Free Amino Sugars Research Articles

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of soybean hull polysaccharides on nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its metabolic pattern

Soybean hull polysaccharides (SHPS) enhance the physicochemical properties of plant-based yogurt. However, their effects on the nutritional profile and biochemical mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of SHPS addition on the nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its underlying mechanisms through widely targeted metabolomics analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of SHPS (0.2 %–1.0 % w/v) enhanced the levels of free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, with the addition of 0.6 % w/v being particularly effective in improving yogurt quality. Widely targeted metabolomics analysis revealed 278 differential metabolites between yogurt supplemented with 0.6 % SHPS (SPY) and the control sample. SHPS increased the content of various metabolites, including amino acids and derivatives, saccharides, organic acids, and flavonoids, among others. Key metabolic pathways affected by SHPS included pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and benzoate degradation. As the primary component of SHPS, galacturonic acid affected the metabolic products in yogurt by participating in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathways. These findings elucidate the role of SHPS in modulating the nutritional composition of plant-based yogurt, offering valuable insights into its functional mechanisms in food processing.

Effect of Pod Storage and Drying Temperature on Fermentation Dynamics and Final Bean Quality of Cacao Nacional in Ecuador.

The impact of pod storage (PS) and two drying temperatures of fermented cocoa beans was investigated in Ecuador. Therefore, four variations were simultaneously carried out three times at two locations, independently: 0, 3, and 5 days of PS, dried at 60 °C and 0 days of PS, dried at 80 °C. Pod weight during storage, pulp content, pH, temperature, microbial counts, total free amino acids, protein profiles, sugars, organic acids, cut-test, fermentation index, and sensory profiles were analyzed. Minor differences in fermentation dynamics and bean quality were found between variations with and without PS. A rather accelerated fermentation with pod-stored beans was observed (e.g., faster color change, slightly lower pH in cotyledon after 48 h), along with a significantly higher maximal temperature during 24-42 h (43.1 ± 3.2 °C compared to 39.2 ± 2.0 °C without PS). More well-fermented beans were reached with PS (52.3 ± 22.6%) than without (62.7 ± 9.2%). Differences during fermentation were observed between the locations (e.g., pH, acids, sugars), but sensory evaluation indicated that the impact of location was mitigated with PS. Drying at 80 °C showed no adverse effects, as evidenced by the results of the cut-test and fermentation index. However, sensory evaluations revealed significant differences between 80 °C and 60 °C, with the former exhibiting more bitter and astringent cocoa liquor.

Identification and quality evaluation of Lushan Yunwu tea from different geographical origins based on metabolomics

The relationship between the chemical composition and quality of Lushan Yunwu tea (LYT) from different geographical origins is not clear. Sensory evaluation, metabolomics analyses combined with chemometrics were conducted on LYT from 8 different geographical origins, and altitude was identified as the main factor responsible for the differences among LYT. A total of 32 non-volatile and 27 volatile compounds were identified as marker metabolites to distinguish the origins of high altitudes from those of low altitudes. LYT samples from higher altitude areas contained more free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, and less catechins, which may contribute to the reduction of bitterness and astringency and the enhancement of umami. The contents of geranylacetone, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl caprylate, 3-carene, d-cadinene, linalool, nerol, and nerolidol in high altitude areas were higher than those in low altitude areas, indicating that LYT from high altitude had strong floral and fruity aroma. The altitudes were positively correlated with pH value, total flavonoids, soluble protein, total free amino acids, and the antioxidant capacities of the LYT. This study provided a theoretical basis for the study of the effect of altitude on tea quality.

