High Levels Of Anthocyanins Research Articles

Gall-inducing Eriophyes tiliae stimulates the metabolism of Tilia platyphyllos leaves towards oxidative protection

Red galls have high levels of anthocyanins which perform different physiological functions, such as antioxidants and protection against UVB radiation. High levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenols have been associated with low photosynthetic pigment content. In environments with high levels of UVB radiation, it would thus be expected that red galls would have high anthocyanin and polyphenol levels and low photosynthetic pigment contents, enabling the gall with high antioxidant capacity compared to its host organ. The red galls induced by Eriophyes tiliae, and their host environment of Tilia platyphyllos leaves in the Mediterranean climate of Chile, were investigated in relation to their anatomy, histochemistry, pigment, sugar, protein, and polyphenol contents, and antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin, sugars, and polyphenol contents and the antioxidant capacity were increased in galls. Photosynthetic pigment and protein contents were higher in non-galled leaves. The high levels of anthocyanin and total polyphenols increase the galls' antioxidant capacity in the high UV radiation environment of a Mediterranean climate. The establishment of E. tiliae induced redifferentiation of nutritive tissue, rich in sugars, proteins, and lipids, and an inner epidermis with trichomes and long emergences. E. tiliae galls’ structural and metabolic features are probably enhanced towards mite nutrition and protection. The current results shed light on the role of anthocyanin in the antioxidant protection of plant galls in environments with high UV irradiance.

Fine Points of Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Regulatory Genes for the Creation of Black-Grained Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Lines

Enrichment of grains with anthocyanins is considered a feasible approach to improving the nutritional properties of bread wheat. Here, two black-grained substitution lines with either 4B or 4D chromosomes substituted by wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) 4Th were created via marker-assisted combining the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulatory genes Pp-1, Pp3 (Purple pericarp), and Ba1 (Blue aleurone) in the genetics background of cv. Saratovskaya 29. The black grains manifested the simultaneous accumulation of anthocyanins in aleurone, and the pericarp layers resulted in the highest total anthocyanin content (TAC), which amounted to approximately the sum of TACs of the purple and blue grains. The lines with substitution 4Th(4B) had long trichomes on the leaves, whereas the lines with substitution 4Th(4D) did not differ from parental cv. Saratovskaya 29. Despite the chromosome substitution having a positive effect on the main spike length, the other yield-related traits (grain weight per main spike, the spike number per plant, and the 1000-grain weight) were decreased in the lines with chromosome substitution. The developed lines together with the parental ones constitute a valuable model for comparative studies and genetic stock for breeding commercial wheat cultivars featuring high levels of anthocyanins in grains.

Physicochemical characterization and bioactive potential in Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb fruits

Ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb) is an important and valuable food source in the diet of several countries worldwide with a potential to positively impact nutritional security. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical attributes, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of D. hebecarpa fruits grown in Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR. The following parameters were assessed: fresh weight, longitudinal and transverse length, LD/TD (format index), yield in pulp, peel, and seed, soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS/TA (flavor index), pH, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total anthocyanins, total chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP). The review and results of study on ripe fruits of D. hebecarpa in Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR revealed that it contains significant levels of soluble solids (18.25 °Brix), good pulp yield (90.19%), and high levels of ascorbic acid (142.09 mg/100g-1 of pulp) and total anthocyanins (94.13 mg/100g-1 of peel). This information confirms that the fruits of D. hebecarpa can be successfully used for the formulation and development of new products, in addition to the utilization of other parts, such as peels and seeds.

