Increase In Ascorbic Acid Content Research Articles

Effect of Organic Sources on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.)

Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) is a native plant with nutritionally rich fruits, yet it faces challenges like uneven ripening and small fruit size. This study assessed the efficacy of organic nutrient sources, including Farm Yard Manure (F.Y.M.), Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, in improving Phalsa growth and fruit quality. Results revealed that the combination of F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit significantly enhanced vegetative growth, increasing shoot length, number of shoots per plant, and inter-nodal length. These benefits are attributed to the nutrient-rich organic sources, which stimulate cell elongation and division, leading to accelerated plant growth. Furthermore, organic sources positively impacted fruit yield, with the highest yield observed under F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit treatment. Additionally, there were increased fruiting nodes and extended harvesting periods, contributing to enhanced fruit production. Phalsa fruit size and quality improved substantially due to organic source applications, resulting in larger fruit dimensions and elevated total soluble solids content. Jeevamrit and F.Y.M. facilitated better nutrient transport to developing fruits, enhancing metabolic processes and fruit size. Regarding sugar content, organic sources significantly influenced non-reducing and reducing sugars. F.Y.M. with Jeevamrit yielded higher non-reducing sugar content, while reducing sugar content increased with F.Y.M. and Jeeva Ghanamrit. Phalsa fruit acidity was not significantly affected by organic sources, but there was a non-significant increase in ascorbic acid content under various combination treatments. Economically, the benefit-cost ratio was most favourable with F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure combined with Jeevamrit, showcasing the economic viability of these organic nutrient sources in Phalsa cultivation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive impact of organic nutrient sources, particularly F.Y.M., Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, on Phalsa plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable and organic methods for enhancing Phalsa cultivation, potentially leading to increased production and improved fruit quality in this indigenous crop. Further research should explore the applicability of these organic sources in different crops and regions.

Interactive Effects between Zinc and Selenium on Mineral Element Accumulation and Fruit Quality of Strawberry

In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) fertilizers were applied separately or in combination at the initial flowering stage. The Zn and Se contents in strawberry fruits increased with the spraying dosage. Compared to the control, the Zn content in the first batch of Zn-treated strawberries increased by 36.9–109% and 27.1–102% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while Se increased by 313–444% and 21.3–53.3%, respectively. However, foliar Zn application could not ensure long-term sustainability as Zn in strawberries gradually decreased in the two subsequent batches, while Se was more stable. Compared to the control, the Se content in the three batches of Se2 (0.006%)-treated strawberries grown in soil increased by 32.9%, 124%, and 109%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to Se alone, the Zn–Se combined application decreased the Se content in strawberries by 61.2–77.6% and 24.9–45.7% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while low doses of Se promoted Zn enrichment (by 8.62–40.9%) and high doses inhibited it (by 13.2–28.9%) under substrate cultivation. Moreover, the copper content in strawberries under substrate cultivation after the Se1 (0.003%) treatment was significantly higher (by 75.0%) than that in the control. A positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn contents in strawberries under both substrate and soil cultivation. A consistent positive impact was also observed on fruit quality. The Se2 (0.006%) treatment caused an increase in ascorbic acid content (by 37.2%) in strawberry fruits. The soluble sugar content increased by 36.3% after the Zn1 (0.1%) treatment. The present study provides a practical basis for the biofortification of strawberries with Zn and Se.

Acidified biochar improves lead tolerance and enhances morphological and biochemical attributes of mint in saline soil

