Orthodihydric Phenols Research Articles

Bio-efficacy of mustard seed extracts against Bihar hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) & assessment of mustard allelo-chemicals in response to mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Aphididae: Hemiptera) infestation

Mustard seed contains glucosinolate-myrosinase system of substrate-enzyme metabolism, accompanied with compartmentalized cells. Upon rupture, enzyme myrosinase leads to breakdown of glucosinolates and its metabolized products like allyl, benzyl, phenyl type of isothiocyantes and many other types like nitriles are released. The myrosinase activity is tested in three globally utilized different seed coat color mustards viz., brown mustard (Brassica juncea), white mustard (Sinapis alba) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) to demonstrate the release of glucosinolates which are known to deter insect pests. Aqueous seed extracts of these mustard types were subjected to anti-feedant activity analysis and oil extracted from these mustard seeds was subjected to insecticidal activity analysis against Spilosoma obliqua 4th instars on castor leaves. Meanwhile, the mustard leaves in open field were allowed for natural aphid infestation during early months from January to March. Thereafter, the leaf twigs of white, black and brown mustard, infested and uninfested by aphids, were collected and myrosinase activity of plants was analyzed with varying levels of important pest inflicted biochemicals in plant, viz., Total phenols, ortho-dihydric phenols and flavonols. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis of mustard oil used in insecticidal activity was performed to elucidate the role of biochemicals involved in action. These compounds along with fatty acids and sterols compounds are known to have anti-feedant & insecticidal activities. Aqueous extract components were also subjected to total glucosinolate analysis, spectrophotometrically for knowing their concentration, with highest in brown (85.81 µmol/g) followed by black (59.32 µmol/g) and lowest in white mustard (47.63 µmol/g). The amount of glucosinolates, free fatty acids & sterol compounds present in different coat color mustard seed types are being correlated here with their potential bioactivities against biological plant pests. Bio-control of potentially harmful insect pests is possible by utilizing anti-feeding & insecticidal potential of mustard seed extracts.

Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities of Hexane and Methanol extracts of Acmella uliginosa from Terai region of Uttarakhand

Acmella uliginosa, an edible herb belonging to Asteraceae family, was collected from the Terai region of Uttarakhand, India. Methanol and hexane extracts of the whole plant were prepared using soxhlet apparatus. The GC-MS analysis of plant extracts identifies 22 and 35 major compounds of methanol and hexane extracts which comprises of 74.21% and 73.20% of the total composition of extracts, respectively. The major compound in hexane was 2, 4-heptadienal (7.99%) whereas trans, trans-9, 12-octadecadienoic acid propyl ester (16.96%) was major compound in methanol extract. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methanol extract showed higher free radical scavenging and reducing power activities with IC50 value 153.82±1.69 μg/mL and RP50 value of 152.28±0.41 μg/mL, respectively. The metal chelating activity was higher in hexane extract as compared to methanol extract i.e., 62.08±0.25 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory activity assessed by its ability to inhibit denaturation was higher in methanol having IB50 value 87.33±0.15 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and ortho-dihydric phenol content (ODP) of methanol and hexane extracts were also evaluated. TPC, TFC and ODP was higher in methanol extract having value of 122.23±0.22, 35.01±0.29 and 8±0.86 mg/mL, respectively. Acmella uliginosa, might be considered as a natural source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The abundance of epiphytic liverworts on the bark of Cryptomeria japonica in relation to different physical and biochemical attributes, found in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Darjeeling, Eastern Himalaya

