Levels Of Soluble Carbohydrates Research Articles

Interspecific Differences in Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism and Leaf Epiphytic Bacteria among Three Submerged Macrophytes in Response to Elevated Ammonia Nitrogen Concentrations

Submerged macrophytes in eutrophic aquatic environments adapt to changes in ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) levels by modifying their levels of free amino acids (FAAs) and soluble carbohydrates (SCs). As symbionts of submerged macrophytes, epiphytic bacteria have obvious host specificity. In the present study, the interspecific differences in the FAA and SC contents of Hydrilla verticillata (Linn. f.) Roylep, Vallisneria natans Hara and Chara braunii Gmelin and their leaf epiphytic bacterial communities were assessed in response to increased NH4-N concentrations. The results revealed that the response of the three submerged macrophytes to NH4-N stress involved the consumption of SCs and the production of FAAs. The NH4-N concentration had a greater impact on the variation in the FAA content, whereas the variation in the SC content was primarily influenced by the species. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Nitrospirota on the leaves exhibited specific differences, with the order H. verticillata > V. natans > C. braunii. The dominant genera of epiphytic bacteria with denitrification effects on V. natans, H. verticillata and C. braunii leaves were Halomonas, Acinetobacter and Bacillus, respectively. When faced with NH4-N stress, the variation in epiphytic bacterial populations associated with ammonia oxidation and denitrification among submerged macrophytes could contribute to their divergent responses to heightened nitrogen levels.

Fulvic acid foliar application: a novel approach enhancing antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

BackgroundThe global growth of pistachio production has prompted exploration into sustainable agricultural practices, on the application of humic substances such as fulvic acid in enhancing the quality of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out in Qom province, Iran, on 20 years old pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi) trees and investigated the impact of foliar spraying of fulvic acid at varying concentrations (1.5, 3, and 4.5 g L− 1) on the antioxidant and quality properties of pistachio. The different concentrations of fulvic acid were applied at two key stages: at the initiation of pistachio kernel formation (late June) and the development stage of pistachio kernel (late August), as well as at both time points. Following harvest at the horticulturally mature phase, various parameters, including total phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed.ResultsResults indicated that foliar application of fulvic acid, particularly at 1.5 g L− 1 during both late June and August, effectively increased phenolic compounds (31.8%) and flavonoid content (24.53%). Additionally, this treatment also augmented antioxidant capacity and heightened the activity of catalase (CAT) (37.56%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (63.86%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (76.45%). Conversely, peroxidase (POX) (41.54%) activity was reduced in fulvic acid-treated nuts compared with controls. Moreover, the content of chlorophyll (45%) and carotenoids (46.7%) was enhanced using this organic fertilizer. In terms of mineral elements, the increment was observed in zinc (Zn) (58.23%) and potassium (K) (28.12%) amounts in treated nuts. Additionally, foliar application of fulvic acid led to elevated levels of soluble carbohydrates and proteins in treated nuts.ConclusionsIn the present study, application of fulvic acid resulted in enhancement of antioxidant activity and quality traits of pistachio nut through an increase in total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, K, Zn, and also activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, use of fulvic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the quality and nutritional attributes of pistachios, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop outcomes.

Farklı Sodyum Bentonit Seviyelerinin Balkabağı Atığı Silajının Kimyasal Bileşimi, Mikrobiyolojik Kompozisyon ve Laktik Asit Seviyeleri Üzerine Etkisi

Pumpkin residue could be used as silage in animal nutrition, yet ensiling is challenging due to its high moisture content, which can negatively impact the process and produce mycotoxins. Sodium bentonite (SB) has high water-absorbing capacity and have been used in pellet feed manufacturing for ruminant and monogastric animals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding two different levels of SB to pumpkin residue silage on its chemical composition, silage quality, microbiota, and lactic acid levels. The pumpkin residues were ensiled with 0%, 1%, and 2% SB in four replicates for three months. The analysis showed that the addition of SB significantly reduced crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), Fleig point and lactic acid levels, yet increased crude ash (CA), dry matter content (DM) and pH values. Microbial counts for yeast-mould and lactic acid bacteria were highest in the control group. Conversely, the %1 SB supplemented silages exhibited the lowest levels of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Thus, using SB as a silage additive reduce yeast and mold, however it also reduced nutritional value and lactic acid amount in the silage. Further research can investigate the optimal level of SB for different types of silage to improve their quality and shelf life.