Lead (Pb) toxicity is a significant environmental issue, especially in areas with a past of industrial activities and mining. The existence of Pb in the soil can have negative impacts on plant growth and development, and it can also pose a risk to human health through the food chain. Acidified carbon has shown promise as an effective management technology for mitigating Pb toxicity. This study provides important insights into the potential of acidified biochar as a low-cost and eco-friendly method for managing Pb-contaminated soils. The current study explores the effectiveness of acidified biochar (AB) in alleviating Pb stress in mint. The study involved two levels of Pb (0 = control and 200 mg/kg Pb) and four levels of AB as treatments (0, 0.45, 0.90, and 1.20%). Results indicate that 1.20% AB was the most effective treatment, significantly decreasing root and shoot Pb concentration while enhancing shoot and root fresh and dry weight, shoot and root length, and shoot and root N, P, and K concentration. Moreover, a significant decrease in MDA (0.45AB, 0.90AB, and 1.20AB caused a decline in MDA content by 14.3%, 27.8%, and 40.2%, respectively) and an increase in ascorbic acid (0.45AB, 0.90AB, and 1.20AB led to an increase in ascorbic acid content of 1.9%, 24.8%, and 28.4%, respectively) validated the effectiveness of 1.20% AB compared to the control. Adding 0.45AB, 0.90AB, and 1.20AB led to an increase in soluble sugar content of 15.6%, 27.5%, and 32.1%, respectively, compared to the treatment without AB. Further investigations at the field level are suggested to confirm the efficacy of 1.20% AB as the best treatment against Pb toxicity in saline soil conditions.

Effect of ultrasound on mass transfer during vacuum impregnation of low-porous food materials on the example of potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)

Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a process that allows modification or enrichment of porous food products with vitamins, minerals, functional ingredients, etc. There are many factors that hamper mass transfer during VI, e.g. low porosity, composition of the matrix, processing pressure and time, etc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of starch on blocking mass transport during VI, and the potential of ultrasound as a factor enhancing mass transfer. The effectiveness of VI was evaluated on the basis of the ascorbic acid content (AAC), a marker compound introduced from the solution. It was found that starch can hinder the mass transfer but ultrasound intensifies the flow of the impregnating solution (16–67% increase in AAC). The quantitative effects, however, depended on the application stage. This may be explained by the different types of cavitation (stable or transient) dominant at different pressures. Importantly, the negative effects of VI on the analyzed quality parameters analyzed (e.g., color, texture, structure-forming compound content) were not stated. The results indicated that the effectiveness of VI in low-porous and starch-rich materials may be increased by applying ultrasound, but more research is required to analyze the stability of the compound introduced during preservation processes.

Yield and Quality of Processing Tomato as Improved by Biostimulants Based on Trichoderma sp. and Ascophyllum nodosum and Biodegradable Mulching Films

Tomato is a great source of bioactive compounds, is important for human health, and is cultivated worldwide. However, the high inputs required for its cultivation must be sustainably managed in order to limit yield losses, thus obtaining high-quality and environmentally friendly production. In this perspective, we compared four biostimulant treatments, i.e., Ascophyllum nodosum extract—Bio; microbial biostimulant containing the micro-organism Trichoderma afroharzianum—Mic; a combination of both—M-B; not treated—Control) and three mulch treatments (biodegradable film Ecovio—ECO; biodegradable film MaterBi®—NOV; bare soil—BS) and evaluated their effects on yield and quality traits in processing tomato. Both biodegradable films elicited a 27.0% yield increase compared to plants grown on bare soil, and biostimulants determined a 23.7% increase over the Control, with the best performance recorded for M-B (+24.8%). Biodegradable MaterBi® film (NOV) was associated with higher total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness values (average of 4.9 °Brix and 1.30 kg cm−2, respectively), even if a significant effect of biostimulants was observed only for the second element. Carotenoid content was higher in non-treated plants grown on bare soil as well as hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AA), but in this case, no differences between biostimulant treatments were recorded. The lipophilic AA in NOV-treated plants was about six and four times higher than observed in BS and ECO treatments, respectively; NOV also caused a 38.7% increase in ascorbic acid content over the Control but was not different from ECO. All biostimulant treatments elicited a 30% increase in phenol content compared to Control plants. Our findings highlight that microbial biostimulants based on A. nodosum extract and T. afroharzianum (both applied singularly and combined) can be considered a sustainable tool for increasing yield and improve some quality traits of processing tomato; in addition, we also confirmed the capability of biodegradable mulches, in particular, MaterBi®, to enhance the agronomic performance of tomato.

Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on the Regulation of Ascorbic Acid Accumulation and Metabolism in Lettuce

To understand the effect of ultraviolet (UV)-B irradiation on the antioxidant capacity and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), we subjected lettuce plants to UV-B irradiation (15.55 kJ m−2 d−1) for 7 days and measured yield, photosynthetic performance, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reduced glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (AsA) contents, and the enzyme activity and expression of genes involving AsA recycling. UV-B exposure did not significantly decrease the fresh/dry weight of the lettuce shoots. The net photosynthesis rate, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance decreased during the first 4 days of irradiation and light but recovered at day 7. In UV-B-treated plants, the levels of AsA, GSH, and H2O2 increased significantly and simultaneously, with a positive correlation found between H2O2 and AsA or GSH levels. UV-B exposure upregulated the expression level of most genes encoding the enzymes involving AsA recycling but downregulated the associated enzymatic activities. The increase of AsA content in UV-B-exposed lettuce might contribute to the AsA–GSH cycle, leading to downregulation of ascorbate oxidase (AO) enzymatic activity and gene expression. UV-B irradiation had a greater impact on metabolite levels than time of UV-B treatment. These results suggest that AsA homeostasis in UV-B-treated lettuce is regulated through a feedback loop between the expression and activity of enzymes associated with AsA recycling. Short-term UV-B supplementation (24 h) could be a promising approach to enhance AsA content in lettuce.

Development of Vitamin C enriched Amla Whey drink

Chhana whey is a nutritious by product of dairy industry and its usage for formulation of whey beverages will facilitate its economic utilisation and prevent environmental pollution. Amla or Aonla is the richest source of vitamin C with many health benefits. In the present study Amla juice was used to enrich vitamin C content and enhance nutritional value of chhana whey. Amla whey drink was prepared by blending amla juice at 5, 10 and 15 per cent of chhana whey. Sugar was added at 10 per cent. Based on sensory evaluation and physico- chemical characteristics like pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, total solids, viscosity the best level was selected. The effect of different heat treatments like 63°C/ 30 min, 72°C/1 min, 80°C/5 min on sensory characteristics and vitamin C stability of Amla whey drink was also analysed. The beverage prepared from 10 per cent blend had highest overall acceptability scores (8.27). There was 5 times increase in ascorbic acid content of whey when amla juice was added at 10 per cent. The heat treatment at temperature of 72°C /1min was found to be the best as it retained more ascorbic acid.

Foliar biofortification of chervil with selenium and iodine under silicon containing fertilizer supply

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential elements for humans, and their deficiency is widespread throughout the world. In order to obtain a functional nutritional product with an increased content of these trace elements in the vegetative experiment, foliar biofortification of two chervil varieties with selenium (sodium selenate 10 mg/l) and iodine (potassium iodide 100 mg/l) was carried out without and against the background of the use of silicon-containing fertilizers Siliplant (3 ml/l). The combined and separate application of selenate, iodide and Siliplant increased plants’ biomass. Siliplant utilization increased the accumulation of iodine by 1.7-1.9 times, and selenium supply – by 2.2-3.1 times. A significant increase in ascorbic acid content was provided by the combined supplementation of iodine and selenium (1.25-1.27 times), iodine and silicon (1.46-1.87 times) and joint application of selenium, iodine, and silicon (1.31-1.73 times), while an increase in total antioxidant activity (1.3-1.4 times) was observed for (Se+I) and (Se+I+Si) treatments. High varietal differences in the responsiveness of plants to the selected treatments were manifested, particularly an increase of polyphenols accumulation under separate and joint treatments of chervil with iodine and selenium by 1.26 times in the cultivar 21-20, and the absence of a significant effect in the cultivar 24-20. Taking into account the adequate consumption levels (ACL) of iodine and selenium, 50 g of the resulting functional product can provide up to 79% of iodine ACL and up to 40% in selenium ACL.

Rational Synthesis of Solid-State Ultraviolet B Emitting Carbon Dots via Acetic Acid-Promoted Fractions of sp3 Bonding Strategy.