BackgroundMaintenance of biodiversity is an integral part of sustainable forest management. Epiphytic bryophytes are an important element of biodiversity. Thus, this work aims to study the role of different physical and biochemical factors in affecting the growth and proliferation of epiphytic liverworts. Fifty trees in three different plots, distributed in Senchal wildlife sanctuary, Darjeeling, were surveyed. Factors such as light intensity, moisture, and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the tree were studied to evaluate their possible role in affecting epiphytic liverworts. The effect of bark biochemical characteristics on the abundance of epiphytic liverworts was also studied by undertaking a quantitative test of pH, phenol, flavonoid, ortho-dihydric phenol, terpene, total sugar, and tannin. Multiple regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were carried out to test the effects of these parameters.ResultsLight intensity, moisture, and DBH highly influenced the abundance of liverworts. Old trees had higher epiphytic liverwort cover than younger ones. Bark biochemical properties like pH, phenol, flavonoid, ortho-dihydric phenol, tannin and sugar did not have a significant effect on the epiphytic liverwort cover, while the terpenoid content of the bark reduced liverworts cover.ConclusionTo sustain the occurrence of epiphytic liverworts in ecosystems, forest management should ensure the presence of old trees. Light intensity and moisture had a large effect on the distribution and abundance of liverworts, so it is important to maintain tree cover, shrub layer, and tree density.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Insect Antifeeding Activity of Ardisia solanacea Roxb. Extracts

The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate biological activities of the ethyl acetate leaf and stem extract of A. solanacea Roxb. collected from Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Extracts were obtained from the plant using Soxhlet method in ethyl acetate. Qualitative analysis showed the abundance of alkaloids, carbohydrates, resins, diterpenes, triterpenes, fats and oils in both the extracts. While quantitative analysis by GC/MS resulted the dominance of aristolone (18.59 %), 3-hydroxy-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid, silylat (8.36 %), α-amyrin (6.36 %) and α-amyrenone (5.14 %) in the leaf extract (ELEAS) whereas, 4,6,6-trimethyl-2-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-3-oxatricyclo octane (16.19 %), 3-hydroxy-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid silylat (10.55 %) and palmitic acid (6.99 %) in the stem extract (ESEAS). Among both the extracts, ELEAS showed higher phenolic, flavonoid and ortho-dihydric phenol content. Upon in vitro antioxidant activity assessment of both the extracts, ELEAS showed highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 144.08±0.2 μg/mL), reducing power (RP50 = 176.29±0.52 μg/mL) and metal chelating effect (IC= 1.99±0.09 μg/mL) as evaluated against standard antioxidants. Statistical analysis reveals the negative correlation of total phenols with IC values of various antioxidant assays signifying the potentiality of the plant extracts to be potential antioxidant. ELEAS (IB = 3.3±0.21) showed a strong in vitro anti-inflammatory effect relative to the diclofenac sodium. The antifeedant activity of both the extracts was performed against Spilosoma obliqua and the results showed ELEAS to possessed highest % antifeeding with 98.50 % feeding inhibition.

Impact of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Bioactive Principles of Seeds of Coastal Sand Dune Wild Legumes (Canavalia spp.).

Recent patents reveal that vegetable ingredients have several applications in novel food formulations. Many so-called antinutritional components (e.g. tannins, saponins, lectins and protease inhibitors) have nutraceutical as well as pharmaceutical significance. Seeds of two wild legumes of the genus Canavalia inhabitants of the coastal sand dunes of Southwest India are known for a variety of bioactive principles (e.g. phenolics, tannins, canavanine, concanavalin and phytohemagglutinins). This study evaluates the impact of Electron Beam (EB) irradiation on the bioactive components of seeds of two coastal sand dune wild legumes Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima. The dry seeds of C. cathartica and C. maritima were EB irradiated with different doses (2.5, 5, 10 and 15 kGy) to follow changes in six bioactive principles (total phenolics, orthodihydric phenols, tannins, canavanine, trypsin inhibitors and phytohemagglutinins) in comparison to control seeds. One-way ANOVA was employed to follow the variation in bioactive components of seeds in control and different doses of irradiation. Seeds of both legumes were devoid of orthodihydric phenols and trypsin inhibitors. In C. cathartica, the total phenolics showed significant dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy and decreased thereafter. Tannin content was not altered up to 10 kGy followed by significant decrease at 15 kGy. There was no significant change in canavanine content and the phytohemagglutinin activity against human erythrocytes was not altered. Seeds of C. maritima did not show significant changes in total phenolics as well as tannin contents. The content of canavanine showed significant dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy followed by significant decrease. There was no variation in phytohemagglutinin activity against erythrocytes A, B and O, while against AB, the activity decreased at 2.5 kGy and further decrease was constant at higher doses. The EB irradiation doses employed have selectively altered the bioactive principles of Canavalia seeds and such treatments may facilitate to maneuver desired medicinal, nutritional, functional and cooking properties. Besides selective changes in bioactive components the seeds have extended shelf life.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis of Sugar Beet Leaf Extracts in Response to Exogenous Application of Resistance Inducers to Manage Sugar Beet Powdery Mildew

