Pink Varieties Research Articles

Molecular mechanism of flower colour formation in Rhododendron simsii Planchon revealed by integration of microRNAome and RNAomics.

Systems-wide understanding of gene expression profile regulating flower colour formation in Rhododendron simsii Planchon is insufficient. In this research, integration analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA)omics and microRNAome were performed to reveal the molecular mechanism of flower colour formation in three R. simsii varieties with red, pink and crimson flowers, respectively. Totally, 3129, 5755 and 5295differentially expressed gene (DEG)s were identified through comparative transcriptome analysis between 'Red variety' and 'Pink variety' (1507 up-regulated and 1622 down-regulated), 'Red variety' and 'Crimson variety' (2148 up-regulated 3607 down-regulated), as well as 'Pink variety' and 'Crimson variety' (2089 up-regulated and 3206 down-regulated), which were involved in processes of 'catalytic activity', 'binding', 'metabolic process' and 'cellular process', as well as pathways of 'metabolic pathways', 'biosynthesis of secondary metabolites', 'plant-pathogen interaction' and 'phenylpropanoid biosynthesis'. A total of 215 miRNAs, containing 153 known miRNAs belonging to 57 families and 62 novel miRNA, were involved in flower colour formation. In particular, 55 miRNAs were significantly differently expressed. Based on miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, ath-miR5658 could affect the synthesis of pelargonidin, cyanidin and delphinidin through downregulating accumulation of anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase; ath-miR868-3p could regulate isoflavonoid biosynthesis through downregulating expression of CYP81E1/E7; ath-miR156g regulated the expression of flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase; and ath-miR829-5p regulated flavonol synthasein flavonoid biosynthesis process. This research will provide important roles in breeding new varieties with rich flower colour.

Influence of Tea Polyphenols, Chitosan, and Melatonin as the Eco-Friendly Post-Harvest Treatments on the Vase Life of the Cut Chrysanthemum ‘Pingpong’ Group

Vase life is a decisive measure of the marketability of post-harvest physiology in cut flowers. In the process of petal senescence, the cut chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium) ‘Pingpong’ group develops severe capitulum collapse which manifests as wilting and browning, leading to shorter vase life. Melatonin (MT), tea polyphenols (TPs), and chitosan (CT) are natural alternatives to chemical compounds with proven preservation effects. In this study, the possibility of mitigating capitulum collapse using the preservation solutions of these three eco-friendly ingredients was investigated on four varieties from the ‘Pingpong’ group, aiming to delay the senescence process. The effects on vase life of 0.02/0.04 mmol·L−1 MT, 200/400 mg·L−1 TPs, and 0.10/0.20 g·L−1 CT were, respectively, assessed with the basis of 20 g·L−1 sucrose and 250 mg·L−1 citric acid. The yellow and white varieties tend to have a longer vase life compared with the green and pink varieties. Compared to the control with only base ingredients, the greatest delay in capitulum collapse was observed with 0.04 mmol·L−1 MT in the yellow variety, maximizing the vase life to 13.4 days. MT maintained the best ornamental quality of the capitulum by decelerating fresh weight and flower diameter loss in terms of all varieties. TPs significantly increased flower diameter to improve vase life up to four more days. However, CT caused significant negative effects on vase life, with severe loss of both flower diameter and fresh weight. Therefore, the application of 0.04 mmol·L−1 MT and 200 mg·L−1 TPs was suggested to enhance the marketability of cut ‘Pingpong’, which highlighted the eco-friendly potential of post-harvest treatments.

