Part Of Endosperm Research Articles

Cadmium accumulation dynamics in the rice endosperm during grain filling revealed by autoradiography.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental pollutants contaminated in our food. Several previous reports showed that rice polishing cannot be efficient to reduce Cd content in white rice, implying the characteristic Cd distribution in rice grain. However, Cd distribution has not been fully elucidated so far. Herein, 109Cd radiotracer experiment was performed using the rice seedlings at various time points after flowering to obtain autoradiographs of the brown rice to visually understand the Cd transport and distribution during the grain-filling process. It was shown that 109Cd accumulated in the outermost area of the brown rice, and also in the middle part of the starchy endosperm, resulting in the appearance of the double circle distribution pattern, which was not observed in the autoradiographs of 65Zn. The inner circle of 109Cd located around the center of the endosperm was developed particularly at around 8 and 10 days after flowering. After this period, 109Cd started to deposit at the outer part of the endosperm, which was also found in the autoradiograph of 14C-sucrose. Considering the physiology of grain development, the contribution of water transport and protein synthesis in the endosperm on the characteristic Cd distribution pattern was hypothesized.

Human health benefits from buckwheat nutrients

Buckwheat contains a variety of nutrients in its grains. The main compounds are proteins, rutin, polysacchardes, dietary fibre, lipids, polyphenols and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). The total content of these components depends on different factors, such as the species and the environment. The amino acid composition of buckwheat proteins is well balanced and of a high biological value, although the protein digestibility is relatively low. Buckwheat grains are an important source of microelements, such as: Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and macro elements: K, Na, Ca, and Mg. With 80% unsaturated fatty acids more than 40% are constituted by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The significant contents of rutin, catechins and other polyphenols as well as their potential antioxidant activity are also of significance to the dietary value. Moreover, buckwheat grains are a rich source of TDF (total dietary fibre), soluble dietary fibre (SDF), and are applied in the prevention of obesity and diabetes. An increasing incidence of allergy manifestations or symptoms is observed in people who consume buckwheat-containing food products often and in high quantities. The main reason for such immunological disorders is low molecular weight proteins, particularly those with molecular weights of 15, 22, or 26 kDa. These are concentrated in the peripheral parts of endosperm and embryo, hence the highest quantity of B vitamins is found in the bran. Tartary buckwheat bran contains about 6% of daily therapeutic doses of pyridoxine, effective in the reduction of blood plasma homocysteine levels. Protein extracts are more efficient in lowering the blood cholesterol level, particularly that of LDL and VLDL. Buckwheat proteins products (BWP) are acknowledged as preventive nutrients. They use advisable modifications, e.g. enzymatic modifications that consist in enzymatic separation of allergenic constituents or controlled fermentations performed by yeast or mould strains. Vitamins are a group of organic compounds that are essential in very small amounts for the normal functioning of the human body. They vary widely in their chemical and physiological functions and are broadly distributed in natural food sources. Buckwheat grains contain higher levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), E (tocopherol) and B3 (niacin and niacinamide) compared with most cereals. Generally, tartary buckwheat has more vitamin B1, B2 and B3, but less vitamin E than common buckwheat. In general, tartary buck wheat has higher levels of vitamin B than common buck-wheat. Thiamine-binding proteins can improve the stability of thiamine during storage and improve the bioavailability of thiamine. Levels of vitamin C and the sum of vitamin B1and B6 can be increased by germinating buckwheat. The level of vitamin C can be increased by up to 0·25mg/g in buckwheat sprouts. Wheat, barley, oat, rye and buckwheat groats exhibit the same maximum level of tocopherols, with γ-tocopherol being the main one.

Structure of heteroxylans from vitreous and floury endosperms of maize grain and impact on the enzymatic degradation

Heteroxylans (HX) from vitreous and floury parts of maize endosperm were isolated. Structural analysis showed a xylan backbone with few unsubstituted xylose residues (<9%) demonstrating the high content in side chains in both fractions. HX from floury endosperm contained more arabinose and galactose than vitreous HX. The mono-substitution rate was 15% higher in the vitreous endosperm HX. Similar amounts of uronic acids were present in both fractions (~7% DM). Galactose in the floury endosperm HX was present exclusively in terminal position. A xylanase preparation solubilized more material from floury (40.5%) than from vitreous endosperm cell walls (15%). This could be a consequence of the structural differences between the two fractions and/or of the impact of structure on the interaction abilities of these fractions with other cell wall polysaccharides.Our study advances the understanding of cell wall polysaccharides in maize endosperm and their role in enzymatic susceptibility of maize grain.