Carbon dots (CDs) have received tremendous attention for their excellent photoluminescence (PL) properties. However, it remains a great challenge to obtain CDs with ultraviolet (UV, 200-400nm) emission in solid state, which requires strict control of the CDs structure and overcoming the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Herein, a new sp3 compartmentalization strategy is developed to meet these requirements, by employing acetic acid to promote fractions of sp3 bonding during the synthesis of CDs. It markedly decreases the size of sp2 conjugating units in the CDs, and shifts PL emission to the ultraviolet B (UVB) region (λmax = 308nm). Moreover, sp2 domains are well spatially compartmentalized by sp3 domains and the ACQ effect is minimized, enabling the high quantum yield in solid state (20.2%, λex = 265nm) with a narrow bandwidth of 24nm and environmental robustness. The solid-state UVB emissive CDs are highly desired for application in photonic devices. Hence, a demo of UVB light-emitting diodes is fabricated for plant lighting, leading to a 29% increase of ascorbic acid content in the basil. Overall, a rational and efficient way to construct solid UVB-CDs phosphors for wide applications is provided.

Effect of foliar application of Boron, Zinc and NAA on fruit retention, yield and quality attributes of Aonla

To investigate the effect of foliar application of boron, zinc and naphthalene acetic acid on fruit retention, yield and quality attributes of aonla, an experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Garden of C. S. Azad university of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (u.P.), India, during two subsequent years i.e., 2018 and 2019, using ten treatments viz., borax at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%, zinc sulphate 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% and NAA at 10, 20 and 40ppm including a control (water spray) on eighteen years old plants of aonla cv. NA-7, replicated thrice in randomized block design. From the experiment it is reported that higher concentration of NAA (40ppm) significantly reduced fruit drop (68.85 and 67.95%) and increases fruit retention (31.15 and 32.05%) during both years of experimentation. It also gave maximum fruit yield (85.10 and 83.25 kg/plant), resulted an increased fruit length (4.24 and 3.99cm), width (4.95 and 4.80cm), weight (36.45 and 37.07g), volume (34.15 and 33.15cc), specific gravity (1.18 and 1.15g/cc), pulp weight (34.87 and 35.55g) and maximum pulp: stone ratio (23.63 and 25.40%, respectively) during both years of experimentation. Plant treated with borax @ 0.5% results an increase in ascorbic acid content (640.03 and 630.05 mg/100g, respectively), reduces stone weight (1.50 and 1.45g, respectively) and titratable acidity (1.36 and 1.30%, respectively) during both years of experimentation, while zinc sulphate at 0.6% treatment results in significantly increase in TSS (15.210 and 14.930 brix, respectively) and total sugars (13.00 and 12.80%, respectively) during both years of experimentation.

Obtaining Salt Stress-Tolerant Eggplant Somaclonal Variants from In Vitro Selection.

An efficient regeneration protocol was applied to regenerate shoots on salt stress-tolerant calli lines of aubergine (Solanum melongena). These NaCl-tolerant cell lines were obtained by two different methods. On the one hand, the developed callus tissue was transferred to a medium with a continuous salt content of 40, 80, 120, or 160 mM NaCl. On the other hand, the callus tissue was subjected to a stepwise increasing salinity to 160 mM NaCl every 30 days. With the second method, calli which could be selected were characterized by compact growth, a greenish color, and absence of necrotic zones. When grown on salt-free medium again, NaCl-tolerant calli showed a decline in relative growth rate and water content in comparison to the control line. This was more obvious in the 120 mM NaCl-tolerant callus. Lipid peroxidase activity increased in 40 and 80 mM NaCl-tolerant calli; yet did not increase further in 120 mM-tolerant callus. An increase in ascorbic acid content was observed in 80 and 120 mM NaCl-tolerant calli compared to the 40 mM NaCl-tolerant lines, in which ascorbic acid content was twice that of the control. All NaCl-tolerant lines showed significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) (208–305–370 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW) and catalase (CAT) (136–211–238 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW) activities compared to control plants (231 and 126 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW). Plants were regenerated on the calli lines that could tolerate up to 120 mM NaCl. From the 32 plants tested in vitro, ten plants with a higher number of leaves and root length could be selected for further evaluation in the field. Their high salt tolerance was evident by their more elevated fresh and dry weight, their more increased relative water content, and a higher number and weight of fruits compared to the wild-type parental control. The presented work shows that somaclonal variation can be efficiently used to develop salt-tolerant mutants.

