Mustard Seed Research Articles

Features of the use of seeds of various agricultural crops in the production of bakery products

As part of the study, the formulations of various types of bakery products, which are based on flax, sunflower, sesame and mustard seeds, are considered. In the study, the physico-chemical composition of the seeds was carried out and the main nutritional substances containing these types of seeds were identified, as well as the vitamin properties of each of the raw materials. In conclusion, the study concluded and proposed mechanisms for the development of the use of various crops in the production of bakery products.

The impact of plant-associated rhizobacteria on germination capacity, growth and productivity of spring field mustard and emmer wheat

The paper reports the results of field experiments that analysed changes in germination capacity, growth indicators and productivity of two crops in response to seed inoculation: field mustard (Brassica campestris L.) of the Vostochnaya variety (k-274) and emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum subsp. asiaticum Vavilov) of k-7516 variety. Morphometric parameters and productivity of dry mass were measured during the major stages of crop development. The seeds of field mustard were inoculated with the following bacterial products: Mizorin (Arthrobacter mysorens, strain 7), Mobilin (Pseudomonas fluorescens, strain PG-5) and Flavobakterin (Flavobacterium sp., strain 30). The seeds of emmer wheat were inoculated with Psevdomonas (Pseudomonas fluorescens, strain PG-5) and Rizoagrin (Agrobacterium radiobacter, strain 204). In addition, we also tested biinoculation (combined use of two bacterial products) for each crop. The study aimed to analyse changes in growth indicators and productivity of field mustard and emmer wheat in response to mono- and biinoculation of seeds with plant-associated rhizobacteria. The experiments showed that the application of bacterial products and increasing doses of mineral nitrogen has a stimulating effect on plants. The study proved monoinoculation to be more effective than biinoculation. This may be due to the competing effect of rhizobacterial strains from different bacterial products once the biinoculated seeds are put in soil.

Phytotoxicity evaluation of poly (ɛ-caprolactone) nanocapsules prepared using different methods and compositions in Brassica juncea seeds

The objective of this study was to analyze the phytotoxic effects of poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules on mustard ( Brassica juncea ) seeds. The nanoformulations were prepared using two protocols: PCL nanocapsules containing Tween as a stabilizer (NC TW) and PCL nanocapsules containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a polymer that has emulsifying properties (NC PVA). Two experimental systems were used (nanoformulations sprayed on the substrate and as seed treatment), each one in a factorial scheme with two formulations (NC TW and NC PVA) and five dilutions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the stock formulation). In general, intermediary concentrations of NC TW showed higher phytotoxicity than NC PVA, as indicated by sharper reductions in germination and increases in the percentage of abnormal seedlings. However, in the substrate treatment, NC PVA (100%) led to a sharper reduction in germination than NC TW in the same dilution. NC TW-treated seeds presented greater water absorption. In an additional assay with nanocapsules labeled with a fluorescent probe (rhodamine B), NC PVA-treated seeds showed higher fluorescence intensity in the seed coat. In the case of NC TW-treated seeds, the fluorescence signal tended to move to the seed interior as the nanocapsule levels increased. Moreover, the seed treatment with this formulation induced sharper increases in water uptake by the seeds than NC PVA. The different effects induced by NC TW and NC PVA could be related to the different characteristics of the nanocapsules, as the lower size and more negative charge of NC TW might have favored their entrance into the seeds. • The nanocapsules led to some negative effects on seed germination. • They did not affect shoot and root length of mustard seedlings. • The nanocapsules altered the water uptake by the seeds. • The effects were dependent on the nanocapsules’ characteristics. • The effects were relatively low given the potential benefits of nanoencapsulation.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Biochemical Studies of Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] under Sodic Soil

A field study was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of plant growth regulators on biochemical parameters of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] under sodic soil.” An experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. The field experiment treatments consist of foliar spray with GA3 (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm) and salicylic acid (100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm) were prepared on weight by volume basis as per desired concentration. Data confined to physiological changes like chlorophyll content, catalase activity were recorded at 40, 60 and 80 DAS. Oil content (%) in mature seeds was recorded at maturity. Significantly higher chlorophyll contents and catalase activity in leaves were estimated with the foliar spray of 100 ppm GA3 (2.51, 5.05, 2.24) chlorophyll content mg g-1 fresh weight and (69.17, 173.80, 171.30) catalase activity EU mg-1 protein min-1 and Significantly higher oil content (%) in mature seeds of mustard were estimated with the foliar application of 100 ppm GA3 (40.67 %) as compared to control. These biochemical parameters superior with foliar application of GA3 100ppm followed by Salicylic acid 200ppm.