Magneto-Primed Triticale Seeds Studied by Micro-Raman Spectra.

The spectroscopy technique of Micro-Raman is an appropriate method to investigate the microscopic structure of internally heterogeneous (i.e., composed of multiple layers) agro-food products. The effects of applying magnetic fields (magneto-priming technique) and imbibition on the chemical makeup of Triticale seed were studied, particularly in its pericarp, germ and endosperm parts, with the help of Micro-Raman. In light of the results obtained, the magneto-primed seeds soaked in water presented a greater number of chemical compounds than the control seeds, although those treatments were not as effective as the ones with only magneto-priming. The effects of the magneto-priming treatment were especially noticeable in the endosperm due to the large number of chemical compounds identified. The seed composition differences among treatments showed that the use of Micro-Raman jointly with magneto-priming is an appropriate method to obtain and analyse information of the key components of Triticale seeds, notably regarding their pericarp and endosperm.

Breeding buckwheat for nutritional quality.

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, CB) and Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn., TB) are used in human nutrition. The idea to screen in the haploid phase for genes affecting low amylose concentration opens the possibility for the effective search of low amylose (waxy) genotypes in CB populations. Self-pollinated homozygous plants of TB might allow us to use a part of endosperm for screening of amylose content. Phenolic substances have a significant inhibitory effect on the digestion of CB and TB proteins, thus metabolites may have impact on protein digestibility. Digestion-resistant peptides are largely responsible for the bile acid elimination. Breeding to diminish polyphenols and anti-nutritional substances might have negative effects on the resistance of plants against pests, diseases and UV-radiation. Bread and pasta are popular CB and TB dishes. During dough making most of CB or TB rutin is degraded to quercetin by rutin-degrading enzymes. The new trace-rutinosidase TB variety makes possible making TB bread with considerable amount of rutin, preserving the initial rutin from flour. Breeding CB and TB for larger embryos would make it possible to increase protein, rutin, and essential minerals concentration in CB and TB grain.

The endospermic origin of the storage tissue of a rare tree endemic to Chile, Gomortega keule, is confirmed by microsatellites

ABSTRACT In angiosperms, the usual storage tissue found in seeds is the endosperm, which originates at the characteristic event of the double fertilisation. The mature seeds of Gomortega keule (Molina) Baillon, in the monotypic family Gomortegaceae, contain a storage tissue composed of two distinct parts. This uncommon form suggests one of the parts may actually correspond to perisperm. In this work we aimed to combine genetic and histological observations to determine the endospermic origins of the two tissue parts. Seven microsatellite DNA loci were amplified and genotyped. Genetic profiles of tissue parts were grouped in expected classes following the model of the double fertilisation of angiosperms. The majority of observations matched those expected classes. Genotyping inconsistencies could be attributed to fruits that were mistakenly assigned to a maternal tree, or due to null alleles or mutations. In observations made from histological preparations, the outer part of the storage tissue represents a larger proportion in mature seeds than is found in young seeds, suggesting that the outer part of the storage tissue develops later than the inner part. The observations of the endosperm, a single cell layer of perisperm, and details of the seed coat, show that there was no evidence that the perisperm has any continuity with the storage tissue. This finding suggested a common endospermic origin for the two parts of the storage tissue. There was a cell layer in between the inner and outer part of the endosperm, which has not been previously reported, and it supports the finding of differentiation of the two endosperm parts. The pattern of two tissue parts in the endosperm of G. keule is a unique feature among angiosperm plants. The observations suggest early stages of evolution towards a greater histological differentiation of the endosperm parts in this species.