The Potential of Glutinous Rice Tape Added with Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 and Saccharomyces boulardii as a Probiotic Food

Glutinous rice tape circulating in the community generally does not contain probiotic cells. However, adding Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 and Saccharomyces boulardii can increase its potential as a probiotic food. This study is aimed to determine the effect of using glutinous rice varieties and the addition of probiotic cells on the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast, levels of anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, as well as the preference level of glutinous rice tape produced. A completely randomized design with a factorial pattern was used in this study. The first factor was glutinous rice varieties (white and black), while the second was the probiotic inoculum type (Lactobacillus plantarum Dad 13 and Saccharomyces boulardii) which were added simultaneously or individually. The result show that adding the probiotic cells simultaneously or individually in the production of white and black glutinous rice tape increased the LAB amount by 2 log cycles and yeast by 1 log cycle. The addition of Saccharomyces boulardii together with Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13, or individually, resulted in higher anthocyanin levels in black glutinous rice tape than white glutinous tape. The antioxidant activity of white glutinous rice tape was improved by the addition of probiotic cells. For the black glutinous rice tape, the antioxidant activity (87.57-88.61 %RSA) was higher than the activity of white glutinous rice tape (15.58-51.22 %RSA). Furthermore, adding Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 simultaneously with Saccharomyces boulardii increased the preference level on aroma, color, taste, texture, and overall, and produced the white glutinous rice tape that the panelists most favored.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis identifies KcMYB1 as a R2R3-MYB anthocyanin activator in Kadsura coccinea

Fruit color, as an important appearance attribute, is crucial for attracting consumers. However, the underlying mechanism regulating mature fruit color formation in Kadsura coccinea remains unclear. Here, a comprehensive metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis was performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation between two K. coccinea cultivars with different mature fruit colors—‘Dahong No. 1′ (red) and ‘Jinhu’ (yellow). Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed high anthocyanin levels, most of which were cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives, in ‘Dahong No. 1′ mature fruit peel. The SNP analysis indicated that the two different cultivars had similar genetic background. Moreover, comparative transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to flavonoid biosynthesis and metabolic process in the two K. coccinea cultivars. Gene expression profiling data showed that the structural and regulatory genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in ‘Dahong No. 1′ mature fruit peel, which was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Notably, the key anthocyanin activator KcMYB1 was identified, which was significantly upregulated in ‘Dahong No. 1′ compared with ‘Jinhu’. We further confirmed that KcMYB1 actively regulated the accumulation of anthocyanin by ectopic expression in vivo. Furthermore, allelic constitution of KcMYB1 in K. coccinea were investigated. The present study can provide insights for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin differential accumulation in the mature fruits of K. coccinea.

Physiological responses of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. to drought stress and bio-fertilizers

This study aimed to investigate the possible impact of the drought stress at three levels (80, 60 and 40% field capacity) and bio-fertilizers at four levels (Nitroxin, Super Nitro Plus, Biophosphorus, and non-biofertilizer) on Dracocephalum kotschyi. The experiments were conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design, with 3 repetitions. The results showed that drought stress significantly enhanced electrolyte leakage (EL), reactive oxygen species (H2O2), and malondialdehyde content in the leaves. The proline content of the leaves increased corresponding to the drought stress progress. The application of bio-fertilizers intensified the proline accumulation in response to drought. The use of bio-fertilizers in 60 and 40% of FC treatments significantly increased the relative water content (RWC), while it reduced EL in D.kotschyi plants, as compared to non-inoculated plants. The highest levels of anthocyanins (82.37 mg g−1 FW) and flavonoid compounds (62.16 mg g−1 FW) were recorded in the plants grown under severe drought stress conditions (40% FC) and biophosphorus application. Furthermore, the results indicated that the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were all increased under drought stress conditions. The use of bio-fertilizers alleviated the negative impacts of drought stress by modifying the antioxidant enzyme activity. Overall, the results revealed that the use of these bio-fertilizers, especially super nitroplus, improved most physiological parameters of D. kotschyi plants under drought stress conditions.

An Approach Using Emerging Optical Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Brings New Markers to Evaluate Peanut Seed Quality.

