High Levels Of Sucrose Research Articles

Screening Germplasms and Detecting Quantitative Trait Loci for High Sucrose Content in Soybean

Sucrose is a desirable component of processed soybean foods and animal feed, and thus, its content is used as an important characteristic for assessing the quality of soybean seeds. However, few studies have focused on the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with sucrose regulation in soybean seeds. This study aims to measure the sucrose content of 1014 soybean accessions and identify genes related to high sucrose levels using QTL analysis. Colorimetric analysis based on the enzymatic reaction of invertase (INV) and glucose oxidase (GOD) was employed to test the germplasms. A total of six high-sucrose genetic resources (IT186230, IT195321, IT263138, IT263276, IT263286, and IT276521) and two low-sucrose genetic resources (IT025668 and IT274054) were identified. Two F2:3 populations, IT186230 × IT025668 and Ilmi × IT186230, were then established from these germplasms. QTL analysis identified four QTLs (qSUC6.1, qSUC11.1, qSUC15.1, and qSUC17.1), explaining 7.3–27.6% of the phenotypic variation in the sugar content. Twenty candidate genes were found at the four QTLs. Notably, Glyma.17G152300, located in the qSUC17.1 QTL region, exhibited a 17-fold higher gene expression in the high-sucrose germplasm IT186230 compared to the control germplasm Ilmi, confirming its role as a major gene regulating the sucrose content in soybean. These results may assist in marker-assisted selection for breeding programs that aim to develop soybean lines with a higher sucrose content.

Intraspecific and interspecific resource partitioning between bumblebee workers and males related to nectar quantity and quality.

Bumblebees are important pollinators for many natural and agricultural systems in temperate regions. Interspecific and intraspecific variation in floral resource preferences have been proposed to influence bumblebee community structure. In particular, sexual dimorphism is a major source of intraspecific niche variation. Although interspecific resource partitioning is well studied, few studies have explored the intraspecific dynamics between workers and males. Here, we report a study on a total of 11528 workers and 2220 males of 14 bumblebee species recorded over 5years in the Hengduan Mountains of Southwest China. We first compared the potential for interspecific and intraspecific competition between workers and males using visitation records and resource partitioning indices (overlap index). We then evaluated the influence of nectar traits on flower preference, including nectar volume and the levels of hexose, sucrose and 10 essential amino acids (EAAs). We found that the niche overlap between intraspecific workers and males was higher than that between different species, and temporal overlap alone did not strongly determine diet overlap. Males of most species preferred flowers with high levels of EAAs and hexose, whereas workers of some species preferred flowers with high nectar volume and sucrose levels. This study suggests that there is floral resource partitioning among bumblebee species, and between workers and males, which may play a key role in alleviating interspecific and intraspecific competition. These findings also provide a useful guide for which kinds of plants might be most valuable for bumblebees, especially the understudied males, in this biodiversity hotspot.

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pollination enhances the yield and flavor quality of kiwifruit.

Pollination is essential for achieving high yields and enhancing the quality of kiwifruit cultivation, both of which significantly influence growers' interests and consumers' preferences. However, compared to studies on yield, there are fewer studies exploring the impact of pollination methods on the flavor of kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis Planchon. This study examined the effects of bee (Apis mellifera L.) pollination and artificial pollination on the yield and flavor of kiwifruit in the main producing areas of China. Compared with those pollinated artificially, bee-pollinated kiwifruit exhibited a greater fruit set rate, heavier fruit weight, and greater number of seeds. Notably, the number of seeds was positively correlated with fruit weight in bee-pollinated kiwifruit, whereas no such correlation was detected in artificially pollinated fruit. Bee pollination not only enhanced the yield but also improved the flavor of kiwifruit. Specifically, bee-pollinated kiwifruit contained higher levels of sucrose and lower concentrations of glucose and fructose, while the acid content was less affected by pollination methods. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in kiwifruit subjected to different pollination treatments, with bee-pollinated fruit exhibiting a superior flavor. Our findings provide new insights into the beneficial role of bee pollination in enhancing kiwifruit yield and quality, underscoring the crucial importance of bees in kiwifruit pollination.