Effective technological scheme for processing triticale (Triticosecale L.) grain into graded flour

The present paper features Triticale grain processing. The research involved two Russian cultivars of Tri- ticale grain, i.e. Ramzes and Saur. We investigated two schemes of processing these grain varieties into high-qua- lity baker’s grade flour. The first scheme was reduced and included only the processes of breaking and reduction, whereas the second scheme was more advanced and included breaking, sieving, sizing, and reduction processes. The paper gives a thorough description of the processing schemes, their parameters, and milling modes. A detailed ana- lysis proved the high efficiency of the advanced scheme which presupposed the use of sieve purifiers. Their expe- diency was determined by the specifics of break dunst products at breaks I, II, and III. The Triticale flour varie- ties were produced by mixing various flows of the central, intermediate, and peripheral parts of the Triticale grain endosperm. The reduced scheme produced a 40% yield for the Ramzes variety (ash content = 0.70%, according to the State Standard 34142-2017*), while the advanced technological scheme resulted in a 63% yield. As for the Saur variety, the advanced scheme produced a total yield of 78%, which was 0.6% higher than in the reduced scheme. The advanced scheme resulted in a 46% yield of the T-60 flour variety, which had the lowest ash content among all the va- rieties of Triticale flour, whereas the reduced scheme failed to produce the flour of this variety. The experiment also involved the first-ever study of the rheological properties of Triticale flour varieties with Mixolab (Chopin Technolo- gies, France). The study revealed significant differences in baking absorption, doughing time, batch, gluten, viscosi- ty, amylase, and retrogradation. The best baking properties were displayed by T-70 and T-80 Triticale flours that were obtained from the central part of the endosperm, both in reduced and advanced processing schemes. However, the advanced scheme proved to be the most effective way of processing Triticale grain into baker’s grade flour.

Formation of Protein Bodies and the Response to Nitrogen in Different Positions During Wheat Endosperm Development

The development of protein bodies (PBs) determines the processing properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It has been known that nitrogen uptake has a strong impact on grain protein concentration. However, the differences of the formation of PB in different developmental stages and different positions in wheat endosperm are still controversial. To solve these issues, PBs formation in different wheat endosperm parts and the response to nitrogen were investigated using light, transmission electron microscopes in present study. The main results were as follows. (1) Proteins mainly formed PBs via the Golgi apparatus in the vacuole at the early stage of wheat endosperm development. After 7 days post anthesis, most proteins were derived from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. (2) The morphology of PBs was diverse among different endosperm parts. Compared with the central endosperm, the PBs in sub-aleurone cells were abundant and large. (3) More abundant endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and mitochondrion were observed at the early stage after nitrogen treatment. Nitrogen also increased the accumulation of PBs at the later stage. (4) The sub-aleurone region cells of the endosperm presented more significant responses to nitrogen than the central endosperm.

An Invasive Species: Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann) How Does It Affect Forestry Activities?

Aim of study: Leptoglossus occidentalis which is first identified by Heidemann at North America in 1910 spread quickly after WW II. Although it was first seen in 1999 in Europe has swept the continent in 10 years. First damage observation in Turkey reported in Kozak Basin of Bergama on cones of stone pine trees which has valuable edible seeds. The seed yield loss started in 2005 and reached to a peak in 2009. In addition to high early age conelet loss, rate of emptiness of cones has sometimes reached to 90 %. The bug causes decrement in seed formation and seed germination ability significantly by causing early stage conelet loss and destroying endosperm parts of mature cones. In respect of forestry activities decrement of seed resources caused due to bug damage will have negative impact on natural regeneration activities in Turkey and probably will end in failure. In this study, it was aimed to determine the severity of damage caused by the collecting of cone samples from the stone pine forests in our country. Area of study : Without making any discrimination either planted or natural or any altitude or any aspect, stone pine cones have been collected from 42 localities which are distributed all around Turkey. Material and Methods: Weight and size of cones have been measured and seeds extracted by holding at 55 0 C in climate cabinet, then damage on seeds of L. occidentalis and unshelled seed yield determined. Main results: Empty seed formation in stone pine cones varies between %14 and 98%, depending on the region. There is no difference between natural or plantation forests in terms of empty seed formation. Research highlights: All necessary control strategies should be developed against this bug which has high potential as technic and cost for affecting forestry.