Seeds of high physiological quality are defined by their superior germination capacity and uniform seedling establishment. Here, it was investigated whether multispectral images combined with machine learning models can efficiently categorize the quality of peanut seedlots. The seed quality from seven lots was assessed traditionally (seed weight, water content, germination, and vigor) and by multispectral images (area, length, width, brightness, chlorophyll fluorescence, anthocyanin, and reflectance: 365 to 970 nm). Seedlings from the seeds of each lot were evaluated for their photosynthetic capacity (fluorescence and chlorophyll index, F0, Fm, and Fv/Fm) and stress indices (anthocyanin and NDVI). Artificial intelligence features (QDA method) applied to the data extracted from the seed images categorized lots with high and low quality. Higher levels of anthocyanin were found in the leaves of seedlings from low quality seeds. Therefore, this information is promising since the initial behavior of the seedlings reflected the quality of the seeds. The existence of new markers that effectively screen peanut seed quality was confirmed. The combination of physical properties (area, length, width, and coat brightness), pigments (chlorophyll fluorescence and anthocyanin), and light reflectance (660, 690, and 780 nm), is highly efficient to identify peanut seedlots with superior quality (98% accuracy).

Accumulation of anthocyanins and phenolic acids and antioxidant activity of lettuce cultivars grown hydroponically and in the open ground

We assess the level of anthocyanins and phenolic acids accumulated in the leaves of lettuce cultivars grown hydroponically and in the open ground. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the cultivars under study was determined. The plant material was macerated overnight using a selected extractant. The anthocyanin concentration was determined by spectrophotometry, while the composition of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds was determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. In general, anthocyanins in the extracts of all red-leaved lettuce cultivars were represented by cyanidin-3-(6″- malonylglucoside) with a small amount of its isomer – cyanidin-3-(3″-malonylglucoside). The highest level of anthocyanins was detected in the leaves of c.v. Thurinus, amounting up to 0.200 g per 100 g of fresh product for the intensively painted leaf areas. The cultivation of lettuce under the green-house conditions (hydroponically) leads to a significant reduction in the anthocyanin concentration in its leaves. The loss of anthocyanins during leaf drying was established to exceed 50%. Along with anthocyanins, the derivatives of caffeic acid, including chlorogenic (5-caffeoylquinic) acid, 5CQA, chicoric (3,4-caffeoyltartaric) acid, and 3,5- dicaffeoylquinic acid are important water-soluble compounds with antioxidant effects. The 5CQA accumulation was the highest, comprising 140 mg per 100 g of fresh weight (Red Thurinus). Antioxidant properties correlating with the level of anthocyanin accumulation were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. In comparison with green-leaved cultivars, red-leaved lettuce was found to exhibit a greater antioxidant activity, thus representing a more valuable and functional food product. According to the obtained results, a system of additional illumination is required for intensification of the anthocyan biosynthesis aimed at obtaining highquality products cultivated hydroponically in green-house facilities.

Red Horse Chestnut and Horse Chestnut Flowers and Leaves: A Potential and Powerful Source of Polyphenols with High Antioxidant Capacity

Aesculus flowers and leaves are an excellent source of bioactive compounds, including flavanols, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, and the leaves also contain antioxidant carotenoids and chlorophylls. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the amounts of bioactive compounds present in Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus × carnea flowers and leaves over two years. These two species from six independent locations (parks and green areas) located in Warsaw were assessed in this study. The dry matter by the scale method and polyphenol, carotenoid, and chlorophyll content by the HPLC method of the flowers and leaves was evaluated. Red horse chestnut flowers contained significantly more total carotenoids (40.6 µg/g FW) and chlorophylls (36.9 µg/g FW) than horse chestnut flowers, and red horse chestnut flowers contained higher levels of anthocyanins (5.41 µg/g FW) than other species. We observed that horse chestnut flowers were characterized by a higher total polyphenols concentration (9.45 µg/g FW) compared to red horse chestnut flowers. In addition, the analysis of leaves showed that all quality parameters were higher in red horse chestnut species. Five individual anthocyanins were identified in both species’ flowers, but a higher concentration was found in red horse chestnut flowers, and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside was the predominant form among a pool of total anthocyanins. In both experimental years, leaves (109.25 mMol/100 g FW and 112.0 mMol/100 g FW) were characterized by a higher antioxidant activity than flowers (27.0 mMol/100 g FW and 27.5 mMol/100 g FW).