Attenuating effect of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) seed and its nano formulation on arsenic induced-oxidative stress and associated genotoxicity in rat

ObjectiveArsenic (As) has been in the forefront of toxicological research due to its continual worldwide human exposure and its adverse effects including genotoxicity. The study assessed the potential ameliorative effect of Indian mustard seeds (Brassica juncea) and their nanoparticles against arsenic toxicity. MethodsMale Wistar rats were used for the exposure study. Group I was control and group V was exposed only to the nanoparticles. Groups II, III, and IV were exposed to 10 mg/kg sodium arsenite for two weeks. Groups III and IV were treated with mustard seeds and the nanoparticles (500 mg/kg) respectively. ResultsArsenic intoxication caused a marked increase in the levels of As in the brain. Additionally, oxidative damage was exhibited with significantly enhanced levels of serum 8-OHdG and hepatic p53 and pS15. The pictographs and the analyzed parameters of the COMET assay illustrated DNA damage with significantly increased values of tail moment and length. Treatment with mustard seeds and its nanoparticles markedly reversed the adverse effects of As toxicity, which is attributed to the presence of a gamut of constituent phytocompounds in the mustard seeds. ConclusionTaken together the nano formulation was more efficacious and could be introduced as a potential nutraceutical to combat metal toxicity.

Regulation of flavonoid synthesis by <italic>BjA09.TT8 </italic>and <italic>BjB08.TT8</italic> genes in <italic>Brassica juncea</italic>

<p id="C3">bHLH transcription factors TT8 can effectively regulate the biosynthesis of plant flavonoids. In this study, two copies of <italic>TT8 </italic>were obtained in <italic>Brassica juncea</italic> by homologous cloning method, and named <italic>BjA09.TT8</italic> and <italic>BjB08.TT8</italic>, which encoded 521 and 517 amino acids, respectively. Interestedly, qRT-PCR showed that the relative expression levels of the two copies in leaves were significantly higher than those in stems and roots, both responded to jasmonic acid (JA) signal, and the relative expression levels of <italic>Bju.TT8</italic> reached maximum after 50 µmol L^-1methyl jasmonate treatment for 0.5 hour. Furthermore, we found that both <italic>Bj.TT8</italic> can increase the contents of total flavonoids in hairy roots of purple leaf mustard and green leaf mustard cultiver Sichuan Yellow Seed by hairy root system overexpression assay. It promoted the expression of flavonoid synthesis<italic> Bj.CHS</italic>, indicating they acted as redundant function. Over expression of <italic>BjA09.TT8 </italic>and <italic>BjB08.TT8 </italic>of wild-type <italic>Arabidopsis</italic> and <italic>Arabidopsis tt8</italic> mutant revealed that the leaf colour of overexpressed <italic>Arabidopsis</italic> plant turned purple. Moreover, the contents of total flavonoid and proanthocyanidins increased significantly. In summary, <italic>BjA09.TT8 </italic>and <italic>BjB08.TT8</italic> genes could promote the synthesis of flavonoids in<italic> Brassica juncea</italic>, which provided a reference for further analysis of the regulatory mechanism of proanthocyanidin synthesis in <italic>Brassica</italic>.

The effect of hardaliye on reducing the formation of malondialdehyde during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of meat products

Hardaliye is a non-alcoholic beverage produced from red/black grapes by adding mustard seeds and lactic acid fermentation. In this study, it was aimed to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of hardaliye samples produced with three different grape varieties (Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) before and after in vitro digestion, to determine their bioaccessibility, and to investigate their effects on reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in meat products. TPC decreased after in vitro digestion in all three hardaliye samples and their bioaccessibility values were 57.64%, 41.54%, and 52.78% (for Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon hardaliye, respectively). After in vitro digestion TAC value according to the DPPH method increased in all samples and according to the CUPRAC method decreased in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon hardaliye samples, while it increased in the Shiraz hardaliye. After in vitro digestion, MDA value increased in control meat samples and decreased in the samples treated with hardaliye samples. Although treatment with other beverages was effective in reducing the post-digestion MDA value of some meat samples, the hardaliye samples were more effective in reducing this value and the lowest MDA bioaccessibility (%) values were determined in those treated with hardaliye samples. The samples with the lowest values were meat doner 1 treated with Shiraz hardaliye (10.27%); burger patties 2 treated with Shiraz hardaliye (22.40%); and meatball 2 treated with Cabernet Sauvignon hardaliye (7.12%). These findings indicate that hardaliye has potential beneficial health effects and can be used for the design of healthy eating patterns due to its lipid oxidation reducing potential in the gastrointestinal tract.