Ethylene response factor AcERF91 affects ascorbate metabolism via regulation of GDP-galactose phosphorylase encoding gene (AcGGP3) in kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is known as ‘the king of vitamin C’ because of the high content of ascorbic acid (AsA) in the fruit. Deciphering the regulatory network and identification of the key regulators mediating AsA biosynthesis is vital for fruit nutrition and quality improvement. To date, however, the key transcription factors regulating AsA metabolism during kiwifruit developmental and ripening processes remains largely unknown. Here, we generated a putative transcriptional regulatory network mediating ascorbate metabolism by transcriptome co-expression analysis. Further studies identified an ethylene response factor AcERF91 from this regulatory network, which is highly co-expressed with a GDP-galactose phosphorylase encoding gene (AcGGP3) during fruit developmental and ripening processes. Through dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays, it was shown that AcERF91 is able to bind and directly activate the activity of the AcGGP3 promoter. Furthermore, transient expression of AcERF91 in kiwifruit fruits resulted in a significant increase in AsA content and AcGGP3 transcript level, indicating a positive role of AcERF91 in controlling AsA accumulation via regulation of the expression of AcGGP3. Overall, our results provide a new insight into the regulation of AsA metabolism in kiwifruit.

Chitosan and Byrsonima crassifolia-based nanostructured coatings: Characterization and effect on tomato preservation during refrigerated storage

Current concerns about the use of synthetic pesticides for preserving horticultural commodities have triggered the search for environmentally friendly packaging. In this regard, this study evaluated the effect of chitosan nanoparticle and chitosan-Byrsonima crassifolia nanoparticle coatings on the postharvest quality of tomato and on the incidence of Pectobacterium carotovorum after 19 days of storage. Thickness and swelling properties as well as the quality and physiological variables, and antimicrobial activity were determined. From the results, confocal laser scanning micrographs showed the interaction between the tomato and the coating containing the rhodamine-labeled chitosan nanoparticles. Changes in chroma and hue angle values as well as for firmness, with an increase in ascorbic acid content and lower CFU (colony-forming units) for the tomatoes coated with chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 30% were observed. The weight loss values were less than 13%. There was a decrease in CO2 and ethylene production at the end of the storage period. Chitosan-based nanostructured coating represents an alternative for preserving tomatoes against P. carotovorum.

Genome-Wide Analysis of MDHAR Gene Family in Four Cotton Species Provides Insights into Fiber Development via Regulating AsA Redox Homeostasis

Monodehydroasorbate reductase (MDHAR) (EC1.6.5.4), a key enzyme in ascorbate-glutathione recycling, plays important roles in cell growth, plant development and physiological response to environmental stress via control of ascorbic acid (AsA)-mediated reduction/oxidation (redox) regulation. Until now, information regarding MDHAR function and regulatory mechanism in Gossypium have been limited. Herein, a genome-wide identification and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of 36 MDHAR family genes in four Gossypium species, Gossypium arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, were performed, indicating their close evolutionary relationship. Expression analysis of GhMDHARs in different cotton tissues and under abiotic stress and phytohormone treatment revealed diverse expression features. Fiber-specific expression analysis showed that GhMDHAR1A/D, 3A/D and 4A/D were preferentially expressed in fiber fast elongating stages to reach peak values in 15-DPA fibers, with corresponding coincident observances of MDHAR enzyme activity, AsA content and ascorbic acid/dehydroascorbic acid (AsA/DHA) ratio. Meanwhile, there was a close positive correlation between the increase of AsA content and AsA/DHA ratio catalyzed by MDHAR and fiber elongation development in different fiber-length cotton cultivars, suggesting the potential important function of MDHAR for fiber growth. Following H2O2 stimulation, GhMDHAR demonstrated immediate responses at the levels of mRNA, enzyme, the product of AsA and corresponding AsA/DHA value, and antioxidative activity. These results for the first time provide a comprehensive systemic analysis of the MDHAR gene family in plants and the four cotton species and demonstrate the contribution of MDHAR to fiber elongation development by controlling AsA-recycling-mediated cellular redox homeostasis.