Differential metabolic rearrangements improve biomass and enhance the tolerance of two dwarf cashew (<i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L.) genotypes to salt stress

<abstract> <p>Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that affect crop productivity and plant development the most. We aimed to analyze the physiological and biochemical responses of dwarf cashew (<italic>A. occidentale</italic> L.) genotypes subjected to salt stress. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with five salinity levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl) and 2 dwarf cashew genotypes (Embrapa51 and CCP76). There was no significant effect of salinity on plant height, leaf number, and stem diameter; however, the dry biomass was significantly reduced. Chlorophylls, starch, and total free amino acids decreased with salt stress, mainly with 75 and 100 mM NaCl. The CCP76 genotype salt-stressed increased carotenoids, anthocyanins, total soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, sodium, and potassium ions compared to Embrapa51. Free proline was increased in response to salt stress in dwarf cashew genotypes. Interestingly, sucrose declined in Embrapa51 and increased in CCP76 in response to salinity. When submitted to 75 and 100 mM NaCl, i.e., under severe stress, CCP76 presented more sucrose than Embrapa51. Our results indicated that sucrose accumulation plays an important role in the acclimation of CCP76 to salinity. This disaccharide induces metabolic rearrangements, mostly in the levels of soluble carbohydrates and amino acids, which contribute to rebalancing the osmotic potential and help to maintain favorable plant metabolism under salt stress. Overall, the dwarf cashew CCP76 was more tolerant to salinity than Embrapa51.</p> </abstract>

Process mechanisms of nanobubble technology enhanced hydrolytic acidification of anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass

This study explored the efficiency of CO2-, N2-, and H2- nanobubble treatment in anaerobic digestion (AD) of rice straw, with a focus on the processes and metabolic pathways of hydrolytic acidification, and revealed the underlying mechanisms. Mechanistic investigations revealed that nanobubbles, particularly CO2 nanobubbles, significantly increased the degradation of amorphous cellulose, resulting in higher levels of soluble carbohydrates (6.27 % – 11.13 %), VFAs (4.39 % – 24.50 %), and a remarkable cumulative H2 yield (74 – 94 times) Microbial community analysis indicated that the CO2 nanobubble promoted the growth of acidifying bacterial communities, such as Mobilitalea, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroides. This indicates that the introduction of CO2 nanobubbles improved the total abundance of predicted functional enzymes were increased by 14 %, resulting in the production of more easily degradable intermediates. Based on the analysis of total methane production and kinetic analysis, it can be concluded that nanobubble addition enhanced methane production levels of 4.22 %−7.79 % with lower lag time (λ) (0.88–1.06 day) compared to the control group (1.09 day). The results also elucidated changes in relative enzymatic activities involved in the bioconversion of cellulose and hemicellulose during the hydrolysis stage with nanobubble treatment. This work is more beneficial for understanding the promoting effect and mechanism of nanobubbles on AD, facilitating the more precise application of nanobubble technology in the field of renewable energy.