Experimental and theoretical evaluation of aqueous black mustard seeds extract as sustainable-green inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 acid solutions

The inhibitory potential of aqueous black mustard seed (BMS) extract on mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 solutions was tested using various chemicals (Hydrogen Evolution, HE, and Weight Loss, WL) and electrochemical (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, EIS, and Potentiodynamic Polarization, PDP) methods. The adsorption process was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle technique. Computational studies were also used to improve the visualization of the adsorption mechanism of the active components found in BMS on the metal surface. The results showed that aqueous BMS extract had a superior ability to inhibit mild steel corrosion in 2 M H2SO4 (IE% = 94.83 at 3.5 g/L). Polarization outcomes demonstrated that the BMS functioned as a mixed-type inhibitor. The findings are consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. FT-IR, contact angle, and SEM successfully showed the formation of a dense and ordered BMS-adsorbed film. The calculated Ea in the absence and presence of BMS revealed that physisorption and chemisorption played a role in the inhibition mechanism. Using DFT quantum-chemical calculations and MD simulations, a relationship can be established between the electronic structure of Sinigrin, the main component in BMS, and its ability to inhibit corrosion. BMS extract showed exceptional inhibitory activity in a wide range of H2SO4 concentrations. One of the important aspects of this study is the possibility of applying BMS as a greener alternative to design environmentally friendly materials in working on corrosion problems of metallic equipment in acidic environments.

Development of Soil Substitutes for the Sustainable Land Reclamation of Coal Mine-Affected Areas

The main purpose of this paper was to outline a novel approach for the use of industrial by-products generated in coal mines and coal-fired power plants as the components for artificial soils. Several coal combustion by-products, coal mine waste and organic waste materials were tested at laboratory scale for use in the reclamation of areas degraded by coal mining activity. The role of artificial soils was the land rehabilitation of the high acidic waste heap. The results revealed that the amounts of organic matter (14.87–25.01%) and nutrients in the soil substitutes were sufficient to support plant growth, i.e., N (0.37–0.51%), P (0.23–0.47%), K (1.78–3.17%), Ca (4.93–8.39%) and Mg (1.16–1.71%). A phytotoxicity test using white mustard (Sinapis alba) seeds under laboratory conditions showed good germination results (56–66%) for three soil substitutes that did not contain fly ash from biomass combustion, compared to the reference soil (84%). The relationships established for the aqueous leachate parameters of soil substitutes vs. the Sinapis alba germination revealed negative correlations with electrical conductivity (r = −0.88), SO42− (r = −0.91) and Cl− (r = −0.70) ions; the two latter ones were responsible for the salinity which hampered the germination process of the soil substitutes. Moreover, quite similar correlations were obtained between the germination of Sinapis alba and the trace elements of the soil substitutes: Fe (r = −0.69), Cd (r = −0.72), Cu (r = −0.80), Pb (r = −0.78) and Zn (r = −0.74). However, negative and significant correlations in aqueous leachates were shown only with Ni concentration (r = −0.73). The relevance of these results for the effect of salinity on germination and the early growth of S. alba was discussed in detail and was confirmed with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study proved that the physicochemical characteristic of recycled wastes exhibited their potential usefulness for the reclamation of affected areas such as mine waste heaps.

Quick determination of erucic acid in mustard oils and seeds

Erucic acid is known to have negative effects on the human health and is therefore regulated in nutritional products such as vegetable oils. In order to determine the content of erucic acid in mustard oil an oil must be pressed from seeds, the oil derivatized into fatty acid methyl esters and then analyzed by gas chromatography. By using thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation we were able to develop a method that can determine the content of erucic acid in mustard oils directly from the mustard seeds, thus avoiding time consuming pressing and off-line derivatization steps. Eleven samples have been tested and the results are in good agreement with conventional oil analysis.It could further be shown that even mustard varieties which are listed as erucic acid free can produce certain amounts of this fatty acid under certain environmental conditions, which supports the need for a fast and reliable screening method which enables analysis directly from the seeds.

