Flower Pigmentation Research Articles

NataMYB4, a flower specific gene, regulates the flavonoid biosynthesis in Chinese Narcissus

R2R3 MYBs play a crucial role in flower development and its associated flavonoid biosynthesis, but their regulatory network in Chinese Narcissus is not fully understood. Anthocyanin, flavonol and proanthocyanin are very important secondary metabolites with various biological functions and their biosynthesis is controlled by MYB transcriptional factors. NataMYB4, as a member of the R2R3-MYB gene family, isolated from Chinese Narcissus, was found mainly expressed in flowers, particularly in petals and corona. In addition to the R2-R3 region, NataMYB4 displays a conserved motif “NF/YWSV/MEDF/LW” at the end of the C-terminal. Transient expression in tobacco leaves showed that NataMYB4 significantly decreased the red pigmentation that was induced by an anthocyanin activator StMYB. Ectopic overexpression of NataMYB4 in tobacco altered the flower color by reducing the pigmentation and anthocyanin contents in transgenic flowers. However, the contents of total phenolic acid and total flavonol were increased in the transgenic tobacco lines. qPCR analysis indicated that transcript levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were down-regulated in transgenic flowers carrying the NataMYB4 gene, while the flavonol biosynthetic pathway key gene FLS showed higher expression level in transgenic tobacco flowers. Dual luciferase assays showed that co-infiltration of NataMYB4 and NatabHLH1 significantly activated the promoter of the Chinese Narcissus FLS gene. Furthermore, a yeast two-hybrid assay confirmed that NataMYB4 interacts with NatabHLH1. The outcomes of our effort in this study provide novel insights into the regulation of flavonoid biosynthetic pathways in Chinese Narcissus.

Taxon-specific, phased siRNAs underlie a speciation locus in monkeyflowers.

Taxon-specific small RNA loci are widespread in eukaryotic genomes, yet their role in lineage-specific adaptation, phenotypic diversification, and speciation is poorly understood. Here, we report that a speciation locus in monkeyflowers (Mimulus), YELLOW UPPER (YUP), contains an inverted repeat region that produces small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in a phased pattern. Although the inverted repeat is derived from a partial duplication of a protein-coding gene that is not involved in flower pigmentation, one of the siRNAs targets and represses a master regulator of floral carotenoid pigmentation. YUP emerged with two protein-coding genes that control other aspects of flower coloration as a "superlocus" in a subclade of Mimulus and has contributed to subsequent phenotypic diversification and pollinator-mediated speciation in the descendant species.

Resonance Raman and Visible Micro-Spectroscopy for the In-Vivo and In-Vitro Characterization of Anthocyanin-Based Pigments in Blue and Violet Flowers: A Comparison with HPLC-ESI- MS Analysis of the Extracts

Microanalysis techniques based on resonance Raman and reflection visible spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of pigments responsible for the blue or violet coloration in flowers; in particular of Lobelia erinus, Campanula portenschlagiana, Cineraria, Viola tricolor, Anemone coronaria, Agapanthus, Platycodon, Salvia farinacea, Plumbago capensis, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Commelina communis and Salvia patens. The spectroscopic methods were applied both in vivo on the flower petals and in vitro on extracts obtained through a procedure based on SPE (solid-phase extraction) optimized for minimal quantities of vegetable raw material. Different patterns obtained for the Raman spectra have been correlated, also on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, with different schemes of substitution of the benzopyrilium nucleus of the anthocyanins and with various possible forms of copigmentation responsible for the stabilization of the blue color. The results obtained were verified by comparison with the analysis of the extracts by HPLC-ESI-MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry).

