODUK WEDANG UWUH INSTAN SRUPUT

Wedang Uwuh Instan Sruput is one of the business unit of Industrial Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa Yogyakarta. Wedang Uwuh Sruput is an innovative manufacture of wedang uwuh into instant from the original form of whole and raw spices. The resulting product results sometimes have different quality/taste in each production process. The purpose of this research is to improve product quality of Wedang Uwuh Instan Sruput, improve the composition of herb wedang uwuh product, improve the concept of packaging and improve the marketing of the wedang uwuh products. The object of this research is Wedang Uwuh Sruput Prodi Teknik Industri UST. The materials used are instant wedang uwuh maker such as ginger, clove leaf, cinnamon leaf, secang wood, cloves, lemongrass, sugar and water. Identification is done on factors that affect product quality in order to create the same product in the market. The experiment was conducted by performing several times of Wedang Uwuh Sruput production with several variations of composition/formula using Taguchi method to maintain product consistency and quality. In this experiment there are 4 factors(sugar,ginger,water and secang)with 3 level design,that is 2,8 kg;2.9 kg and 3.0 kg for sugar,1.0 kg;1.2 kg and 1.4 kg for ginger,water is 5.0 L;5.2 L and 5.4 L,while the secang is 200 gr,210 gr,220 gr. The difference of the output of Wedang Uwuh Sruput is caused by the difference of sugar content, the difference of ginger content, the difference of the amount of water and the difference of the number of secang used, the use of different raw material specification, the length of production process is not same and the production process is still manual. The result shows that Waste which has the highest weight is waiting with the value of 0.252 at rank 31. Then the calculation of sigma value at early check is at the level of 3,001 sigma and final check at 2,455 sigma level. From the calculation of sigma level can be seen that the level of quality in Business Unit Wedang Uwuh "Sruput" is still far from lean six sigma target. Therefore, the advice given to the Business Unit Wedang Uwuh "Sruput" in the form of corrective actions that have been analyzed in this study. It was found that the most appropriate composition based on consumer preferences was Sugar 2.9 kg;Ginger 1.4;Water 5 L; and Wood Secang 200 gr.

Application of an Alternative Nutrient Replenishment Method to Electrical Conductivity-Based Closed-Loop Soilless Cultures of Sweet Peppers

The nutrient replenishment method primarily impacts the nutrient variations in a closed-loop soilless culture system. However, there is still a lack of systematic approaches for the effective way of nutrient replenishment. Our previous study theoretically derived and experimentally validated an alternative nutrient replenishment method expecting synchronized total fertilizer supply to total nutrient absorption by crops and lower concentration fluctuations than conventional methods. However, no individual nutrient management has been performed. The objective of this study was to apply individual nutrient management to the alternative nutrient replenishment technique under experimental- and commercial-scale electrical conductivity (EC)-based closed-loop soilless cultures. Automated nutrient solution mixing modules and sweet peppers grown on rockwool slabs were used. Nutrient concentrations and crop productivity were compared between the closed-loop system using the alternative nutrient replenishment and the conventional open-loop systems. During early treatment, rapid decreases in K+ and H2PO4− were observed in the closed-loop system. However, after the stock solution nutrient adjustment, the decreasing trend was stabilized and returned close to initial concentrations. No significant differences in sugar content, incidence of blossom-end rot, and productivity of sweet peppers were observed between the closed- and open-loop soilless cultures. We confirmed that the nutrient variation stabilizing effect of the alternative nutrient replenishment method was valid under nutrient adjustment conditions and had comparable nutrient management performance with the open-loop system.