Сравнительное изучение сохранности антоцианов в гранатовых соках-заготовках горячего розлива

Abstract. Taking into account the biological and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and their responsiveness to various technological factors, the purpose of this work was to identify a balance between the total losses of anthocyanins and anthocyanins of sediment in experimental samples of pomegranate juice-semi-finished product. The juice of pomegranates of the Guleisha pink variety from Geokchai (Azerbaijan), obtained from their grains using a laboratory press, was used as the starting material. The freshly squeezed juices were filtered through a multilayer gauze filter, additives were introduced into some of them to stabilize the color, after which they were stabilized by hot filling (heated to 85 оC in 15 minutes), using preservatives (sorbic acid, sodium benzoate) or by instant heating and cooling in tubular heat exchangers. The juices were stored in a regular warehouse at a lower temperature limit of 5 оC and an upper temperature limit of 18 оC. Cold storage of one of the hot filling juices and juice from instant heating to 85 оC and cooling to 15-20 оC (both in 10 seconds) at a temperature of 0...+ 1 оC was also tested. Changes in anthocyanins were judged by the optical density of the tested solutions at a wavelength of 520 nm before and after treatment with hydrogen peroxide, which discolors anthocyanins and does not act on newly formed dark-colored pigments. It was found that at the end of the specified shelf life, the total color intensity of semi-finished juices increased by 6.2...10.2 % was determined by dark-colored products of the melanoidin formation process and other processes that took place without the participation of anthocyanins; the percentage of preservation of anthocyanins proper in semi-finished juices with and without various additives, such as vitamin B1, vitamin E, etc., varied from 40.31 to 60.84, and the total loss of anthocyanins was almost 100 % associated with loss they are precipitated. Keywords: pomegranate juice purchases of long-term storage, glass cylinders, hot filling, anthocyanins of settled juice, anthocyanins of sediment, dark-colored pigments

The formation of a crop of fodder and semi-sugar beet under irrigation in conditions of global warming

Relevanse. To reduce the negative impact of drought on the production process of agrocenoses of field crops, the entire complex of agrotechnical and reclamation measures should be used to ensure increased drought resistance of crops in the structure of crop rotations for various purposes.The purpose of our research was to study the dynamics of the growth of the raw mass of root crops and the collection of dry matter by the periods of growth and development of fodder and semi-sugar beet at different moisture levels of the root layer of the soil.Material and methodology. The research was carried out in a specially built arid zone, which is a 3x20 m plot, isolated from soil moisture to a depth of 1.5 m by a clay castle along the periphery and a dense reinforced polyethylene film between the variants. The arid area was divided into four plots, each with an area of 15 m2 (3x5 m), in which a different level of moisture supply was maintained throughout the growing season. The variety of fodder beet Eckendorf yellow and semi–sugar beet – Semi-sugar pink variety were used as the object of research.Results. It has been established that at all values of humidity, the maximum accumulation of the raw mass of root crops in both varieties was noted in the second period of growth and development of plants, which lasts an average of 60 days and lasts from the beginning of closing of crops in rows to the beginning of opening in row spacing. Among the studied irrigation regimes, the option should be recognized as optimal, where during the growing season the relative humidity of the root layer at a depth of 1 m is maintained at the level of 70-75% of the WPV. With such moisture, the yield of root crops for fodder beet is 855 centners/ha, for semi-sugar beet – 679 centners/ha, and the collection of dry matter – 120.54 and 156.33 centners/ha, respectively. With a further increase in humidity to 75-80% of the FPV, the increase in yield and collection of dry matter per 1 ha of crops for both beet varieties is within the statistical error of the experiment, however, the cost of irrigation water for the formation of 1 q of dry matter increases by an average of 2.2 times, which negatively affects the cost of grown products. It has been proven that the optimal regime of soil moisture is provided by the irrigation scheme according to the periods of growth and development of plants 1 3 1; irrigation rate – 400 m3/ha, irrigation rate – 2000 m3/ha.