Low-light intensity reprogramed flower pigmentation in Dendrobium Sonia via downregulation of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase and anthocyanidin synthase genes

Flower color is an important trait of orchids that extensively influences consumer-purchasing decisions, and thus manipulation of flower color variation is a way for orchid production to provide more options to consumers. The application of net shading is one of the simplest methods for transformation of an original orchid flower color. In this study, we report the first color modification of the commercial Dendrobium Sonia (Ds) flower through a simple light intensity adjustment by the application of net shading. A reduction of light intensity significantly decreased anthocyanin production in all stages of flower development, leading to a paler purple. The expression profiles of six flower-color associated genes, including chalcone synthase, DsCHS; chalcone isomerase, DsCHI; flavanone 3-hydroxylase, DsF3H; dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, DsDFR; anthocyanidin synthase, DsANS; and flavonol synthase, DsFLS in three flower stages (very young bud, mature bud, and fully open flower) developing under typical-light (240 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and low-light (45 μmol photons m−2 s−1) intensities were investigated. The lighter flower color produced under the low-light treatment correlated with downregulation of DsDFR and DsANS expression, while the early anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, including DsCHS, DsCHI, DsF3H, and DsFLS, were not significantly affected. This indicates that the expression of DsDFR and DsANS in D. Sonia is light dependent, while the expression of DsCHS, DsCHI, DsF3H, and DsFLS is light independent. Therefore, this low-light transformed flower color is not genetically modified but is economically and socially acceptable, and also nature- and environment-friendly. This finding will be useful for future applications with other Dendrobium species to produce flower color shade variation.

The molecular regulators, pathways, and environmental impacts of white flowers

White flowers are an important element of natural beauty, although they are thought of colorless. Anthocyanins are the major compounds responsible for a variety of pigments in flowers. White flowers surely lack pigmented anthocyanins and other compounds, but there are regulatory mechanisms that hinder the deposition of color pigments in white flowers. Moreover, there are also some compounds that deposit to instigate white appearance and the genetic regulators control the biosynthesis and deposition of such compounds. Experts have shown that fluctuation in the equilibrium of FLS and DFR genes determines the degree of accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonols in the flowers, leading to different color patterns. The gene suppression techniques to suppress certain flavonoid pathway genes, such as CHS, or the insertion of DNA transposable elements into CHS produce white flower color in a number of species. Although pigments find wide application in the everyday life, white color does possess special importance in nature. Land plants use white flowers for reproductive viability during cold early spring to conserve energy and reduce nutrient costs, particularly in low density pollinations. Moreover, white fruit skins deposit specific amounts of anthocyanins and phenols with significant health benefits. This review, thus, deciphers the regulatory mechanisms for the absence of pigments in the white flowers and the deposition of special compounds causing white appearance and the benefits of white color in nature.

Genetic and QTL analysis of flower color and pigments in small-flowered chrysanthemum based on high-density genetic map

Genetic and QTL analysis of flower color and pigments in small-flowered chrysanthemum based on high-density genetic map

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unveils the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Sepal Colour Changes under Acidic pH Substratum in Hydrangea macrophylla

The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb). Ser.), an ornamental plant, has good marketing potential and is known for its capacity to change the colour of its inflorescence depending on the pH of the cultivation media. The molecular mechanisms causing these changes are still uncertain. In the present study, transcriptome and targeted metabolic profiling were used to identify molecular changes in the RNAome of hydrangea plants cultured at two different pH levels. De novo assembly yielded 186,477 unigenes. Transcriptomic datasets provided a comprehensive and systemic overview of the dynamic networks of the gene expression underlying flower colour formation in hydrangeas. Weighted analyses of gene co-expression network identified candidate genes and hub genes from the modules linked closely to the hyper accumulation of Al3+ during different stages of flower development. F3'5'H, ANS, FLS, CHS, UA3GT, CHI, DFR, and F3H were enhanced significantly in the modules. In addition, MYB, bHLH, PAL6, PAL9, and WD40 were identified as hub genes. Thus, a hypothesis elucidating the colour change in the flowers of Al3+-treated plants was established. This study identified many potential key regulators of flower pigmentation, providing novel insights into the molecular networks in hydrangea flowers.

