Sap Samples Research Articles

Bacterial Metabarcoding of Raw Palm Sap Samples from Bangladesh with Nanopore Sequencing.

The traditional practice of harvesting and processing raw date palm sap is not only culturally significant but also provides an essential nutritional source in South Asia. However, the potential for bacterial or viral contamination from animals and environmental sources during its collection remains a serious and insufficiently studied risk. Implementing improved food safety measures and collection techniques could mitigate the risk of these infections. Additionally, the adoption of advanced food analytical methods offers the potential to identify pathogens and uncover the natural bacterial diversity of these products. The advancement of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, particularly nanopore sequencing, offers a rapid and highly mobile solution. In this study, we employed nanopore sequencing for the bacterial metabarcoding of a set of raw date palm sap samples collected without protective coverage against animals in Bangladesh in 2021. We identified several bacterial species with importance in the natural fermentation of the product and demonstrated the feasibility of this NGS method in the surveillance of raw palm sap products. We revealed two fermentation directions dominated by either Leuconostoc species or Lactococcus species in these products at the first 6 h from harvest, along with opportunistic human pathogens in the background, represented with lower abundance. Plant pathogens, bacteria with the potential for opportunistic human infection and the sequences of the Exiguobacterium genus are also described, and their potential role is discussed. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of mobile laboratory solutions for food safety purposes in low-resource areas.

Pengaruh Lama Penyimpanan Nira Kental Sulfitasi Terhadap Karakteristik Nira Pada Proses Produksi Gula

Sulfated Condensed Nira is sugarcane juice that has undergone several production processes ranging from milling and purification to evaporation and has been mixed with other substances such as lime/sulfur. One of the problems encountered in Indonesian sugar factories is the waiting time for the thick sulfate juice in the crate of thick sap before the cooking process is carried out. This is caused by several things, such as damage to the production machine, overcapacity cooking process, and mill wash. This study aimed to determine the effect of extended storage of sulfate viscous sap on the characteristics of the sap produced in the production process of white crystalline sugar. It uses a sample of thick sulfate sap taken in a crate of thick sap with five treatments, namely storage time of 0 hours, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours. Parameters tested include total dissolved solids (% Brix), sugar content, pH, color, and turbidity. The results showed that the storage of concentrated sulfate juice significantly affected %Brix. At 0 hours to 4 hours of storage, it increased and decreased after 6 hours. The sugar content in the thick sulfated sap increased at 0 to 4 hours of storage and decreased after 6 hours. Increasing the sugar content in sap is caused by the decomposition of polysaccharides into sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), and the decrease in sugar content is caused by fermentation by Saccharomyces. The storage time of 0 hours was significantly different from the storage time of 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours on the pH of the sulfitation thick juice due to the addition of lime milk to keep the pH of the juice high and prevent hydrolysis either by microbes or acids. The longer the storage, the darker and more cloudy the resulting color.

A new device for online nanoscale sampling and capillary electrophoresis analysis of plant sap composition.

In this work, an online sampling of plant xylem sap combined with an efficient (CE)-based method was developed and applied to study the kinetics of changes in the sap composition and to assess plant fitness under stress conditions comprehensively. A laboratory-built CE device was developed to provide online sampling and CE analysis of various ionogenic species in the sap during plant stress response. The rapid online sampling and short CE analysis time allow for real-time monitoring of changes in sap constituents in the living plant during the stress response. The developed device was successfully used to analyze chloride, nitrate, and sulfate ions in the plant xylem during the salt stress or stress caused by nitrate deficiency within short time scales.

Collection methods to preserve nutritive and physicochemical properties of unfermented coconut (Cocos nucifera) sap

Quality evaluation of unfermented coconut (Cocosnucifera) sap was done using two sap collection methods of application of Hal bark (Vateria acuminate) to the clay pots of 4L (TM) and novel sap collection method (NSCM), during 12 hours (from 6pm to 6 am). The novel sap collecting device is a recent innovation by Coconut Research Institute(CRI) – Sri Lanka. Twelve tapped coconut palms (Dwraft variety, 45 years old) were used and filtered sap was stored (-18oC). Volume, pH, total soluble solids, alcohol content, total acidity, color, sugar profile, total phenols, EC50, Ascorbic acid content and mineral in two types of unfermented coconut sap samples were determined. The results revealed that coconut sap collected from NSCM has significantly high pH (5.99), moisture (83.20%), sucrose (13.71%), total sugar (19.99%) compared to the collected sap from TM. In contrast, the sap of TM method were significantly rich with total phenolic (65.90 mgGAE/100ml), EC50 (143.03 mg/ml), AEAC (0.2568 mg Vit C in 1g sample), browning index (6.76) and yellowing index (15.92). Moreover, Ca (39.3mg/L), Fe (3.08mg/L), Mn (0.96mg/L), Sr (0.14mg/L) Ba (0.33mg/L) were significantly high in TM. Hence, the novel sap collection method can be concluded as the best approach for collecting quality unfermented coconut sap with its natural quality.