Conversations with the Dead

Conversations with the Dead

Salt Removal through Residue-Filled Cut-Soiler Simulated Preferential Shallow Subsurface Drainage Improves Yield, Quality and Plant Water Relations of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Soil salinity and the use of saline groundwater are two major constraints in crop production, which covers a ~1.0 billion ha area of arid and semi-arid regions. The improved drainage function of soil can modify the salty growing environment for higher agricultural production. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of cut-soiler-constructed rice residue-filled preferential shallow subsurface drainage (PSSD) to improve the drainage function and its effect on the yield, quality and plant–water relations of mustard over 2019–2021. Cut-soiler-simulated drains were made in a semi-controlled lysimeter (2 × 2 × 3; L*W*H m) as the main plot treatment in a double replicated split–split experiment with two soil types (subplot) and three irrigation water salinities (4, 8 and 12 dS m−1) as the sub-sub-plot treatment. The drainage volume of variable salinity (EC), dependent on the total water input, was substantially higher in the rainy season (April to October), i.e., 16.6, 7.76 and 12.0% during 2018, 2019 and 2020, with 1.7, 0.32 and 0.77 kg salt removal per lysimeter, compared to the post-rainy season. The mustard seed, straw and biological yields were improved by 31.4, 14.41 and 18.08%, respectively, due to a positive effect on plant–water relations. The mustard seeds produced in the cut-soiler-treated plots recorded higher oil, crude fiber and protein contents and a lower erucic acid content. The increase in salt load, by higher-salinity irrigation water, was also efficiently managed by using cut-soiler PSSD. It was found that the saline irrigation water up to 12.0 dS m−1 can be used under such PSSD without any extra salt loading. The present study showed the potential of cut-soiler PSSD in root zone salinity management by improving drainage in salt-affected arid regions.

Enrichment of glucosinolate and carotenoid contents of mustard sprouts by using green elicitors during germination

White mustard seeds is a rich source of the glucosinolate glucosinalbin, although these levels are reduced during seed germination. This study aimed to enrich glucosinolate contents of white mustard sprouts during 9 days of germination (22 ± 2ºC) using different elicitors. The effect of such elicitors on the carotenoid biosynthesis during germination was also studied. As chemical elicitors, methyljasmonate (MeJA-10–100 μM) and salicylic acid (SA-50–300 μM) were applied daily as a spray during germination (light/darkness photoperiod (16/8 h) or 24-h darkness). As an abiotic physical elicitor, UV-B radiation (52 kJ m-2) was applied on 8-days-old sprouts (photoperiod or darkness) followed by 24-h acclimatization. The cotyledon area/stem length was not affected by elicitor treatments. The highest glucosinalbin retention was achieved with MeJA-25 or SA-300 after 9 days under the photoperiod, and even enhanced up to 280% with UV-B. The highest carotenoid contents were achieved in MeJA-50 or SA-50 samples after 9 days under photoperiod. UV-B applied to MeJA-50 and SA-50 samples enhanced β-carotene/lutein contents by 560/280 and 620/350%, respectively, under the photoperiod. Glucosinolate and carotenoid enhancements with elicitors were lower during germination under darkness. Conclusively, germination with MeJA or SA enriched glucosinolate and carotenoid contents of white mustard and even increased after UV-B treatment.

The Master in the Clouds: Imagining Li Yu in Early Modern Japan

The Chinese novelist and playwright Li Yu 李漁 (1610~1680) enjoyed great fame in Japan since the 1690s when he was introduced to Japanese readers of the Tokugawa period. Particularly important in the reception history of Li Yu in Japan was Jieziyuan huazhuan, the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting. The reproduction and reinterpretation of Jieziyuan huazhuan in Tokugawa Japan shaped Li Yu’s reputation as a literatus ideal among his Japanese readers in spite of his obscure reputation among his Chinese contemporaries. Through a wide range of primary materials, this article examines the idolization of Li Yu in the middle and late Tokugawa period and argues that it was a result of the misrepresentation of Li Yu as a literati painting master, as well as a hermit fiction writer. The close connection established between him and Jieziyuan huazhuan led to the recognition of him in Tokugawa Japan as one of the greatest literati painting artists. Meanwhile, the imagination of him as a hermit further established his image as the ideal of literati spirit among his Japanese admirers. Such idolization in turn contributed to his reputation in early modern China when his works were re-introduced to Chinese readers in the 1930s.