Relationship between physicochemical characteristics and gene expression in lettuce as a tool for genetic improvement

Alface ( Lactuca sativa L.) is a leafy vegetable worldwide consumed. It is found in its constitution vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Since anthocyanins are responsible for the red color of the leaves and in the body prevents the appearance of non-communicable chronic diseases by the fight against free radicals. The lettuce for being present in the diet of the population becomes a promising plant for biofortification with the selection of plants with high levels of anthocyanins. The objective of the present work was to study the quantitative distribution of anthocyanin in leaves of lettuce plants of a segregating F2 population obtained from the initial crossing between two color contrasting parents (green and red).. The color, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, as well as color correlation with anthocyanin content and the heritability of these characteristics. It was concluded that the anthocyanin content in leaves of lettuce is controlled by more than one gene with partial dominance of the genes that confer higher levels. Intense red coloration can be used as an alternative in lettuce breeding programs to identify superior lettuce genotypes with high anthocyanin content. Transgressive segregation as well as the higher heritability values observed in the studied traits will allow selecting in segregating generations, superior genotypes in accordance with the proposed objectives.

Anthocyanin and Flavonol Glycoside Metabolic Pathways Underpin Floral Color Mimicry and Contrast in a Sexually Deceptive Orchid

Sexually deceptive plants secure pollination by luring specific male insects as pollinators using a combination of olfactory, visual, and morphological mimicry. Flower color is a key component to this attraction, but its chemical and genetic basis remains poorly understood. Chiloglottis trapeziformis is a sexually deceptive orchid which has predominantly dull green-red flowers except for the central black callus projecting from the labellum lamina. The callus mimics the female of the pollinator and the stark color contrast between the black callus and dull green or red lamina is thought to enhance the visibility of the mimic. The goal of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and genetic regulation of temporal and spatial color patterns leading to visual mimicry, by integrating targeted metabolite profiling and transcriptomic analysis. Even at the very young bud stage, high levels of anthocyanins were detected in the dark callus, with peak accumulation by the mature bud stage. In contrast, anthocyanin levels in the lamina peaked as the buds opened and became reddish-green. Coordinated upregulation of multiple genes, including dihydroflavonol reductase and leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase, and the downregulation of flavonol synthase genes (FLS) in the callus at the very young bud stage underpins the initial high anthocyanin levels. Conversely, within the lamina, upregulated FLS genes promote flavonol glycoside over anthocyanin production, with the downstream upregulation of flavonoid O-methyltransferase genes further contributing to the accumulation of methylated flavonol glycosides, whose levels peaked in the mature bud stage. Finally, the peak anthocyanin content of the reddish-green lamina of the open flower is underpinned by small increases in gene expression levels and/or differential upregulation in the lamina in select anthocyanin genes while FLS patterns showed little change. Differential expression of candidate genes involved in specific transport, vacuolar acidification, and photosynthetic pathways may also assist in maintaining the distinct callus and contrasting lamina color from the earliest bud stage through to the mature flower. Our findings highlight that flower color in this sexually deceptive orchid is achieved by complex tissue-specific coordinated regulation of genes and biochemical pathways across multiple developmental stages.

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Dissimilarities in the Anthocyanin Synthesis Pathway Between Different Developmental Leaf Color Transitions in Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae).

Changes in plant leaf color during development are directly related to the accumulation or degradation of certain phytochemicals such as anthocyanins. Since some anthocyanins can be beneficial to human health and provide insights into the biology of leaves, the underlying processes and timing by which plants produce these molecules has been the focus of numerous studies. The tree species Hopea hainanensis generally produces green leaves at all growth stages; however, a few explored individuals have been identified possessing red leaves on the top of the seedlings at a young stage. While the phenomenon of leaf color varying with age has been studied in several species, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown in H. hainanensis. Using a metabolomics approach, the young red leaves in H. hainanensis were found to contain higher levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids than the young green-leaved individuals. Among anthocyanins, pelargonidin and cyanidin were the most likely candidates contributing to the red color of the young leaves. Transcriptome results indicated the genes related to the production of these anthocyanins were significantly upregulated, leading to greater accumulation of red pigments. Specifically, the expression of several MYB and bHLH genes in young red leaf lines was significantly higher than that in the young green leaf lines, especially HhMYB66, HhMYB91, HhMYB6, and HhbHLH70. As such these four transcription factors are probably the main regulatory genes resulting in young red leaves in H. hainanensis. From these results, comparative analyses with other species can be made to better understand the evolution of pigment biosynthesis and how anthocyanins function in plant metabolism and evolution/adaptation.