The effect of foliar application of some chemical resistance inducers i.e., chitosan, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and tap water as a control were tested to evaluate their efficacy to induce systemic resistance against Erysiphe betae, the causal agent of sugar beet powdery mildew (Herkl cv.) versus the traditional fungicide Opera under greenhouse and field conditions at Gemmeiza Agric. Res. Sta., Agric. Res. Cent. (ARC), Egypt during two successive winter seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016). Under greenhouse conditions, results revealed that spraying plants with all the tested IRCs reduced the disease severity of powdery mildew. The fungicide Opera was the most effective treatment in reducing disease severity and increasing the efficacy followed by chitosan and salicylic acid. Also, all treatments significantly increased total phenols and orthodihydric (OD) phenol content of the leaves compared to the control at 15, 30 and 45 days after inoculation. The GC-MS analysis of methanol extracts of 60 days old leaves of sugar beet plants under the greenhouse conditions, which have been treated with chitosan, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid as inducers to the systemic resistance of sugar beet against Erysiphe betae recorded the highest concentration (peak area %) for all bioactive phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic compounds, fatty acid methyl esters, terpenoids, phenolics and steroids that can be postulated for antimicrobial activity compared to control (tap water). Under field conditions, results indicated that the fungicide Opera was the most effective treatment for controlling powdery mildew followed by ascorbic acid. Meanwhile, all treatments showed lower effect than the fungicide Opera in this regard but higher than control. All treatments increased root yield per feddan compared to the control. The fungicide Opera and salicylic acid gave the highest root yield per feddan followed by ascorbic acid then chitosan. Moreover, salicylic acid and the fungicide Opera gave the highest percentages of total soluble solids (T.S.S.) and sucrose percentages, whereas salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and fungicide Opera gave the highest percentages of purity in sugar beet roots.

Role of some Non-traditional Compounds in Managing Sugar Beet Powdery Mildew

Certain non-traditional compounds such as compost tea, humic acid and sulphated canola oil were tested as foliar application to evaluate their efficacy to induce systemic resistance against Erysiphe betae, the causal agent of powdery mildew in sugar beet (Herkl cv.) versus the traditional fungicide Opera under greenhouse and field conditions at Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Center (A.R.C.), Egypt during two successive winter seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016). Under greenhouse conditions, results revealed that spraying plants with all the tested compounds reduced disease severity of powdery mildew. The fungicide Opera was the most effective treatment in reducing disease severity and increasing the efficacy followed by Sulplex, compost tea and humic acid. Also, all treatments significantly increased total phenols and orthodihydric (OD) phenol content of the leaves compared to the control 15, 30 and 45 days after inoculation. Also, spraying plants with the tested compounds increased the activity of peroxidase (PO), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and chitinase enzymes compared to the control, 15, 30 and 45 days after artificial inoculation. Inthe detection of chitinase activity by using SDS-glycol chitin polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the molecular weight for all samples ranged from 28 to 30 kDa. high intensity band expressing the highest chitinase activity was found in compost-tea treatment followed by Sulplex. Moreover, control, fungicide Opera and humic acid treatments showed low chitinase activity. Under field experiments, results indicated that the fungicide Opera was the most effective treatment for controlling powdery mildew followed by Sulplex and compost tea. Meanwhile, humic acid was the lowest effective one in this regard. All treatments increased root yield per feddan compared to the control. The fungicide Opera and Sulplex gave the highest root yield per feddan followed by compost tea then humic acid. Moreover, compost tea and Sulplex gave the highest percentages of total soluble solids (T.S.S.), sucrose percentages in beet roots and purity.