Iodine biofortification of wheat, rice and maize through fertilizer strategy

Iodine (I) deficiency is distinct from other micronutrient deficiencies in human populations in having a high endemic prevalence both in well-developed and in developing countries. The very low concentration of iodine in agricultural soils and cereal-based foods is widely believed to be the main reason of iodine deficiency in humans, especially in developing countries. In the present study, the possibility of using iodine containing fertilizers for agronomic biofortification of cereal grains with iodine was studied. The aim was to establish the best application method (to the soil or as foliar spray), the best form of iodine (potassium iodate or potassium iodide) and the optimal dose of iodine. Additionally, experiments were conducted to study transport of iodine in plants and localization of iodine within the grains. Experiments were conducted both under greenhouse conditions and in the field on wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in Turkey and Pakistan, on rice (Oryza sativa) grown in Brazil, Thailand and Turkey and on maize (Zea mays) grown in Turkey. The iodine concentration in the grain, localization of iodine in different grain fractions of wheat (i.e., endosperm, bran and embryo) and iodine concentration of both brown rice and polished rice was analyzed. In short-term experiments, the translocation of iodine from older into younger leaves was also studied. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for analysis of iodine in plant and soil samples. In greenhouse experiments on wheat, soil-applied potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) at increasing rates (i.e., 0, 0.1, 0.25, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg I kg−1 soil) both iodine forms substantially increased iodine concentration in the shoot, with the highest shoot iodine resulting from the KI treatments. However, these soil treatments did not affect iodine concentrations in the wheat grain, with the exception of the highest iodine rates (i. e., 10 and 20 mg I kg−1 soil) which also depressed the grain yield. In contrast to the soil applications, foliar spray of KI and KIO3 at increasing rates during heading and early milk stages did enhance grain iodine concentrations up to 5- to 10-fold without affecting grain yield. Including KNO3 or a surfactant to the iodine containing foliar spray further increased the grain iodine concentration. In a short-term experiment using young wheat plants, it was found that iodine is translocated from older into younger leaves after immersion of the older leaves in solutions containing KI or KIO3. Adding KNO3 or a surfactant in the immersion solution also promoted leaf absorption and translocation of iodine into younger leaves. Field experiments conducted in different countries confirmed that foliar application with increasing rates of iodine significantly increased grain iodine concentrations in wheat, brown rice and maize. This increase was also found in the iodine concentration of the endosperm part of wheat grains and in polished rice. The results of the present study clearly show that foliar application of iodine containing fertilizers is highly effective in increasing grain iodine concentrations in wheat, rice and maize. Presented results suggest that iodine is translocated from shoot to grain by transport in the phloem. Spraying KIO3 up to the rate of 0.05% w/v is suggested as the optimal form and rate to be used in agronomic biofortification with iodine. The substantial increase in grain iodine concentrations could contribute to the prevention of iodine deficiency in human populations with low dietary iodine intake. The reasons behind the higher effectiveness of foliar-applications compared to the soil applications of iodine fertilizers in improving grain iodine concentration are discussed.

Genome-wide screen of genes imprinted in sorghum endosperm, and the roles of allelic differential cytosine methylation.

Imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon referring to allele-biased expression of certain genes depending on their parent of origin. Accumulated evidence suggests that, while imprinting is a conserved mechanism across kingdoms, the identities of the imprinted genes are largely species-specific. Using deep RNA sequencing of endosperm 14days after pollination in sorghum, 5683 genes (29.27% of the total 19418 expressed genes) were found to harbor diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms between two parental lines. The analysis of parent-of-origin expression patterns in the endosperm of a pair of reciprocal F1 hybrids between the two sorghum lines led to identification of 101 genes with ≥ fivefold allelic expression difference in both hybrids, including 85 maternal expressed genes (MEGs) and 16 paternal expressed genes (PEGs). Thirty of these genes were previously identified as imprinted in endosperm of maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) or Arabidopsis, while the remaining 71 genes are sorghum-specific imprinted genes relative to these three plant species. Allele-biased expression of virtually all of the 14 tested imprinted genes (nine MEGs and five PEGs) was validated by pyrosequencing using independent sources of RNA from various developmental stages and dissected parts of endosperm. Forty-six imprinted genes (30 MEGs and 16 PEGs) were assayed by quantitative RT-PCR, and the majority of them showed endosperm-specific or preferential expression relative to embryo and other tissues. DNA methylation analysis of the 5' upstream region and gene body for seven imprinted genes indicated that, while three of the four PEGs were associated with hypomethylation of maternal alleles, no MEG was associated with allele-differential methylation.