Comparative 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics of Traditional Landrace and Disease-Resistant Chili Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.).

Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are economically valuable crops belonging to the Solanaceae family and are popular worldwide because of their unique spiciness and flavor. In this study, differences in the metabolomes of landrace (Subicho) and disease-resistant pepper cultivars (Bulkala and Kaltanbaksa) widely grown in Korea are investigated using a 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach. Specific metabolites were abundant in the pericarp (GABA, fructose, and glutamine) and placenta (glucose, asparagine, arginine, and capsaicin), highlighting the distinct physiological and functional roles of these components. Both the pericarp and placenta of disease-resistant pepper cultivars contained higher levels of sucrose and hexoses and lower levels of alanine, proline, and threonine than the traditional landrace cultivar. These metabolic differences are linked to enhanced stress tolerance and the activation of defense pathways, imbuing these cultivars with improved resistance characteristics. The present study provides fundamental insights into the metabolic basis of disease resistance in chili peppers, emphasizing the importance of multi-resistant varieties to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security. These resistant varieties ensure a stable supply of high-quality peppers, contributing to safer and more sustainable food production systems.

Metabolic Composition of Methanolic Extract of the Balkan Endemic Species Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Male Wistar Rats.

Extracts from medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment and prevention of different diseases. Micromeria frivaldszkyana is a Balkan endemic species with reported antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics; however, its phytochemical composition is not well defined. Here, we examined the metabolome of M. frivaldszkyana by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols were the primary metabolites with the highest levels in the plant extract. Detailed analysis of the sugar content identified high levels of sucrose, glucose, mannose, and fructose. Lipids are primary plant metabolites, and the analysis revealed triacylglycerols as the most abundant lipid group. Potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and calcium (Ca) were the elements with the highest content. The results showed linarin, 3-caffeoil-quinic acid, and rosmarinic acid, as well as a number of polyphenols, as the most abundant secondary metabolites. Among the flavonoids and polyphenols with a high presence were eupatorin, kaempferol, and apigenin-compounds widely known for their bioactive properties. Further, the acute toxicity and potential anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract were evaluated in Wistar rats. No toxic effects were registered after a single oral application of the extract in doses of between 200 and 5000 mg/kg bw. A fourteen-day pre-treatment with methanolic extract of M. frivaldszkyana in doses of 250, 400, and 500 mg/kg bw induced anti-inflammatory activity in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hours after carrageenan injection in a model of rat paw edema. This effect was also present in the 4th hour only in the group treated with a dose of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, M. frivaldszkyana extract is particularly rich in linarin, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids (eupatorin, kaempferol, and apigenin). Its methanolic extract induced no toxicity in male Wistar rats after oral application in doses of up to 5000 mg/kg bw. Additionally, treatment with the methanolic extract for 14 days revealed anti-inflammatory potential in a model of rat paw edema on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hours after the carrageenan injection. These results show the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant, which might be considered for further exploration and eventual application as a phytotherapeutic agent.

Overexpression of oilseed rape trehalose-6-phosphate synthesis gene BnaC02.TPS8 confers sensitivity to low nitrogen and high sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis.

Overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 increased low N and high sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation. Anthocyanin plays a crucial role in safeguarding photosynthetic tissues against high light, UV radiation, and oxidative stress. Their accumulation is triggered by low nitrogen (N) stress and elevated sucrose levels in Arabidopsis. Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) serves as a pivotal signaling molecule, sensing sucrose availability, and carbon (C) metabolism. However, the mechanisms governing the regulation of T6P synthase (TPS) genes responsible for anthocyanin accumulation under conditions of low N and high sucrose remain elusive. In a previous study, we demonstrated the positive impact of a cytoplasm-localized class II TPS protein 'BnaC02.TPS8' on photosynthesis and seed yield improvement in Brassica napus. The present research delves into the biological role of BnaC02.TPS8 in response to low N and high sucrose. Ectopic overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 in Arabidopsis seedlings resulted in elevated shoot T6P levels under N-sufficient conditions, as well as an increased carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, sucrose accumulation, and starch storage under low N conditions. Overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 in Arabidopsis heightened sensitivity to low N stress and high sucrose levels, accompanied by increased anthocyanin accumulation and upregulation of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation. Metabolic profiling revealed increased levels of intermediate products of carbon metabolism, as well as anthocyanin and flavonoid derivatives in BnaC02.TPS8-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants under low N conditions. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analyses demonstrated that BnaC02.TPS8 interacts with both BnaC08.TPS9 and BnaA01.TPS10. These findings contribute to our understanding of how TPS8-mediated anthocyanin accumulation is modulated under low N and high sucrose conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Sucrose-Regulatory Genes in High- and Low-Sucrose Sister Clones of Sugarcane.