The R2R3MYB transcription factors MaMYBF and MaMYB1 regulate flavonoid biosynthesis in grape hyacinth

R2R3 MYBs play vital roles in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. However, the regulatory network of R2R3 MYBs in flavonoid biosynthesis is not fully understood in grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.). Here, we identified two R2R3 MYBs, MaMYBF and MaMYB1, as potential regulators of flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. MaMYBF and MaMYB1 expression was elevated during flower development and was light-induced, and the expression patterns were related to those of the flavonoid structural genes MaFLS and MaDFR, respectively. The BiFC assay verified that MaMYB1 interacts with MabHLH1, but MaMYBF does not. A dual luciferase assay revealed that MaMYBF alone strongly activated pMaFLS, and its activation was attenuated at reduced doses of MaMYBF in the presence of MabHLH1, MaMybA, and MaMYB1. MaDFR transcription mediated by MaMybA and MabHLH1 was inhibited by MaMYB1. Moreover, overexpression of MaMYBF and MaMYB1 in tobacco reduced flower pigmentation and repressed the expression of flavonoid pathway key structural genes. Therefore, MaMYBF regulates the flavonol pathway independently of cofactors. Whereas MaMYB1 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis by binding to MabHLH1 and disrupting the MaMybA-bHLH complex in grape hyacinth. Our results offer new insights into the intricate regulatory network of flavonoids in grape hyacinth involving the regulation of both flavonol and anthocyanin.

Gapless genome assembly of azalea and multi-omics investigation into divergence between two species with distinct flower color.

The genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae), with more than 1000 species highly diverse in flower color, is providing distinct ornamental values and a model system for flower color studies. Here, we investigated the divergence between two parental species with different flower color widely used for azalea breeding. Gapless genome assembly was generated for the yellow-flowered azalea, Rhododendron molle. Comparative genomics found recent proliferation of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs), especially Gypsy, has resulted in a 125Mb (19%) genome size increase in species-specific regions, and a significant amount of dispersed gene duplicates (13402) and pseudogenes (17 437). Metabolomic assessment revealed that yellow flower coloration is attributed to the dynamic changes of carotenoids/flavonols biosynthesis and chlorophyll degradation. Time-ordered gene co-expression networks (TO-GCNs) and the comparison confirmed the metabolome and uncovered the specific gene regulatory changes underpinning the distinct flower pigmentation. B3 and ERF TFs were found dominating the gene regulation of carotenoids/flavonols characterized pigmentation in R. molle, while WRKY, ERF, WD40, C2H2, and NAC TFs collectively regulated the anthocyanins characterized pigmentation in the red-flowered R simsii. This study employed a multi-omics strategy in disentangling the complex divergence between two important azaleas and provided references for further functional genetics and molecular breeding.

Low jasmonic acid accumulation causes the defect in the tepal expansion in double-flowered green lily cultivar, ‘Doubleen’

In this study, the mechanisms underlying green flower phenotype of a lily cultivar, ‘Doubleen’, was investigated focusing on jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation. ‘Doubleen’ is a mutant lily cultivar derived from ‘Yelloween’ and has unexpanded, non-pigmented green tepals but lacks the stamen and carpel. ‘Doubleen’ was treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to investigate the subsequent change in floral organ characteristics. As a result, the tepals of MeJA-treated ‘Doubleen’ expanded and had yellow pigmentation, whereas those of the control did not. To estimate the JA synthesis site in the lily flower, the accumulation profiles of JA and jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile) were compared between the floral organs of ‘Yelloween’. The JA-Ile content of carpels was the lowest of the three floral organs at all developmental stages. JA-Ile contents in the inner tepals and stamens were not significantly different in all developmental stages. To determine potential role of JA and JA-Ile in tepal expansion and pigmentation in lily flowers, the accumulation of these two compounds was compared between the tepals of ‘Yelloween’ and those of ‘Doubleen’. At all developmental stages, the tepals of ‘Doubleen’ accumulated JA at concentrations lower than those of ‘Yelloween’. Floral organ removal experiments were also conducted using ‘Yelloween’ to evaluate its effect on tepal expansion. Notably, tepal expansion was not affected by pistil removal, but was strongly suppressed by stamen removal. Overall, these results suggest the loss of JA biosynthesis site in the flowers of ‘Doubleen’ leading to the formation of unexpanded green tepals on their flowers.