Antagonistic Streptomyces enhances defense-related responses in cotton for biocontrol of wilt caused by phytotoxin of Verticillium dahliae

Verticillium wilt of cotton is a severe soil-borne disease caused by Verticillium dahliae worldwide. Phytotoxin of V. dahliae (VD-toxin) plays a crucial role in inducing the wilt syndrome in cotton. In this study, spores of four antagonistic isolates were used in the form of powdered biocontrol agent (BCA) to protect cotton from the toxic and wilting effect of VD-toxin. The application of powdered Streptomyces BCA to soil at the time of sowing considerably enhanced defense-related enzyme activities and increased ortho-dihydric phenol and lignin contents in cotton plants after 6 week cultivation in a greenhouse. Compared to the control treatment, Streptomyces BCA treatment severely enhanced defense-related responses in cotton plants within 24 h post-VD-toxin treatment, which further decreased the accumulation of malondialdehyde and mitigated the losses of root activity, leaf total chlorophyll content, and leaf water content. Ultimately, the Streptomyces BCA treatment weakened the pathogenic effect of VD-toxin on cotton and reduced Verticillium wilt by 20.5% to 68.2% at 72 h. These results indicate that the induction of systemic disease resistance and the reduction of VD-toxin’s pathogenic effect are two important mechanisms of antagonistic Streptomyces BCA for biocontrol of Verticillium wilt of cotton.

Antioxidant potential of Fraxinus floribunda Bark Extracted through Various Aqueous Processing

Introduction: Fraxinus floribunda Wallich (Oleaceae) is an ethno-medicinal plant found in Sikkim, India. The leaves of the plant are traditionally used in fracture, dislocation and other inflammatory conditions. From our survey, it was found that the successive aqueous decoction of the bark of this plant is prescribed to diabetic patients by herbal practitioners. In the present study the bark of Fraxinus floribunda was extracted through various boiling procedures and cold percolation method to assess the effect of process variation on the antioxidant activity. Methods: The dried bark sample of Fraxinus floribunda was subjected to three hydrothermal procedures and cold percolation method. The obtained extracts were investigated spectrophotometrically against DPPH, ABTS + , nitric oxide, superoxide and ferric reducing power. Metal chelating activity and anti-lipid peroxidation assay were also performed along with quantitative estimation of total phenolics, flavonols and ortho-dihydric phenol content. Results: The lowest IC 50 values for DPPH (0.241 mg/ml), ABTS + (0.0284 mg/ml), nitric oxide (5.3151 mg/ml), anti-lipid peroxidation assay (2.29 mg/ml) were exhibited by the extract obtained through pressure boiling. The same sample also showed highest ferric reducing power and total phenol content. Maximum total flavonol and ortho-dihydric phenol content were exhibited by the extracts obtained through normal boiling and Soxhletion respectively. Conclusion: The bark of Fraxinus floribunda contains potentially active antioxidants. Extracts obtained through pressure boiling showed significant antioxidant activity therefore it seems to be the most effective method of extraction for acquiring antioxidants. The providing data can enrich the existing comprehensive data of antioxidant activity of plant materials.

Dynamic Changes in Antioxidant Activity during Floral Development of Couroupita guianensis

Aims: To establish and optimize the in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flower of C. guianensis at different developmental stages. Place and Duration of Study: Plant Physiology and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, between December 2010 and November 2011. Methodology: The antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of C. guianensis flower of different developmental stages were investigated spectrophotometrically against DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, NO, superoxide, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation, along with ferric reducing power, metal chelating and β-carotene bleaching assay were performed. Total phenols, flavonoids and ortho-dihydric phenols were also determined by folin-ciocalteu, aluminium chloride and Arnow's reagent based standard methods respectively. Results: The methanolic extract of floral stage-I was found to possess higher level of phenolic content, flavonoids as well as ortho-dihydric phenol content. The younger floral stages, stage-I and stage-II were observed with highly potential free radical scavenging activity, while stage-III showed highest degradation rate for β-carotene bleaching assay and stage-IV showed highest anti-lipid per oxidation activity against thiobarbituric acid. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the early floral stage showed the highest polyphenolic content and best antioxidant activity, therefore the early stages of this flower is suggested as the best harvest stage for medicinal purposes. Further studies are required for the isolation of active principles responsible for its antioxidant activity.