No-tillage farming for two decades increases plant- and microbial-biomolecules in the topsoil rather than soil profile in temperate agroecosystem

The impact of conservation tillage on the composition, stability, and origin (plant- or microbial-derived) of soil organic matter (SOM) within soil profiles remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the impact of different tillage practices on the molecular composition and status of SOM. These tillage practices included conventional tillage (CT) and conservation tillage such as rotary tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT). Our investigation spanned a two-decade period within a temperate agroecosystem. Soil samples were collected down to a 30 cm profile, and four biomarkers, namely free lipids, lignin phenols, neutral sugars, and amino sugars, in conjunction with 13C NMR techniques were used to quantify SOM characteristics. The results revealed that conservation tillage (especially NT) led to improvements in both the quantity and composition of SOM when compared to CT in the topsoil (0–5 cm), but not in deeper layers (5–30 cm). More precisely, the NT topsoil, as opposed to CT, exhibited enhancements in two categories: (1) an increase in plant-derived compounds such as long-chain lipids (≥ C20) and steroids by 51%, lignin phenols by 106%, and plant-derived neutral sugars by 61%, and (2) an augmentation in microbial-derived biomolecules, which includes microbial-derived neutral sugars by 49% and microbial necromass carbon (MNC) by 94%. Furthermore, NT, relative to CT, increased the contribution of MNC to soil organic carbon in topsoil (up to 64%, mainly fungal necromass). This highlighted the predominant role of microbial-derived biomolecules in SOM formation. Similarly, RT treatments enhanced the microbial-derived neutral sugars by 18%, plant-derived neutral sugars by 14%, and lignin phenols by 43% relative to CT in the topsoil. Collectively, our study suggests that NT practice could be considered an effective strategy for enhancing SOM accumulation and persistence by fostering the accrual of plant- and microbial-derived biomolecules in the topsoil.

Comparative GC–MS based nutrients profiling of less explored legume seeds of Melilotus, Medicago, Trifolium, and Ononis analysed using chemometric tools

Exploring novel sources of plant protein for nutrition of both humans and animals is motivated mainly by its growing demand worldwide, besides identifying healthy alternatives for animal protein. The present study evaluates metabolome diversity within 15 legume seed species. The examined samples comprised three Melilotus, four Medicago, four Trifolium, and four Ononis seed species. A holistic approach for metabolites profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) led to the annotation and quantification of 87 metabolites comprising alcohols, free amino acids, aromatics, fatty acids/esters, nitrogenous compounds, organic acids, sugar alcohols, sugars, terpenes, and steroids. Fatty acids represented the major metabolite class represented by palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. Sucrose and pinitol were the major sugars and sugar alcohols among seeds. Ononis seeds (OR, OS and OA) were the most abundant in fatty acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, and free amino acids, whereas Melilotus species (MO and MS) were least enriched in these key nutrients posing Ononis as potential food source for humans and animals. The examined seeds were generally low in sulfur-containing free amino acids and lacking many of the essential free amino acids. Multivariate data analysis aided in the identification of Ononis metabolite markers belonging to various classes i.e., (alcohol) glycerol, (sugar) allofuranose, and (sugar alcohol) pinitol, although the differentiation between Medicago, Melilotus, and Trifolium genera was not attained suggestive for other analytical platforms for its classification.

Metabolomic approach to investigate Dactylis glomerata L. from the VIR collection.

The perennial grass cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a valuable early highly nutritious crop used as green fodder in agricultural production. The species is widespread across the Eurasian continent; it is characterized by plasticity and high ecological and geographical variability. The article considers the metabolic profiles of 15 accessions of the cocksfoot from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). The material is represented by varieties and wild forms of various origin: the European part of the Russian Federation, Norway and Finland. The study was carried out using gas-liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The study and comparison of groups of metabolites of cocksfoot accessions of various ecological and geographical origin was carried out. Statistical processing included the calculation of the main parameters of variability, factor analysis of the correlation system (Q- and R-technique), cluster analysis by Ward's method and discriminant analysis. The variability of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the substances identified was revealed. Based on statistical processing of the results obtained, five groups of cocksfoot accessions were identified, differing in the profile of metabolites. One of the groups with a similar composition of metabolites consisted of accessions from one ecological and geographical region; another, of accessions of different origin. Significant differences were noted in the metabolomic profiles of a late-maturing wild cocksfoot accession from the Republic of Karelia at the booting stage from early- and mid-maturing accessions at the heading stage; it contained the largest number of free amino acids and the smallest number of identified primary and secondary metabolites. Wild-growing accession k-44020 from Norway surpassed other wild-growing accessions in the content of free amino acids, sugars and phosphates at the heading stage. Wild-growing accessions differed from breeding varieties with a high content of proline and threonine, indicators of high resistance to lack of moisture and high air temperature.

