Percent Sucrose Research Articles

VSI 434: New Sugarcane Variety Obtained Through Somaclonal Variation

VSI 434 is a somaclonal variant of sugarcane var. CoC 671 with high cane and sugar yield, high sucrose content and moderately resistant to smut, grassy shoot and red rot diseases. VSI 434 recorded 14.5 to 30.7 % higher cane yield and 22.9 to 30.1% higher commercial cane sugar over the donor and standard CoC 671 in different station and multilocation trials. This is the second sugarcane cultivar released in India through the use of somaclonal variation after var. Co 94012. A morphological variation was observed in number of traits for VSI 434 through somaclonal variation along with improvement in sucrose percent and moderately red rot resistant as compared to parent var. CoC 671. This variation was possibly due to complex genetic nature and existence of chromosomal mosaicism. Morphologically, these two varieties are distinct and also differentiated by using different molecular marker techniques. The study demonstrates that somaclonal variation can be utilized for improvement of sugarcane varieties.

Effect of sucrose concentration on the composition of enzymatically synthesized short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides as determined by FTIR and multivariate analysis

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are mixtures of oligosaccharides composed of fructose and glucose units. As their composition is determined by the synthesis conditions, the goals of this work were: (a) to engineer FOS of different composition by adjusting the sucrose concentration used as initial substrate; (b) to define partial least square (PLS) based-models to quantify all the sugars present in the reaction medium directly from the FTIR spectra. The yield of each reaction was calculated as the percentage of initial sucrose converted to each oligosaccharide, as monitored by HPLC. In parallel, the reactions were followed by FTIR. Six different PLS models aiming to determine the concentration of each carbohydrate present in the reaction medium were calibrated and independently validated. The means of predicted values fitted well to those obtained by HPLC. Determining FOS composition directly from the FTIR spectra represents a useful tool to monitor enzymatic synthesis, with strong impact at both an academic and an industrial level.

Assessment of the Bioactive Capacity of Mixed Juice Scum Extracts from Sugarcane Mills

AbstractThe scum is a semisolid by‐product in canesugar mills where flotation technology is used for mixed juice clarification. To evaluate its potential bioactive properties, an aqueous extract, a 70% ethanol extract and a 100% ethanol extract from the scum were obtained and used for antioxidant activity assessment. Chemical assays of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) were used to determine the total antioxidant activity, and a chemiluminescence assay was conducted to assess the hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide anion ( ) radicals’ scavenging activity. Results showed that all extracts had high antioxidant activity, of which the 100% ethanol extract was more powerful in DPPH, ABTS and •OH assays. Potential antioxidants in ethanol extracts could be associated with sugarcane wax, polyphenols and flavonoids, while in the aqueous extract, it could be water‐soluble vitamins and proteins which resulted in the highest ( ) scavenging activity. This study suggested that the scum has potential bioactive application.Practical ApplicationsComprehensive utilization of sugarcane mixed juice scum plays an important role in extending the application of flotation clarification technology in canesugar industry. General composition analysis of the scum in the study suggested the possibility of using scum as a raw resource of animal feeds, as it contains a high percentage of protein, cellulose and sucrose. High antioxidant activity of scum extracts implicated its potential utilizations in producing antioxidant related products in food industry.

Clathrate hydrate dissociation conditions for refrigerant + sucrose aqueous solution: Experimental measurement and thermodynamic modelling