Effect of Adding Fermented Juice of Epiphytic Lactic Acid Bacteria Prepared with Different Sources and Levels of Soluble Carbohydrates on Chemical Composition, Fermentation and Quality Characteristics of Wheat Straw Silages

This study was conducted in Nutrition laboratory belonged to Animal Production Department-Agriculture College - Al-Qasim Green University to investigate the effect of adding fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) prepared with different sources and levels of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) on chemical composition, fermentation and quality characteristics of wheat straw silages (WSS). The FJLB was prepared from wild reed plant with three sources of WSC including glucose (G) at 1 and 2% (w/v, FJLB-G1, FJLB-G2), cane molasses (M) at 3 and 5% (w/v, FJLB-M3, FJLB-M5) and date molasses (D) at 3 and 5% (w/v, FJLB-D3, FJLB-D5). According to the source and level of FJLB, six samples of WSS were prepared by adding each FJLB at level of 1%. For control WWS, distilled water was added at similar quantity as FJLB (WWS-C). Urea and molasses were added to all samples at level of 1 and 10% on dry matter (DM) basis. Samples of WSS were tightly packed in double plastic bags and ensiled anaerobically for 45 days. Color of WSS samples were characterized with acceptable smell. Results showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.01) in DM content of WWS samples prepared with FJLB-M3 and FJLB-M5 as compared with WWS-C. However, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) contents in WWS were not affected by addition of FJLB. Addition of FJLB improved fermentation characteristics of WWS, lactic acid (LA) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were significantly (p<0.01) increased. Moreover, lower (p<0.01) DM losses were estimated in WSS prepared FJLBs.

Shading Level and Harvest Time Affect the Photosynthetic and Physiological Properties of Basil Varieties

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants. Light intensity is an indispensable factor for plants due to its effect on photosynthesis and physiological processes. Here, we investigated the impact of light intensities and harvesting times on the photosynthesis of green and purple basil. The experiment involved subjecting plants to three different levels of sunlight for 12 days: complete—100%, 50%, and 30%—sunlight. In addition, we evaluated the impact of harvest time during the day. The highest levels of photosynthetic and protective pigments were detected under full sunlight conditions in purple basil harvested at noon. The highest levels of soluble and storage carbohydrates were recorded in the purple basil grown under full sunlight and harvested during the early morning. By contrast, the lowest levels were obtained in plants grown under 30% sunlight and harvested at noon time. Under all light treatments, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (FV/FM) was detected at 4 a.m. in both basil varieties; it decreased at noon and increased again at 5 p.m. Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQ) was most elevated in the green variety under all light intensities at noon. However, the highest NPQ was detected in the purple variety at 8 a.m. The NPQ was lowest in both basil varieties during the early morning and afternoon. Full sunlight at noon caused temporary photoinhibition and reduced carbohydrates while enhancing pigment concentration and photo-protective mechanisms in basil plants.

Elevated fruit nitrogen impairs oil biosynthesis in olive (Olea europaea L.).

Oil in fruits and seeds is an important source of calories and essential fatty acids for humans. This specifically holds true for olive oil, which is appreciated for its superior nutritional value. Most olive orchards are cultivated to produce oil, which are the outcome of fruit yield and oil content. Little information is available on the effect of nitrogen (N) on olive fruit oil content. The response of olive trees to different rates of N was therefore studied in soilless culture (3 years) and commercial field (6 years) experiments. In both experiments, fruit N level and oil biosynthesis were negatively associated. Fruit N increased in response to N fertilization level and was inversely related to fruit load. The negative correlation between fruit N and oil content was more pronounced under high fruit load, indicating sink limitation for carbon. These results agree with those reported for oilseed crops for which a trade-off between oil and protein was proposed as the governing mechanism for the negative response to elevated N levels. Our results suggest that the protein/oil trade-off paradigm cannot explain the noticeable decrease in oil biosynthesis in olives, indicating that additional mechanisms are involved in N-induced inhibition of oil production. This inhibition was not related to the soluble carbohydrate levels in the fruit, which were comparable regardless of N level. These results emphasize the importance of balanced N nutrition in oil-olive cultivation to optimize production with oil content.