The cereal starch endosperm development and its relationship with other endosperm tissues and embryo.

The cereal starch endosperm is the central part of endosperm, and it is rich in starch and protein which are the important resources for human food. The starch and protein are separately accumulated in starch granules and protein bodies. Content and configuration of starch granules and protein bodies affect the quality of the starch endosperm. The development of starch endosperm is mediated by genes, enzymes, and hormones, and it also has a close relationship with other endosperm tissues and embryo. This paper reviews the latest investigations on the starch endosperm and will provide some useful information for the future researches on the development of cereal endosperm.

Proteomic comparison of basal endosperm in maize miniature1 mutant and its wild-type Mn1

Developing endosperm in maize seed is a major site for biosynthesis and storage of starch and proteins, and of immense economic importance for its role in food, feed and biofuel production. The basal part of endosperm performs a major role in solute, water and nutrition acquisition from mother plant to sustain these functions. The miniature1 (mn1) mutation is a loss-of-function mutation of the Mn1-encoded cell wall invertase that is entirely expressed in the basal endosperm and is essential for many of the metabolic and signaling functions associated with metabolically released hexose sugars in developing endosperm. Here we report a comparative proteomic study between Mn1 and mn1 basal endosperm to better understand basis of pleiotropic effects on many diverse traits in the mutant. Specifically, we used iTRAQ based quantitative proteomics combined with Gene Ontology (GO) and bioinformatics to understand functional basis of the proteomic information. A total of 2518 proteins were identified from soluble and cell wall associated protein (CWAP) fractions; of these 131 proteins were observed to be differentially expressed in the two genotypes. The main functional groups of proteins that were significantly different were those involved in the carbohydrate metabolic and catabolic process, and cell homeostasis. The study constitutes the first proteomic analysis of basal endosperm cell layers in relation to endosperm growth and development in maize.

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN PHYTOSTEROL AND PHYTOSTANOL COMPOSITION OF DENT CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) KERNEL FRACTIONS

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to monitor phytosterol and phytostanol accumulation in the pericarp, endosperm and germ fractions of the dent corn kernel during maturation. The accumulation pattern of total phytosterol content was different in the three corn kernels parts. The highest level of total phytosterols (4,670.8 mg/100 g of oil) was detected in the pericarp fraction at 30 days after pollination (DAP). In the different corn oil samples, three forms of phytosterol were detected: 4-desmethylsterols, 4-monomethylsterols and 4,4-dimethylsterols. The level of total 4-desmethylsterols was higher than those of 4-monomethylsterols and 4,4-dimethylsterols in the different parts of the developing corn kernel. At 30 DAP, the pericarp fraction was distinguished by the highest level of total 4-desmethylsterols (4,393.3 mg/100 g of oil); however, the endosperm part was distinguished by the highest levels of total 4,4-dimethylsterols (340.6 mg/100 g of oil) and 4-monomethylsterols (18.2 mg/100 g of oil). β-sitosterol was the most abundant sterol in the three corn kernel parts during maturation. At 30 DAP, the pericarp and endosperm parts showed the highest (3,245.8 mg/100 g of oil) and the lowest (384.2 mg/100 g of oil) levels of β-sitosterol, respectively. The most active phase of phytostanol accumulation was observed in the endosperm part between 20 and 40 DAP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Recently, there is a considerable interest in phytosterol and phytostanol compounds because of their cholesterol-lowering properties. In addition, those compounds may possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenicity and antioxidation activities. Thus, one of the main objectives of the industry is to identify plant matrices rich in those high value-added phytocompounds. At present, several functional food products enriched with phytosterols and phytostanols are available on the market. This study suggested that the pericarp fraction of the immature corn kernel (30 days after pollination) could potentially be used as a good source of phytosterols. However, the endosperm part of the immature corn kernel may be a good source of phytostanols.