Byproducts of Globe Artichoke and Cauliflower Production as a New Source of Bioactive Compounds in the Green Economy Perspective: An NMR Study.

The recovery of bioactive compounds from crop byproducts leads to a new perspective way of waste reutilization as a part of the circular economy. The present study aimed at an exhaustive metabolite profile characterization of globe artichoke and cauliflower byproducts (leaves, stalks, and florets for cauliflower only) as a prerequisite for their valorization and future implementations. The metabolite profile of aqueous and organic extracts of byproducts was analyzed using the NMR-based metabolomics approach. Free amino acids, organic acids, sugars, polyols, polyphenols, amines, glucosinolates, fatty acids, phospho- and galactolipids, sterols, and sesquiterpene lactones were identified and quantified. In particular, globe artichoke byproducts are a source of health-beneficial compounds including chiro-inositol (up to 10.1 mg/g), scyllo-inositol (up to 1.8 mg/g), sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin, grosheimin, dehydrocynaropicrin, up to 45.5 mg/g in total), inulins, and chlorogenic acid (up to 7.5 mg/g), whereas cauliflower byproducts enclose bioactive sulfur-containing compounds S-methyl-L-cysteine S-oxide (methiin, up to 20.7 mg/g) and glucosinolates. A variable content of all metabolites was observed depending on the crop type (globe artichoke vs. cauliflower) and the plant part (leaves vs. stalks). The results here reported can be potentially used in different ways, including the formulation of new plant biostimulants and food supplements.

Physicochemical characteristics of beer with grape must addition produced using non-Saccharomyces yeasts

The aim of the paper was to determine the potential of using grape must and unconventional yeasts in the beer production process. Samples were fermented using non-Saccharomyces yeasts (Dekkera bruxellensis 3429, Wickerhamomyces anomalus MG971261, Kluyveromyces lactis MG971263), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Safale US-05 was used as a control. Grape must was pasteurized and, together with wort, volumetrically introduced into fermentation flasks for fermentation. Mass changes taking place during the process were analyzed. Real extract, alcohol content, free amino nitrogen (FAN) content, titratable acidity, color, and sugar profile were determined in obtained beers. The obtained results have proven that the tested non-Saccharomyces yeasts can adapt to fermentation conditions, just like S. cerevisiae Safale US-05, and can be used to produce beer-wine hybrid alcoholic beverages. The yeast K. lactis MG971263 produced a greater amount of alcohol in beers compared to other yeast strains. There were no significant differences in the color of the obtained beers and in the degree of FAN utilization during the fermentation process. The unconventional yeasts used are capable of producing beers without and with the addition of grape must with parameters similar to beers obtained using S. cerevisiae Safale US-05.

Characteristics of beer brewed with unconventional yeasts and addition of grape must, pulp and marc

The aim of the paper was to determine potential of using grape pulp, marc and must in the beer production process. Samples were fermented using non-Saccharomyces yeasts (Dekkera bruxellensis 3429, Metschnikowia pulcherrima MG970690) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Safale US-05 was used as a control. Grape marc was obtained by pressing grape must with a press. Subsequently, the grape marc, must and pulp were pasteurized and, together with wort, volumetrically introduced into fermentation flasks for fermentation. Mass changes taking place during the process were analyzed. Real extract, alcohol, free amino nitrogen (FAN) content, pH, color, sugars and organic acid profile were determined in obtained beers. The research has shown that the yeasts Dekkera bruxellensis 3429 fermented similarly to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Safale US-05. The yeast D. bruxellensis 3429 produced more alcohol in the finished beers in most cases and assimilated more FAN than M. pulcherrima MG970690. The D. bruxellensis 3429 strain most effectively used L-malic acid.