The modeling of changes in the specific activity of tritium in plants

Birch juice is a drink made of birch sap of medium-sized wild trees at the springtime. It is popular especially in northern Europe and Asia on territories with occasionally waterlogged permeable soils. However, some of these areas coincide with highest tritium leakage ever recorded (Kyshtym, Chernobyl and Fukushima). Robust analyses on tritium levels (scintillation method) in the birch sap were carried out in location with a constant load of tritiated water between 2003 and 2016. Sampling the birch sap was carried out annually in season (usually from the final week of February to the first-week of April. Sampling of birch sap was usually has been carried out during the period when the daytime air temperature was within +(5–8) °C minimum for 3 days. During this period, began intensive sap flow. Data obtained is put in relation to air temperature and humidity in order to contribute to the understanding basic mechanisms of tritium intake via birch. Findings confirmed that tritium easily penetrates via water into any organism and it can accumulate there for much longer than its half-decay times. It was firstly revealed that it is possible to predict the concentration of this dangerous pollutant in the birch sap based on the temperature and humidity dynamics. And with continuous input of tritium into the environment, the concentration of tritium in free water increases polynomial. The specific tritium activity values due to the gradient of tritium concentration in the atmosphere-plant-ground system of the change in temperature and humidity. For the organization of monitoring and control, the possibility of radioecological safety for the affected areas was determined

Phloem Sap Composition: What Have We Learnt from Metabolomics?

Phloem sap transport is essential for plant nutrition and development since it mediates redistribution of nutrients, metabolites and signaling molecules. However, its biochemical composition is not so well-known because phloem sap sampling is difficult and does not always allow extensive chemical analysis. In the past years, efforts have been devoted to metabolomics analyses of phloem sap using either liquid chromatography or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Phloem sap metabolomics is of importance to understand how metabolites can be exchanged between plant organs and how metabolite allocation may impact plant growth and development. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge of phloem sap metabolome and physiological information obtained therefrom. Although metabolomics analyses of phloem sap are still not numerous, they show that metabolites present in sap are not just sugars and amino acids but that many more metabolic pathways are represented. They further suggest that metabolite exchange between source and sink organs is a general phenomenon, offering opportunities for metabolic cycles at the whole-plant scale. Such cycles reflect metabolic interdependence of plant organs and shoot-root coordination of plant growth and development.

Zinc Supply Affects Cadmium Uptake and Translocation in the Hyperaccumulator Sedum Plumbizincicola as Evidenced by Isotope Fractionation.

This study employs stable isotope analysis to investigate the mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) interaction in the metal hyperaccumulating plant species Sedum plumbizincicola. To this end, the Cd and Zn isotope compositions of root, stem, leaf, and xylem sap samples were determined during metal uptake and translocation at different Cd and Zn concentrations. The enrichment of light isotopes of both elements in plants during uptake was less pronounced at low metal supply levels, likely reflecting the switch from a low-affinity to a high-affinity transport system at lower levels of external metal supply. The lower δ114/110Cd values of xylem sap when treated with a metabolic inhibitor decreasing the active Cd uptake further supports the preference of heavier Cd isotopes during high-affinity transport. The Δ66Znplant-initialsolution or Δ66Znplant-finalsolution values were similar at different Cd concentrations, indicating negligible interaction of Cd in the Zn uptake process. However, decreasing Zn supply levels significantly increased the enrichment of light Cd isotopes in plants (Δ114/110Cd = -0.08‰) in low-Cd treatments but reduced the enrichment of light Cd isotopes in plants (Δ114/110Cd = 0.08‰) under high Cd conditions. A systematic enrichment of heavy Cd and light Zn isotopes was found in root-to-shoot translocation of the metals. The Cd concentrations of the growth solutions thereby had no significant impact on Zn isotope fractionation during root-to-shoot translocation. However, the Δ114/110Cdtranslocation values hint at possible competition between Cd and Zn for transporters during root-to-shoot transfer and this may impact the transport pathway of Cd. The stable isotope data demonstrate that the interactions between the two metals influenced the uptake and transport mechanisms of Cd in S. plumbizincicola but had little effect on those of Zn.

