Higher Soluble Sugar Content Research Articles

CHARACTERIZATION OF TUNISIAN CAROB PODS (Ceratonia siliqua L.) AND PROCESSED JUICE

This study presented the main nutritional composition of Tunisian carob pods, some properties of carob juice obtained by hot water extraction (50°C for 190 min) and the effects of thermal pasteurization (70°C for 15 min). The carob pods showed high amounts of sugar (~65 g/100 g dry matter), an appreciable content of protein (~10 g /100 g dry matter), significant content of ash (3.35 g/100 g dry matter) and low levels of lipids (0.28 g/100 g dry matter). The corresponding juice was characterized in terms of physical characteristics, nutritional composition, microbiological characteristics and sensory properties. Results showed high viscosity, high content of soluble sugars and absence of pathogenic. The sensory test presented high overall acceptability of carob juice by elders (80%) compared with a reference juice (fruit cocktail juice). Raw carob juice was thermally pasteurized at 70°C for 15 min. The effects of pasteurization on color and clarity, microflora and vitamin C content were investigated. An important reduction in microflora number was observed, especially the total flora from 1900 to 270 CFU/ml. Significant increases were also observed in color values from 2.87 to 3.01 and clarity values from 0.87 to 1.04. A significant decrease was detected in vitamin C content in pasteurized juice compared to raw juice.

A trade‐off between growth and hydraulic resilience against freezing leads to divergent adaptations among temperate tree species

Abstract In humid temperate forests, the occurrence of frequent freeze–thaw cycles (FTC) is a main factor limiting tree growth, as xylem embolism induced by FTC poses a serious threat to the hydraulic integrity of trees. A high resilience to hydraulic dysfunction involves the enhancement of embolism resistance and/or extra non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) inputs for restoration of an impaired hydraulic system. However, potentially negative implications of such NSC allocation on tree growth have not yet been explored. At a temperate forest site of northeast China, we studied xylem hydraulics and NSC contents in relation to winter embolism resilience in 15 sympatric broadleaf tree species belonging to three genera with relatively high species richness, but having distinct strategies in maintaining hydraulic integrity over the winter, that is, Acer species that generate positive stem and root pressures contributing to winter embolism refilling, Betula species that only generate root pressure and Populus species that do not generate positive pressure. Acer and Betula species had higher soluble sugar contents in the dormant season and indeed had higher hydraulic resilience to FTC‐induced embolism but slower stem growth. Populus species had higher NSC contents during the growing season and their faster stem growth was also consistent with higher hydraulic efficiency and leaf photosynthetic rate. The positive correlation between tree trunk radial growth rate and hydraulic conductivity suggests that xylem water transport efficiency can be a fundamental basis for tree productivity due to a significant hydraulic‐photosynthetic coordination. The negative correlation between soluble sugar concentration in the dormant season and stem growth rate indicates that metabolic carbon costs for enhancing hydraulic resilience may compromise tree growth during the growing season. Comparisons among Acer, Betula and Populus and the correlation analyses based on phylogenetic independent contrasts strongly support the existence of a trade‐off between hydraulic resilience against FTC‐induced embolism and growth rate among sympatric tree species under humid temperate climate conditions. This trade‐off has likely contributed to the sorting of temperate tree species and genera to different niches along environmental gradients with respect to freezing stress and interspecific competition. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Recovering Apple Agro-Industrial Waste for Bioethanol and Vinasse Joint Production: Screening the Potential of Chile