Sugarcane is a significant primitive source of sugar and energy worldwide. The progress in enhancing the sugar content in sugarcane cultivars remains limited due to an insufficient understanding of specific genes related to sucrose production. The present investigation examined the enzyme activities, levels of reducing and non-reducing sugars, and transcript expression using RT-qPCR to assess the gene expression associated with sucrose metabolism in a high-sucrose sugarcane clone (GXB9) in comparison to a low-sucrose sister clone (B9). Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose phosphate phosphatase (SPP), sucrose synthase (SuSy), cell wall invertase (CWI), soluble acid invertase (SAI), and neutral invertase (NI) are essential enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism in sugarcane. The activities of these enzymes were comparatively quantified and analyzed in immature and maturing internodes of the high- and low-sucrose clones. The results showed that the higher-sucrose-accumulating clone had greater sucrose concentrations than the low-sucrose-accumulating clone; however, maturing internodes had higher sucrose levels than immature internodes in both clones. Hexose concentrations were higher in immature internodes than in maturing internodes for both clones. The SPS and SPP enzymes activities were higher in the high-sucrose-storing clone than in the low-sucrose clone. SuSy activity was higher in the low-sucrose clone than in the high-sucrose clone; further, the degree of SuSy activity was higher in immature internodes than in maturing internodes for both clones. The SPS gene expression was considerably higher in mature internodes of the high-sucrose clones than the low-sucrose clone. Conversely, the SuSy gene exhibited up-regulated expression in the low-sucrose clone. The enhanced expression of SPS in the high-sucrose clone compared to the low-sucrose clone suggests that SPS plays a major role in the increased accumulation of sucrose. These findings provide the opportunity to improve sugarcane cultivars by regulating the activity of genes related to sucrose metabolism using transgenic techniques.

Cell-type-specific transcriptomics uncovers spatial regulatory networks in bioenergy sorghum stems.

Bioenergy sorghum is a low-input, drought-resilient, deep-rooting annual crop that has high biomass yield potential enabling the sustainable production of biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts. Bioenergy sorghum's 4-5 m stems account for ~80% of the harvested biomass. Stems accumulate high levels of sucrose that could be used to synthesize bioethanol and useful biopolymers if information about cell-type gene expression and regulation in stems was available to enable engineering. To obtain this information, laser capture microdissection was used to isolate and collect transcriptome profiles from five major cell types that are present in stems of the sweet sorghum Wray. Transcriptome analysis identified genes with cell-type-specific and cell-preferred expression patterns that reflect the distinct metabolic, transport, and regulatory functions of each cell type. Analysis of cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) revealed that unique transcription factor families contribute to distinct regulatory landscapes, where regulation is organized through various modes and identifiable network motifs. Cell-specific transcriptome data was combined with known secondary cell wall (SCW) networks to identify the GRNs that differentially activate SCW formation in vascular sclerenchyma and epidermal cells. The spatial transcriptomic dataset provides a valuable source of information about the function of different sorghum cell types and GRNs that will enable the engineering of bioenergy sorghum stems, and an interactive web application developed during this project will allow easy access and exploration of the data (https://mc-lab.shinyapps.io/lcm-dataset/).