Determining biochemical qualitative indicators of grapes during long-term storage

This paper reports a study aimed at determining the biochemical quality indicators of grapes during long-term storage. The object of research was nine table varieties of ripened grapes. These include white varieties – Tabrizi, Karaburnu, White Shasla, Agadai; pink varieties – Nimrang, Marandi Shamakhi, Taifi pink; red varieties – Kyzyl raisins and Hamburg Muscat. The grapes were stored in refrigerators for 5–6 months, at a temperature of 0–1 °C and air humidity of 87–95 %. The grapes were studied before planting and 30–40 days before the end of storage. Long-term refrigerated storage of grapes using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of oxyreductases and a gradual increase in the activity of pectinesterase. This causes changes in the quantity and proportions of nutrients and other chemical components that determine the nutritional and biological value of the final product. It was revealed that during the sale of ripened grapes stored using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide, the activity of the studied oxyreductases is slightly restored in pink varieties – Nimrang, Taifi pink, and in white varieties – in Karaburnu and Tabrizi. In the Marandi Shamakhi variety, the activity of enzymes does not change, therefore, for a long time in these grape varieties, especially in the Marandi Shamakhi variety, darkening and softening of the berries are not observed during their sale. Among the studied table grape varieties, Tabrizi, Karaburnu, Nimrang, and Marandi Shamakhi, with long-term refrigerated storage using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide, have the longest shelf life; under a controlled gas environment, the results reported here could prove useful in practice

Evaluation of phenolic and antioxidant profiles of pink Guava peel (Psidium guajava L. cv Arka kiran) during fruit ripening and its in silico Anti SARS-CoV-2 property

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a highly nutritious and economically important fruit. Although fruit peel is generally regarded as a waste, researchers believe that the peel of the guava is rich in bioactive constituents, even higher than the fruit's flesh. The present study aimed to estimate phenolic content (total phenolic and total flavonoid) and assess antioxidant properties of guava fruit peel (pink variety, cv Arka kiran) by 2,2-di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) assays at five different ripening stages (stage 1 to 5). The TPC and TFC assays were performed by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride (AlCl3) methods, respectively. The molecular docking experiment between the major phenolic of guava peel, Catechin and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed by the Dockthor online server. Results showed that the peel had high phenolic (highest TPC and TFC, 7307.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight [DW] and 433.9 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW, respectively) and antioxidant values (highest DPPH, ABTS and FRAP values 4784.8, 206.6 and 2451 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW, respectively) throughout all stages, although there was a gradual decline in the activity at the later stages. Furthermore, it was found that catechin had a strong binding affinity (-7.591 kcal mol-1) with the spike protein, in silico when compared with the control drug ceftazidime (-7.250 kcal mol-1). The overall outcome of our experiemnts revealed that guava peel could be explored for future pharmacological applications through in vivo studies, and the ‘green mixed with the yellow’ stage of ripening is optimum for such studies.

PROSPECTS FOR GROWING PLANTS OF THE GENUS EUSTOMA L. IN PROTECTED GROUND

The article presents the results of studies on the cultivation of Eustoma L. plants in closed ground conditions on different substrates. As a result of the cultivation, the influence of the substrate on the passage of the main phenological phases of plant growth and development was determined, as well as data on the effect on plant height and flower diameter of different varieties. Four substrates were used in the study, namely: Domoflor; Compo; Peatfield; Generous soil and seven varieties of the genus Eustoma were studied: Aurora, Echo, Heidi, Flamenco, Mermaid, LittleBell, Florida Pink. It was found that growing plants of Eystoma L. varieties on substrates increases the duration of flowering from 3.39 % to 8.96 %, and accelerates flowering by several days. The size of the flower is a characteristic feature of the Eustoma species. The larger the flower size, the better the growing conditions. Most Eustoma varieties are characterized by the formation of flowers with a relatively large diameter. As a result of growing Echo and Florida Pink varieties, the flower diameter was the smallest and amounted to only 5 cm and was 3 cm or 37% less than the flower diameter of Aurora. A slight increase in flower diameter, relative to Echo and Florida Pink, but less than Aurora, was found for Echo, Heidi, Mermaid and LittleBell. In these variants, the flower diameter was at the level of 6-7 cm. The large size of the flower and similar diameter relative to the control was characterized by the variety Flamenco. The flower diameter of this variety was 8 cm. The use of the Compo substrate for growing tall flowers gave the highest plant height of 98 cm (+18.8 %), and in the case of short flowers 15.3 cm (+15 %) relative to the substrates: Domoflor – 89.5 cm (+8.5 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, Peatfield – 91.2 cm (+10.6 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, and on the substrate Generous Earth the plant height was 88 cm (+6.6 %) for tall flowers and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties. Experiments have shown that the substrate does not have a significant effect on flower diameter, with the exception of the Compo. In this variant, an increase of +2.1 % was found in the overall study, while in other substrates the indicator increased only by +0.76 %. Despite the different plant heights, the number of peduncles and buds on the experimental plants was almost the same. Their total number was in the range of 25-34 pcs. The largest number of buds was characterized by the varieties Eustoma, Echo and Heidi. In these variants, the total number of buds was 33 pcs. The same number of buds was characterized by the varieties Flamenco, Mermaid and Little Bell. As a result of growing the Florida Pink variety, the number of buds was the smallest and amounted to only 25 pcs. In terms of substrate use, the best performance was characterized by the Compo substrate, which on average had 1 more bud than the control (+3.5 %), while other substrates had slightly lower rates of increase in the number of buds, where their value ranged from (1-2 %).