Effects of microbial biostimulants (Trichoderma album and Bacillus megaterium) on growth, quality attributes, and yield of onion under field conditions

Microbial biostimulants (MBs) promote plant growth and stress tolerance in a sustainable manner. However, precise field trials of MBs are required in natural setting with a range of crop varieties to harness the benefits of biostimulants on crop yield improvement. This study investigated the effects of two MBs, Trichoderma album and Bacillus megaterium, on an onion cultivar's growth, nutritional qualities, antioxidant properties, and yield potentials under field conditions for two successive years. Before transplantation, onion bulbs were gelatin-coated with 2.0 and 4.0 g L−1 of each of the MB. Results revealed that MBs-pretreated onion plants exhibited better growth indices, photosynthetic pigment contents, and yield-attributing features like bulb weight than control plants. Nutraceutical analysis demonstrated that T. album-pretreated (by 2.0 g L−1) onion cultivar enhanced the level of K+ (by 105.79%), Ca2+ (by 37.77%), proline (by 34.21%), and total free amino acids (by 144.58%) in bulb tissues over the control plants. Intriguingly, the pretreatment with both T. album and B. megaterium (by 2.0 g L−1) increased the levels of total soluble carbohydrates (by 19.10 and 84.02%), as well as antioxidant properties, including increased activities of superoxide dismutase (by 58.52 and 31.34%), catalase (by 164.71 and 232%), ascorbate peroxidase (by 175.35 and 212.69%), and glutathione-S-transferase (by 31.99 and 9.34%) and improved the contents of ascorbic acid (by 19.1 and 44.05%), glutathione (by 6.22 and 33.82%), and total flavonoids (by 171.98 and 56.24%, respectively) in the bulb tissues than control plants. Although both MBs promoted the growth and nutraceutical qualities of onion bulbs, T. album pretreatment showed better effects than that of B. megaterium in the field settings. Based on the morphophysiological attributes and biochemical properties, a low dose (2.0 g L−1) was more effective than a high dose (4.0 g L−1) of T. album in promoting onion growth. Overall, the current research findings imply that T. album might be a potential MB in improving growth and quality attributes, and hence the productivity of onion cultivars under field circumstances.

1-Methylcyclopropene delays degradation of peel greenness but induces internal physiological disorders in cold-stored fruit of interspecific pears

The green-skinned interspecific ‘Greensis’ pear cultivar is a promising pear cultivar due to its crispness, juiciness, and strong resistance to scab disease. Postharvest storability and metabolic activity can be maintained by treating cold-stored pears with 1 μL L−1 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 16 hr at 22 °C. After 1-MCP treatment, the ‘Greensis’ pears were stored at 0.5 °C for up to 6 months, after which they were transferred at 22 °C for 7 days of shelf life. 1-MCP treatment had no visible effects on physiological responses, such as fruit weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids content. However, metabolic profile analyses indicated that the 1-MCP-treated fruit had lower levels of amino acids and soluble carbohydrates (except for sucrose) than the control fruit. The incidence of cortex browning and cavities was much higher in 1-MCP-treated fruit than in untreated fruit. Similarly, the chroma values of the peel and cortex tissues were higher in 1-MCP-treated fruit than in untreated fruit. Moreover, the total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a contents were more preserved in 1-MCP-treated fruit than in untreated pears. Overall, 1-MCP treatment increased sucrose, chlorophyll a, and total chlorophyll contents, thus delaying chlorophyll degradation during storage. These results suggested that 1-MCP treatment delayed the skin color degradation of interspecific ‘Greensis’ pears during storage and prevented changes in the profiles of major metabolites. Nevertheless, the incidence and severity of cortex browning and cavities were highly increased in 1-MCP-treated fruit during storage.

Sprayed biodegradable liquid film improved the freezing tolerance of cv. Cabernet Sauvignon by up-regulating soluble protein and carbohydrate levels and alleviating oxidative damage.