Harvest maturity stage affects watercore dissipation and postharvest quality deterioration of watercore 'Fuji' apples

Watercore 'Fuji' apples, with their special watercore shape and unique flavor and texture, are a very popular specialty fruit in the Asian markets. However, watercore disappearance and quality deterioration of apples during postharvest storage are serious problems. In this study, we compared the differences among three harvest maturity stages of apples in watercore dissipation and fruit quality deterioration. In this study, the physiochemical attributes (visual quality, watercore incidence, and firmness), flavor substances (TSS content, TA content, and TSS/TA), aroma volatiles, and cellular structure were analyzed in 'Fuji' apple fruits of low maturity (LM) at early harvest stage, medium maturity (MM) at mid harvest stage, and high maturity (HM) at late harvest stage, during a cold storage at 0 ± 1 °C for 120 d. The results showed that harvest maturity stage had a significant effect on postharvest storage quality parameters of watercore 'Fuji' apples. Specifically, L*, b*, firmness, and TA values of the flesh decreased significantly from the LM to the HM levels. However, the watercore incidence of apples significantly increased from LM to HM levels. Moreover, the parameters including L*, b*, firmenss, TA, and watercore incidence of apples with different harvest maturity stages gradually decreased as the storage time increased. In contrast, the TSS, TSS/TA, and a* values showed an increasing trend from LM to HM apples. In particular, the TSS tended to increase first and decrease after 60 d of storage. Moreover, the microstructure and cellular structure gradually deformed as the structural porosity and cell size decreased from LM to HM apples. Furthermore, the microstructure of the watercore and non-watercore sites is significantly different. Meanwhile, the content of soluble sugars and aroma volatiles increased with the advancing maturity. Non-watercore sites of apples with the same level of maturity contained higher levels of sucrose, fructose, maltose, and sorbitol than watercore sites. Furthermore, the MM apples maintained better sensory qualities during the shelf life after cold storage. Overall, the MM apples showed higher quality and were more acceptable to consumers, which suggested watercore 'Fuji' apples from mid harvest stage showed the optimal harvest-ready maturity for post-harvest long-term cold storage.

Reactive oxygen species homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism involved in wound healing of carrot induced by hot water treatment

Although the information on regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis or carbohydrate metabolism has been published in other wounding-responsive horticultural crops, the involvement of that in carrot remains unknown, especially treatment with hot water. In this study, ROS and carbohydrate metabolism analysis during wound healing was performed to clarify the underlying mechanism for the wounded carrots subjected to hot water treatment. Results showed that 45 ℃ hot water promoted NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in healing carrots, elevated O2·− and H2O2 contents. Also, hot water enhanced catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, the activities of AsA-GSH cycle-related as well as the ascorbic acid and glutathione levels. Additionally, hot water stimulated acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activities with a higher level of sucrose, fructose and glucose, triggered stronger activities of hexokinase (HK), phosphofruc tokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) in glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) during healing of carrots. Taken together, hot water can regulate ROS homeostasis and activate sucrose metabolism, glycolysis and PPP pathway to benefit carrot wound healing.

Screening the Citrus Greek National Germplasm Collection for fruit quality and metabolic footprint

Citrus fruits are one of the most important fruits in the global food industry due to their unique taste and nutritional benefits. Herein, we characterize the physicochemical and bioactive attributes of twenty-nine Greek citrus accessions, including oranges, mandarins/clementines, lemons, bergamot, citrons and lime along with twenty-seven highly commercial international cultivars. The assessed genotypes differ in various quality traits including color, ripening, and textural attributes. Several indigenous cultivars displayed desirable organoleptic traits, such as the oranges ‘Valencia Oval Porou’ (e.g., juice content and ascorbic acid) and ‘Sanguine Gouritis’ (eg., soluble solids (SSC) and acidity (TA) ratio), the mandarin ‘Clementine Porou’ (e.g., SSC/TA) and the lemon ‘Vakalou’ (e.g., firmness, acidity). Differences in primary metabolites, mainly in sugars, organic acids and amino acids were recorded among the tested species and cultivars. In addition, the autochthonous orange cultivars ‘Sanguine Gouritsis’ and ‘Valencia Oval Porou’ contained high sucrose levels whereas ‘Lainato Chanion’ had high hesperidin content. This large-scale analysis supports the ample availability of genetic resources for the development of citrus cultivars with improved nutritional quality traits.