Sugar Content in Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in the Aftermath of Thailand’s Sugar Tax: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: The high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to overweight and chronic disease. Since Thailand launched its sugar taxation policy, the sugar content of SSBs remains unknown. Objective: To assess product sugar content as g/100 mL and the number of products that meet the sugar tax criteria and to compare sugar content levels across various SSB categories. Materials and Methods: Between April and May 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bangkok and five provinces in health region 2, which are Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak, and Uttaradit, using major supermarket retailers and local convenience stores. Data were collected from product packaging and nutrition information panels (NIP) of each SSB via photograph. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare sugar content across various SSB categories. Results: From 1,316 SSBs, the products without NIPs (n=79) were excluded, along with duplicate products in different packaging sizes (n=248). The remaining 989 items were included in the authors’ analyses. The median sugar content of all products was 7.5 (IQR 5.0 to 10.0) g/100 mL. The maximum sugar content was 24.0 g/100 mL in fermented milk and the minimum was 0.2 g/100 mL in herbal beverages. Flavored drinking yogurts had the highest median sugar content, at 11.7 (IQR 7.5 to 13.9) g/100 mL, while flavored water had the lowest median, at 4.5 (IQR 3.0 to 8.6) g/100 mL. There were statistically significant differences in sugar content between SSBs categories (p&lt;0.001). Of all 989 products, 393 (39.7%) had a sugar content below 6 g/100 mL and were subjected to zero tax. Conclusion: Most of SSBs have low sugar content level with respect to excise sugar tax rate. However, the sugar content in drinkable dairy products and carbonated soft drink are of concern. Keywords: Sugar-sweetened beverages, Serving size, Sugar, Taxation

Application of Fractions of Crop Evapotranspiration Affects Carbon Partitioning of Grapevine Differentially in a Hot Climate

Majority of viticulture regions are located in mid-latitudes characterized by weather variability and stressful environments relying on irrigation for mitigating environmental stress during the growing season and to ensure a profitable yield. The aim of this study was to characterize the response of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) to different applied water amounts based on the replacement of fractions of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during two growing seasons with contrasting precipitation patterns. The experiment consisted of three irrigation treatments based on the weekly replacement of 25, 50, and 100% of ETc. Grapevine stem water potential decreased during the growing season reaching its lowest value (-1.5 and -1.2 MPa, respectively) at harvest in the more stressed vines (25 and 50% ETc). Leaf gas exchange variables were measured during the two seasons and 100% ETc had the highest rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and better instantaneous water use efficiency, also resulting in higher leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Mineral nutrient content for nitrogen and potassium increased linearly with the increase in applied water. At harvest, no differences were observed in the number of clusters per vine; however, the 25% ETc had the lowest berry size and yield per vine with no difference in sugar content of berry. Conversely, sugar allocation to reserve organs was highly affected by applied water leading to different shoot to root biomass partitioning, where shoot:root ratio, leaf non-structural carbohydrates, and photosynthetic pigments increased with greater applied water. Likewise sucrose:N ratio and root non-structural carbohydrates decreased with the lower applied water. Altogether, carbon allocation between the source and sink organs likely controlled the response of grapevines to water deficits in a hot climate, and replacing 50% ETc was sufficient to sustain the grapevine performance given the enhancement of sugar transport, which could slow down the detrimental effect of water deficits on yield.

Analysis of Total Phenols, Sugars, and Mineral Elements in Colored Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L.

The use of colored tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. is growing worldwide due to their health benefits and attractive color. The positive health effects of purple-fleshed tubers are a result of anthocyanins and various phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare variety Blue Congo and its cross-breeds of Desiree and Granola to yellow-fleshed tubers. The concentration of total phenols, anthocyanins, sugars, and mineral elements were evaluated in all tubers. The results showed differences between all tested materials, with largest differences in sugar content. Moreover, the results confirmed the preservation of health improving compounds of Blue Congo when cross-bred with yellow-fleshed tubers. The total phenolic content and anthocyanin concentrations of all analyzed tubers were above the comparison yellow ones.

Local weak light induces the improvement of photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in maize seedlings.

To copy with highly heterogeneous light environment, plants can regulate photosynthesis locally and systemically, thus, maximizing the photosynthesis of individual plants. Therefore, we speculated that local weak light may induce the improvement of photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in plants. In order to test this hypothesis, maize seedlings were partially shaded, and gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and biochemical analysis were carefully assessed. It was shown that local shading exacerbated the declines in the photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll contents, electron transport and carbon assimilation-related enzyme activities in shaded leaves as plants growth progressed. While, the decreases of these parameters in adjacent illuminated leaves of shaded plants were considerably alleviated compared to the corresponding leaves of control plants. Obviously, the photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in shaded plants was improved by local shading, and the improvement in adjacent lower leaves was larger than that in adjacent upper ones. As growth progressed, local shading induced higher abscisic acid contents in shaded leaves, but it alleviated the increase in the abscisic acid contents in adjacent leaves in shaded plants. Moreover, the difference in sugar content between shaded leaves and adjacent illuminated ones was gradually increased. Consequently, local weak light suppressed the photosynthesis in shaded leaves, while it markedly improved the photosynthesis of adjacent illuminated ones. Sugar gradient between shaded leaves and adjacent illuminated ones might play a key role in photosynthetic regulation of adjacent illuminated leaves.