Most cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. are very sensitive to cold. As an exogenous protectant, Biodegradable Liquid Film (BLF) is considered to protect winegrapes from low temperatures and dry winds for safe overwintering. This study aimed to reveal the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of BLF regulating the freezing tolerance of wine grapes. Groups of ten-year-old vines (Cabernet Sauvignon) were sprayed with BLF in November 2020 and 2021, or left untreated as a control treatment, and field plant mortality after overwintering were investigated. Branch samples were collected monthly for determination of biochemical indicators. Dormant two-year-old cuttings (Cabernet Sauvignon) were also used for the determination of relative expression levels of key genes. The results showed that the application of BLF reduced the branch semi-lethal temperature in January and February samples compared with control, and reduced the mortality of above-ground parts, branches and buds. The physiological status of shoots was greatly affected by the climatic conditions of the year, but BLF treatment increased the levels of soluble protein and soluble sugar, and also decreased the content of superoxide anion and malondialdehyde at most sampling times. Correlation analysis showed that the differences in freezing tolerance between BLF and no treated overwintering(CK) vines were mainly related to peroxidase activity, soluble sugar, reducing sugar and starch content. Low temperature stress activated the over expression of ICE1, CBF1, and CBF3, especially for 12h. BLF treatment significantly increased the expression levels of CBF1 and CBF3 under low temperature stress. Overall, these results demonstrate that BLF treatment protects vines from freezing damage by upregulating osmo-regulatory substances and alleviating oxidative damage.

The Supplementation of Bee Bread Methanolic Extract to Egg Yolk or Soybean Lecithin Extenders Can Improve the Quality of Cryopreserved Ram Semen.

Bee bread has numerous nutritional benefits and bioactive compounds. Other bee byproducts have been used as extender additives to improve semen cryopreservation. Here, we examined the effects of supplementing egg yolk extender (EYE) or soybean lecithin extender (SBLE) with bee bread extract (BBE) on the quality of cryopreserved ram semen. Semen was collected from five adult Rahmani rams once a week for 7 weeks. EYE and SBLE were supplemented with BBE. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compound, total flavonoid compound, and total soluble carbohydrate levels of BBE were measured. Sperm characteristics, including progressive motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity, were analyzed after equilibration, thawing, and thawing followed by a 2-h incubation. The total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total acid phosphatase levels in extenders were determined after thawing. Sperm apoptosis was analyzed using annexin V assays. SBLE was more effective than EYE for cryopreserving ram semen. Extender supplementation with BBE improved ram semen quality during freezing in a concentration-dependent pattern. Motility, vitality, and membrane integrity were particularly enhanced in BBE-treated semen. Additionally, BBE promoted antioxidant and enzymatic activities and reduced apoptosis in semen. Thus, extender supplementation with BBE improved sperm cryopreservation.

Induction of Systemic Resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus in Tomato through Foliar Application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain TBorg1 Culture Filtrate.

The application of microbe-derived products as natural biocontrol agents to boost systemic disease resistance to virus infections in plants is a prospective strategy to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In the current study, the rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TBorg1 was identified based on 16S rRNA, rpoB, and gyrA gene sequences, and evaluated for its efficiency in conferring protection of tomato from infection by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Under greenhouse circumstances, foliar sprays of TBorg1 culture filtrate (TBorg1-CF) promoted tomato growth, lowered disease severity, and significantly decreased TMV accumulation in systemically infected leaves of treated plants relative to untreated controls. TMV accumulation was reduced by 90% following the dual treatment, applied 24 h before and after TMV infection. Significant increases in levels of total soluble carbohydrates, proteins, and ascorbic acid were also found. In addition, a significant rise in activities of enzymes capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (PPO and POX), as well as decreased levels of non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) were observed, compared to untreated plants. Enhanced systemic resistance to TMV was indicated by significantly increased transcript accumulation of polyphenolic pathway (C4H, HCT, and CHI) and pathogenesis-related (PR-1 and PR-5) genes. Out of the 15 compounds identified in the GC-MS analysis, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), as well as L-proline, N-valeryl-, and heptadecyl ester were present in the highest concentrations in the ethyl acetate extract of TBorg1-CF. In addition, significant amounts of n-hexadecanoic acid, pyrrolo [1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl)-, nonane, 5-butyl-, and eicosane were also detected. These compounds may act as inducers of systemic resistance to viral infection. Our findings indicate that the newly isolated B. amyloliquefaciens strain TBorg1 could be a potentially useful rhizobacterium for promoting plant growth and a possible source of biocontrol agents for combating plant virus infections.