Attempts to isolate genes that determine the good taste on landrace edamame soybeans

Dadachamame is the common name for edamame soybean [Glycine max L.(Merr.)] cultivars, ‘Shirayama’, ‘Kanro’ and ‘Oura’, which have been established in Tsuruoka city, Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan since the late Edo era. Dadachamame has a good taste and special aroma. Although it is known that the good taste of Dadachamame is caused by the higher levels of sucrose and free amino acids based on the comparative analysis of chemical components in the seeds of Dadachamame and other soybean cultivars, details on the genetic level are unclear. To understand the good taste of Dadachamame on the genetic level, in this study, we developed an F2 population derived from a cross between the Dadachamame cultivar ‘Shirayama’ and the soybean cultivar ‘Enrei’. In the early development stage, Shirayama seeds had about 2-fold higher accumulation levels of sucrose compared with Enrei seeds. Sucrose content and genotype of the F2 population suggested that the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for high sucrose accumulation is located on the long arm of chromosome 12. The genes responsible for determining the sweetness of Shirayama may be present on chromosome 12. Using the lines developed from crosses between Dadachamame and soybean cultivars in future studies, we will attempt to identify the genes responsible for QTL that control for the good taste in specific Dadachamame seeds, and discuss the mechanisms for determining the good taste of Dadachamame to improve the palatability of edamame. Furthermore, we have developed mutant edamame populations that can be used for edamame breeding. Since mutant soybean populations have already been developed, meticulous soybean breeding will be possible in the future for creating the desired characteristics for the final soybean products.

Combination of exploitation systems to optimize yield of GT1 clone in smallholder rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation in Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Clone GT1 is one of the low metabolism clones and is recommended for smallholder and large plantations. These clones are responsive to stimulants and reach production peak at the mid-economic cycle period. Its production can reach 2200-3000 kg-1ha-1year-1 and is relatively more resistant to high exploitation pressures if the agroecosystem conditions are suitable. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combined application of liquid stimulant concentration and tapping interval on the physiology and productivity of latex in rubber clone GT1. This research was conducted at Naga Rejo Village, Galang District, Regency of Deli Serdang, Province of Sumatera Utara, located at an altitude of 49 masl with Ultisol soil type. The research design is factorial randomized completed block design (RCBD) consisting of 9 levels, namely S2d4 without a stimulant, S2d4 ET 3.5%, S2d4 ET 4.5%, S2d5 without a stimulant, S2d5 ET 3.5%, S2d5 ET 4.5%, S2d6 without a stimulant, S2d6 ET 3.5%, S2d6 ET 4.5 % with three replicas of each treatment. The results showed that the tapping system on clone GT1 obtained the highest annual production with tapping system S2d4 ET 4.5% (DS3) of 214.51 g/t/y. The lowest production is obtained in January-March when the leaves fall. High sucrose levels in the non-stimulant treatment (8.54 -12.98 mM) indicated that at least sucrose was converted into latex. The pH of latex is directly proportional to the stimulant, so an increase in the concentration of the stimulant raises the pH and metabolism of latex formation.

SnRK1 inhibits anthocyanin biosynthesis through both transcriptional regulation and direct phosphorylation and dissociation of the MYB/bHLH/TTG1 MBW complex.

Plants have evolved an extensive specialized secondary metabolism. The colorful flavonoid anthocyanins, for example, not only stimulate flower pollination and seed dispersal but also protect different tissues against high light, UV- and oxidative stress. Their biosynthesis is highly regulated by environmental and developmental cues and induced by high sucrose levels. Expression of the biosynthetic enzymes involved is controlled by a transcriptional MBW complex, comprising (R2R3) MYB- and bHLH-type transcription factors (TF) and the WD40 repeat protein TTG1. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is obviously useful but also carbon- and energy-intensive and non-vital. Consistently, the SnRK1 protein kinase, a metabolic sensor activated in carbon- and energy-depleting stress conditions, represses anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here we show that Arabidopsis SnRK1 represses MBW complex activity both at the transcriptional and post-translational level. In addition to repressing expression of the key transcription factor MYB75/PAP1, SnRK1 activity triggers MBW complex dissociation, associated with loss of target promoter binding, MYB75 protein degradation and nuclear export of TTG1. We also provide evidence for direct interaction with and phosphorylation of multiple MBW complex proteins. These results indicate that repression of expensive anthocyanin biosynthesis is an important strategy to save energy and redirect carbon flow to more essential processes for survival in metabolic stress conditions.