It has been shown in literature that gas hydrates can be used in sugar milling processes as a means of increasing the solids content in aqueous carbohydrate systems. In order to fully understand the practicalities of using gas hydrate technology in this regard, it is important to accurately know hydrate formation/dissociation conditions. The aim of this study is to obtain hydrate dissociation conditions of various refrigerant hydrates in the presence of sucrose aqueous solutions. The data will be used to design an aqueous solution separation process. The measurements were performed using the isochoric pressure search method with a newly developed high-pressure apparatus. New experimental gas hydrate systems measured include R134a + water + (12 or 15) weight percent sucrose, R410a + water + (12 or 15) weight percent sucrose, and R507 + water + (12 or 15) weight percent sucrose. Measurements were undertaken in the temperature range between (276.5 and 289.1) K and pressures ranging from (0.136–0.962) MPa. In addition, a sucrose sample supplied by the Sugar Milling Research Institute (SMRI) in Durban, South Africa was also investigated. The results show that the presence of sucrose exhibits an inhibition effect on hydrate formation. This is seen by the shift of the equilibrium phase boundary to either higher pressures or lower temperatures. Additionally, through measurements performed on the SMRI sample it can be seen that the presence of additional carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) in the system increases the effect of inhibition on hydrate formation. A thermodynamic model based on the van der Waals–Platteeuw solid solution theory was used to model the hydrate dissociation conditions. A good agreement between the experimental measurements and the model was observed.

Genotype–Environment Interaction, Megaenvironments and Two-Table Coupling Methods for Sugarcane Yield Studies in Venezuela

The selection of sugarcane cultivars adapted to different environments becomes difficult when there is genotype–environment interaction (GEI). The data were analyzed from twenty sugarcane genotypes evaluated in eight locations over two crop cycles to identify megaenvironments (ME), through GEI methods for higher cane yield measured in tons of cane per hectare (TCH) and percentage of sucrose (Pol% cane) using biplot multivariate GEI models. The best genotypes and the environment were determined with better mean yield by the two-table coupling coinertia method. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analyses revealed significant GEI with respect to both variables. The AMMI stability value exposed high genotypes stability for Pol% cane, but for TCH just G4, G8, G1, G20 and G17 have stability in all environments. The site-type regression SREG-GGE biplot showed two ME for TCH and one for Pol% cane. Although both yield variables showed mean negative correlation, through coinertia analysis it was possible to determine that G15, G17 and G13 were the best genotypes for both variables in all environments, besides “Los Tamarindos” was the best environment, with both variables correlated positively, and G11, G13, G12 could be considered the better genotypes. This work revealed the necessity of using coinertia as a complementary analysis to AMMI and GGE, which needs to be applied to determine the genotypes and environments that favor multiple yield variables, in order to increase the productivity.

Dielectric power spectroscopy as a potential technique for the non-destructive measurement of sugar concentration in sugarcane

One of the existing serious technical challenges in the sugarcane industry is the lack of a low cost technique for the non-destructive measurement of sugar concentration as °Brix (percent soluble solids) or %Pol (percent sucrose) from either standing sugarcane in the field or sugarcane stalk/internode samples in laboratory. This study aimed at investigating the potential of dielectric power spectroscopy as a simple technique for this purpose. A parallel-plate capacitor was developed and supplied with sinusoidal voltage waves swept within a frequency range of 0–10 MHz where the consumed power of the capacitor was monitored as a function of frequency by a spectrum analyser. Seventy five internode samples from four sugarcane cultivars were measured by the dielectric sensor and then analysed for °Brix and %Pol in laboratory. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were developed for prediction of °Brix and %Pol as functions of dielectric power at the swept frequencies with R2 > 0.99 and RMSE < 0.31. The water content of the internode samples was also strongly predicted by the dielectric power spectra with a RMSE of 0.17%. It was concluded that dielectric power spectroscopy can be implemented as a potent and simple technique for the non-destructive measurement of °Brix and %Pol of sugarcane.