Bioethanol production has increased in demand as a replacement for conventional fuels. This work studies the use of apple pomace, which corresponds to 45% (w/w) of dehydrated apple production, as a reliable and inexpensive source for bioethanol production. Additionally, the vinasse obtained from the process as a byproduct is analyzed. Apple pomace has important properties for energy purposes, with high soluble sugar (6%–8%), organic compounds and low protein content. The carbohydrates were consumed in 99.3% in 144 h at a temperature of 30 °C and in a yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YSC) concentration of 0.10 g/L. The bioethanol purity produced, 99.5% (v/v), was quantified by gas chromatography and calorific value (23.21 MJ/kg). This high purity, which fulfills the EN 15376, ASTM D 4806 Standard, allows its use as a fuel and oil additive. Moreover, it can be stated that vinasse obtained from alcohol distillation is a compound that has physicochemical values like other vinasses. Finally, Chile, as the most important exporting country of dehydrated apples in the world, has great potential to take advantage of the use of this raw material for bioethanol and vinasse production.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in the agro-industrial residues of acerola (Malpighia emarginata L.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), genipap (Genipa americana L.) and umbu (Spondias tuberosa L.) fruits assisted by ultrasonic or shaker extraction

The aim of this study was to analyze the residue powders of Malpighia emarginata L., Psidium guajava L., Genipa americana L. and Spondias tuberosa L. regarding their total phenolic compounds contents, antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP), soluble sugars, carotenoids, organic acids by HPLC-DAD/RID and individual phenolic compounds by the UPLC-QDa-MS system. The genipap residue had a high content of soluble sugars (422.72 ± 19.15 mg.g−1 DW), with a higher content of sucrose (170.83 ± 10.89 mg.g−1 DW). Nystose was found in the residues of guava (6.59 ± 0.56 mg.g−1 DW) and umbu (65.61 ± 2.31 mg.g−1 DW). The residues of acerola and umbu showed contents of β-carotene of 5.84 ± 0.01 mg.g−1 DW and 0.10 ± 0.05 mg.g−1 DW, respectively while high concentration (1116.00 ± 2.00 mg.100 g−1 DW) of tartaric acid was found in acerola residue and quinic acid (6340 ± 104.00 mg.100 g−1 DW) in umbu residue. Acetone (80%) and ultrasonic extraction were the best conditions for the residues of acerola, guava and genipap, however, for the umbu residue, extraction with shaker showed better results. The acerola and umbu residues showed higher yields of total phenolics, the values being 378.69–444.05 mg GAE.100 g−1 DW and 326.14–404.36 mg GAE.100 g−1 DW, respectively, as well as antioxidant activity. Naringenin was the individual phenolic compound with the highest concentration in the residue of acerola and genipap, vanillin in guava and rutin in umbu. Thus, residues powders from acerola, guava, genipap and umbu constitute potential sources of bioactive compounds, which could be used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

VARIABILITY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FRUITS OF STRAWBERRY SELECTED HYBRID FORMS

The paper analysed three-year data (2017–2019) for chemical composition of fruit in promising selected strawberry seedlings (totally-more than 100 forms) from genetical pool of the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center. Average values and the range of variation in the content of the main food and biologically active substances have been determined: soluble solids percentage varies from 8.7–17.0 % (mean 12.4 %), total sugars 5.8–13.2 % (mean 8.8 %), titrable acids — 0.54–1.34 % (mean 0.56 %), ascorbic acid — 44.0–110.4 mg/100 g (mean 72.9 mg/100 g), anthocyanins — 7.3–145.4 mg/100 g (mean 56.8 mg/100 g). In 2019 year the following selected forms 915-104 (298-22-19-21×Feyerverk), 20-8 (Prazdnichnaya×Dedanka), 28-19 (Lakomaya×Maryshka), 921-7 ([(516-167×Cardinal)×Feyerverk); 30-5 (Feyerverk×Privlekatelnaya) are characterized by high sugar accumulation (up to 10.0 %). In 2018 year the high vitamin C content (more over 100.0 mg/100 g) was observed in selected seedlings 914-27, 91459 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 56-9, 56-12 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya); high anthocyanin content (over 100.0 mg/100 g) was demonstrated (in selected seedlings 928-12 (298-19-9-43×Privlekatelnaya), 35-16 (922-67×Maryshka), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 21-44 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon). High and stable content of soluble solids, sugars and optimal acidity of fruit are registered in selected seedlings 26-5 (Rubinovy Kulon×298-19-9-43), 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya). The selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 56-8, 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya) exhibited the stable level of vitamin C content. High and stable anthocyanin content was confirmed in selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 21-14 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon) and 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka). According to the complex of biochemical characteristics the following selected forms were identified from the hybrid combination Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya: 914-27 (ascorbic acid — 90.2 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 81.6 mg/100 g, sugars — 9.4 %), 914-9 (ascorbic acid — 89.8 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 90.3 mg/100 g, sugars — 8.4 %).