Integrated Proteomic and Cytological Study of Rice Endosperms at the Storage Phase

The endosperm at the storage phase undergoes a series of coordinated cellular and metabolic events, including starchy endosperm cell death, starch synthesis, and starch granule packaging, which leads to efficient accumulation of starch. However, the mechanism underlying the interconnections remains unknown. We used integrated proteomic and cytological approaches to probe the interconnections in rice (Oryza sativa) endosperm at the storage phase from 12 to 18 days after flowering (DAF). Starch granule packaging was completed first in the inner part of endosperm at 15 DAF and spread to almost the entire endosperm at 18 DAF. Programmed starchy endosperm cell death occurred after the starch granule packaging. Endogenous H(2)O(2) was detectable in the inner part of endosperm at 12 DAF and the region beyond the inner part at 15 DAF, with an H(2)O(2) burst at 15 DAF. Proteomics analysis with 2-D fluorescent difference gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed 317 proteins, including almost all known antioxidants, differentially expressed throughout the 3 stages of the developmental phase. More than two-thirds of the 317 proteins were potential thioredoxin targets, with a preferential skew toward central carbon metabolism, alcoholic fermentation, starch metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and protein synthesis or folding. These proteins implicated in starch synthesis and gluconeogenesis were upregulated, whereas those involved in anabolism of biomacromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and cell wall components were downregulated, with upregulated expression of proteins involved in catabolism of these biomacromolecules, which suggests remobilization of nutrients for starch synthesis. These data suggested important roles of the H(2)O(2)-antioxidant interface in coordinating starch accumulation, programmed cell death of starchy endosperm, and remobilization of nutrients during the cell death.

Biofortification and Localization of Zinc in Wheat Grain

Zinc (Zn) deficiency associated with low dietary intake is a well-documented public health problem, resulting in serious health and socioeconomic problems. Field experiments were conducted with wheat to test the role of both soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 in Zn concentration of whole grain and grain fractions (e.g., bran, embryo and endosperm) in 3 locations. Foliar application of ZnSO4 was realized at different growth stages (e.g., stem elongation, boot, milk, dough stages) to study the effect of timing of foliar Zn application on grain Zn concentration. The rate of foliar Zn application at each growth stage was 4 kg of ZnSO4·7H2O ha(-1). Laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS was used to follow the localization of Zn within grain. Soil Zn application at a rate of 50 kg of ZnSO4·7H2O ha(-1) was effective in increasing grain Zn concentration in the Zn-deficient location, but not in the locations without soil Zn deficiency. In all locations, foliar application of Zn significantly increased Zn concentration in whole grain and in each grain fraction, particularly in the case of high soil N fertilization. In Zn-deficient location, grain Zn concentration increased from 11 mg kg(-1) to 22 mg kg(-1) with foliar Zn application and to 27 mg kg(-1) with a combined application of ZnSO4 to soil and foliar. In locations without soil Zn deficiency, combination of high N application with two times foliar Zn application (e.g., at the booting and milk stages) increased grain Zn concentration, on average, from 28 mg kg(-1) to 58 mg kg(-1). Both ICP-OES and LA-ICP-MS data showed that the increase in Zn concentration of whole grain and grain fractions was pronounced when Zn was sprayed at the late growth stage (e.g., milk and dough). LA-ICP-MS data also indicated that Zn was transported into endosperm through the crease phloem. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the timing of foliar Zn application is of great importance in increasing grain Zn in wheat, especially in the endosperm part that is the predominant grain fraction consumed in many countries. Providing a large pool of Zn in vegetative tissues during the grain filling (e.g., via foliar Zn spray) is an important practice to increase grain Zn and contribute to human nutrition.