Influence of nodal pruning on vegetative and reproductive attributes of Sardar guava

Investigations on “Influence of nodal pruning on vegetative and reproductive attributes of Sardar guava” were carried out in the orchard of Amarjit Singh at village Bargari in district Faridkot of South-Western Punjab. Pruning intensities consisted of removal of shoot tip up to 0, 4th, 6th and 8th node. There were five replications and the data were analyzed using Randomized Block Design. As per university recommendation, farmers are advised to opt for light pruning in guava, i.e., removal of shoot tip up to 10 cm in first fortnight of March. However, guava orchardists are of the view that pruning levels should be in terms of how many nodes to prune as it is easier for them to guide the pruning labor in terms of number of nodes to be pruned rather than in centimeters. To ascertain the above facts, On Farm Trial was conducted to find out the effect of nodal pruning on vegetative and reproductive attributes of Sardar guava. The results of investigation revealed that with the increase in severity of pruning, there was significant increase in shoot length. Severe pruning minimized the span of flowering as severe pruning level of 8-node pruning intensity recorded the shortest duration of flowering during both the rainy and winter season crops of both the years. Although, there was increment in fruit set with the enhanced severity of pruning, the results were non significant. 6-node pruning intensity recorded significantly higher fruit yield per tree during both the cropping seasons of both the years. There was significant increase in fruit weight with the increase in severity of pruning during the rainy and winter season crops of both the years. TSS/Acid ratio was not altered much by pruning intensity. On the other, there was a significant increase in ascorbic acid content of the fruits with the enhanced severity of pruning. On the whole, pruning to 6 nodes gave the highest fruit yield and accounted for production of fruits of good quality.

Improving the nutritional value and extending shelf life of red guava by adding calcium chloride

The high nutritional value of guavas is much appreciated and valued by consumers but extending the shelf life of these fruits is one of the most crucial factors to increase their commercialization. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pre-harvest application of calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2%) on guava fruits and to evaluate the quality characteristics of the fruits during storage (0, 2, 4, and 6 days). The results showed that the pre-harvest sprays of 1.0% CaCl2 led to an increase in the levels of calcium in the fruits (0.82 g kg−1). The application of 1.0% CaCl2 also promoted 40% increase in ascorbic acid content after harvest (196.5 mg 100 g−1). The lowest weight loss and rot incidence occurred at 1.0% CaCl2. In addition, there was a decrease in the action of pectinmethylesterase and polygalacturonase in storage. Thus, the pre-harvest application of 1.0% CaCl2 in the red guava can preserve the quality of the fruit and increase the nutritional value.

The study of a silatrane-containing preparation on improving the consumer properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Dubachek MC), grown hydroponically in phytotron-ISR 0.1

This paper presents the results of experimental study on the possibility of improving consumer properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa – var. Dubachuk MC) grown under the conditions of closed system in ISR-0.1 phytotron by applying foliar treatment of different concentrations of 1-ethoxysilatran - a new silicon based preparation belonging to Silatrans group. The trail demonstrated no effect of the preparation when applied in a concentration of 5.10-4 ml/l in ES1 treatment. However, the effectiveness starts upon using higher concentrations. The best yield components were obtained as a result of foliar treatments of ES3 and ES4 with concentrations of 5.10-3 and 10-2 ml/l respectively. Applying foliar treatment in vegetative phase resulted in complex effect of activation of physiological processes in plants, stimulating the photosynthetic activity and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments by recording a 22.7% increase in chlorophyll-a and 18.6% in carotenoids content in fresh leaves. Nitrate accumulation recorded 792.3 mg/100g in ES4 which is 2.7 times higher than the control. Also, an increase in dry matter content by 12.2%, pigments by 16.3%, total antioxidants capacity, a 40% increase in ascorbic acid content were recorded. While only slight increase in total phenolic content was observed in higher concentrations. These overall considerable influences in metabolic activities lead to a better productivity in case of production mass. Further studies should be concerning the effect of 1-ethoxysilatran on other leafy vegetables and prolonging the storage of them.