Biochemical Studies in Some Indigenous Dye Yielding Plants of Manipur

Ten natural dye yielding and two mordant plants were biochemically analyzed. Though natural dyes are widely used, information about the active principles responsible for dyeing is hardly available. In the present experiment, total chlorophyll, carotinoids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids and curcumin were determined among the dye yielding plants, while K, S, P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu and Co were determined in the case of mordant plants. In Bixa orellana, used for yellow dyeing, the carotinoid content was 163.11 mg g-1 and in Clerodendrum chinense and Datura stramonium, which were used for green colouring, total chlorophyll content of 10.29 mg and 11.83 mg g-1 was recorded. Curcumin content responsible for orange colouring in Curcuma domestica was 27.7 mg g-1 while flavonoid content in Solanum nigrum and Terminalia chebula, which were used for brown, brown to black dyes was 24.89 and 21.73 mg g-1. Among the plants used for dyeing different colours, Punica granatum and Parkia timoriana were found to contain higher amounts of total phenols and bound phenols by recording 681.2 mg g-1 and 287.6 mg g-1 total phenols and 151.6 mg g-1 and 130.2mg g-1 bound phenols, while higher amounts of orthodihydric phenols and tannins were recorded in Punica granatum and Strobilanthes flaccidifolius by recording 20.11mg g-1 and 9.54mg g-1 orthodihydric phenols and 675.57mg g-1 and 648.12 mg g-1 tannins, respectively. In case of the plants used as mordant, higher contents of Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Fe and Mn were detected in Achyranthes aspera, while higher amounts of P, Fe and Cu were recorded in Garcinia xanthochymus.

Effect of Domestic Processing Methods on Dry Matter, Total Sugar, Phenolics and Mineral Composition in Different Developmental Stages of Parkia roxburghii G. (Don.) Pods

Parkia roxburghii is considered delicious in the Northeastern part of India, especially in the state of Manipur. Though it is widely used, information about the biochemical composition and its changes, after processing, is hardly available. In the present experiment, effect of processing methods on dry matter, soluble sugar, phenolics and mineral composition in different developmental stages of P. roxburghii pods were studied. Total soluble sugar (TSS), total phenols (TP), and orthodihydric phenols (ODHP) were determined as per the methods of Morris (1948), Bray and Thorpe (1954) and Mahadevan and Sridhar (1986). Sodium (Na), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and phosphorus (P) were estimated as per the procedures of Tandon (1993). Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) were analyzed in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Processing methods reduced dry matter, soluble sugar and phenolics in all the stages of the pod. TP and ODHP lost up to the extent of 72.78% in tender stage due to ordinary cooking, while higher loss of ODHP recorded in immature stage of the pod due to pressure cooking. Ca, Mg, K and Zn in different stages were found to be affected significantly by different methods of cooking, while no such changes were observed in case of S, P, Fe, Mn and Cu. The level of iron amongst the micro minerals is appreciably high recording up to 51.0 mg/100 g in the immature stage of the pod. As iron, zinc and manganese are antioxidant micronutrients, their higher presence in P. roxburghii might be of some nutritional importance.

Induction of Defense Enzymes in Trichoderma harzianum Treated Groundnut Plants against Macrophomina phaseolina

Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma harzianum isolated from the rhizosphere of groundnut was determined in vitro. T. harzianum decreased the root rot incidence in vivo. Potential of T. harzianum to induce systemic resistance was tested in groundnut against Macrophomina phaseolina . Biochemical changes in T. harzianum treated plants, M. phaseolina inoculated plants and healthy plants were assayed at different stages of infection. Treatment with T. harzianum and challenge inoculation of M. phaseolina enhanced induction of defense enzymes such as peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and defense compounds like total phenol and ortho-dihydric phenol. Total phenols, ortho-dihydric phenols, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities increased at different stages of infection. T. harizanum treatment along with challenge inoculation of the pathogen significantly increased the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase by about 28.2 % and 95.5%, respectively, in roots at stage 2 compared to untreated plants. Increased levels of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were induced in root and shoot of treated plants indicating the systemic protection offered to groundnut by T. harzianum . The observations revealed that T. harzianum was capable of inducing systemic resistance against M. phaseolina by eliciting the production of defense enzymes.