PROSPECTS OF CULTIVATION OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS EUSTOMA L. IN CLOSED SOIL BY CUT

The article presents the results of research on the cultivation of Eustoma L. plants in closed soil on various substrates. As a result of cultivation, their influence on the passage of the main phenological phases of plant growth and development was established, and data on the effect of substrates on plant height and flower diameter of different varieties were also given. Four substrates were used in the study, namely: Domoflor; Compo; Peatfield; Generous land and studied seven varieties of Eustoma: Aurora, Echo, Heidi, Flamenco, Mermaid, LittleBell, Florida Pink. It was established that growing Eystoma L. plants on substrates increases the duration of flowering from 3.39% to 8.96%, and accelerates flowering by several days. Flower size is a characteristic feature of Eustoma species. The larger its size, the more optimal are the growing conditions. Most varieties of Eustoma were characterized by the formation of flowers with a relatively large diameter. As a result of growing the Echo and Florida Pink varieties, the diameter of the flower was the smallest and was only 5 cm, which was inferior to the diameter of the flower of the Aurora variety by 3 cm, or by 37%. Insignificant increase in flower diameter relative to the Echo and Florida Pink varieties, but smaller than the Aurora variety, was found in the Echo, Heidi, Mermaid and LittleBell varieties. In the indicated variants, the flower diameter was at the level of 6-7 cm. The Flamenco variety was characterized by a large flower size and a similar diameter relative to the control. The flower diameter of this variety was 8 cm. The use of the Compo substrate for growing tall flowers gave the highest plant height indicator, which was 98 cm (+18.8%), and in low plants 15.3 cm (+15%) compared to the substrates: Domoflor - 89.5 cm (+8, 5 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, Peatfield - 91.2 cm (+10.6 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for low-growing varieties, and on the Shchedra Zemlya substrate, the plant height index was 88 cm (+6.6%) for tall flowers and 14.3 cm (+7.5%) for low-growing varieties. Experiments have established that the substrate does not have a significant effect on the diameter of the flower, with the exception of the Compo substrate. In the specified variant, in general, an increase of the investigated indicator was established by +2.1%, in other substrates, the indicator increased only by +0.76%. Despite the different plant heights, the number of peduncles and buds on the recorded plants was almost the same. Their total number was in the range of 25-34 pcs. Eustoma Echo and Heidi varieties were characterized by the largest number of buds. In these variants, the total number of buds was 33 pcs. Flamenco, Mermaid and LittleBell varieties were characterized by the same number of buds. As a result of the cultivation of Floridfa Pink variety, the number of buds was the smallest and amounted to only 25 pcs. For the use of substrates, the Compo substrate was characterized by the best indicators, in which, on average, 1 more bud was established on the plants than in the control (+3.5%), other substrates had slightly lower indicators of an increase in the number of buds, where their value ranged from (1- 2%).