Physicochemical, Sensory and Microbiological Quality of Table Wine Produced from Coconut water, Honey and Zobo

Physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality of table wine produced from coconut, water, honey and zobo. Coconut water was collected and mixed with Zobo at a ratio of 5:1 and with honey also at 5:1 ratio. The various mixtures were fermented with wine yeast at room temperature (28±2 °C) for 7 days to produce table wine. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the fat, protein, ash and Carbohydrate content of all the wine samples, including control (commercial red and white table wines). Total Acid and alcohol content ranged from 0.576–0.921% and 5.87-11.50%, respectively. Sugar content ranging from 11.00-12.00%, however, difference in sugar content of all the wine samples were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). The specific gravity of the coconut wines was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than those of the control (commercial red and white wine). Total yeast count (TYC) on the fresh wine after 7 days’ fermentation period ranging from 7.66 Log10 CFU/ml to 8.91 Log10CFU/ml, with sample CWHN (coconut water and honey wine without yeast) given significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher value of 8.91 Log10CFU/ml. Total bacteria count (TBC) on the aged wine (after 21 days of storage) ranged from 5.145 Log10CFU/ml to 6.230 Log10CFU/ml with sample CWH (coconut water and honey) wine given significantly higher value of 6.23 Log10CFU/ml. The taste of sample CWZ compared favourably with those of the commercial red and white wines. Sample CWZ (coconut/zobo wine) received equal overall acceptability with the commercial table wines.

Acid invertase activities of dahlia ‘Kokucho’ petals during flower opening and following cutting and treatment with 6-benzylaminopurine

Extending the vase life of cut dahlia ‘Kokucho’ flowers through enhanced activities of acid invertases (cell wall, CWIN and vacuolar, VIN) on flower opening and senescence after harvest was investigated. The activities of CWIN and VIN were very low in the outer petals at the tight bud stage (stage 1), increased markedly at the half-open stage (stage 2), and decreased at the fully open stage (stage 3) to levels lower than at stage 2. Glucose and fructose concentrations were very low at stage 1, markedly increased at stage 2, and further increased at stage 3. These results suggest that acid invertase activities play a very important role in increasing soluble sugars of petals during flower opening. Following harvest at stage 3, florets or cut flowers were treated with 50 μmol L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) by dipping or spraying, respectively. These treatments extended vase life longer than in the controls. In the florets experiment, CWIN and VIN activities were significantly higher with a BA dip than in the control for petals at 3 and 6 d, but there were no significant differences in sugar concentrations between the control and BA dip groups. In cut flowers at 3 d after cutting, VIN activity and glucose concentration were higher in the outer petals treated with BA spray than in control petals. From these results, application of exogenous cytokinin has some effect of maintaining high acid invertase activity, and high invertase activity itself may be important for delaying senescence in cut dahlia flowers. BA application is useful for extending petal longevity and is expected to be a popular post-harvest treatment in cut dahlia flowers.

Low-cost imaging spectrophotometer system for absorbance measurement

The spectrophotometer system is widely used for testing the concentration of chemical elements in a liquid because it is sensitive and non-destructive. However, modern spectroscopic systems are expensive, and they have complex instrumentation. This study was to develop a low-cost imaging spectrophotometer system, consisting of a halogen lamp as the visible light source, CMOS camera as the detector, and monochromatic filters with a wavelength outputs of 645.53 nm (red), 510.04 nm (green), 488.24 nm (blue), and 475.02 nm (violet). In this research, we tested 3 types of sugar solutions (i.e. glucose, fructose, and sucrose) with varied concentrations (0%, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40% respectively). Sample images were captured using the camera to produce 8-bit digital images. The intensity of light transmission after passing through the sugar solution sample was measured based on the grey values in the sample images. Differences in sugar concentrations can be observed by measuring absorbance. Absorbance measuring showed that increase of absorbance is directly related to an increase of sugar solution concentration. Maximum absorbance for all types of sugar is obtained through the use of violet light (475.02 nm). In addition, there is a linear relationship between sugar concentration and absorbance, where the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.99. The slope difference of the linear absorbance graph between the three types of sugar samples shows differences in radiation absorption characteristics.