Convenient Sampling of Xylem Sap from Adult Tree Trunks and Analysis of Its Components

Sampling xylem sap, especially from adult tree trunks, is a major challenge. In this study, we developed a new sampling method and tested its efficacy for sampling xylem sap from deciduous Quercus serrata and evergreen Cryptomeria japonica. The water-absorbing resin was placed in cylindrical holes in the tree trunks, and the xylem sap that was collected in the resin was analyzed for 15 metals, 4 nonmetals, total sugars, and the chemical forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The volume of the collected xylem sap increased with increases in the mean monthly air temperature and the monthly precipitation when it was less than ca. 200 mm. The concentrations of sap components were higher in Q. serrata than in C. japonica. In Q. serrata, the concentrations of most sap components (e.g., K) began to increase in early spring, remained high in spring–summer, decreased in late summer–early autumn, and remained low in winter. This seasonal variation was likely associated with tree phenology. Relationships between the concentrations of elements in the sap and those in the leaves and soil solution were observed. This sampling method is appropriate for characterizing weekly and monthly mean concentrations of xylem sap components.

Potentiometric Sensor System with Self-Calibration for Long-Term, In Situ Measurements

We built an integrated solid-contact ion-selective electrode (SCISE) system with the functionality of self-calibration. A multiplexed SCISE sensor (K+ and NO3− vs. Ag/AgCl) was fabricated on printed-circuit board (PCB) substrates and was subsequently embedded into a microfluidic flow cell for self-calibration and flow-through analysis. A PCB circuit that includes modules for both sensor readout and fluid control was developed. The sensors showed a fast and near-Nernstian response (56.6 for the K+ electrode and −57.4 mV/dec for the NO3− electrode) and maintained their performance for at least three weeks. The sensors also showed a highly reproducible response in an automated two-point calibration, demonstrating the potential for in situ monitoring. Lastly, the sensor system was successfully applied to measure mineral nutrients in plant sap samples.

The Influence of Agroclimate, Gandatapa Village, Sumbang Subdistrict on Microbial Profile, Brix Values, and Total Sugar, Naturally Spread Coconut Sap

Temperature and relative humidity are factors that affect the microbial profile and brix value of coconut sap. High temperature and relative humidity tend to support microbial growth. On the other hand, high relative humidity will reduce the brix value and total coconut sap sugar. Therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship between agro-climatic conditions with microbial profile, brix value and total sugar in organically run coconut sap in Gandatapa Village. This research is expected to provide benefits for those who need coconut sap as a source of S. cerevisiae and as a raw material for the manufacture of brown sugar. Coconut sap samples were taken using a simple random technique. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded for each sampling. 250 ml of coconut sap was put into a sterile plastic bottle and then using an ice box, it was taken to the Agricultural Technology Laboratory for analysis. The analysis carried out included total microbes, total yeast, total bacteria, yeast percentage, brix value and total coconut sap sugar. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to determine the relationship and the degree of closeness. The results showed that temperature and relative humidity were positively correlated with the microbial profile of organically dissolved coconut sap. At an air temperature of 28.4oC and an air humidity of 81%, the total microbes of organically run coconut sap were 6.45 logs, the total yeast was 4.28 log cfu/ml, the total bacteria were 2.52 log cfu/ml and the yeast percentage was 72, 75%. Brix values ​​and total sugar under the same conditions were 16.7% and 8.25%. The value of brix and total sugar of coconut sap is negatively correlated with temperature and relative humidity. There is a strong relationship between temperature and total microbial, brix value and total sugar. The correlation coefficient is 0.71, respectively; -0.81 and -0.78. Strong correlations were also observed between relative humidity and total microbial, total yeast and brix values. The correlation coefficient is 0.85, respectively; 0.82; and -0.83.