Eco-friendly hybrid materials made from Tunisian clay and natural flowers

AbstractClay minerals are used widely in health products both as cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients. To optimize use, natural compounds are mixed with clay powder. The aim of the present study was to synthesize new, coloured hybrids based on purified Tunisian clay and powders of natural flowers: Malva sylvestris, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Silene dioica, Anagallis monellin and Pelargonium × hortorum. The floral pigments in Tunisian flowers were studied. The chlorophylls (a and b), total flavonoids (TF), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and carotenoids were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). In addition, the antioxidant capacity was determined using the oxygenated radical absorption capacity assay (ORAC) and the antioxidant capacity to reduce ferric ion assay (FRAP). The properties of the studied clay were evaluated by means of pharmaceutical and microbiological tests. The coloured hybrids were prepared by solid–solid reaction and analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Chlorophyll a is present in large quantities in the Malva flower which presents the smallest antioxidant capacity. Chlorophyll b and the TPC are more abundant in the Pelargonium × hortorum. The TF appears in large quantities in the Anagallis flower. The carotenoids are present in the largest amounts in the Chrysanthemum. The results of the clay characterization justify its use as a pharmaceutical and cosmetic agent. The mixture of dried flowers and purified clay is used in the synthesis of new and biocoloured hybrids; these can be used as biocosmetic products without negative side effects on human health or the environment.

Analysis of flavonol regulator evolution in the Brassicaceae reveals MYB12, MYB111 and MYB21 duplications and MYB11 and MYB24 gene loss

BackgroundFlavonols are the largest subgroup of flavonoids, possessing multiple functions in plants including protection against ultraviolet radiation, antimicrobial activities, and flower pigmentation together with anthocyanins. They are of agronomical and economical importance because the major off-taste component in rapeseed protein isolates is a flavonol derivative, which limits rapeseed protein use for human consumption. Flavonol production in Arabidopsis thaliana is mainly regulated by the subgroup 7 (SG7) R2R3-MYB transcription factors MYB11, MYB12, and MYB111. Recently, the SG19 MYBs MYB21, MYB24, and MYB57 were shown to regulate flavonol accumulation in pollen and stamens. The members of each subgroup are closely related, showing gene redundancy and tissue-specific expression in A. thaliana. However, the evolution of these flavonol regulators inside the Brassicaceae, especially inside the Brassiceae, which include the rapeseed crop species, is not fully understood.ResultsWe studied the SG7 and SG19 MYBs in 44 species, including 31 species of the Brassicaceae, by phylogenetic analyses followed by synteny and gene expression analyses. Thereby we identified a deep MYB12 and MYB111 duplication inside the Brassicaceae, which likely occurred before the divergence of Brassiceae and Thelypodieae. These duplications of SG7 members were followed by the loss of MYB11 after the divergence of Eruca vesicaria from the remaining Brassiceae species. Similarly, MYB21 experienced duplication before the emergence of the Brassiceae tribe, where the gene loss of MYB24 is also proposed to have happened. The members of each subgroup revealed frequent overlapping spatio-temporal expression patterns in the Brassiceae member B. napus, which are assumed to compensate for the loss of MYB11 and MYB24 in the analysed tissues.ConclusionsWe identified a duplication of MYB12, MYB111, and MYB21 inside the Brassicaceae and MYB11 and MYB24 gene loss inside the tribe Brassiceae. We propose that polyploidization events have shaped the evolution of the flavonol regulators in the Brassicaceae, especially in the Brassiceae.