Examining effects of rhizobacteria in relieving abiotic crop stresses using carbon‐11 radiotracing

In agriculture, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are increasingly used for reducing environmental stress‐related crop losses through mutualistic actions of these microorganisms, activating physiological and biochemical responses, building tolerances within their hosts. Here we report the use of radioactive carbon‐11 (t ½ 20.4 min) to examine the metabolic and physiological responses of Zea mays to Azospirillum brasilense (HM053) inoculation while plants were subjected to salinity and low nitrogen stresses. Host metabolism of “new” carbon resources (as 11C) and physiology including [11C]‐photosynthate translocation were measured in response to imposed growth conditions. Salinity stress caused shortened, dense root growth with a 6‐fold increase in foliar [11C]‐raffinose, a potent osmolyte. ICP‐MS analyses revealed increased foliar Na+ levels at the expense of K+. HM053 inoculation relieved these effects, reinstating normal root growth, lowering [11C]‐raffinose levels while increasing [11C]‐sucrose and its translocation to the roots. Na+ levels remained elevated with inoculation, but K+ levels were boosted slightly. Low nitrogen stress yielded longer roots possessing high levels of anthocyanins. Metabolic analysis revealed significant shifts in “new” carbon partitioning into the amino acid pool under low nitrogen stress, with significant increases in foliar [11C]‐glutamate, [11C]‐aspartate, and [11C]‐asparagine, a noted osmoprotectant. 11CO2 fixation and [11C]‐photosynthate translocation also decreased, limiting carbon supply to roots. However, starch levels in roots were reduced under nitrogen limitation, suggesting that carbon repartitioning could be a compensatory action to support root growth. Finally, inoculation with HM053 re‐instated normal root growth, reduced anthocyanin, boosted root starch, and returned 11C‐allocation levels back to those of unstressed plants.

Maternal flower color, ultraviolet protection, and germination in Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae)

AbstractTransgenerational interactions between flower color, seed quality, and seedling performance have rarely been investigated. The ecological model, Ipomopsis aggregata, is a great candidate for examining the maternal effects of flower color because it is a mostly scarlet‐flowering plant which shows color polymorphism within natural populations. Anthocyanin, the red flavonoid pigment which gives these flowers color, has been shown to act as an ultraviolet (UV) protectant by shielding chloroplasts and acting as an antioxidant. This study was conducted on scarlet‐ and fuchsia‐flowering maternal plants and their seeds from natural populations in Colorado. Dark‐flowering (scarlet) maternal plants from these populations had consistently higher foliar anthocyanin content, photosystem efficiency, and chlorophyll content than light‐flowering (fuchsia) plants over a 3‐year period in the field. Seeds from a subset of these maternal plants were counted, weighed, and germinated in a growth chamber. Photosystem efficiency, vegetative anthocyanin content, chlorophyll content, and biomass were measured on germinated seedlings after the germination census was completed. Dark‐flowering maternal plants yielded seeds and seedlings with higher biomass than light‐flowering ones. Seeds from dark‐flowering maternal plants also germinated faster than those from light‐flowering maternal plants and seedlings had higher vegetative anthocyanin content. The hereditary nature of anthocyanin content thus suggests that higher anthocyanin levels (both floral and vegetative) are potentially linked to measures of fitness such as increased seed weight, germination rate, and seedling biomass. These data suggest that UV protection provided by anthocyanins potentially increases the realized fitness of maternal plants, thereby influencing life history.