Antioxidant activity and physicochemical analysis of coconut, kithul and palmyrah palm treacle

Treacle from the palm trees of coconut, palmyra, and kithul exhibits antioxidant and medicinal properties as mentioned in Sri Lankan ethnomedicine however the research regarding the nutritional, physicochemical, sensory, and functional properties of palmyrah treacle are limited and the treacle remains underutilized compared to coconut and kithul treacle. The purpose of this study is to compare the antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of coconut, kithul, and palmyra treacle and to provide comparative facts for the betterment of the palm treacle industry. Pooled sap samples of coconut, kithul, and palmyra were collected from respective collecting center and the treacle was prepared and kept in refrigerators for further analysis. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, microbial quality, and sensory analysis were performed using triplicates from each sample. Significantly highest (<em>p</em>&lt;0.05) total sugar (67.90%) and ash content [0.075(±0.002)] %was obtained for palmyrah treacle, while protein content was significantly highest for kithul [0.570 (±0.0120)] than coconut [0.410 (±0.0040)] and palmyrah [0.028 (±0.0070)] %. Total phenolic content was significantly highest for coconut [278.02 (±1.35)] while there were no significant differences between palmyrah [191.02(±4.80)] and kithul [190.23 (±2.71)] mg GAE/100g. DPPH's scavenging ability with the IC values of palmyrah, coconut, and kithul were 1.69 (±0.13), 2.91 (±0.04), and 2.21(±0.14) mg/mL respectively. This study could be useful to disseminate knowledge and create awareness among people on different treacle varieties and their antioxidant properties. This finding will uplift the utilization of palm treacle or the in-cooperation of palm treacle in other food products such as sweeteners.

Pilot Study of Sap Properties of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Trees Used and Not Used for Sap-Feeding by Three-Toed Woodpeckers (Picoides tridactylus)

The ecophysiology of the Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees that were used by three-toed woodpeckers (TTW) (Picoides tridactylus) for their sap-feeding activities were investigated. The pilot study was conducted in southern Finland (61°15′ N, 25°00′ E). During April–June 2015, three different tree categories of Norway spruce were selected for monitoring: trees that were frequently used by the TTWs for phloem sap-feeding for several previous years; trees that were only recently used by TTWs for sap-feeding; and control trees that were not used at all for sap-feeding. Phloem sap and phloem tissue samples were frequently extracted from tree trunks and analyzed for the content and composition of nonstructural carbohydrates, phloem sap osmolality, solute, and water content, as well as for the content and composition of secondary metabolites typical for defense reactions in the phloem. Simple crown characteristics were also measured, including tree height, diameter at breast height, and their ratio (slenderness index). According to our results, the TTWs preferred Norway spruce trees that showed advanced spring phenology to feed on, as evidenced especially by the lower ratio of raffinose (typically high during the winter months) to total soluble sugars of phloem tissues as compared to non-used control trees. The lower slenderness index of the trees chosen by the TTWs indicates low canopy competition pressure with good access to light (i.e., the sun heats the trunks well in spring). There were no differences in the phloem osmolality or solute content between the used or unused control trees. The trees used by the TTWs had significantly higher concentrations of antioxidant phenolic (+)-catechins and stilbene glycosides in phloem tissue, and the stilbene content was also higher in the extracted sap. The phenolics content of the phloem tissue had a clear seasonal trend, being the highest in the early spring and lower towards the onset of the cambial growth processes. The phloem sap is rich in antioxidants and soluble sugars that are potentially beneficial for the TTWs, but more quantitative research is needed to explore the importance of the sap properties to TTWs.

The Infectivity Survival and Transmissibility of Rice ragged stunt virus from the Frozen-Infected Rice Leaves by the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål

Rice ragged stunt virus, which was transmitted by the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål), was an economically important rice plant pathogen, and caused the yield losses of 10 - 100 % in Thailand and Asian rice cultivation areas. The purpose of this research was to assess the infectivity survival and the transmissibility of Rice ragged stunt virus from the frozen infected rice leaf tissues to the hosts, and the efficiency detection by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on nitrocellulose membranes. The result was shown that rice virus was successfully acquired from the infected rice leaf frozen samples at –20 °C (7 days and 10 months) by the insect vectors, which the reactions can be clearly detected on the nitrocellulose membranes. The efficiencies of the insect vector inoculated, and the rice plant transmitted were 60 - 100 % and 20 - 100 %, and the direct variations with increasing of the viral-minimal latent period at the 3 and 10 days after inoculation, respectively. The maximum efficiency detection of crude sap sample dilutions of both viral hosts in the insect vector and the rice plant were the 1:16 to 1:64, and 1:64 to 1:256, respectively. These new idea transmission methods can be applied for the long-term stability, viability and infectivity of the infected samples, the laboratory protocol development of the cryopreservation techniques for the future study purpose of a plant virus, the viral-resistance breeding process, and the impose rice plant protection policies and strategies in Thailand.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) causes the most destructive rice plant viral disease in Thailand irrigational rice cultivation&#x0D; The brown planthopper (BPH) is an economically important vector and a serious management problem for Thai farmers&#x0D; The infected rice leaf samples under the frozen and refrigeration conditions were successful as active reservoirs for the viral cycle and transmission&#x0D; The RRSV-minimal latent periods (MLP) of the BPH vector and the rice plant were 3 and 10 days after inoculation&#x0D; Understanding of plant-virus-vector interactions can take to improve the ability to insect and rice viral disease control policies and strategies in the agro-ecosystem&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles are linked to polar lipids in xylem sap of temperate angiosperm species.