Induction of Defense Enzymes in Trichoderma harzianum Treated Groundnut Plants against Macrophomina phaseolina

Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma harzianum isolated from the rhizosphere of groundnut was determined in vitro. T. harzianum decreased the root rot incidence in vivo. Potential of T. harzianum to induce systemic resistance was tested in groundnut against Macrophomina phaseolina . Biochemical changes in T. harzianum treated plants, M. phaseolina inoculated plants and healthy plants were assayed at different stages of infection. Treatment with T. harzianum and challenge inoculation of M. phaseolina enhanced induction of defense enzymes such as peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and defense compounds like total phenol and ortho-dihydric phenol. Total phenols, ortho-dihydric phenols, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities increased at different stages of infection. T. harizanum treatment along with challenge inoculation of the pathogen significantly increased the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase by about 28.2 % and 95.5%, respectively, in roots at stage 2 compared to untreated plants. Increased levels of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were induced in root and shoot of treated plants indicating the systemic protection offered to groundnut by T. harzianum . The observations revealed that T. harzianum was capable of inducing systemic resistance against M. phaseolina by eliciting the production of defense enzymes.

EVALUTION THE EFFICIENCY OF REED PLANT (PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS) WASTES AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF LIQUORICES (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) ON THE PRODUCTION OF AGARICUS BISPORUS

This study was conducted to evaluate using possibility of common reed plant wastes in the preparation of compost for Agaricus bisporus rather than wheat straw, which was adopted as a basic substrate in the preparation the compost in the world and the effect of Liquorice extract spraying at pin fruit bodies production and its quntity.Results indcate the lower proportion of carbon to nitrogen (C: N Ratio) was 8.51:1 with the compost of wheat straw compared with common reed watse 15.32:1 and 12.32:1 with the compost of the mixture. The best production of fruiting bodies achieved 440.83 g/5 kg with the compost of common reed waste after 21 days of harvest, compared with 371.17 g/5 kg from wheat straw, and that the best biological efficiency of 26.5% achieved with the common reed waste compost, followed by an average of wheat straw the best rate of fruiting bodies weight 46.12 g with the compost of the common reed waste, compared with 25.17 g on control of wheat straw compost, while for a number of fruiting bodies achieved the greatest number of 17.42 fruiting bodies / box with the wheat straw compost, compared with 7.42 fruiting bodies / box from the common reed waste compost. For the quality of fruiting bodies that the highest cap dimater and a longer stipe 55.5 mm and 31.83 mm was obtaind from common reed waste compost compared with 43.08 mm and 31.58 mm from wheat straw. Chemical analysis showed that the best protein content of 20.68% with fruit bodies from the compost of the mixture, compared with 18.27% on fruit bodies from wheat straw. And the highest content of Ortho Dihydric Phenols 9.75 g/kg with the compost of the common reed waste, compared with wheat straw 8.76 g/kg

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L Taub inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhiza and Pseudomonas fluorescens and treated with mustard oil cake overcome Macrophomina root-rot losses

The effects of inoculation of three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi namely, Glomus mosseae, Glomus sinuosum, and Scutellospora erythropa in addition to Pseudomonas fluorescens and treatment with mustard oil cake on root-rot disease of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L plants caused by Macrophomina phaseolina were evaluated under polyhouse conditions for 2 years. Inoculations of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in combination with P. fluorescens and mustard oil cake showed best supporting biocontrol system against the root-rot disease besides increasing the plant height, weight, and yield. The biocontrolling efficiency of dual inoculation (AMF + P. fluorescens) was the second best combination followed by AM plus mustard oil cake. Among the three AM fungi, G. mosseae inoculations showed the best results. Different combined AMF inoculations also altered the concentrations of total soluble sugars, orthodihydric phenols, flavonols, and epicuticular wax contents in host plants.