MUTUAL EFFECT AMONG COMPOST AND FOLIAR SPRAYING WITH ZINC AND BORON ON SUGAR BEET (Beta vulgaris l.) GROWN ON SALINE SANDY LOAM SOIL

Two field experiments were conducted at the village (7) in Gelbana, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt during two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to study the response of sugar beet (Mirodor) grown on saline sandy loam soil to study the interaction effect of compost, (CO) amendment and foliar spraying with micronutrients (Zn and B) solely or in combinations on some growth parameters, productivity and nutrients content in sugar beet roots. The obtained results reveal that CO and foliar application with Zn and B enhanced the growth and yield productivity of sugar beet roots as well as nutrient contents. Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B contents were increased due to the above mentioned treatments. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity (EC dSm-1) and soil pH values decreased due to these treatments. Foliar spray with micronutrients in combination with CO substantially elevated these parameters N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B contents in roots were significantly increased by application of the treatments. The highest response of productivity and nutrients content in root were achieved by application of CO in combination with foliar spray of Zn + B followed by foliar spray of Zn + B in both seasons . Highest values of yield, yield components, nutrient contents and sucrose percent as well as sugar yield were obtained due to the application of compost at rate of 5 Mg fed.-1 + foliar spray with Zn + B in both seasons.

Deleterious interaction of light impairment and organic matter enrichment on Isoetes lacustris (Lycopodiophyta, Isoetales)

Light reduction and increased organic matter load often occur together in lakes undergoing eutrophication. We aimed at experimentally testing the relative importance of light availability, organic matter enrichment and their interactions in the collapse of healthy populations of Isoetes lacustris. We conducted an in situ shading (65 and 35% of incident light) and organic matter enrichment (10% enrichment) experiment in a Pyrenean pond (NE Spain). We followed plant performance using growth indicators, carbon balance indicators and individual survival. Severe light reduction (35%) resulted in a lengthening of the new leaves and no effects on mortality. Organic matter enrichment resulted in lower production and increased individual mortality. The combination of both stresses resulted in stronger negative effects and the highest mortality rate, which helps explaining I. lacustris die-offs observed after damming. Under severe light reduction (35%), plants used corm starch to keep growing. Consequently, starch percentage decreased and sucrose percentage increased as it was transported to the growing leaves. The most extreme changes were observed under severe light reduction and fertilization, which extremely increased the ratio between sucrose and total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC). Thus, I. lacustris sucrose:TNC ratio is a good indicator of light reduction and organic matter enrichment stresses.

Evaluation of Sugar Content of Potatoes using Hyperspectral Imaging

Visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) hyperspectral reflectance imaging was evaluated as a technique toward rapid prediction of the glucose and sucrose percentages in two common fresh use and chipping potato cultivars. Tubers were sampled and held in multiple storage temperatures in an attempt to develop uniform and broad constituent distributions. Each tested sample was a 12.7-mm-thick slice cut uniformly from all tubers. Multiple features were extracted from samples including mean reflectance spectra and curve feature parameters yielded from an exponential model. Both glucose and sucrose ratios were measured using the Megazyme sucrose/D-glucose assay procedure as reference values. Partial least squares regression (PLSR), feed forward neural networks (FFNN), radial basis functions neural networks (RBFNN), and exact design radial basis functions (RBFNNE) neural networks were used for building calibration and prediction models. PLSR results demonstrated strongly correlated models built using mean reflectance spectra for glucose for Russet Norkotah (RN) with R (RPD) (or correlation coefficient (ratio of sample standard deviation to standard error of prediction)) values as high as 0.97 (3.58), whereas those values were 0.81 (1.70) for Frito Lay 1879 (FL). Sucrose models showed less correlation performance with R (RPD) values as high as 0.60 (1.14) for FL and 0.38 (1.00) for RN. Wavelength selection/prediction using interval partial least squares (IPLS) and genetic algorithm (GA) was conducted on the data, and PLSR and NN results were close to the full-wavelength models for the glucose and sucrose of both cultivars with a preference given to IPLS as it yields less selected variables than GA. Applying K-nearest neighbor (Knn) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) on mean reflectance spectra resulted in glucose misclassification errors of 14 % and 18 % for FL and RN, respectively. However, classification errors were higher for sucrose indicating lower accuracy for this sugar (34 and 30 % for FL and RN). The results in this study give promise to the possibility of measuring each of these sugars rapidly for quality control and monitoring in the potato industry.