НОВЫЙ ИНТРОДУЦИРОВАННЫЙ СОРТ ВИНОГРАДА TICKLED PINK

This article presents the varietal study and evaluation of a new introduced grapevine variety Tickled Pink of the USA breeding, obtained as part of the Breeding Program of the University of Arkansas in the conditions of ARRIV&W – Branch of the FSBSI FRARC. An ampelographic description of the variety was made according to the main characteristics. This grapevine cultivar can be distinguished by its seedless berries, similar to Vitis labrusca L. morphological features and taste of berries, small compact clusters, wedge-shaped leaves, medium vigor, and disease and cold-hardiness. The vineyards are not watered, grafted, not covered, the two-armed middle-trunk cordon bush shape, the planting scheme is 3×1.5 m, the pruning is short. Methods generally accepted in viticulture and standard vineyard cultivation technology were used. According to our data, the Tickled Pink variety has an super-early terms of grape ripening (105 days from bud break to full ripeness of berries), small bunches with an average weight of 90.5 g, medium-sized berries with a weight of 2.2 g, seedlessness class II (mass of rudiments 8.7 mg), high resistance to downy mildew, anthracnose and botrytis, medium resistance to powdery mildew. According to the originators, the variety is highly resistant to frost, which we could not confirm due to the lack of critical low temperatures in winter, but it was possible to note the high winter hardiness of the variety. Yield is low, 4.7 t/ha. We believe that the grape cultivar Tickled Pink is not quite suitable for our terroir due to insufficient drought resistance and heat resistance, but it can be recommended for backyard gardening in regions with a cool climate, as well as for use in the breeding of resistant seedless grape varieties.

STUDY OF PECTIN SUBSTANCES DURING STORAGE OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TABLE GRAPE GROWING IN AZERBAIJAN

This study is aimed at solving the problem of providing the population with fresh grapes not only for one or two months, but all year round. To increase the terms of consumption of this valuable raw material, the most appropriate varieties and conditions for storing grapes were determined.
 The objects of study were unripe, ripe (ripe) and overripe table grape varieties widely used in the country (white varieties – Ganja table and Garaburnu, pink grape varieties – Marandi Shamakhinsky, Taifa pink, as well as red grape varieties Chernaya Asma and Pobeda). As a result of the study, it turned out that unripe and overripe red table grape varieties (Chernaya Asma and Pobeda) are richer in pectin compared to other varieties. They contain pectin substances up to 0.40–0.50 g/100 cm3. According to the content of pectin substances, pink varieties of grapes are in second place – 0.42–0.28 g/100 cm3. From a comparison of grape varieties, it is known that the amount of pectin in white table grape varieties is less than in other varieties – 0.36–0.25 g/100 cm3.
 During the storage of white table grape varieties, pectin decreased within the range of 24.0–48.0%, protopectin - by 16.6–38% and for pectin this indicator decreased by 5%. This figure was 7.1–50% in pink and 23.7–45% in red table grape varieties. The decrease in pectin during storage is associated with an increase in the activity of pectin enzymes. Therefore, it is considered expedient to store table grape varieties in a refrigerator according to the first option, i.e. under conditions of RHS 3–4% CO2 and 2–3% O2, at a relative humidity of 85–92%.
 And also studies have shown that for long-term and high-quality storage in a refrigerator, three options are more suitable: from white grape varieties Ganja table, from pink varieties – Marandi Shamakhinsky, and from red varieties – Black Asma.

A study on physical and chemical characteristics of guava (Psidium guajava L.) Taiwan pink variety

A study on physical and chemical characteristics of guava (Psidium guajava L.) Taiwan pink variety

ASSESSMENT OF VARIATIONS IN CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS L. INDUCED BY GAMMA RAYS AND SODIUM AZIDE USING RAPD MARKERS