Detam 1 black soybean against cisplatin-induced acute ren failure on rat model via antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptosis potential

Background and aimCis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (Cisplatin) is one of the most synthetic anticancer drug but have several adverse effects and one of them is acute ren failure. Cisplatin can induce nephrotoxicity occur via the toxic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) has been reported contain high levels of phenolics and anthocyanins that has antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the effect of ethanol extract of black soybean (EEBS) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Experimental procedureCisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity rats treated with EEBS and the blood samples taken on days 0, 9, and 18. The effects of EEBS was evaluated by determining Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Caspase-3 (Casp-3), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid (UA) content and catalase (CAT) content in the blood plasma with colorimetric assay kit. Results and conclusionBased on the results, EEBS treatment had successfully reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IFN-γ, and improved physiological condition by lowering BUN and UA content while increasing CAT activity. No significant effect was found in Casp-3 expression. EEBS has potential to improve acute renal failure condition through inflammatory suppression and renal function improvement.

Integralno brašno od kukuruza različite boje zrna kao izvor makro-i mikro-nutrijenata

Four commercial wholegrain flours made from differently colored kernels of maize genotypes produced in Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" were used as the subject of this study. Values of major chemical components as well as mineral nutrients, antioxidants and some vitamins of wholegrain flours obtained from white dent hybrid, yellow popping maize hybrid, red dent variety and blue popping maize landrace are presented. All flours had high fiber content (6.9-10.4%), while total protein ranged from 8.5% to 12.2%. A high level of anthocyanins was determined in blue popping maize wholegrain flour (910.0 mg CGE/kg), whereas yellow popping maize flour had a high content of total carotenoids (26.5 mg bCE/kg). Total antioxidant capacity was the lowest in white (15.50 mmol Trolox Eq/kg) and the highest in blue popping maize flour (37.6 mmol Trolox Eq/kg). All investigated wholegrain flours contained high levels of potassium and magnesium, as well as high content of trace elements, namely iron, zinc, copper and manganese. The maize flour is naturally gluten-free, which makes it highly suitable for persons susceptible to a gluten allergy and those with celiac disease. These results indicate that the wholegrain ZP maize flours can be used as functional food ingredients.

Otimização do processamento da farinha e da extração de antocianinas do mirtilo

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the ideal conditions for the processing of flour and extraction of anthocyanins from blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). A central composite design (CCD) with response surfaces was used. For the processing of blueberry flour, different dehydration temperatures (53ºC-67ºC) and times (43.18-48.82 hours) were used. The extraction of anthocyanins was performed with ethanol solutions (15-85% v/v) at different pH values (1.0-4.0). ). The total monomeric anthocyanin content was 1,538.39±25.63 mg 100 g-1 (0.89 desirability value) for fresh blueberries in the optimal extraction condition (53.5% ethanol, 2.5 pH) and 3,101.04±11.57 mg 100 g-1 (0.96 desirability value) for blueberry flour in the optimum processing condition (53ºC, 46 hours). The optimized extraction and dehydration of blueberries provide high levels of anthocyanins in the samples.

Do chemical and nutritional compounds change during the storage of Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora)?

Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a native Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest fruit tree. Its fruits are purplish berries with a short shelf life, due to fermentative processes that begin shortly after harvest. Recently, commercial jabuticaba exploitation has intensified, justifying the application of postharvest technologies. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical characteristics and nutraceutical compounds of “ponhema” jabuticabas stored at room and cold temperatures. Chemical analyzes (soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, soluble sugars, soluble pectins and pectinamethylesterase (PME) activity), and nutraceutical compounds (total anthocyanins (TA), yellow flavonoids (YF), total phenolic compounds (TFC)) were performed. A completely randomized experimental design was applied. Analyzes were performed every 2 days, at days 0, 2, 4 for the room temperature (25° C) assay and at days 0, 2, 4 and 6 for the cold temperature (13° C) experiment. Fruits stored under cold temperature presented lower acetaldehyde and ethanol contents, as well as high soluble sugar, total anthocyanin, and total phenolic compound levels. Fruits stored at room temperature displayed marked wilting and fermentation on the fifth day of storage, preventing their consumption after this period. Fruits presented a shelf-life gain of up to two days when stored at cold temperature, displaying better characteristic maintenance, such as soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and soluble sugars, which were verified by the acetaldehyde and ethanol tests. Total anthocyanin and phenolic compound levels were higher in fruits stored at cold temperature

The Use of Interactions Between Microorganisms in Strawberry Cultivation (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.).