Physicochemical characteristics of honey produced in Arba Minch Zuria district of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia

Honey is a food rich in nutrients essential for human life and its composition as well as quality varies greatly. The study was conducted in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia to determine the physicochemical properties of honey. A total of 20 honey samples were collected from farm gates and local markets. Honey quality parameters like moisture content, sugars (fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose), pH, free acidity, HMF and ash (mineral) contents were tested according to the procedures described by International Honey Commission (IHC) (2009). The overall mean values of moisture, pH, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde (HMF), total ash, electrical conductivity, fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose of the analyzed honey samples were 19.27±1.99%, 3.80±0.24, 34.04±14.21meq/kg, 13.09±4.47mg/kg, 0.23±0.09%, 0.55±0.16mS/cm, 39.95±4.09%, 33.75±5.71%, 0.99±0.38% and 2.08±1.73%, respectively. Moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) affected by both agroecology and hive type for honey samples from farm gates. Honey samples from local markets had significantly (p<0.001) higher moisture, free acidity and sucrose content than honey samples obtained from households in three agroecologies. The study indicated that all honey samples obtained from farm gates and a majority of samples collected from local markets in the study area are of good quality and meet the national and international standard limits. However, some honey samples collected from local markets had a higher level of sucrose than recommended limit suggesting adulteration of honey.

Presence of inulin in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown under high irradiance

Fructans are important polysaccharides synthesized from sucrose which are present in about 12–15% of angiosperms. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered a non-fructan bearing plant even though its close relative, Helianthus tuberosus, accumulates the inulin type of the polymer in large amounts. Previous work suggested that putative fructan-synthesizing enzymes may be expressed in sunflower, but only very limited amounts of the trisaccharide isokestose were found in stems of plants storing high levels of sucrose due to capitulum removal. The present work is aimed at investigating whether intact sunflower plants may indeed synthesize fructans in any of its parts when grown in conditions that favor sucrose availability. Plants were grown in the field at a low density, resulting in a high light availability and low competition for resources, in comparison with controls (usual crop planting density). Plants were harvested at anthesis. Thinned treatment led to an increase in carbohydrates level especially in the capitulum. Carbohydrates analysis of this tissue in thinned plants revealed, for the first time in this species, the presence of inulin-type fructans. The amount of each member of the series appeared to decline starting from isokestose, being DP = 15 the longest fructan detected. Results suggest that, in sunflower, fructans could be synthesized only when sucrose availability exceeds a high threshold, which may not be attained under usual growing conditions. Given the relationship between fructans and tolerance to abiotic stresses including drought, the present finding opens a new perspective for breeding and management of this crop.

Excessive consumption of the sugar rich longan fruit promoted the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via mediating gut dysbiosis

AbstractControversy exists as toward the association of excessive fruits intake and certain disease risks. Longan is an edible fruit rich in high levels of fructose, glucose and sucrose. Herein, the effect of longan fruit on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was investigated. Longan extracts at the doses of 4.0 g/kg, 8.0, and 16.0 g/kg were orally administered for 4 weeks to healthy C57BL/6J mice or to C57BL/6J mice fed with a HFD diet. In mice fed with a normal diet, repeated longan intake for 4 weeks at excess doses (8 or 16 g/kg), but not the normal dose (4 g/kg), promoted inflammation and gut dysbiosis‐like status and reduced short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. In high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice, longan intake at 4 g/kg hardly influenced the NAFLD development. In contrast, excess longan intake (8 or 16 g/kg) promoted NAFLD pathogenesis, including increased abnormality in hepatic indices, elevated inflammation, and gut permeability associated with more severe liver steatosis and fibrosis. Moreover, the exacerbated pathogenic markers were positively correlated with increased blood sugar, aggravated HFD‐associated microbial dysbiosis. Effects mediated by excess longan intake resembled that of equivalent free sugars supplementation, suggesting that high level of free sugars in fruits contributed to the promotion of NAFLD development as demonstrated in case of excessive longan intake.