Sugar Starvation Enhances Leaf Senescence and Genes Involved in Sugar Signaling Pathways Regulate Early Leaf Senescence in Mutant Rice

To clarify the complex regulatory relationship between changes in sugar content and leaf senescence during the grain-filling stage of rice, genotype-dependent differences in sugar content and the temporal transcriptional patterns of genes involved in sugar signaling pathways were determined in mutant rice exhibiting early leaf senescence and its wild type Zhefu 142. The effects of exogenous glucose or sucrose on the senescence of detached leaves under dark conditions were also investigated. Chlorophyll, soluble sugar, sucrose and fructose contents decreased, whereas electrolytic leakage and malondialdehyde levels increased in mutant leaves at the grain-filling stage. These results suggested that sugar starvation is positively correlated with the early leaf senescence of mutant plants. Detached leaf segments incubated in exogenous sugar solutions under dark conditions exhibited delayed senescence. The high expression of Hxk1 in leaves of mutant plants at the initial grain-filling stage suggested that Hxk1 is involved in the hexose-sensing process at the early stage of leaf senescence. The low expression levels of Hxk2 and Frk1 in the senescing leaves of mutant rice during the grain-filling stage are indicative of weakened hexose phosphorylation. In addition, the high expression levels of SuSy1, SuSy2 and SuSy4 in leaves of mutant plants at the initial grain-filling stage are accompanied by the high transcript levels of SUT1, which favor sucrose translocation and remobilization from the early senescing leaves of mutant rice. The relatively reduced transcript levels of chFBP, cyFBP, SPS1, SPS2 and SPS6 indicated that during the grain-filling stage, sucrose biosynthesis is weakened in the senescing leaves of mutant rice.

Sugar Feeding Patterns for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in South Texas.

Effective mosquito surveillance and management depend on a thorough understanding of the biology and feeding patterns unique to species and sex. Given that a propensity to sugar feed is necessary for some mosquito surveillance and newer control strategies, we sought to document the amount of total sugar in wild Aedes aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) captured from five different locations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of South Texas over 2 yr. We used Biogents Sentinel 2 (BGS2) traps in year 1 and aspirators, BGS2, and CDC resting traps in years 2 and 3 to collect adult mosquitoes. The hot anthrone test was used to quantify total sugar content in each mosquito. Additionally, the cold and hot anthrone tests were used to distinguish fructose content from total sugars for mosquitoes captured in 2019. Overall, Ae. aegypti females had significantly lower total sugar content than Ae. aegypti males as well as both sexes of Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, the percentage of Ae. aegypti positive for fructose consumption was four to eightfold higher than Ae. aegypti previously reported in other regions. The difference between locations was significant for males of both species, but not for females. Seasonality and trapping method also revealed significant differences in sugar content of captured mosquitoes. Our results reinforce that sugar feeding in female Ae. aegypti is less than Cx. quinquefasciatus, although not absent. This study provides necessary data to evaluate the potential effectiveness of sugar baits in surveillance and control of both Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.

Improving fruit coloration of horticultural crops

The aim of this research was to improve inner and external fruit quality and fruit coloration using four-year-old apple cultivar 'Braeburn Hillwell' trees on M9 (3×1 m spacing) by employing reflective ground covers at Klein-Altendorf near Bonn, Germany (50°N). Reflective ground covers were spread out on both sides of tree rows seven weeks before anticipated harvest. Adjacent trees of the same row without reflective ground cover served as control. For the first time, we compared two reflective mulches(woven textiles). Apple trees with Extenday® and Lumilys® also produced 69 and to 44% well-colored fruit (with 75-100% fruit coloration) compared with 16-26% in the control. There was no acceleration of ripening in plots with reflective ground covers compared with the control. There were no differences in sugar contents (°Brix) and fruit firmness (kg cm‑2), but starch breakdown in fruit with reflective mulch was significantly delayed compared with the control resulting in retarded maturation. An economic analysis based on material costs and lifespan - excluding the labor costs for spreading and removing the ground covers - showed an economic advantage, if these mulches are used more than once a year.