DhMYB22 and DhMYB60 regulate pigment intensity and floral organ shape in Dendrobium hybrid.

Flower pigment and shape are determined by the coordinated expression of a set of structural genes during flower development. R2R3-MYB transcription factors are known regulators of structural gene expression. The current study focused on two members of this large family of transcription factors that were predicted to have roles in pigment biosynthesis and organ shape development in orchids. Phylogenetic analysis was used to identify candidate Dendrobium catenatum R2R3-MYB (DcaMYB) sequences associated with pigment and cell shape development. Gene silencing of candidate DhMYBs in Dendrobium hybrid by direct application of dsRNA to developing flowers was followed by observation of gene expression level and flower phenotypes. Silencing of the structural gene chalcone synthase was used as a comparative control. Ten candidate flower-associated DcaMYBs were identified. Flowers treated with dsRNA of DhMYB22 and DhMYB60 sequences were less pigmented and had relatively low expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (F3'H and DFR), lower total anthocyanin concentration and markedly lower levels of cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. Petals of DhMYB22-treated flowers and sepals of DhMYB60-treated flowers showed the greatest colour difference relative to the same organs in untreated flowers. DhMYB22-treated flowers had relatively narrow and constricted lips, while DhMYB60-treated flowers had narrow and constricted sepals. No significant difference in shape was observed for DhCHS-treated or untreated flowers. Our results demonstrate that DhMYB22 and DhMYB60 regulate pigment intensity and floral organ shape in Dendrobium. This is a first report of MYB regulation of floral organ shape in orchids.

A TCP Transcription Factor in Malus halliana, MhTCP4, Positively Regulates Anthocyanins Biosynthesis.

Anthocyanins belong to a group of flavonoids, which are the most important flower pigments. Clarifying the potential anthocyanins biosynthesis molecular mechanisms could facilitate artificial manipulation of flower pigmentation in plants. In this paper, we screened a differentially expressed gene, MhTCP4, from the transcriptome data of Malus halliana petals at different development stages and explored its role in anthocyanins biosynthesis. The transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression level of MhTCP4 gradually decreased from the flower color fades. Tissue specific expression analysis showed MhTCP4 was expressed in the petal, leaf, and fruit of M. halliana, and was highly expressed in the scarlet petal. Overexpression of MhTCP4 promoted anthocyanins accumulation and increased pigments in infected parts of M. ‘Snowdrift’ and M. ‘Fuji’ fruit peels. In contrast, when endogenous MhTCP4 was silenced, the anthocyanins accumulation was inhibited and pigments decreased in the infected peels. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that overexpression or silence of MhTCP4 caused expression changes of a series of structural genes included in anthocyanins biosynthesis pathway. The yeast two-hybrid assays indicated that MhTCP4 did not interact with MhMYB10. Furthermore, the yeast one-hybrid assays indicated that MhTCP4 did not directly bind to the promoter of MhMYB10, but that of the anthocyanins biosynthesis genes, MhCHI and MhF3′H. Dual luciferase assays further confirmed that MhTCP4 can strongly activate the promoters of MhCHI and MhF3′H in tobacco. Overall, the results suggest that MhTCP4 positively regulates anthocyanins biosynthesis by directly activated MhCHI and MhF3′H in M. halliana flowers.

A novel aldo-keto reductase gene is involved in 6'-deoxychalcone biosynthesis in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis).