Castor bean cake increases osmoprotection and oil production in basil (Ocimum basilicum) under saline stress

Water salinity is a major abiotic stress that impacts plant growth and metabolism, reducing crop production. However, the adequate use of organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen (N) can attenuate the damages caused by saline stress. In this context, the castor bean cake (CBC), a co-product of the castor oil production chain, has shown great potential as organic fertilizer and stress mitigator, however, the mechanisms involved in these responses remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of CBC and electrical conductivities of irrigation water (EC) on the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, the accumulation of organic solutes, and the oil production in basil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, combining levels of EC (0.5, 1.2, 3.0, 4.7, 5.5 dS m−1) with doses of CBC (0.0, 1.4, 5.0, 8.5 and 10 t ha−1), in a matrix generated by the Box Central Compound. The contents of proline, glycine-betaine, proteins, amino acids, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars, photosynthetic pigments, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oil production were evaluated. The highest photochemical efficiency and oil content was found in basil irrigated with EC up to 3 dS m−1 and supplemented with 5 t ha−1 of CBC, which was followed by lower electrolyte leakage. In addition, CBC induced osmoregulation under saline conditions, as shown by the increase in free amino acids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine, and sugars. However, high doses of CBC combined with high EC reduced photosynthetic pigment content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oil content. In conclusion, CBC induced osmoprotection, maintaining cell membrane integrity and increasing photochemical efficiency of basil. In addition, the use of 5 t ha−1 of CBC combined with low levels of water salinity can be employed to enhance oil production in basil.

Metabolome analysis of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo reveals a significant antioxidant and nutritional potential of its tubers

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo (Vern. Salam Panja) is a highly valued terrestrial dietary orchid from Himalaya, whose tubers are traded for possessing medicinal uses to human health benefits. The current research was focused on chemical exploration, along with evaluation of the nutritional and antioxidant potential, of its tuber extracts, which were procured from traders as well as from its natural habitats. Total phenolics, flavonoids, sugars, amino acids, macro- and micro- elements were estimated in the tuber extracts. It was found that phenolics and flavonoids (73.61 ± 0.92 and 48.59 ± 0.71 mg/g) were higher in methanolic extracts of marketed sample (DH 2 ) than DH 1 , the methanolic extract of sample collected from natural habitat. The free amino acids and sugars were also found promisingly. The extracts showed antioxidant potentials with IC 50 ranges from 1.58 to 4.41 and from 0.19 to 0.48, mg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Further, UPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of vanillic acid in all samples (ranging from 0.21 to 0.58 mg/g). Further, dactylorhin A (0.12–0.81 mg/g) and B (0.62–0.88 mg/g) were also determined in all the samples except water extract (DH 5 ). Further, UHPLC-QTOF-IMS analysis enabled the identification of 152 diversified metabolites such as sugars, terpenoids, steroids, amino acids, polyphenols, nucleosides, saponins, organic and fatty acids. The heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pd, As) were absent while the micro- (Mn, Na, Zn, Cu) and macro- (Ca, Fe, Mg, K) elements were present in tubers. Furthermore, the variability in diversity of targeted metabolites was visualized using multivariate analysis and accounting 77.169 and 17.62% variance in PC1 and PC2 components, respectively. The current finding unleashed the chemical information including tentative biosynthesis of metabolites, nutraceutical and medicinal values of dietary orchid. Thus, this research will contribute to future agricultural and biotechnological interventions for a higher quality produce, thereby reducing ‘over-exploitation’ pressures on natural populations and also contributing to sustainable generation of this important bioresource. . • Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in methanolic extracts of D. hatagirea tubers. • Vanillic acid, dactylorhin A and dactylorhin Bwere quantified using UPLC-PDA. • The environmental toxins (Cd, Hg, Pd, As) were absent in all the extracts. • 152 metabolites were identified using UHPLC-QTOF-IMS and METLIN database in D. hatagirea . • DPPH and ABTS assays revealed antioxidant activity.

Key volatile compound formation of rapeseed oil induced via the Maillard reaction during seed roasting

This study was designed to investigate the influence of roasting (150 °C for 0–60 min) on key volatile compounds, sensory evaluation, free amino acids, sugars, and Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of five rapeseed varieties and their oils. During the roasting process, key volatile MRPs of fragrant rapeseed oils (FROs) that increased obviously in concentration were mainly pyrazines. After 60 min of roasting, the stronger nutty-like odor in oil from QH was possibly caused by the high levels of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (21.72 mg/kg) and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine (5.06 mg/kg). The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural contents and browning indices increased significantly, whereas reducing sugar and free amino acid contents decreased significantly (p < 0.05). This suggested the extent of the Maillard reaction increased with roasting time. Furthermore, the results of Maillard reaction model system demonstrated glycine, lysine, and histidine could react with glucose to generate 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. Hence, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine is identified as one of the important aroma-active MRPs for FRO.