Genes Impacting Grain Weight and Number in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum).

The primary goal of common wheat (T. aestivum) breeding is increasing yield without negatively impacting the agronomic traits or product quality. Genetic approaches to improve the yield increasingly target genes that impact the grain weight and number. An energetic trade-off exists between the grain weight and grain number, the result of which is that most genes that increase the grain weight also decrease the grain number. QTL associated with grain weight and number have been identified throughout the hexaploid wheat genome, leading to the discovery of numerous genes that impact these traits. Genes that have been shown to impact these traits will be discussed in this review, including TaGNI, TaGW2, TaCKX6, TaGS5, TaDA1, WAPO1, and TaRht1. As more genes impacting the grain weight and number are characterized, the opportunity is increasingly available to improve common wheat agronomic yield by stacking the beneficial alleles. This review provides a synopsis of the genes that impact grain weight and number, and the most beneficial alleles of those genes with respect to increasing the yield in dryland and irrigated conditions. It also provides insight into some of the genetic mechanisms underpinning the trade-off between grain weight and number and their relationship to the source-to-sink pathway. These mechanisms include the plant size, the water soluble carbohydrate levels in plant tissue, the size and number of pericarp cells, the cytokinin and expansin levels in developing reproductive tissue, floral architecture and floral fertility.

Perforated modified atmosphere packaging differentially affects the fruit quality attributes and targeted major metabolites in bell pepper cultivars stored at ambient temperature

• Yellow and red bell pepper fruit were treated with perforated MAP at 22°C for 3 weeks. • MAP reduced weight loss and delayed any reduction in firmness. • MAP decreased the levels of SSC and soluble carbohydrates. • MAP reduced the levels of proline and GABA. • The fatty acid response was not affected by MAP but by the cultivar. Bell pepper quality can deteriorate during distribution and storage, and often develop disorders. Thus, the effectiveness of micro perforated modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology on targeted metabolites associated with fruit quality and physiological disorders in ‘Volante’ and ‘Sirocco’ bell pepper cultivars was investigated over a period of up to 3 weeks at 22 °C. The perforated MAP reduced weight loss and retained pericarp firmness. The soluble solids and carbohydrates, and organic acid contents were lower in the perforted MAP-treated fruits than untreated fruits. Fruit shriveling decreased after MAP treatment. In both cultivars, proline and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were lower in MAP-treated fruits than in untreated fruits of both cultivars. Fatty acid levels were not affected by the perforated MAP treatment but were influenced by the cultivar and storage time especially in ‘Volante’. Overall, the results indicate that the micro perforated MAP treatment can suppress weight loss and retain pedicel firmness, reducing the bell pepper shriveling at ambient temperature and thus prolonging their shelf life.

Desiccation as a Post-maturation Treatment Helps Complete Maturation of Norway Spruce Somatic Embryos: Carbohydrates, Phytohormones and Proteomic Status.