The study of genetic variations in Catharanthus roseus L. induced by gamma rays and sodium azide using RAPD markers transpired in 2021–2022 at the Department of Biology, University of Kufa, Iraq. The seeds of two cultivars of Catharanthus roseus L., i.e., victory pure white and local (pink variety), received two doses of gamma rays (50 and 75 Gray) and four sodium azide concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%). Non-treated seeds of both cultivars also served as a control for comparison. Evaluating the effects obtained through the exposure of C. roseus seeds to gamma rays and sodium azide employed DNA markers, including 16 primers used in applying RAPDs. DNA extraction, accomplished from fresh apical leaves, underwent molecular markers application. RAPD markers could detect the generation of genetic variation induced by gamma rays and sodium azide treatments through the appearance of polymorphic bands. Using 16 RAPD primers, the largest molecular size was 2,543 bp produced by primer OPB-17, with the lowest 114 bp produced by primer OPC-08. The highest number of main and polymorphic bands was 18 and 10, respectively, in primer OPA-10. The highest number of monomorphic bands was eight in primer OPX-17, which affected its ability to give the lowest value for polymorphism. The highest number of amplified bands was 78 bands in primer OPC-09. Primer OPA-10 provided the highest number of polymorphic and unique bands, as well as, the highest values for discrimination and primer efficiency. Primer OPC-09, with seven treatments resulting in a unique fingerprint, is superior to all other primers.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MUTAGENESIS IN CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS PLANT USING SCOT MARKERS

The current study comprising molecular identification of the mutagenic effects of gamma rays and sodium azide on Catharanthus roseus using scot markers took place at the Department of Biology, University of Kufa, Iraq. The seeds of two cultivars, i.e., ‘victory carmine’ and a local variety (pink variety) of Catharanthus roseus L (carmine var.) received irradiation with two doses of gamma rays (50 Gray and 75 Gray). Afterward, these got soaked in sodium azide with four concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) to induce the genetic variation in the cultivar. The non-treated seeds served as control treatments for comparison with treated ones. Accomplishing irradiation was at an average of 18 Gy/h using Cobalt-60. The effects of gamma rays and sodium azide treatments’ evaluation were through 10 start codon targeted (SCoT) DNA markers. The higher number of distinctive fingerprints was three produced by primers SCoT-26, while primer SCoT-60 provided a distinct fingerprint for only one treatment. However, primer SCoT-40 failed to recognize any treatment with a distinctive fingerprint. The highest molecular size (2488 bp) came from primer SCoT-54, whereas the lower molecular size (143 bp) resulted in primer SCoT-12. Primer SCoT-33 provided the highest value for chief and unique bands, reaching 33 and 18, respectively. The highest number of amplified bands was 77 bands in primer SCoT-54. Primer SCoT-60 produced the highest value for monomorphic bands, primer SCoT-12 gave the highest value for polymorphic bands, polymorphism, and discriminatory (15, 68.18, and 20.83, respectively), and primer SCoT-9 produced the highest value for efficiency.

Combined effects of Chalicodoma rufipes (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) activity and compost on pollination and production of Phaseolus vulgaris pink variety (Fabaceae) at Dang (Ngaoundéré, Cameroon)

To evaluate synergistic effect of compost and Chalicodoma rufipes on Phaseolus vulgaris pink variety production, during the 2018 and 2021 cropping seasons, experiments were carried out in a complete randomized block design with three treatments: subplots applied with compost; subplots applied with NPK-fertilizer; subplots applied neither with compost, nor with NPK. Other four treatments were made up of 1220 labelled flowers comprising two differentiated according to the presence or absence of protection of flowers from insect visits; the third with flowers protected and uncovered when flowers were opened, to anable C. rufipes visit and the fourth with flowers uncovered and reprotected from insect or any other organism visits. Chalicodoma rufipes’s daily rhythm of activity, its foraging behavior on flowers and its pollination efficiency were evaluated. Results reveal that compost significantly increased (P < 0.001) P. vulgaris plants biomass. Among the 13 insect species recorded on P. vulgaris flowers, C. rufipes ranked second with 20.84% of the 782 visits. Chalicodoma rufipes intensely harvested nectar. The combined effet of C. rufipes and compost notably increased the fruiting rate, the number of seeds per pod and the percentage of normal seeds by 49.4%, 13.8% and 26.63%, respectively. Hence, application of compost and preservation of C. rufipes nests close to P. vulgaris fields is recommended to improve production of this important crop legume in the region.