The potential of foliar application of nano-chitosan-encapsulated nano-silicon donor in amelioration the adverse effect of salinity in the wheat plant

BackgroundNano-materials ameliorate the adverse effect of salinity stress on the physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the physiological mechanisms through which a nano-chitosan-encapsulated nano-silicon fertilizer (NC-NS) can ameliorate the adverse effect of salinity stress on the wheat plants, and compare it with nano-chitosan (NC) and nano-silicon (NS) application. Nano-silicon was encapsulated with a chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nano-matrix by ionic gelation method for its slow release. The wheat plants were exposed to foliar application of distilled water, NC, NS, and NC-NS with two NaCl irrigation levels at 0 (distilled water) and 100 mM.ResultsThe foliar application of NC, NS, and NC-NS induced a significant increase in the function of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of the wheat plants to equilibrate cellular redox homeostasis by balancing H2O2 content in the leaves and roots, as compared with salt-stressed plants without treatment. The plant's foliar-sprayed with NC, NS, and NC-NS solution exhibited a significant increase in the molecules with osmotic adjustment potentials such as proline, free amino acids, glycine betaine, and sugars to protect cells against osmotic stress-induced by salinity. The observed increase in the antioxidant power and osmoregulatory at NC, NS, and NC-NS application was accompanied by the protection of lipid membrane, proteins and photosynthetic apparatus against salinity stress.ConclusionIn the present study, the beneficial role of NC, NS, and NC-NS application, particularly NC-NS, in alleviating the adverse effect of salinity stress on antioxidant systems and osmotic adjustment in wheat is well documented. An overview of the result of present study assists researchers in providing a potential solution for this increasing salinization threat in crops.Graphical abstract

Metabolite Profiling of the Social Spider Stegodyphus dumicola Along a Climate Gradient

Animals experience climatic variation in their natural habitats, which may lead to variation in phenotypic responses among populations through local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity. In ectotherm arthropods, the expression of thermoprotective metabolites such as free amino acids, sugars, and polyols, in response to temperature stress, may facilitate temperature tolerance by regulating cellular homeostasis. If populations experience differences in temperatures, individuals may exhibit population-specific metabolite profiles through differential accumulation of metabolites that facilitate thermal tolerance. Such thermoprotective metabolites may originate from the animals themselves or from their associated microbiome, and hence microbial symbionts may contribute to shape the thermal niche of their host. The social spider Stegodyphus dumicola has extremely low genetic diversity, yet it occupies a relatively broad temperature range occurring across multiple climate zones in Southern Africa. We investigated whether the metabolome, including thermoprotective metabolites, differs between populations, and whether population genetic structure or the spider microbiome may explain potential differences. To address these questions, we assessed metabolite profiles, phylogenetic relationships, and microbiomes in three natural populations along a temperature gradient. The spider microbiomes in three genetically distinct populations of S. dumicola showed no significant population-specific pattern, and none of its dominating genera (Borrelia, Diplorickettsia, and Mycoplasma) are known to facilitate thermal tolerance in hosts. These results do not support a role of the microbiome in shaping the thermal niche of S. dumicola. Metabolite profiles of the three spider populations were significantly different. The variation was driven by multiple metabolites that can be linked to temperature stress (e.g., lactate, succinate, or xanthine) and thermal tolerance (e.g., polyols, trehalose, or glycerol): these metabolites had higher relative abundance in spiders from the hottest geographic region. These distinct metabolite profiles are consistent with a potential role of the metabolome in temperature response.

Bee Bread as a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Properties: An Up-To-Date Review.