Genome-wide analysis of AP2/ERF superfamily in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the association between NnADAP and rhizome morphology

BackgroundThe AP2/ERF family is widely present in plants and plays a crucial regulatory role in plant growth and development. As an essential aquatic horticultural model plant, lotus has an increasingly prominent economic and research value.ResultsWe have identified and analysed the AP2/ERF gene family in the lotus. Initially, 121 AP2/ERF family genes were identified. By analysing their gene distribution and protein structure, and their expression patterns during the development of lotus rhizome, combined with previous studies, we obtained an SNP (megascaffold_20:3578539) associated with lotus rhizome phenotype. This SNP was in the NnADAP gene of the AP2 subfamily, and the changes in SNP (C/T) caused amino acid conversion (proline/leucine). We constructed a population of 95 lotus varieties for SNP verification. Through population typing experiments, we found that the group with SNP CC had significantly larger lotus rhizome and higher soluble sugar content among the population.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we speculate that the alteration of the SNP in the NnADAP can affect the size and sugar content of the lotus rhizome.

Effects of Piriformospora indica on the Respiration of Taxus chinensis var. mairei under Water Stress

Seedlings of Taxus chinensis var. mairei were used as experimental materials to study the adaptation of Piriformospora indica to this plant under water stress. The materials were divided into two groups, namely, with or without inoculation with P. indica. Each group was subjected to four different levels of water stress. Vitality and physiological and biochemical indexes of the roots of T. chinensis var. mairei were regularly measured. Under water stress, T. chinensis var. mairei had significantly decreased root vitality; root vitality was higher in inoculated roots than in uninoculated roots. Under intense water stress, the inoculated roots had a higher soluble sugar content than the uninoculated roots. Under water stress, T. chinensis var. mairei experienced decreased activity of aerobic respiratory metabolic enzymes. The activity of anaerobic respiratory metabolic enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase initially increased and then decreased, whereas that of lactate dehydrogenase increased. The inoculated roots had a higher activity of respiratory metabolic enzymes than the uninoculated roots. As water stress was further intensified, the roots had significantly decreased activity of aerobic respiratory metabolic enzymes and significantly increased activity of anaerobic respiratory metabolic enzymes. The activity of respiratory metabolic enzymes decreased faster in the uninoculated roots than in the inoculated roots. This study demonstrated that Piriformospora indica plays a positive role in enhancing the antihypoxic ability of T. chinensis var. mairei, thereby alleviating plant damage due to water stress.

Identification of bioactive compounds in leaves and fruits of Actinidia arguta accessions from northeastern China and assessment of their antioxidant activity with a radical-scavenging effect

Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) is abundant of vitamin C and bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activities. In this study, eight wild A. arguta accessions from different areas in Northeast China were collected. Some bioactive compounds were extracted from leaves, petioles and fruits of different germplasms for constituent analysis and non-enzymatic antioxidant assay. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to detect the flavonoid compounds. The results showed that the highest vitamin C content was found in young apical leaves of ‘CBS-6’ (7.47 mg/g fresh weight), and the highest soluble sugar content was in fruits of ‘CJ-1’ (196.52 mg/g fresh weight) and the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoids content were in young apical leaves of ‘CBS-11’ (3.48 mg/g fresh weight) and of ‘CBS-3’ (2.00 mg/g fresh weight), respectively. Ten flavonoid compounds including kaempferol, isorhamnetin and quercetin were detected in leaves, petioles and fruits. The total content of flavonoids was highest in young apical leaves (10219.84 µg/g) and the lowest in fruits (78.75 µg/g). Based on the comparison of the contents of several bioactive compounds, the two accessions ‘CJ-1’ and ‘CBS-8’ stood out; the young leaves had the strongest antioxidant activity among different tissues based on the non-enzymatic antioxidant assay. These results highlighted the radical-scavenging potential in vitro of A. arguta leaves as a major source of phenolics and vitamin C as well as flavonoids. It provided a theoretical basis for the utilization of leaves of A. arguta. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021.1908166 . Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021.1908166.