Effect of Caneplex on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sugarcane

Efficacy of Caneplex, a micronutrient combina tion of c alcium, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and sulphur, was tested during spring planting season in three consecutive years-2005-06, 2006–07 and 2007–08, on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane at the research farm of UP. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur (UP.) using the variety CoS 97264. Application of Caneplex enhanced the germination, shoot population, NMC and consequently the yield of sugarcane. The results showed that the germination was significantly increased by the application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30kg/ha as basal whereas top dressing of the same doses did not affect the germination significantly. Application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount as top dressing showed significant increase in germination by about 4–5% over untreated control. Application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing increased the shoot population and number of millable canes significantly as compared to control. The cane yield was marginally increased due to the application of Caneplex as basal or top dressing alone, the basal application being slightly better. A significant increase in cane yield was recorded after application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing. Sucrose percent in juice at 10th month crop age was not affected significantly by the application of Caneplex at any dose under various treatments. Conclusively, the application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing increased the cane yield significantly, however, Caneplex did not show significant effect on the cane quality (sucrose percent) at any dose under various methods ofapplication.

EFFECT OF FOLIAR AND SOIL APPLICATION DATES OF YEAST (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) ON SUGAR BEET PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

This investigation was carried out at El-Manyal Village, Talkha District, Dakahlia Governorate, during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 growing seasons to evaluate the role of three times of foliar and soil applications of yeast at 60, 75 and 90 days after sowing (DAS), compared to the control on productivity and quality of sugar beet cv. Kawemira. The main results could be summarized as follows: 1- Spraying plants with yeast significantly increased the averages of all studied characters in both seasons compared with the control treatment (without yeast spraying), except root diameter and root juice apparent purity percentage. 2- Delaying spraying beet plants with yeast from 60 to 70 and 90 DAS resulted in gradual significant decreases in root fresh weight/plant, root length as well as root and sugar yields/fad., in both seasons. On the other side, the same treatment resulted in gradual significant increases in total soluble solids and sucrose percentages in both seasons. 3- Soil applications of yeast significantly increased the averages of root fresh weight/plant, root dimensions (length and diameter) as well as root and sugar yields/fad., in both seasons compared with the control (without yeast soil application) as well as total soluble solids percentage and root sucrose contents in the second season. On the other hand, the same treatment significantly decreased root juice apparent purity percentage in the second season. 4- Delaying soil applications of yeast from 60 to 90 DAS significantly decreased root fresh weight/plant, root length and diameter as well as root and sugar yields/fad., in both seasons and the percentages of root sucrose and root juice apparent purity in the second season. However, the same treatment significantly increased total soluble solids in the second season. 5- The interaction between times of foliar and soil applications of yeast had significantl effect on root and sugar yields/fad., in both seasons. Generally, it could be concluded that adding yeast as a foliar and a soil applications for sugar beet plants at the age of 60 days is recommended to maximize its productivity and quality under the environmental conditions of Dakahlia Governorate.

Genetic analyses, phenotypic adaptability and stability in sugarcane genotypes for commercial cultivation in Pernambuco.

In the present study, we assessed the agro-industrial performance of 22 sugarcane genotypes adaptable to edaphoclimatic conditions in production microregions in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, and we recommended the commercial cultivation of select genotypes. The variables analyzed were as follows: sucrose percentage in cane juice, tonnage of saccharose per hectare (TPH), sugarcane tonnage per hectare (TCH), fiber, solid soluble contents, total recoverable sugar tonnage (ATR), and total recoverable sugar tonnage per hectare (ATR t/ha). A randomized block design with 4 repeats was used. Combined variance of the experiments, genetic parameter estimates, and environment stratification were analyzed. Phenotypic adaptability and stability were analyzed using the Annicchiarico and Wricke methods and analysis of variance. Genetic gain was estimated using the classic index and sum of ranks. Genotype selection was efficient for TPH, TCH, and ATR t/ha. Genotypes presented a great potential for improvement and a similar response pattern in Litoral Norte and Mata Sul microregions for TPH and TCH and Litoral Norte and Litoral Sul microregions for ATR t/ha. Genotypes SP78-4764, RB813804, and SP79-101 showed better productivity and phenotypic adaptability and stability, according to the Wricke and Annicchiarico methods. These genotypes can be recommended for cultivation in the sugarcane belt in the State of Pernambuco.