Morphological, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Grain and Flour from Chalky Rice Mutants

ABSTRACTMorphological, physical, and chemical properties of grain and flour of 20 chalky rice mutants were compared with those of a translucent parental cultivar, Koshihikari. Compound starch granules were loosely packed and single starch granules were observed in chalky parts of mutant endosperm. Chalky mutant lines were classified into milky‐white and white‐core lines based on the degree of endosperm chalkiness. Physical and chemical characteristics also suggest a division of chalky mutant lines into two groups, consistent with the classification made based on morphological characteristics. Milky‐white mutant lines showed significantly lower grain weight, decreased starch content, and lower grain hardness than white‐core mutants and Koshihikari. Rice flour prepared from milky‐white mutants by dry milling showed less starch damage and finer mean particle size than white‐core mutants and the parent. These results indicated that a loosely packed structure in chalky endosperm was responsible for fragile grain and that it yielded fine flour with lower damaged starch contents. Decreased starch contents of chalky mutant lines correlated to lower RVA viscosities. Milky‐white mutant lines were expected to be useful to produce fine flour, which undergoes less starch damage during dry milling processing.

Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of wheat graded flours by polishing method

The graded flour fractions, which were milled from whole wheat grain from outer to inner parts without removal of germ and bran, are rich in dietary fibers and minerals, the sources of nutrition for human beings. In this study, the whole waxy wheat was milled into five fractions using the gradual milling method and the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of these flours were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of free and bound phenolic extracts gradually increased in the order from the inner to the outer fractions. The flours milled from the outer parts of grain contained significantly higher amount of phenolics and exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than did the whole grain. Likewise, the inner flour fractions milled from mostly endosperm part had significantly higher amount of phenolics and exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than did the white flour, which was milled by a conventional milling method. Thus, the graded flours from whole waxy wheat should be encouraged to be used for processing whole-grain foods to improve both qualities of end-use products and health benefits.

Potensi Buah Nipah Tua (Nypa Fruticans Wurmb) Sebagai Bahan Pakan Ternak

A field survey has been conducted to study the potency of fruit of palm grown in West Sumatra for animal feedstuff. Three coastal areas which were identified as most populated palm plant in West Sumatra were selected as study sites, i.e., Padang city and the districts of Padang Pariaman and Pesisir Selatan. Five clusters of palm were randomly selected in each selected site and then bunches of their fruit were identified. The bunches were divided into 4 groups based on maturity status: very young, young, mature and old fruit bunches. The old fruits were then harvested, weighed and processed to separate their endosperm part. After weighing, the endosperm were then dried and ground for chemical analysis. Parameters measured included: number of bunch, old fruit and their endosperm weigh, nutrient content of endosperm. The data were statistically analysis for variance analysis in completely block design with 3 treatments and 3 blocks as replicates. Results shown that the highest number of bunches was found by the old fruit (6.7 bunches/cluster), followed by the very young fruits (2.7), mature fruit (1.7) and young fruit (1.5). About 22 % of old fruit consisted of endosperm part. The endosperm contains about 16 % crude protein, very low crude fat of 0.6 %, but considerably high crude fiber of about 50.5 %.

Characterization of a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated beta-1,3-glucanase gene in pea (Pisum sativum).

As part of a search for seed coat-specific expressed genes in Pisum sativum cv. Finale by PCR-based methods, we identified and isolated a cDNA encoding a beta- 1,3-glucanase, designated PsGNS2. The deduced peptide sequence of PsGNS2 is similar to a subfamily of beta-1,3-glucanases, which is characterized by the presence of a long amino acid extension at the C-terminal end compared to the other beta-1,3-glucanases. PsGNS2 is expressed in young flowers and in the seed coat and is weakly expressed in vegetative tissues (roots and stems) during seedling development. It is not inducible by environmental stress or in response to fungal infection. In developing pea flowers the transcript is detectable in all four whirls. In the seed coat the expression is temporally and spatially regulated. High abundance of the transcript became visible in the seed coat when the embryo reached the late heart stage and remained until the mid seed-filling stage. In situ hybridization data demonstrated that the expression of PsGNS2 is restricted to a strip of the inner parenchyma tissue of the seed coat, which is involved in temporary starch accumulation and embryo nutrition. This tissue showed also less callose deposits than the other ones. The 5' genomic region of PsGNS2 was isolated and promoter activity studies in transgenic Medicago truncatula showed a seed-specific expression. Highest activity of the promoter was found in the seed coat and in the endosperm part of the seed.