In previous research, xylem sap of angiosperms has been found to include low concentrations of nanoparticles and polar lipids. A major goal of this study was to test predictions arising from the hypothesis that the nanoparticles consist largely of polar lipids from the original cell content of vessel elements. These predictions included that polar lipid and nanoparticle concentrations would be correlated, that they both do not pass through pit membranes and that they do not vary seasonally because they originate from living vessel element cells. We collected xylem sap of six temperate angiosperm species over the whole year to consider seasonal variation. Concentrations of nanoparticles and lipids in xylem sap and contamination control samples were measured with a NanoSight device and mass spectrometry. We found that the concentration of nanoparticles and polar lipids was (i) diluted when an increasing amount of sap was extracted, (ii) significantly correlated to each other for three species, (iii) affected by vessel anatomy, (iv) very low and largely different in chemical composition from contamination controls and (v) hardly variable among seasons. Moreover, there was a minor freezing-thawing effect with respect to nanoparticle amount and size. Xylem sap lipids included polar galactolipids and phospholipids in all species and neutral triacylglycerols in two species. These findings support the predictions and, by implication, the underlying hypothesis that nanoparticles in xylem sap consist of polar lipids from the original cell content of living vessel element cells. Further research is needed to examine the formation and stability of nanoparticles concerning lipid composition and multiphase interactions among gas, liquid and solid phases in xylem conduits of living plants.

Extraction of cucumber phloem sap based on the capillary-air pressure principle.

Changes in the substances in phloem sap can effectively reflect the nutritional status of cucumber plants during their growth. Because of the limitations of the time-consuming and complex operations of existing phloem sap extraction methods, the authors proposed a new extraction method based on the capillary-air pressure principle and designed a new sap sampling device. To examine the feasibility of the new sampling device, sap sampled from the same plant with the new method and the common EDTA method was analyzed by gas-phase mass spectrometry. The data showed that the number of substances in the sap sampled using capillary-air pressure was higher than that observed using the EDTA method. The concentration of substances sampled using capillary-air pressure was much higher than that observed using EDTA.

Modeling pesticide translocation injected by endotherapy into the stem of coconut tree (Cocos nucifera L.)

Aim of study: To present a mathematical model to simulate the translocation of pesticides injected into coconut trees. Pesticide residues in water and coconut pulp were also evaluated. Area of study: The data were obtained in coconut plants of the Itaporanga Experimental Field, located in the Municipality of Itaporanga d'Ajuda, Sergipe State, Brazil. Material and methods: To estimate the effect of pesticide site-sap coefficients and retardation factors on translocation and its phytosanitary behavior and risk of contamination of coconut fruits, the stipe was modeled by a classic dispersion-advection equation. The pesticides cyproconazole, azoxystrobin, dimethoate, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, and thiamethoxam were injected into the coconut palm stipe. The method used to extract pesticide residues from pulp, water and coconut sap samples was based on the QuEChERS methodology with modifications. Main results: Simulations showed that (i) the pesticides dimethoate, metalaxyl, and thiamethoxan were the active ingredients showing the greatest potential for translocation in the sap of the coconut tree stem; (ii) the pesticides imidacloprid and metalaxyl translocated upward in the stipe, and more rapidly than pesticides abamectin and cyproconazole, which moved slower to the aerial part of coconut plants. In chromatography analysis, no pesticide residues were quantified in water and coconut fruit pulp samples of coconut trees injected with pesticides, after the evaluated intervals. Research highlights: The proposed model allowed us to observe that the translocation is inversely proportional to the sorption of the pesticide in the stem of coconut trees.

Investigating Nutrient Supply Effects on Plant Growth and Seed Nutrient Content in Common Bean.