Rooting ability of rice seedlings increases with higher soluble sugar content from exposure to light.

Rooting ability of rice seedling for mechanical transplanting has a large impact on grain yield. This study explored the relationship between endogenous soluble sugar content and rooting ability of rice seedlings. We placed 15-day-old rice seedlings in controlled environment cabinets with stable light and sampled after 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours of light to measure their soluble sugar content, nitrate content, starch content, soluble protein content and rooting ability. The soluble sugar content of the rice seedlings before rooting increased rapidly from 65.1 mg g-1 to 126.3 mg g-1 in the first 9 hours of light and then tended to stabilize; however, few significant changes in the other physiological indices were detected. With the light exposure time increasing from 3 hours to 12 hours, the rooting ability measured with fresh weight, dry weight, total length, and number of new roots increased by 91.7%, 120.0%, 60.6% and 30.3%, respectively. Rooting ability was related more closely to soluble sugar content than to nitrate-nitrogen content of rice seedlings before rooting and their correlation coefficients were 0.8582-0.8684 and 0.7045-0.7882, respectively. The stepwise regression analysis revealed that the soluble sugar content before rooting explained 73.6%-75.4% of the variance, and the nitrate-nitrogen content explained an additional 7.3%-14.2% of the variance in rooting ability, indicating that compared with nitrate-nitrogen content, soluble sugar content of rice seedlings before rooting was more dominant in affecting rooting ability. This study provides direct evidence of the relationship between the rooting ability and endogenous soluble sugar content of rice seedlings.

Introduced Populations of an Invasive Tree Have Higher Soluble Sugars but Lower Starch and Cellulose.

Native and introduced plant populations vary in leaf physiology, biochemistry, and biotic interactions. These aboveground traits may help invasive plants in competition for resources with co-occurring native species. Root physiological traits may affect invasive plant performance because of the roles of roots in resource absorption. The aim of this study was to test this prediction, using invasive Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera), as a model species. Here we examined carbohydrate (soluble sugar, sucrose, fructose, starch, and cellulose) concentrations and the mass of roots, stems, and leaves, along with root water potential and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of soil-cultured T. sebifera seedlings from 10 native (China) and 10 introduced (United States) populations in a common garden. Introduced populations had a significantly greater stem and leaf mass than native populations but their root masses did not differ, so they had lower R:S. Introduced populations had higher soluble sugar concentrations but lower starch and cellulose concentrations in their leaves, stems, and roots. Introduced populations had more negative root water potentials and higher AMF colonization. Together, our results indicate that invasive plants shift their carbohydrate allocation, leading to faster growth and a greater aboveground allocation strategy. Higher AMF colonization and more negative water potential in invasive plants likely facilitate more efficient water absorption by the roots. Thus, such physiological variation in root characteristics could play a role in plant invasion success.