Characterisation of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Plants Growing on Lakoocha (A. lakoocha) Rootstocks

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional fruit tree of 15–30 m tall in Oceania. The species is a staple crop for food security in the tropics. Tree loss from tropical windstorms, together with transition toward high-density planting has driven an interest in the dwarf phenotype of the species. Information on dwarfing rootstocks for breadfruit is currently limited. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of breadfruit growth with lakoocha (Artocarpus lakoocha) as rootstocks. We compared the phenotype of breadfruit trees on lakoocha rootstocks with those on self-graft and non-graft within 21 months after grafting. These led to the discovery of a rootstock-induced dwarf trait in breadfruit species. Breadfruit scions on lakoocha rootstocks displayed a reduction in tree height, stem thickness, and internode length, with fewer branches and leaves, resulting in about 32% of the standard height at the end of 21 months after grafting. These suggest lakoocha rootstocks have the potential to control breadfruit tree vigor. Non-structural carbohydrate analysis showed the composite trees exhibited lower hexose concentration in both scion stems and roots, but higher sucrose level in scion stems, and higher starch level in roots. The significance of these parameters in rootstock dwarfing is discussed.

Irradiation with carbon ion beams affects soybean nutritional quality in early generations.

As people’s demand for healthy diet increases, improving soybean seed nutritional quality is becoming as important as yield. Carbon ion beam radiation (CIBR) is an effective method to create soybean mutants, and thus breeding cultivars with better seed nutritional quality. In this study, the high-yield soybean line ‘Dongsheng 28’ was used, and three CIBR doses (100, 120, and 140 Gy) were used to explore the characteristics of quality separation and variation in the offspring of early mutant populations. Eleven quality traits, including protein, oil, sucrose, soluble sugar, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu), daidzin, glycitin, and genistin concentrations were analyzed in the M2 and M3 generations. The results revealed that the range of protein and oil concentration of all three CIBR doses changed by 38.5–42.9% and 18.8–23.8% in the M2 and M3 generations, respectively, while soluble sugar and sucrose concentrations changed by 48.1–123.4 and 22.7–74.7 mg/g, with significant effects by 140 Gy across the two generations. Therefore, around the optimum range, a higher CIBR dose is better for high protein, oil, and sugar varieties selection. In general, irradiation raised isoflavone concentrations, but 140 Gy had an inhibitory effect on isoflavone concentrations in the M3 generation. Although a variety could not be released in the M2 or M3 generation, the results of this study have important guiding significance for the targeted cultivation of specific nutritional quality materials. For instance, a lower irradiation dose is preferable when breeding targets are higher isoflavones and Mn concentrations. It is essential to increase the irradiation dose if the breeding targets contain high levels of protein, oil, sucrose, soluble sugars, Fe, Zn, and Cu.

Characterization and shelf stability of sweetened condensed milk formulated with different sucrose substitutes during storage

Sweetened condensed milk (SCM) is a value-added milk product with extended shelf life and high levels of nutrition. The high level of sucrose may lead to health problems. Many studies have focused on the reduction of sucrose but seldomly on different combination of sugar substitutes. This study aims to find an ideal sucrose substitution through physiochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of SCM under different storage times. The results demonstrated that substitution with 20% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 15% erythritol resulted in similar sensory and color as control group. The volatile flavor analysis showed that substitution with 30% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 5% polyols was the most similar and hexanoic acid was the symbolistic flavor. Sucrose replacement increased the antibacterial effect and Staphylococcus, Penicillium, Apiotrichum and Candida were widely present. Substitution with 30% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 5% polyols resulted in the most similar water activity, texture, aroma and microbial diversity.