PEGylated Nanoencapsulate of Melatonin-Rich Supercritical CO2 Extract of Yellow Mustard Seeds is an Authentic Lead for Type 2 Diabetes and Cholesterol Management

This study aimed to formulate melatonin (MT)-rich nanocapsulates from natural sources for mitigating hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes. The in vivo hypocholesterolemic and antidiabetic efficacies of the MT-rich extract of yellow mustard (YM) seeds has already been established in our previous investigation. This outcome prompted us to formulate nanoliposomes of the aforesaid extract to enhance the said therapeutic efficacies. YM extract has been encapsulated in the form of nanoliposomes (YM-PN) and subjected to detailed functional characterization. YM-PN has been administered orally (550 mg/kg b.w. for 28 days) in Wistar albino rats and, post-sacrification their plasma MT level, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, serum lipid profile and activities of key enzymes of glucose and cholesterol metabolic pathways were assayed. Functional characterization of YM-PN revealed PEGylated-o/w type-hydrophilic nanoliposomes which demonstrated prolonged and sustained release of MT (63.32% after 8 h). A synergistic consortium of antioxidants conferred strong antioxidant activity to YM-PN. Oral administration of YM-PN to diabetic and hypercholesterolemic rats restored their normal FBG and total cholesterol (TC) levels, respectively, with desirable up-down regulations of key enzymes of glucose and cholesterol homeostasis. Plasma MT levels also improved in these animals. The in vitro non-invasive model of iHOMA2 predicted that YM-PN increased hepatic insulin sensitivity and/ or glucose uptake in the gut in diabetic rats. The synergistic consortium of bioactives (including melatonin) in YM-PN is an authentic lead for natural product-based medicines in redressing hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes.

Towards Recreation of Food Commodities Based on Ancient Texts; The Case of Avyrtake

The aim of the present study was to attempt the recreation of a highly appreciated food commodity of antiquity, called avyrtake, using information derived from ancient texts. The available information included the raw materials, the texture and the taste of the raw materials. On the contrary, the relative proportion of the raw materials as well as the production procedure had to be inferred on the basis of their modern-day use. For that purpose, and based on the above, a mixture of shredded cabbage and leek, salt, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and shredded garlic, as well as ground green cardamon and mustard seeds were pressed into a fermentation jar in order to form a brine and left at 18 °C for fermentation to take place. The latter was driven by lactic acid bacteria, mostly by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The final product had a sour character, which matched the organoleptic description available from the ancient texts, and it received high ranks.

Analysis of pectolytic enzymes and Alternaria spp. in fresh dill, mustard seeds, onions, and vinegar, and their influence on the softening of pickled cucumbers.

Proteolytic enzymes or fungi have long been identified as causing softening of pickled cucumbers. As the softening of cucumbers occurs mainly in the pasteurized state, this study considers the hypothesis that vinegar and the added spices could be responsible for this softening by studying polygalacturonase (endo-/exo-PG), pectinesterase (PE), and pectin lyase, as well as Alternaria spp. found in the spices. Because of the high endo-PG activity found in dill, this spice emerged as a possible factor causing spoilage. Compared to dill, the enzyme activity in mustard seeds is eight times lower, and only low levels of enzymes or Alternaria spp. are present in onions or vinegar. Different harvest times and the associated degree of freshness of dill also played a crucial role regarding the endo-PG activity of up to 25.11U/g (30°C, mature and very woody dill in late July) but of less than 9.00U/g in fresh and soft green dill harvested in late June. A temperature of 80°C, held for 3min, reduced the enzyme activity to less than 1.0 U/g. A final examination of cucumbers with a fixed quantity of mustard seeds, vinegar, and onions but with different variants of dill showed that the quantity of dill and the other ingredients added to the jars is not a potential factor leading to cucumber softening, which conflicts with the hypothesis of cucumber spoilage by vinegar and spices. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work provides insights into the activity of various pectolytic enzymes and the load of Alternaria spp. in different ingredients used for pickle production. Based on these data and additional pasteurization experiments, this paper evaluates the influence of dill, onions, mustard seeds, and vinegar on cucumber softening.