Analysis of Metabolites and Gene Expression Changes Relative to Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Fruit Quality During Development and Ripening.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a valuable worldwide agronomical crop, with a delicious fruit highlighted as a functional food with both nutritional and bioactive properties, remarkably beneficial to human health. Apricot fruit ripening is a coordinated developmental process which requires change in the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes to modify many biochemical and physiological processes arising from quality characteristics in ripe fruit. In addition, enhancing fruit and nutraceutical quality is one of the central objectives to be improved in the new varieties developed by breeding programs. In this study we analyzed the contents of main metabolites linked to the nutraceutical value of apricot fruits, together with the most important pomological characteristics and biochemical contents of fruit during the ripening process in two contrasted apricot genotypes. Additionally, the gene expression changes were analyzed using RNA-Seq and real time qPCR. Results showed that genes with differential expression in the biosynthetic pathways, such as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, starch and sucrose and carotenoid metabolism, could be possible candidates as molecular markers of fruit quality characteristics for fruit color and soluble solid content. The gene involves in carotenoid metabolism carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4, and the gene sucrose synthase in starch and sucrose metabolism were identified as candidate genes in the ripening process for white skin ground color and flesh color and high soluble sugar content. The application of these candidate genes on marker-assisted selection in apricot breeding programs may contribute to the early selection of high-quality fruit genotypes with suitable nutraceutical values.

Can anthocyanin presence ameliorate the photosynthetic performance of Prunus saplings subjected to polyethylene glycol-simulated water stress?

The aim was the evaluation of the biochemical and physiological responses of green- (GP) and red-leafed (RP) Prunus cerasifera mature leaves to 20 d of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)-induced water stress in order to elucidate a possible ameliorative role exerted by anthocyanins. At 10 d, the anthocyanin content remained unchanged in RP water-stressed leaves. Photosynthetic rate was lower in GP than that of RP (83.4 vs. 76.5%, respectively), paralleled by a higher degree of photoinhibition (Fv/Fm) in GP leaves. Leaves of GP accounted for higher content of soluble sugars at 10 d, when RP only showed a slight sucrose increase. At 20 d of stress, both morphs recovered their Fv/Fm values, suggesting the ability of both genotypes to adjust their photosynthetic metabolism under conditions of water stress. In conclusion, besides the sunscreen role served by anthocyanins, the carbon sink by these flavonoids might have further prevented sugar accumulation and the consequent sugar-promoted feedback regulation of photosynthesis in drought-stressed red leaves.

Effects of time and height of shading on yield and quality of pineapple

Effects of time and height of shading on the sunburn rate, yield and quality of pineapples were investigated in order to provide a theoretical basis for high-quality pineapple production. Golden pineapple was used as the material, and three shading times (30 d, 45 d, and 60 d after flower-fading), and the heights of 0 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm (the distance from the top of the plant) were set. Golden pineapple’s internal and external fruit qualities were measured. The results showed that the incidence of sunburn of pineapple fruits increased with the delay of the shading time, and no differences were found among three heights at 30 d after flower fading. When pineapple plants were shaded at 30 d after flower fading and at height of 0 cm, pineapple fruits showed good external qualities, including larger fruit size, less fruit eyes, less fruit shape index, larger fruit hardness, higher edible rate and good internal qualities, including higher soluble solid content, higher soluble sugar content and lower total acidity. Shading at 30 d after flower fading and at height of 0 cm was suggested in pineapple production.

Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase Mutation Improved Salt Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays. L) via Enhancing Vacuolar Na+ Sequestration and Maintaining ROS Homeostasis.