Exposure of Norway spruce (Picea abies) somatic embryos and those of many other conifers to post-maturation desiccation treatment significantly improves their germination. An integration analysis was conducted to understand the underlying processes induced during the desiccation phase at the molecular level. Carbohydrate, protein and phytohormone assays associated with histological and proteomic studies were performed for the evaluation of markers and actors in this phase. Multivariate comparison of mature somatic embryos with mature desiccated somatic embryos and/or zygotic embryos provided new insights into the processes involved during the desiccation step of somatic embryogenesis. Desiccated embryos were characterized by reduced levels of starch and soluble carbohydrates but elevated levels of raffinose family oligosaccharides. Desiccation treatment decreased the content of abscisic acid and its derivatives but increased total auxins and cytokinins. The content of phytohormones in dry zygotic embryos was lower than in somatic embryos, but their profile was mostly analogous, apart from differences in cytokinin profiles. The biological processes “Acquisition of desiccation tolerance”, “Response to stimulus”, “Response to stress” and “Stored energy” were activated in both the desiccated somatic embryos and zygotic embryos when compared to the proteome of mature somatic embryos before desiccation. Based on the specific biochemical changes of important constituents (abscisic acid, raffinose, stachyose, LEA proteins and cruciferins) induced by the desiccation treatment and observed similarities between somatic and zygotic P. abies embryos, we concluded that the somatic embryos approximated to a state of desiccation tolerance. This physiological change could be responsible for the reorientation of Norway spruce somatic embryos toward a stage suitable for germination.

Silage Fermentation: A Potential Microbial Approach for the Forage Utilization of Cyperus esculentus L. By-Product

Cyperus esculentus L. leaves (CLL) are agricultural by-products produced from Cyperus esculentus L. harvesting, and can be used as livestock feed despite their low economic value for human consumption. This study aims to develop a favorable approach to processing Cyperus esculentus L. by-product as coarse fodder. The chopped CLL was pretreated by (1) mixing with canola straw at a 4:1 ratio, or (2) wilting it for 8 h, then it ensiling with or without compounded lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additives for 60 days. Our results demonstrated that compounded LAB additives: improved CLL silage fermentation quality by increasing acetic acid and lactic acid contents and decreasing ethanol and ammonia-N contents; preserved nutrients by raising the level of crude protein and water soluble carbohydrates; modified the bacterial community by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus while decreasing the relative abundance of undesirable Enterococcus; and also might improve animal health by increasing the relative concentrations of antioxidant substances (such as 7-galloylcatechin) and antibacterial compounds (such as ferulic acid). This study provides strong evidence that Cyperus esculentus L. by-product can be a potential livestock feed after being ensiled with compounded LAB additives.

Overexpression of a wheat α-amylase type 2 impact on starch metabolism and abscisic acid sensitivity during grain germination.

SummaryDespite being of vital importance for seed establishment and grain quality, starch degradation remains poorly understood in organs such as cereal or legume seeds. In cereals, starch degradation requires the synergetic action of different isoforms of α‐amylases. Ubiquitous overexpression of TaAmy2 resulted in a 2.0–437.6‐fold increase of total α‐amylase activity in developing leaf and harvested grains. These increases led to dramatic alterations of starch visco‐properties and augmentation of soluble carbohydrate levels (mainly sucrose and α‐gluco‐oligosaccharide) in grain. Interestingly, the overexpression of TaAMY2 led to an absence of dormancy in ripened grain due to abscisic acid (ABA) insensitivity. Using an allosteric α‐amylase inhibitor (acarbose), we demonstrated that ABA insensitivity was due to the increased soluble carbohydrate generated by the α‐amylase excess. Independent from the TaAMY2 overexpression, inhibition of α‐amylase during germination led to the accumulation of soluble α‐gluco‐oligosaccharides without affecting the first stage of germination. These findings support the hypotheses that (i) endosperm sugar may overcome ABA signalling and promote sprouting, and (ii) α‐amylase may not be required for the initial stage of grain germination, an observation that questions the function of the amylolytic enzyme in the starch degradation process during germination.