Decreased ascorbic acid biosynthesis in response to PMSG in the pre-pubertal female rat ovary

Ascorbic acid (AA) is known to be an important antioxidant serving as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, and thus facilitates follicular growth in the ovary. Many studies have shown that AA is synthesized in the liver and transported to other organs including ovary, however, there is no direct evidence of ascorbic acid synthesis in the ovary. Hence, we examined the expression pattern of different proteins (SMP30/GNL and GULO) involved in the AA synthesis in pre-pubertal rat, which showed significant expression of these proteins, suggesting the synthesis of AA in the ovary. Accumulation of AA in the ovary during follicular growth has been well demonstrated. However, the effect of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) on the AA synthesis in the ovary has not been studied in detail. Hence to decipher the effect, different doses of PMSG were injected subcutaneously into the pre-pubertal female rats, and ovarian AA level was measured after 48 h. A significant increase in AA content was observed in PMSG treated animal groups. Further, to understand the mechanism underlying ovarian AA accumulation, the expression levels of SMP30/GNL and GULO genes were measured. Expression of both the genes was significantly suppressed, which suggested a lowered AA synthesis in the PMSG treated rat ovary. For further understanding, mRNA expression of AA transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2 encoded by SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 genes respectively were measured, which showed increased level of SVCT1 expression. These observations suggested that the increased AA content might not be due to increased synthesis of AA within the ovary but possibly due to increased uptake from blood during the stimulation of follicular growth.

Co-administration of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol modifies ascorbic acid and attenuates p38, Akt, and TNF-α expression in spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain

p38 and Akt plays an important role in neuropathic pain. p38 appears to regulate the SVCT-2 expression, a specific transporter for ascorbic acid (an important antioxidant and neuromodulator). Vitamins C and E induce antinociception and appear to affect p38, Akt, and SVCT-2, but it is unknown their effect on these molecules in spinal cord of rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. So, we investigated the effect of vitamins C + E on the expression of p38, Akt, and transporter SVCT-2 and ascorbic acid content in the lumbosacral spinal cord of rats with CCI. TNF-α mRNA level was also determined. Placement of four loose chromic thread ligatures around the sciatic nerve produced CCI. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C 30 mg/kg/day) + α-tocopherol (vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (saline containing 1% Tween 80) were administrated (intraperitoneally) daily after CCI for 3 or 10 days. At the end of these periods, lumbosacral spinal cord was dissected out and used for assays. The vitamins prevented the increase in phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated Akt and the decrease in SVCT-2 expressions, which were found in vehicle-treated CCI rats at days 3 and 10. Akt expression was reduced only at day 10. Vitamins also prevented the increase in ascorbic acid content and TNF-α level, which was found in vehicle-treated CCI rats. The changes in p-p38, p-Akt, ascorbic acid, SVCT-2, and TNF-α may be contributing to antinociception induced by vitamins C + E in rats with CCI.

Changes in the Chemical Composition of Six Lettuce Cultivars (Lactuca sativa L.) in Response to Biofortification with Iodine and Selenium Combined with Salicylic Acid Application

A two-year greenhouse study was conducted to assess the effects of the application of I (as KIO3), Se (as Na2SeO3), and salicylic acid (SA) in nutrient solutions on the chemical composition of six lettuce cultivars, i.e., two butterhead lettuces (BUTL), “Cud Voorburgu” and “Zimująca”; two iceberg lettuces (ICEL), “Maugli” and “Królowa lata”; and two Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L. (REDL) cultivars, “Lollorossa” and “Redin”, grown in the NFT (nutrient film technique) system. The treatments were as follows: control, I+Se, I+Se+0.1 mg SA dm−3, I+Se+1.0 mg SA dm−3, and I+Se+10.0 mg SA dm−3. KIO3 was used at a dose of 5 mg I dm−3, while Na2SeO3 was used at 0.5 mg Se dm−3. The application of I+Se was a mild abiotic stress factor for the plants of the ICEL and REDL cultivars. In contrast, I+Se did not have a negative impact on the BUTLcultivars. The application of 1.0 mg SA dm−3 improved the biomass productivity in all cultivars compared with I+Se. In the majority of the cultivars, the applied combinations of I+Se and I+Se+SA resulted in a reduction in the nitrate(V) content that was beneficial to the consumer and increased levels of sugars, phenols, phenylpropanoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. In addition, an increase in ascorbic acid content was observed, but only in the BUTL cultivars and REDL “Redin”. The application of I, Se, and SA had upward or downward effects on the concentrations of N, K, P, Ca, Mg, S, Na, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in the leaves.