Salinity stress impairs plant growth and causes crops to yield losses worldwide. Reduction of in vivo gibberellin acid (GA) level is known to repress plant size but is beneficial to plant salt tolerance. However, the mechanisms of in vivo GA deficiency-enhanced salt tolerance in maize are still ambiguous. In this study, we generated two independent maize knockout mutant lines of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase (one of the key enzymes for early steps of GA biosynthesis), zmcps-1 and zmcps-7, to explore the role of GA in maize salt tolerance. The typical dwarf phenotype with lower GA content and delayed leaf senescence under salinity was observed in the mutant plants. The leaf water potential and cell turgor potential were significantly higher in zmcps-1 and zmcps-7 than in the wild type (WT) under salt stress. The mutant plants exhibited a lower superoxide anion production rate in leaves and also a downregulated relative expression level of NAPDH oxidase ZmRbohA-C than the WT maize under salt stress. Also, the mutant plants had higher enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and higher content of soluble sugars and proline under salt stress. The Na+/K+ ratio was not significantly different between the mutant maize plants and WT plants under salt stress conditions, but the Na+ and K+ content was increased in zmcps-1 and zmcps-7 leaves and shoots. Na+ fluorescent dye staining showed that the mutant leaves have significantly higher vacuolar Na+ intensity than the WT maize. The expression level of vacuolar Na+/H+ exchanger gene ZmNHX1 and vacuolar proton pump genes ZmVP1-1 and ZmVP2 were upregulated in the zmcps-1 and zmcps-7 plants under salinity, further proving that in vivo GA deficiency enhanced vacuolar Na+ sequestration in zmcps-1 and zmcps-7 leaves cells to avoid Na+ cytotoxicity. Together, our results suggested that maintaining ROS homeostasis and enhancing vacuolar Na+ sequestration could be involved in GA deficiency-improved maize salt tolerance.

Root Traits Determine Variation in Nonstructural Carbohydrates (NSCs) under Different Drought Intensities and Soil Substrates in Three Temperate Tree Species

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) are a key factor in the physiological regulation of plants and can reflect buffering capacity of plants under diverse environmental conditions. The effects of diverse environmental conditions on plant NSCs and tissue or organ scales have been thoroughly studied, but their effects on fine root (root diameter < 2 mm) NSC concentrations are still not completely understood. Our aims were to explore the synergistic fluctuations in root traits and NSC concentrations under diverse environmental conditions. This study was conducted on two-year-old temperate seedling tree species (Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) with different drought intensities and soil substrates. The specific root length (SRL) and specific root surface area (SRA) were significantly affected by drought intensities and soil substrates, while the root tissue density (RTD) and average diameter (AD) were not significantly affected by water intensities and soil substrates in all three species. The root C, N, and P concentration did not change according to drought stress but were significantly affected by the soil substrates in all three species. Similarly, the soluble sugar (SS) and starch (ST) concentrations were significantly affected by both the drought stress and the soil substrates in all three species. The AD explained 6.8% of the total variations in soluble sugar, while the SRL explains 32.1% of the total variation in starch. The root tip C, N, and P concentrations were not significantly correlated with NSCs under different treatments. The total variations in root tip morphology, chemistry, and NSC concentrations are greater among species than compared to different drought intensities and soil substrates. However, the root NSC concentrations were closely related to root morphological traits (SRL and AD) rather than chemical traits. On the basis of different soil resources, the species with thinner diameters have higher SS concentrations, while those of a thicker diameter have higher ST concentrations.

Analysis of the flavor quality in 10 blueberry varieties

In order to screen out blueberries suitable for fresh food and processing, the contents of soluble sugar, titratable acid and ascorbic acid in 10 blueberry varieties were determined, and their flavor and nutritional value were analyzed. The results showed that the AsA content of ‘Jewel’, ‘Emerald’ and ‘Sweetheart’ is significantly higher than that of other varieties. ‘Britewell’, ‘O’Neal’ and ‘Sweetheart’ had higher soluble sugar content, but lower titratable acid content. ‘Biloxi’, ‘Jewel’, ‘Brigitta’ and ‘Pink Lemonade’ had lower soluble sugar content, and higher titratable acid content. In general, ‘Sweetheart’was suitable for both fresh food and processing.

Variation in quality traits of different seed sizes of groundnut

Groundnut is an energy rich oilseed and food crop. There is no information on quality traits of different seed sizes of a same groundnut verity. Therefore, in present investigation seven groundnut varieties i.e. Girnar 2, Girnar 3, GJG 9, GJG22, GG 20, KDG 128 and TG 37A were used to find out variations in quality traits of different seed sizes of groundnut. Small seed of groundnut possessed higher content of soluble sugars and protein while bold seeds had higher oil content. Oleic acid content was higher in bold seeds while linoleic acid was higher in smallseeds.