Preservation of Sugarcane Juice Using Herbal Clarificant

An experiment was carried out at Physiology and Sugar Chemistry Laboratory of Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh during 2013-2014 to determine the self life of sugarcane juice without adding any preservatives. Sugarcane varieties Isd 34, Isd 35, Isd 36, Isd 37 and Isd 38 were used for collection of juice and juice were collected in the month of September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Juice collected in the month of December and January showed the highest shelflife by using Mucilage substances of ladies finger (Hibiscus esculentus Linn) as a clarificant. Juice collected in the month of December, January showed highest self life due to presence of lower reducing sugar and highest percentage of sucrose.

Effect of Boron on the yield and quality of sugarcane

The application of micronutrients on the sugarcane crop in eastern India is not a wide spread practice, due to awareness of cane growers because only four nutrient like N.P.s. and Znare most popular and widely applied in eastern India in respect of fertilizers. Boron is essential in cell division, sugar translocation, proper hydration and metabolism of nitrogen and carbohydrates. Soil surveys showed that boron content in soils of these plains ranged from 0.02 to 2.42 ppm with a mean value of 0.32 ppm, indicating a below to critical limit. Taking the above point in to consideration, a field experiment was conducted at sugarcane research institute, Shahjahanpur (U.P) to test the seven doses of boron @.5 to 3.5 ppm alongwith control. Results indicated that application of boron@ 1.5 ppm was found effective in gradual increase in yield. The cane yield was 9.35% higher in comparison to control, but data did not reach to level of significance. Under this treatment, the sucrose percent of juice was significantly increased from 15.44 to 15.95 at 12th month crop age which was 3.30% higher over the control. The critical level of boron in plant was computed in 6.5 ppm which showed that below this level, the cane yield and sucrosepercent injuicewill be affected adversely.

EVALUATION OF SOME MICRONUTRIENTS ROLE ON SUGAR BEET PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

Two field trials were carried out at El-Manyal Village, Talkha District, Dakahlia Governorate during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons to evaluate the role of three micronutrients (Fe) at the rate of 0, 250 and 500 ppm, zinc (Zn) at the rate of 0, 100 and 200 ppm and boron at the rate of 0, 100 and 200 ppm on productivity and quality of sugar beet, cv. Kawemira. A split-split plot design with four replicates was used in these experiments.The main results could be summarized as follows: 1- Raising iron (Fe) rates from 0.0 to 500 ppm (0.0 to 200 g/fad.), significantly increased all studied characters over both seasons, except for the percentages of root sucrose and root juice apparent purity in both seasons, where it significantly decreased root juice apparent purity in the first season, while it resulted in insignificant effects on the percentages of root sucrose in both seasons and the percentage of root juice apparent purity in the second season. 2- Raising zinc (Zn) concentrations from 0.0 to 200 ppm (0.0 to 40 and 80 g/fad.) resulted in gradual significant increases in all studied characters over the two seasons, except for root juice apparent purity %, which was significantly decreased in the first season, while it was insignificantly decreased in the second season. 3- Raising boron (B) concentrations from 0.0 to 100 and 200 ppm (0.0 to 40 and 80 g/fad), markedly increased all studied characters over both seasons, except root juice apparent purity %, which was insignificantly decreased in both seasons. 4- Root length (cm) and sugar yield (t/fad) were significantly affected by the interaction between the concentrations of both iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the second season. Generally, it could be concluded that spraying beet plants with iron (Fe) at rate of 200 g/fad. and 80 g/fad. of each one of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) is the suitable conclusion to maximize its productivity and quality under the environmental conditions of Dakahlia Governorate.

ESTIMATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUGAR YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS USING VARIOUS STATISTICAL METHODS IN SUGAR CANE

Five statistical procedures were used to study the relationship between the sugar yield and its components using the data collected over the two successive seasons of (2012/2013 and 2013/2014) at Mallawy Research Station, Menia Governorate. The five methods of analysis namely, simple correlation coefficient, path analysis, full model regression, stepwise multiple linear regression and factor analysis that have different mathematical concepts. Highly significant and positive correlation coefficients were detected between sugar yield and each of number of internodes/stalk, number of millable stalks/m2, total soluble solids % and sucrose %. The results of path analysis revealed that the number of millable stalks/m2 was the most important character with the highest direct and indirect effects on sugar yield followed by sucrose % and stalk weight. The same three traits were also responsible for the most sugar yield variability using full model regression and stepwise multiple linear regression with goodness of fit. Factor analysis grouped the studied eight traits as sugar yield components into three main factors accounting for 85.3% of the total variability in the dependence structure. Factor I was responsible for 34.89% of the total variation and included stalk weight, stalk thickness and number of millable stalks/m2. Factor II contained total soluble solids % and sucrose and contributed at 28.17% of the total variation. Stalk height, number of internodes/stalk and reducing sugar % were the components of the last factor and explained 22.25 % of the total variation. Based on the previous results, it could be concluded that the high sugar yield of sugarcane crop would be obtained by selecting breeding materials that have heavy weight of stalk, large number of millable stalks/m2 and high percent of sucrose.

A mixture of cod and scallop protein reduces adiposity and improves glucose tolerance in high-fat fed male C57BL/6J mice.

Low-protein and high-protein diets regulate energy metabolism in animals and humans. To evaluate whether different dietary protein sources modulate energy balance when ingested at average levels obesity-prone male C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed high-fat diets (67 energy percent fat, 18 energy percent sucrose and 15 energy percent protein) with either casein, chicken filet or a mixture of cod and scallop (1∶1 on amino acid content) as protein sources. At equal energy intake, casein and cod/scallop fed mice had lower feed efficiency than chicken fed mice, which translated into reduced adipose tissue masses after seven weeks of feeding. Chicken fed mice had elevated hepatic triglyceride relative to casein and cod/scallop fed mice and elevated 4 h fasted plasma cholesterol concentrations compared to low-fat and casein fed mice. In casein fed mice the reduced adiposity was likely related to the observed three percent lower apparent fat digestibility compared to low-fat, chicken and cod/scallop fed mice. After six weeks of feeding an oral glucose tolerance test revealed that despite their lean phenotype, casein fed mice had reduced glucose tolerance compared to low-fat, chicken and cod/scallop fed mice. In a separate set of mice, effects on metabolism were evaluated by indirect calorimetry before onset of diet-induced obesity. Spontaneous locomotor activity decreased in casein and chicken fed mice when shifting from low-fat to high-fat diets, but cod/scallop feeding tended (P = 0.06) to attenuate this decrease. Moreover, at this shift, energy expenditure decreased in all groups, but was decreased to a greater extent in casein fed than in cod/scallop fed mice, indicating that protein sources regulated energy expenditure differently. In conclusion, protein from different sources modulates energy balance in C57BL/6J mice when given at normal levels. Ingestion of a cod/scallop-mixture prevented diet-induced obesity compared to intake of chicken filet and preserved glucose tolerance compared to casein intake.

Antidepressant-like effect of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist N-(benzo[d] thiazol-2-yl)-3-ethoxyquinoxalin-2-carboxamide 6k using rodents behavioral battery tests.