Low soil fertility commonly limits growth and yield production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical regions. Impacts of nutrient limitations on production volume are well studied and are a major factor in reducing crop yields. This study characterised the impact of reduced nutrient supply on carbon assimilation and nutrient content of leaf, phloem sap and reproductive tissues of common bean grown in a controlled environment in order to detect chemical markers for changes in nutritional content. Leaf gas exchange measurements were undertaken over plant development to characterise changes to carbon assimilation under reduced nutrient supply. Samples of leaf, phloem sap and pod tissue of common bean were analysed for carbon isotope discrimination, mineral nutrient content, and amino acid concentration. Despite declines in nutrient availability leading to decreased carbon assimilation and reductions in yield, amino acid concentration was maintained in the pod tissue. Common bean can maintain the nutritional content of individual pods under varying nutrient availabilities demonstrating the resilience of processes determining the viability of reproductive tissues.

Cinnamic Acid in Frankincense Sap as a Criterion for Determining the Best Mother Plant for Vegetative Propagation of Styrax benzoin (Sumatra Benzoin) in Sumatra, Indonesia

Cinnamic acid, contained in frankincense sap produced by Styrax benzoin (Sumatra benzoin tree), is an important compound that is used for various purposes, such as preservatives, fragrances, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The production of frankincense sap as a forest product can be increased through the inclusion of S. benzoin seeds, which are propagated from the best mother plants. This study aims to use the content of cinnamic acid contained in the sap of S. benzoin as a criterion for determining the best mother plant for propagation of seeds. The research was conducted using healthy plants, taking sap samples, identifying and confirmation of cinnamic acid levels, and determining the best mother tree based on the content of cinnamic acid. The results of this study have identified six individual S. benzoin trees of very good quality based on their phenotypic advantages and the quantity of sap production. Isolation and identification of cinnamic acid from frankincense samples showed that the composition of cinnamic acid was high (12 to 21%). Three good quality S. benzoin trees, with high cinnamic acid composition, were SBN-7 (21%), SBN-3 (18%), and SBN-10 (17%). The SBN-7 tree was then chosen as the best S. benzoin, producing 2.70 kg year−1 sap, containing cc. 21% cinnamic acid. A selected mother plant will be used as a source of plant material for vegetative propagation to produce good quality seeds similar to the properties of the parent plant forforest conservation and to increase the production of nontimber forest raw materials for medicine and other purposes. The finding of this study is the first to use the composition of cinnamic acid as a criterion for determining the best mother plant. The composition of cinnamic acid in the sap is an important parameter in determining the superiority of S. benzoin plants.

The Determination of Sucrose Content in Maple Sap Using Time-Domain Magnetic Resonance.

The natural variation of sucrose concentration in maple tree sap is investigated using time-domain magnetic resonance (MR). The current study, which includes a concise introduction to the relevant MR properties, is a demonstration of principle showing how the relaxation time constant T2 and the self-diffusion coefficient relate to the amount of sucrose and ionic content present in the collected sap samples. T2 and self-diffusion coefficient for maple saps from six different trees, each sampled weekly in the spring of 2019, were measured using MR. The results were plotted against the sucrose concentration of each sample with the aim of determining if either quantity could serve as the basis for a non-invasive sucrose measurement for maple trees. The T2 relaxation time constant was found not to be a reliable proxy for sucrose content in maple sap as it showed sensitivity to the slight changes in sap chemistry throughout the season and natural variation from tree to tree. The diffusion coefficient, determined through a standard pulsed-gradient spin-echo experiment, was insensitive to the changes in sap chemistry and showed a strong relationship to sucrose content. A diffusion measurement is thus proposed as the most suitable candidate for a non-invasive sucrose measurement for maple tree sap.

Transfer of Metal(loid)s from Soil to Leaves and Trunk Xylem Sap of Medicinal Plants and Possible Health Risk Assessment.

The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the Dipteryx alata plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). In the three soil sampling sites far from the highway edge, 15 elements were quantified. The concentrations of elements in the soil presented in greater proportions in the distance of 5 m in relation to 20 and 35 m. The metal(loid)s content in the study soil was higher than in other countries. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Se and Zn in the xylem sap were much higher than the leaves. The values of transfer factor of P, Mg and Mn from soil to the xylem sap and transfer factor of P from soil to leaf were greater than 1, indicating that the specie have a significant phytoremediation and phytoextraction potential. This plant has a tendency to accumulate As, Cd and Cr in its leaf tissues. The chronic hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were above 1 for adults and adolescents. It is concluded that the soil, the trunk xylem sap and leaves of this plant are contaminated by heavy metals. Ingestion of the trunk xylem sap of this plant can cause toxicity in humans if ingested in large quantities and in the long term; therefore, its consumption should be avoided.