A novel gene belonging to the aldo-keto reductase 13 family is involved in isoliquiritigenin biosynthesis in dahlia. The yellow pigments of dahlia flowers are derived from 6'-deoxychalcones, which are synthesized via a two-step process, involving the conversion of 3-malonyl-CoA and 4-coumaloyl-CoA into isoliquiritigenin in the first step, and the subsequent generation of butein from isoliquiritigenin. The first step reaction is catalyzed by chalcone synthase (CHS) and aldo-keto reductase (AKR). AKR has been implicated in the isoflavone biosynthesis in legumes, however, isolation of butein biosynthesis related AKR members are yet to be reported. A comparative RNA-seq analysis between two dahlia cultivars, 'Shukuhai' and its butein-deficient lateral mutant 'Rinka', was used in this study to identify a novel AKR gene involved in 6'-deoxychalcone biosynthesis. DvAKR1 encoded a AKR 13 sub-family protein with significant differential expression levels, and was phylogenetically distinct from the chalcone reductases, which belongs to the AKR 4A sub-family in legumes. DNA sequence variation and expression profiles of DvAKR1 gene were correlated with 6'-deoxychalcone accumulation in the tested dahlia cultivars. A single over-expression analysis of DvAKR1 was not sufficient to initiate the accumulation of isoliquiritigenin in tobacco, in contrast, its co-overexpression with a chalcone 4'-O-glucosyltransferase (Am4'CGT) from Antirrhinum majus and a MYB transcription factor, CaMYBA from Capsicum annuum successfully induced isoliquiritigenin accumulation. In addition, DvAKR1 homologous gene expression was detected in Coreopsideae species accumulating 6'-deoxychalcone, but not in Asteraceae species lacking 6'-deoxychalcone production. These results not only demonstrate the involvement of DvAKR1 in the biosynthesis of 6'-deoxychalcone in dahlia, but also show that 6'-deoxychalcone occurrence in Coreopsideae species developed evolutionarily independent from legume species.

Thermodynamic principles for system biology and the patterns of flower pigmentation.

The thermodynamic principles for system biology are reviewed and formulated, and then basic patterns of flower pigmentation are interpreted. Main thoughts: (1) any biological trait (color or function of a cell) is logically related to a thermodynamic system (or physiological system, signaling network of the cell), (2) the striped, speckled and circle are three basic patterns of flower pigmentation, the development of flowers is an irreversible process, (3) the patterns of flower pigmentation are formed in flower development, (4) the flower cells can change its color in a period of development and this process is controlled thermodynamically, (5) there is giant space of physiology within an organism and within its numerous thermal states can appear under different conditions. In this theory, the dominant inheritance means that a gene contributes great to the thermodynamic stability of a trait related system; different genes can be interacted or integrated thermodynamically according to their contribution to the stability of its related system. By combination of Turing theory and our views, complex patterns of pigmentation could be explained theoretically.

Characterization Of Turkey Local Winter Sown Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Populations Using Principle Component Analysis

A total of 170 different the local chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes collected from the Mediterranean and Central Anatolian regions, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, Maraş, Mersin, Karaman provinces were studied in order to evaluate in breeding studies and to determine some impmedium wident agronomic and morphological characteristics. Characterizations of genotypes at the time of winter sowing were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. Morphological characterization studies were carried out according to the definition list published by IPGRI for chickpea and the UPOV feature document of this species. In this study, the characteristics of the chickpea plant and its seed were examined and the differences between these examined characteristics were determined. It is seen that the canopy height and hundred seed weight have the highest values on the First Main Component in terms of weights and contribution margins in the first three main components of the characteristics evaluated in winter agriculture. When the Second Main Component values were examined, it was determined that the number of leaflets and the first branch had the highest values. In the third main component, the values of flower color and pigmentation were determined to be the highest. Among the three main components, the determined features were determined as the characters that could be the basis for the differentiation of the populations.

Pigment of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Flowers: Separation, Extraction, Purification and Antioxidant Activity.