Objective:To investigate the antidepressant-like effect of N-(benzo[d] thiazol-2-yl)-3- ethoxyquinoxalin-2-carboxamide 6k, a 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist using rodents behavioral battery tests.Materials and Methods:6k screening was performed with behavioral assays for depression-like forced swim test (FST) at several single doses (0.25-4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection (i.p.)) to test the potency of 6k, in which 2 and 4 mg/kg doses were found to be most effective and hence, in further behavioral assays including mechanistic model like 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head twitches was performed in mice at acute doses of 6k (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, olfactory bulbectomy (OBX), a surgical model-induced behavioral alterations was performed in rats, and the effect of 6k administered orally (2 and 4 mg/kg, p.o.) after subchronic treatment for 14 days starting from day 15 of postsurgery was examined by percent sucrose preference test and modified open field test (OFT).Results:6k (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the immobility time and increased the swimming behavior in FST without affecting the baseline locomotor score showing antidepressant-like effect. 5-HTP-induced head twitch response was potentiated by 6k (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.), which indicated rise in the serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain. 6k (2 and 4 mg/kg, p.o.) showed anti-anhedonia effect by increasing the sucrose consumption and reversed the behavioral alterations when exposed to modified open field in OBX rats after subchronic treatment for 14 days, thus exhibiting antidepressant-like effect.Conclusion:6k attenuated the behavioral derangement in rodents-based behavioral battery tests for depression, indicating antidepressant-like potential.

Multilocus Analysis Using Putative Fungal Effectors to Describe a Population of Fusarium oxysporum from Sugar Beet

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) Fusarium yellows is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. betae and can lead to significant reductions in root yield, sucrose percentage, juice purity, and storability. F. oxysporum f. sp. betae can be highly variable and many F. oxysporum strains isolated from symptomatic sugar beet are nonpathogenic. Identifying pathogenicity factors and their diversity in the F. oxysporum f. sp. betae population could further understanding of how this pathogen causes disease and potentially provide molecular markers to rapidly identify pathogenic isolates. This study used several previously described fungal effector genes (Fmk1, Fow1, Pda1, PelA, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Rho1, Sge1, Six1, Six6, Snf1, and Ste12) as genetic markers, in a population of 26 pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum originally isolated from symptomatic sugar beet. Of the genes investigated, six were present in all F. oxysporum isolates from sugar beet (Fmk1, Fow1, PelA, Rho1, Snf1, and Ste12), and seven were found to be dispersed within the population (Pda1, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Sge1, Six1, and Six6). Of these, Fmk1, Fow1, PelA, Rho1, Sge1, Snf1, and Ste12 were significant in relating clade designations and PelD, and Prt1 were significant for correlating with pathogenicity in F. oxysporum f. sp. betae.

Main sugar composition of floral nectar in three species groups of Scrophularia (Scrophulariaceae) with different principal pollinators

In some angiosperm groups, a parallelism between nectar traits and pollination syndromes has been demonstrated, whereas in others there is not such relationship and it has been explained as due to phylogenetic constraints. However, nectar trait information remains scarce for many plant groups. This paper focuses on three groups of Scrophularia species, with different flower sizes and principal pollinators, to find out whether nectar sugar composition is determined by pollinator type or reflects taxonomic affinities. Since the species we examined have protogynous flowers, and gender bias in nectar sugar composition has been noted in few plant groups, we also investigated whether sexual phase influenced Scrophularia nectar composition. The sugar composition was found to be similar in all species, having high-sucrose nectar, except for the Macaronesian Scrophularia calliantha, which was the only species with balanced nectar; this last kind of nectar could be associated with the high interaction rates observed between S.calliantha and passerine birds. The nectar sugar composition (high in sucrose) was unrelated to the principal pollinator group, and could instead be considered a conservative taxonomic trait. No gender bias was observed between functionally female and male flowers for nectar volume or concentration. However, sexual phase significantly affected sucrose percentage in the largest-flowered species, where the female phase flowers had higher sucrose percentages than the male phase flowers.