Effect of salinity stress and different levels of potassium fertilizer on yield quantitative and qualitative of Kochia (Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott)

IntroductionToday, increasing demand for plant products has been coupled with the reduction of the area of cultivated land due to the limitation of water and soil resources. Water and soil salinity are among the factors that prevent the yield of sufficient yield in crops. Live or non-live-stress tensions can have negative effects on plant production and can even threaten the survival of a plant (Boyer, 1982). Salinity stress is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth and agricultural production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, passionate crops such as kochia can be used as a forage, soil remediation, biofuel and green space and carbon stabilizer (Khan and Ansari, 2008). Potassium is the dominant mineral ion in plant solutions and plays an important role in reducing osmotic potential in plant cells. Material and methodsThis research was carried out at the research farm of Agricultural Research Institute of Zabol University in 2016-17. The experiment was split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Salinity stresses were classified into three levels including: 1, 7 and 14 dS.m-1 as the main plot and potassium sulfate fertilizer at three levels: 100, 200 and 300 kg.ha-1 as a sub plots. Each plot was four rows of cultivation, the distance between rows was 50 cm and the distance between 2 plants per row was 20 cm. Each plot consisted of 4 rows of planting. In this research, quantitative traits included: plant height, number of lateral branches, fresh and dry weight of the plant, leaf weight, leaf to stem ratio. And qualitative traits was measured include DMD, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), acid soluble fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and ash ( Ash). For evaluation of forage quality has been used, a NIR device or a near infrared spectrometer, which is the most accurate and, at the same time, the fastest technique for estimating the chemical composition of agricultural products.Analysis of variance of data was performed using SAS software version 9/1. The mean comparison of treatments was done using Duncan test at 5% level. Charts and tables were drawn using Excel and Word software.Results and discussionAccording to the results of analysis of variance of data (Table 2), the main effects of salt stress and potassium fertilizer also showed a significant effect on plant height. Comparison of the mean interactions of the investigated factors showed that at all salinity levels, along with increasing potassium fertilizer, the height also increased with the highest altitude with 300 kg.ha-1 potassium sulfate applications in salinity conditions of 1 dS.m-1 (Table 3). Results of analysis of variance of data (Table 4) showed that the effects of salinity stress and potassium fertilizer, as well as their interactions, did not show a significant effect on the DMD of the plant. Comparison of mean of traits showed that salinity stress (1 dsm-1) with 11.49% maximum water soluble carbohydrate and salinity level (14 dsm-1) with 11.44% of the lowest values (Table 5). Also, comparison of mean of traits showed that salinity stress (1 dsm-1) with 12.69% higher and salinity level (14 dsm-1) with the lowest crude protein was 12.34% (Table 5).Comparison of mean of traits showed that salinity stress (1 dsm-1) with 12.69% had the highest crude protein and salinity level (14 dsm-1) with 12.34% of the lowest values (Table 5). ConclusionsThe results of the study on the effect of salinity stress and different levels of potassium on the quantitative characteristics of Kochi showed that all quantitative traits were completely subjected to salt stress and significantly decreased. The highest forage yield belonged to irrigation with salinity of 1 dSm-1 and lowest for irrigation with salinity of 14 dsm-1. It seems that salinity was more effective on the quantitative traits of the plant and did not affect the quality of forage.

Replacement of grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats.

Spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) is widely used in animal feed in semi-arid regions, due to the adaptive characteristics to such conditions and for having high levels of soluble carbohydrates. This research article describes the effect of replacing grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats on dry matter intake, water intake, milk yield, milk physicochemical characteristics and diet production costs. Eight multiparous Anglo Nubian goats were fed diets in which grain maize was replaced with spineless cactus at four levels (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design. Milk yield was measured and samples collected in the last three days of each period for physicochemical analysis and for determining nutrient intake. Diet production costs were also determined. Replacing maize with spineless cactus did not influence dry matter intake. Water intake via the drinker decreased linearly in response to the increasing levels of spineless cactus in the diet. The replacement of maize with spineless cactus did not change milk yield or physicochemical parameters. Total feed cost and the percentage of revenue losses from feed decreased with the replacement. Therefore, spineless cactus can fully replace grain maize in the diet of dairy goats, as it does not change dry matter intake or milk yield, but rather reduces feed costs and the drinking-water intake of goats.