An Overview on Bio Herbicides in Organic Horticulture

For organic horticulturists, weeds are one of the most difficult, time consuming, or costly production concerns. As the consequence of the organic agriculture has grown, so has the demand for innovative bio pesticides to control weeds. Pathogens, organic chemicals, and natural fiber extracts might all be employed to develop viable bio herbicides. Pathogenic fungus and bacteria are two of the most common microorganisms that might be used as bioherbicides. Herbicidal properties have been proven in byproducts from natural source like as dry distiller's grain with soluble, corns gluten meals or mustard seeds meal. Bioherbicide potential has also been discovered in essential oil extracts. When applying a bioherbicide, the most important factor to consider is its efficacy, which may be impacted by a variety of factors such as humidity and moisture, application technique, bioherbicide spectrum, and formulation type. Aside from efficacy, bioherbicide use is limited due to cost and concerns about potential human health risks. Because incorporating advanced bioherbicide techniques into existing weed-control offerings could help manage herbicide, lower costs, but also increase crop yields, future research should focus on developing more cost-effective but still effective bioherbicides for weed control, as well as optimizing manufacturing techniques rather than traditions through the use of application submission bioherbicides.

Improvement of Growth performance, Biochemical Blood Profiles, and Meat Peroxidation by the Inclusion of Mustard Seed Extract in Broilers' Drinking Water.

Growth promoters are used in the broiler industry of Iraq, and herbal plants are believed to be one of the safest growth-promoting agents in modern poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous mustard (Brassica juncea) seed (MS) extract on broiler production. A total of 160 unsexed day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were selected and exposed to different doses of MS included in drinking water for six weeks. Afterward, MS was added to the treatment groups of T1 (control), T2, T3, and T4 in the dosage of 0mL, 3mL, 5 mL, and 7 mL per liter of drinking water, respectively. Results indicated that the birds that were given extract (T2, T3, T4) for the three weeks were fed significantly more diet, compared to the control treatment group (189.4 g vs. 159.6g) (P<0.05). Accordingly, the Body Weight (BW) of these birds recorded on days 28 (1232, 1252, 1300g) and 35 (1840, 1900, 1960g) were significantly higher, compared to the birds in the control treatment on days 28 (1147g) and 35 (1657g), respectively. On days 28 and 35, the birds in T2, T3, T4 treatment groups had significantly higher Body Weight Gain (BWG) (P<0.05), compared to the control group (G1). Improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was observed in the 5th week for the birds that were administrated MS extract (5 and 7mL /liter), compared to the control group (P<0.05). The total serum level of protein, phosphorus, and calcium was increased in birds in the treatment group T4 (7.5 g/dL). Moreover, lower cholesterol values and higher values of alkaline phosphatase were obtained in birds in the treatment groups T2, T 3, and T4 (P<0.05). On day 35, higher meat peroxidation was observed in the fresh samples (after 24 h of slaughtering) of birds receiving different levels of MS extract, compared to the birds in the control group. The obtained results revealed that 5-7 mL of MS extract can be considered a functional growth- promoter for commercial broilers, although further studies are needed to confirm MS as a growth promoter.

Jesus’ Parables of Growth of the Kingdom of God and Anton Chekhov’s «The Steppe»

The article considers the reminiscences of a number of Jesus’ parables found in Anton Chekhov’s «The Steppe», such as the Parables of the Talents and of the Minas, the Parable of the Leaven, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the Parable of&#x0D; Drawing in the Net, the Parable of the Great Supper, and the Parable of the Lamp under a Bushel. They are ranked according to archpriest Lev Liperovsky’s classifi-&#x0D; cation as those of the «birth and growth of the Kingdom of God in the human soul». It is shown that «initiation tests», that Egorushka had to undergo during his journey&#x0D; across the steppe, are connected with the story devoted to the Exodus of the Israelis from Egypt and their wanderings in the desert. The idea of spiritual growth is ex-pressed mostly by the image of the cookie given to the boy by Roza, which serves as&#x0D; a parallel to manna and the Divine Body of Jesus Christ. The image of the fish has the same meaning. «Spiritual» food is contrasted with the «temporal» one: cucum-&#x0D; bers, melons, which the Israelis ate in Egypt, and poppy seeds, which figure in the myth of Demeter. Money is a material equivalent of the spiritual. The author comes&#x0D; to the conclusion that the task, set before the hero of the story, a protagonist, concerning liberation from the slavery of self-love has not been accomplished. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the New Testament reminiscences, as far as&#x0D; we know, have not been given sufficient consideration.