In this work, the extraction procedure of a natural pigment from the flower of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) was optimized by response surface methodology. It is the first time that the extraction of the flower pigment of C. speciosa (FPCS) has been reported, along with an evaluation of its stability and biological activity under various conditions, and an exploration of its potential use as a food additive and in medicine. Specifically, the effects of ethanol concentration, solid–liquid ratio, temperature and time on the extraction rate of FPCS were determined using a Box–Behnken design. The optimum extraction conditions for FPCS were 75% ethanol with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:75 mg/mL) at 66 °C for 39 min. The purification of FPCS using different macroporous resins showed that D101 performed best when the initial mass concentration of the injection solution was 1.50 mg/mL, resulting in a three-fold increase in color value. The yield of dry flowers was 9.75% of fresh petals and the FPCS extraction efficiency was 43.2%. The effects of light, solubility, pH, temperature, sweeteners, edible acids, redox agents, preservatives and metal ions on FPCS were also investigated. Furthermore, the characteristics of FPCS were determined by spectrophotometry at a specific wavelength using the Lambert–Beer law to correlate the mass of FPCS with its absorbance value. An acute toxicological test performed according to Horne’s method showed that FPCS is a non-toxic extract and thus may be used as a food additive or in other ingestible forms. Finally, western blotting showed that FPCS prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced hippocampal oxidative stress in mice. The study suggests that FPCS may function as an antioxidant with applications in the food, cosmetics and polymer industries.

Natural and synthetic pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supplementation of yellow natural pigment levels based on Marigold Flower extract (2%) and yellow synthetic pigment (Carophyll Yellow 10%) in sorghum-based rations for commercial laying hens and their influence on bird performance and egg quality. A completely randomized design was adopted with 5 treatments, 6 replicates, and 5 laying hens in each repetition. The treatments evaluated were: Sorghum based diet without supplementation with pigmentant - Negative Control; 150 g t-1 of Yellow Natural Pigment feed; 300 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 450 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 25 g t-1 of yellow industrial pigment feed. The Tukey test was applied at 5% for the analysis of the variables of performance and quality of the eggs. The variables related to external and internal egg quality and poultry yield performance did not present significant results (p > 0.05). Only the variable color of the yolk obtained significance (p < 0.01), with an increase according to the number of pigments included in the diet. Sorghum can be used together supplementation of natural and synthetic pigments in the diet to improve yolk pigmentation. It is recommended to include 450g t-1 of natural marigold flower pigment feed (2%) in sorghum-based diets for better pigmentation of the yolk in place of 25 g t-1 of yellow synthetic pigmented, by improving the color of the yolk and not interfering in the productive performance of the laying hens and the quality of the eggs.

Identification of duplicate accessions in the pea (Pisum sativum L.) collection at VIR

Background. Identification of duplicates in the collections of genetic resources is the most important problem of seed gene bank management. Duplicate accessions expand the collection size, thus raising the costs of germplasm maintenance without broadening the genetic diversity.Materials and methods. The studied material included 17 pairs of Pisum sativum L. accessions from the VIR collection which presumably had been erroneously registered twice in the VIR catalogue; however, they had identical introductory numbers. The accessions entered the collection in 1922–1996 and to date they have been reproduced 2 to 16 times. After a field assessment, 15 pairs of putative duplicate accessions of various uses were selected for molecular analysis. A RAPD analysis was performed using five primers from the Operon Series. Total seed proteins were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Results. The following criteria were used to ascertain identity of the accessions or their difference: 1) similarity of morphological characters (habitus, and anthocyanin pigmentation of flowers and vegetative organs) and flowering dates; 2) identity or polymorphism of RAPD profiles; and 3) identity or difference in electrophoretic banding patterns of seed storage proteins. Seven pairs of duplicates were identified according to the results of a comparative analysis. Among them, the accessions in the pairs k-81/k-1199, k-8331/k-8645, k-8719/k-8760, and k-8757/k-8825 turned out to be completely identical, while k8464/k-8472, k-8740/k-8873, and k-8689/k-8723 were heterogenic, but had similar RAPD profiles and seed proteins patterns.Conclusions. An integrated assessment involving in-field plant phenotyping and analyzing polymorphism of amplified DNA fragments and components in electrophoretic banding patterns of seed proteins is promising for detecting identical or heterogenic accessions in genebank collections.