As the market indicates a growing interest in organically grown fruit, there is a need for biostimulants to counter the adverse effects of pathogenic fungi and fungal-like-pathogens. Four microbial pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Verticillium sp., Phytophthora sp., and Colletotrichum sp.) which are the most often causes of strawberry diseases were selected. Five kinds of biostimulants (C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5) containing bacterial consortia were developed to combat the pathogens. The antagonistic effect of selected microorganisms against strawberry pathogens was observed. The effectiveness of various beneficial bacteria in combating fungal pathogens of cv. Honeoye strawberries was compared and the impact of their activity on fruit quality was assessed. The most significant effect on the strawberry firmness was found for the C2 consortium, which provided the strawberries infected with the pathogens group (MIX: B. cinerea, Verticillium sp., Phytophthora sp., and Colletotrichum sp.) with a 140% increase in maximum load in a puncture test compared to the positive control (C0). Strawberries contaminated with Phytophthora sp. after the application of Consortium C4 (C4) showed the largest increase (127%) in soluble solid content (SSC) when compared to the C0. Fruit contaminated with Colletotrichum sp. and B. cinerea after the application of C2 and Consortium 5 (C5), respectively, had the highest levels of anthocyanins and total phenolic content, when compared to C0. The largest increase, which reached as high as 25%, in D-galacturonic acid content was observed for the group of pathogens after Consortium 1 (C1) application. The extraction of strawberry pectin allowed for the study of the rheological properties of pectin solutions; on this basis, strawberry pectin from the control (NC) was distinguished as it showed the highest viscosity (0.137–0.415 Pas). Taking into account the individual effects of bacteria on strawberry pathogenic fungi and fungal-like-pathogens, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects of fungal disease and to improve the properties of strawberries by selecting the appropriate bacterial consortium. Interactions between microorganisms are often complex and not fully understood, which suggests the need for further research in this direction.

Effects of Composts Made from Broiler Chicken Residues and Blended with Biochar on the Minerals and Phenolic Compounds in Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.)

Soil amendments, such as composts and biochar, are currently widely used as substrates in container gardening. Although different types of wastes have been used in composting, formulating growing mediums for specific plants using different materials is necessary. In the present study, organic substrates comprising mixtures of (a) broiler chicken wastes composted with sugar bagasse, sawdust, urban tree, napier grass, or cotton residues, and (b) five different proportions of biochar (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) were used to produce mineral and flavonoid-rich parsley plants. The sawdust-based substrate led to the highest yields (27.86 g pot−1 on average), regardless of the amount of biochar added; however, this substrate resulted in plants with no appreciable antioxidant activities. Plants grown using the tree-based substrate had moderate yields (16.95 g pot−1), and the highest phenolic levels (e.g., 7.93 mg GAE g−1) and antioxidant activities (DPPH scavenging activity over 11.17 g TE g−1). Such activities were better described by the presence of apigenin-7-apiosylglucoside and diosmetin-apiosylglucoside. Moderate yields were also obtained with the cotton-based substrate; however, such yields were only obtained at biochar proportions greater than 30%; this substrate led to the highest K contents (47.19 g kg−1). The lowest yields (3.20 g pot−1) and N (20.96 g kg−1), P (1.33 g kg−1), K (33.26 g kg−1), and flavonoid (13.63 mg CE g−1) contents were obtained with the napier-based substrate. However, this substrate led to the production of parsley plants with the highest levels of anthocyanins (0.40 mg CGE g−1), which may have accumulated as stress sensors and defense components. The bagasse-based substrate also led to high yields and appreciable flavonoid contents with 60% biochar. In most cases, no linear relationship was found between the biochar amount and the chemical parameters evaluated. Overall, the substrates formulated using urban tree residues had higher suitability for parsley development than those formulated using sugar bagasse, sawdust, napier grass, or cotton residues.