Thermoluminescence of rose quartz from Minas Gerais, Brazil

This article reports the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of rose quartz from Minas Gerais (Brazil), a translucent pink variety of quartz. Firstly, the sample shows a pure α-quartz phase, based on X-ray diffraction results. Also, the mineral shows a wide optical absorption band at about 500 nm, typical of rose quartz. In addition, X-ray fluorescence showed a high percentage of purity (99.1% of the SiO2), and the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) recorded the presence of elements such as Al, Ca, Fe and Ti. The TL measurements were carried out using a commercial Risø TL/OSL reader, model DA-20, equipped with a built in 90Sr/90Y beta source, used to irradiate the sample to different radiation doses (0.01 – 1Gy). The glow curve, measured at a heating rate of 1 K/s, consists of a prominent peak at 355 K followed by other low intensity peaks at higher temperatures. Measurements of the main peak are reproducibility with a coefficient of variation (C.V.) of ∼1.3% and a repeatability of ∼1.8%. Kinetic analysis of the main peak was carried out using experimental methods comprising Tm-Tstop technique, the initial rise method, peak shape estimation and various computational methods (TGCD, TLanal, TLDecoxcel and GlowFit). The peak obeys first order kinetics, with activation energy of 0.86 eV, and a frequency factor of the order of 1011 s−1. Finally, in the dose range studied, the peak shows a sublinear dose response after which supralinearity sets in.

Effect of calcium chloride and floral preservatives in the vase life of gerbera cut flower

Postharvest loss of cut flower at all the stakeholders in Nepal before reaching consumer is about 20-25% in Nepal. The major problem in gerbera for its vase life is stem or scape bending. This study was aimed to assess the effect of calcium chloride and different floral preservatives in the vase life and to evaluate the quality of different varieties of gerbera cut flower. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design in the controlled lab of Central Agricultural Laboratory located at Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur at 17±2 ˚C temperature, 55 ± 2% relative humidity (RH) and 100 lux light. The study revealed that among two varieties, Rosalin, a light pink variety of gerbera was found to be better with prolonged vase life. Rosalin showed the longest vase life (14.05 days) with higher solution uptake (13.97 mL) and recorded minimum stem bending (43.8˚) on 15th day of vase life. Among ten different vase solutions, 4% sucrose + 1% calcium chloride (18.25 days), 4% sucrose + 0.5% calcium chloride (16.58 days) and 0.5% calcium chloride (16.25 days) were found the most effective vase solutions to prolong the vase life of gerbera cut flower as compared to control (7.67 days). Vase life solution of 4% sucrose + 1% calcium chloride is a potential commercial preservative solution to improve the keeping quality and vase life of cut gerbera. To conclude, calcium treatment along with a carbohydrate in a vase solution improves the vase life of gerbera cut flower.

Analysis genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of local lotus collected in Thua Thien hue province, Vietnam by DNA barcoding

Universal conventional DNA barcodes will become more and more popular in plant species using short sequences of chloroplast DNA identifications. DNA mini-barcode is a solution for such specific purposes. Here we exemplify how to develop the best minibarcodes for specific taxa using the Nelumbo nucifera as an example. Six chloroplast DNA regions (accDpsaI, ndhA, psbE-petL, Rpl32-trnL, trnW – psaJ, trnSGCU-trnGGCC) were tested for their suitability as DNA barcoding regions of thirty three lotus samples (white and pink) which were collected in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Universal primers were used and sequenced products were analyzed using Minimum Evolution method in the MEGA X program. The sequences accD-psaI; ndhA and psbE-petL did not show any variable sites and none of the regions used in the study allowed the division of white and pink lotus varieties of N. nucifera species according to the adopted classification of the genus Nelumbo. The results confirm that the use of individual six gene regions or combining all six regions together is insufficient for DNA barcoding in white and pink lotus varieties of N. nucifera species. The neutrality tests were negative values for total six gene regions, indicating an excess of rare nucleotide site variants suggesting that either population expansion or background selection has occurred. However following Fu’s Fs test, the hypothesis of netural evolution was significantly rejected for all regions of the studied lotus population. Strobeck’s S, the probability of obtaining equal or fewer haplotypes based on gene frequency and mutation rate, was low in population ranging from 0.183 to 0.549. These results are not consistent with deviation from neutrality due to either selection or population expansion. Our results also indicate the necessity of using a different region.