Bee bread is a natural product obtained from the fermentation of bee pollen mixed with bee saliva and flower nectar inside the honeycomb cells of a hive. Bee bread is considered a functional product, having several nutritional virtues and various bioactive molecules with curative or preventive effects. This paper aims to review current knowledge regarding the chemical composition and medicinal properties of bee bread, evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and to highlight the benefits of the diet supplementation of bee bread for human health. Bee bread extracts (distilled water, ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate) have been proven to have antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumoral activities, and they can also inhibit α-amylase and angiotensin I-converting enzyme in vitro. More than 300 compounds have been identified in bee bread from different countries around the world, such as free amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, minerals, organic acids, polyphenols, and vitamins. In vivo studies have revealed the efficiency of bee bread in relieving several pathological cases, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Differential Physio-Biochemical and Metabolic Responses of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Multiple Abiotic Stress Conditions.

The frequency and severity of extreme climatic conditions such as drought, salinity, cold, and heat are increasing due to climate change. Moreover, in the field, plants are affected by multiple abiotic stresses simultaneously or sequentially. Thus, it is imperative to compare the effects of stress combinations on crop plants relative to individual stresses. This study investigated the differential regulation of physio-biochemical and metabolomics parameters in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under individual (salt, drought, cold, and heat) and combined stress treatments using multivariate correlation analysis. The results showed that combined heat, salt, and drought stress compounds the stress effect of individual stresses. Combined stresses that included heat had the highest electrolyte leakage and lowest relative water content. Lipid peroxidation and chlorophyll contents did not significantly change under combined stresses. Biochemical parameters, such as free amino acids, polyphenol, starch, and sugars, significantly changed under combined stresses compared to individual stresses. Free amino acids increased under combined stresses that included heat; starch, sugars, and polyphenols increased under combined stresses that included drought; proline concentration increased under combined stresses that included salt. Metabolomics data that were obtained under different individual and combined stresses can be used to identify molecular phenotypes that are involved in the acclimation response of plants under changing abiotic stress conditions. Peanut metabolomics identified 160 metabolites, including amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, organic acids, fatty acids, sugar acids, and other organic compounds. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that abiotic stresses significantly affected amino acid, amino sugar, and sugar metabolism. The stress treatments affected the metabolites that were associated with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and urea cycles and associated amino acid biosynthesis pathway intermediates. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and heatmap analysis identified potential marker metabolites (pinitol, malic acid, and xylopyranose) that were associated with abiotic stress combinations, which could be used in breeding efforts to develop peanut cultivars that are resilient to climate change. The study will also facilitate researchers to explore different stress indicators to identify resistant cultivars for future crop improvement programs.

Metabolic profile of canola (Brassica napus L.) seedlings under hydric, osmotic and temperature stresses

Canola is an important oilseed crop and its oil is used in human diet and biodiesel production. Abiotic stressors severely constrain canola growing causing economic losses. Under adverse conditions, plant cells coordinate their metabolic pathways to produce anti-stress agents. The understanding of the metabolic profile can be used to improve target traits since there is a direct relationship with the phenotype. Here we take advantage of the non-targeted metabolite profiling analysis GC–MS technique to assess the differences in metabolite accumulation in canola seedling tissues subjected to heat, waterlogging, drought and salt stresses. Phenotypically, abiotic stresses affected canola root development, mainly in waterlogging, salt and drought conditions, in which root length was increased. We assayed the metabolic profile in each tissue and abiotic stress and organic acids, free amino acid and sugars were detected. Accumulation of these metabolites were variable between shoots and roots under abiotic stresses. Heat stress affected mainly shoots increasing some essential and non-essential amino acids and sucrose while decreasing glucose and fructose contents. Waterlogging also affected mainly shoots decreasing malic and citric acids, some essential and non-essential amino acids and xylose content. Salt stress leads to a reduction of most of the metabolic compounds from organic acids, free amino acid and sugar groups in shoots and roots. Controversially, drought stress resulted in an increasing in most of the metabolite groups in shoots and roots. Shoots presented greater variation in metabolite content in response to abiotic stress. Our data is useful as basic knowledge to improve canola specific traits.