Effects of applying ramie fiber nonwoven films on root-zone soil nutrient and bacterial community of rice seedlings for mechanical transplanting

Raising rice seedlings in flat trays has become the main method for mechanized transplanting of rice in China. However, seedling blocks raised by this method were easily cracked in practice, and this problem can be solved by padding a thin ramie fiber nonwoven film on the bottom surface of seedling tray. This study was conducted to determine the effects of this film on root-zone environment of rice seedlings. The results showed that on the 10th day after sowing, the soil inorganic nitrogen, especially nitrate nitrogen, content in the root-zone of the film treatment were considerably higher than in the no-film treatment, in contrast, the soil organic matter content was lower in the film treatment, and by the 20th day, the gap between treatments was enlarged. After applying the film, the Chao 1 index and Shannon index values for the soil bacterial community diversity decreased, and the rice seedlings were shorter, had higher root/shoot ratios, lower nitrate contents, and higher soluble sugar contents. We conclude that application of the ramie fiber nonwoven film resulted in substantial changes in the soil nutrient and bacterial community in root-zone in a short time, which significantly impacted the growth and development of rice seedlings.

Growth, Nutrient Assimilation, and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) Seedlings in Response to Light Spectra

A need is growing to plant superior Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.) seedlings to cope with the degradation of secondary forests in Northeast Eurasia. The goal of this study was to detect the physiological effect on the quality of Korean pine seedlings exposed to a range of spectra. One-year-old seedlings (n = 6) were cultured in three light-emitting diode (LED) spectra (69‒77 μmol m−2 s−1) of 13.9% red (R) + 77.0% green (G) + 9.2% blue (B) (R1BG5), 26.2% R + 70.2% G + 3.5% B (R2BG3), and 42.3% R + 57.3% G + 0.4% B (R3BG1). The spectrum of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (43.9% R + 54.7% G + 1.5 B) was taken as the reference. Results showed that LED-lighting resulted in shorter seedlings with a greater diameter, shoot biomass, assessed quality, and sturdiness compared to those under the HPS-lighting. The R3BG1 spectrum reduced the shoot nitrogen (N) deficiency induced by the HPS spectrum, while the R1BG5 treatment induced a steady-state uptake of N and phosphorus (P) in whole-plant organs. The R1BG5 spectrum also resulted in a higher soluble sugar concentration and higher activities of glutamine synthetase and acid phosphatase in needles compared to the control. Seedlings in the R2BG3 spectrum had the highest concentrations of chlorophyll and soluble protein in the leaves. Overall, the R-high LED-spectrum could stimulate biomass accumulation in shoot, but meanwhile resulted in a P deficiency. Hence, the LED lighting in the R1BG5 spectrum is recommended to promote the quality of Korean pine seedlings.

Carotenoid composition and expression of carotenogenic genes in the peel and pulp of commercial mango fruit cultivars

Fruits of two mango cultivars (‘Tainong’ and ‘Jinhuang’) with commercial maturity were analyzed for their firmness, TSS (Total soluble solids), color index and soluble sugar content. Compared to ‘Jinhuang’, ‘Tainong’ was texture soften and had higher soluble sugar content and the color judged visually the maturity. To study the regulation mechanism of carotenoid metabolism, carotenoid component and the expression levels of 12 carotenogenic genes in peel and pulp of two mango fruit cultivars with commercial maturity were analsyed. Total carotenoid content in the peel and pulp of ‘Tainong’ was 116.78 ug/g FW and 77.48 ug/g FW, which were 1.39 times and 1.63 times in the peel and pulp of ‘Jinhuang’, respectively. Among the carotenoid components, the main carotenoids in the peel and pulp were α-carotene and β-Carotene, and a small number of carotenoids were lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the accumulation of carotenoids in the peel and pulp of different mango cultivars was controlled by the differential expression of carotenogenic genes. Our results provide new clues for the molecular mechanism of carotenoids metabolism in postharvest ripening of different mango cultivars.