Determining the pectinesterase enzyme activity when storing table grape varieties depending on the degree of ripening

Grapes are rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, mineral compounds, vitamins, phenolic compounds. and other vital components. It is known that fresh grapes can be used from September to December. To prolong the terms of consumption of this valuable raw material, the most appropriate varieties and conditions for storing grapes have been determined. White, pink, and red grape varieties were taken as the object of research. The changes in the activity of the pectinesterase enzyme were determined depending on the degree of ripening of table grape varieties, the change in the pectinesterase enzyme during storage of table grape varieties in various variants was investigated. Statistical processing and calculation of variations in the indicators of changes in the activity of the enzyme pectinesterase were performed, depending on the degree of ripening of grapes of the Shamakhi Marandi variety. During the study, the pectinesterase enzyme remained more stable in mature varieties. This means that in ripe table grape varieties, the absorption of nutrients in the respiratory process is significantly slowed down. However, as they mature, the activity of the pectinesterase enzyme gradually increases. Therefore, for long-term storage in refrigerated chambers, fully ripe varieties of table grapes were used; to this end, grapes of the white Ganja table variety, the pink Shamakhi Marandi variety, and the red Black Asma variety are more suitable. The comparison of the investigated variants showed that table grape varieties, when stored in a refrigerated chamber in a controlled atmosphere, at 3–4 % CO2 and 2–3 % O2, retain better quality than other variants. When storing table grape varieties of various variants in the refrigerator, the enzyme activity decreases but is not completely suppressed.

Properties of the Ignimbrites in the Architecture of the Historical Center of Arequipa, Peru

The petrographic and petrophysical characteristics of three varieties of ignimbrites used in the architectural heritage of Arequipa (southwest Peru) are analyzed. The modal classification QAFP and TAS diagram discriminate their dacitic nature. Mercury injection porometry revealed very high porosity: 46.5% for white and beige ignimbrites, and 35.5% for the pink variety. Ignimbrites contain intrusions of vulcanodetrital fragments and vacuoles that influence their predominantly non-linear mechanical behavior. The results of water absorption by capillarity (C) and ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV) demonstrate a slight anisotropy for the beige variety and near isotropy for white and pink ignimbrites, which justify the randomness of the application of the ashlars in the masonry and in the selection of the faces to carve. Surfaces with hollows in the white and beige ignimbrites are the result of the erosion of the acicular pumice that fills the vacuoles.

DYNAMICS OF CERTAIN CHEMICAL COMPONENTS IN TOMATO FRUIT (LYCOPERSICON ECULENTUM MILL.) MAINTAINED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AFTER HARVEST

Traditional tomato varieties are of particular importance for vegetable cultivation, by capitalizing on the diversity of local populations and increasing the number of crops. The study of local populations of cultivated tomatoes determines the accumulation of additional knowledge on how the shape, size and taste of fruits evolve, helping to identify new varieties with a role in improving the productivity, quality and nutritional value of tomatoes. In this paper, 2 local varieties from the Cluj County area were studied, from the point of view of the dynamics of certain chemical components when, after harvest, the tomatoes are stored at different stages of maturity. The lowest water loss, of 7.5%, was presented by the pink variety, stored for 7 days at a temperature of 8 °C. Vitamin C was better preserved in the case of the red variety, presenting after 7 days of storage at 8 °C, values of 27.23% at green maturity and 46.58% at consumption maturity. The pectic substances, in the case of the studied varieties, do not show significant variations depending on the maturity phase or the storage method, these registering values between 0.11 and 0.27%.