Nutritional and biological qualities of the ripened beans of Canavalia maritima from the coastal sand dunes of India

Raw and pressure-cooked ripened beans of Canavalia maritima were assessed for nutritional quality. The beans possess high protein, carbohydrate, fiber and energy contents. Potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese of the raw and cooked beans meet NRC/NAS recommended pattern for infants. The essential amino acids (threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine/phenylalanine and lysine) in raw and cooked ripened beans fulfill the FAO/WHO/UNU recommended pattern for adults. Oleic acid in raw beans and linolenic acid in cooked beans were highest and linoleic and arachidonic acids were confined to raw beans. Cooking lowered the total phenolics, while tannins were negligible and devoid of orthodihydric phenols and trypsin inhibitors. Hemagglutinating activity decreased up to 50% in cooked beans. Rats fed with a pressure-cooked bean diet showed significant elevation of all growth and nitrogen balance parameters ( P < 0.05 ) than the rats which received the raw bean diet. The low protein quality of beans warrants appropriate thermal processing to eliminate antinutritional factors. To cite this article: B. Bhagya et al., C. R. Biologies 332 (2009).

Changes in Phenolics and Some Oxidative Enzymes in Fenugreek Leaves Due to Powdery Mildew Infection

The contents of total phenols and orthodihydric phenols, specific activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PO) and catalase in leaves of powdery mildew resistant (NLM and HM 350) and susceptible (T 8 and HM 65) genotypes of fenugreek were estimated at 40, 80 and 100 days after sowing (DAS) in inoculated (E1) and natural (E2) environments. The levels of all the biochemical constituents were higher in resistant genotypes than in susceptible ones before the appearance of disease (40 DAS) in both the environments. In response to infection, an increase was observed in contents of all the parameters except catalase activity in all the genotypes. However, at higher disease severity levels of all the biochemical parameters decreased invariably in all the genotypes except activities of PPO and PO which increased further in susceptible genotypes in both the environments. The role of phenolics and oxidative enzymes in determining resistance in fenugreek against powdery mildew disease has been highlighted.

Effect of cytokinins on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of shoots of citrusin vitro

Introduction. Cytokinins enhance axillary shoots, which helps prolific shoot multiplication in vitro . Very few reports are available on biochemical changes associated with this in vitro proliferation of Citrus . The present study was undertaken to find out the influence of two widely used cytokinins on various morphological and biochemical constituents of in vitro proliferated shoots of Citrus species. Materials and methods. Shoots of (0.5 to 1.0) cm long from in vitro proliferated shoots of five Citrus species were cultured on MS medium supplemented with eight increasing levels of benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin spread from (0.25 to 2) mgL-1 . After 6 weeks of culture, morphogenetic characters were observed, and shoot samples were crushed with 5 mL of hot ethanol; the extract collected was used for the estimation of reducing sugars, total phenols, ortho dihydric (OD) phenol, amino nitrogen and protein percentages. Results and discussion. For all the morphogenetic characters studied, except the shoot number, there were significant interactions between the Citrus species and the different concentrations of BAP and kinetine. Increased concentration of cytokinins reduced the amount of total phenol, OD phenol and total protein. Calamondin recorded the lowest percent of reducing sugar and protein. The maximum amount of reducing sugars was recorded for C. volkameriana . Supplementation of BAP resulted in the highest amount of total and OD phenols, whereas kinetin improved the reducing sugar and amino nitrogen.

BIOCHEMICAL DIFFERENCES IN THE RICE VARIETIES SUSCEPTIBLE AND RESISTANT TO RICE TUNGRO VIRUS

Biochemical analyses of selected rice cultures/varieties resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible to rice tungro virus (RTV) discase revealed significant differences. The contents of total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar were higher in susceptible varieties. Resistant cultures/ varieties had higher amount of total phenols and ortho dihydric phenols.