Edible coatings maintain the phytochemicals in cold-stored ‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour x C. deliciosa Tenora) fruit

Edible coatings usually maintain or improve the scavenger antioxidants and activities of defense-related enzymes consequently preserve the bioactive compounds. The effects of different coating treatments e.g. carboxymethylcellulose (CMC; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g L-1), chitosan (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g L-1), beeswax (5, 10 and 15 g L-1) and control (uncoated fruit) and cold storage period (5-7 ºC, 90-95 % RH for 75 days) on the levels of total phenols, total antioxidant activity, flavonoids, protein, total free amino acids and sugars (total and reducing sugars) in the juice of cold-stored ‘Kinnow’ mandarin fruit were assessed in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The fruit used in the experiment were harvested from the fifteen-year-old healthy trees previously grafted on rough lemon rootstock (Citrus jambhiri L.) and grown in the same block. The fruit coated with different coating treatments were stored at 5-7 ºC and 90-95 % RH for different storage periods (0, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days). The levels of total phenols, flavonoids, total antioxidant activity, total and reducing sugars in the fresh juice of the cold-stored fruit were determined following each cold storage period. Amongst different coating treatments tested, CMC (2.0 g L-1) coating proved to be the best treatment to maintain highest levels of bioactive compounds viz., total phenols, total antioxidant activity, flavonoids and total and reducing sugars as compared to the control during cold storage. In conclusion, coating with CMC (2.0 g L-1) was effective to extend the cold storage life and maintain the highest levels of health-promoting compounds in ‘Kinnow’ mandarin fruit without any symptoms of its toxicity to the fruit

Effect of Different Organic Manures Application on the Bioactive Compound and Yield of Taşköprü Garlic (Allium sativum L.) under 50% Drought

This study was carried out to assess the contribution of different organic fertilizer mixtures [(CONTROL (open field), CATTLE, CHICKEN, GOAT, İMPORTED PEAT (IPT), NATİVE PEAT (NPT), FİELD SOİL (FS: in greenhouse)] to drought tolerance of Taşköprü garlic, which was exposed to 50% water deficiency under greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, the measurement of yield was performed with bulbs, but the amount of some bioactive chemicals as chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenolic, proline, protein, free amino acid, sugars, pyruvic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities obtained from the fresh leaf and cloves grown in the different soil mix. According to the result, while the amount of pigment was found to be higher in the leaf of FS and FS-IPT, the flavonoid in FS-CHICKEN and total phenolic in FS-CATTLE-GOAT samples, nitrogenous compounds, and sugars (glucose, sucrose) were found to be rich in the control group (open field). The measurement of bulb weight, length, diameter, and the amount of lycopene, flavonoid, total phenolic, and free amino acid of garlic cloves obtained from FS-CHICKEN-IPT, FS-CATTLE-GOAT, FS-CHICKEN-GOAT, and FS-GOAT-NPT was higher when compared to the control. Furthermore, APX and SOD increased, whereas malondialdehyde lowered in these samples. As a result, the amounts of bulb yield, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compound, and sugars estimated using organic fertilizer were higher than the control, which was grown with inorganic fertilizer in an open field. In addition, the most drought-susceptible examples are the samples of FS, FS-ITP, FS-NTP, and FS-CATTLE soils considering all data.

Biochemical and Molecular Effects Induced by Triacontanol in Acquired Tolerance of Rice to Drought Stress.

To assess the effect of triacontanol (TRIA) on rice plants grown under normal or drought conditions, rice seeds were presoaked in TRIA (35 ppm) for two hours. After 20 days of sowing, rice seedlings developed from TRIA-treated or untreated seeds were subjected to drought stress. After 10 days of plant exposure to drought stress, data of major growth attributes and the content of photosynthetic pigments were recorded. Moreover, the effect of drought stress on stomatal conductance and the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) were followed. The data obtained indicated that the species of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Giza 177 under investigation was sensitive to drought stress where there were significant decreases in the fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots and in stomatal conductance, as well as in the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. Seed priming with TRIA enhanced both growth and acquired plant tolerance to drought stress. Thus, TRIA via the enhancement of stomatal conductance through the regulation of stomatal closure, the rate of water loss, ABA metabolism, the accumulation of osmolytes, and the regulation of aquaporins genes improved the water status of plants grown under water scarcity. Moreover, TRIA via increasing the content of free amino acids and sugars under drought stress may increase the chance of plant tissues to retain more water under scarcity conditions.