Soluble Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

Photomorphogenesis and content of carbohydrates in the axial organs of field pean seedlings under the influence of selective light

Background: Light is a multifaceted exogenous factor that plays an important role in plant growth and development. The spectral composition of light is determinative for the regulation of photomorphogenetic processes in plants. Nowadays plants have several groups of photoreceptors that include receptors of red (RL) and far red light (FRL) — phytochromes; receptors of UV-A, blue (BL) and green (GL) light — cryptochromes, phototropins, proteins of the ZEITLUPE family, as well as the UV-B receptor — UVR8 protein. One of the possible mechanisms that realize an activation of photoreceptor systems in the plant may be concerned with carbohydrate metabolism. The research of morphogenetic reactions of seedlings under the action of selective light irradiation by activating photoreceptor systems is important for understanding the mechanisms of regulation of the program of plant organism`s ontogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selective light of different spectrum: RL (660 nm), GL (530 nm) and BL (450 nm) on growth reactions, morphogenesis and content of soluble carbohydrate in axial organs of seedlings of long-day plants. Materials and methods: 10-day etiolated seedlings of pea Maecenat variety were used for experiments. Activation of photoreceptor systems by red (RL, 660nm), green (GL, 530nm) and blue (BL, 450nm) light was performed for 5 days for 30 minutes using LED matrices. The growth reaction, morphogenesis and the content of soluble mono- and oligosugars in the axial organs of seedlings were analyzed. Results: The axial organs of seedlings differ in their response to irradiation with selective light. The root system is more sensitive to the action of selective light than the shoot of the seedlings of the long-day plants of the pea Maecenat variety. Activation of photoreceptor systems stimulates growth processes, activates the processes of photomorphogenesis and the biosynthesis of oligosugars de novo, most likely sucrose. Among the spectra of selective light, the maximum stimulating effect is shown by irradiation of the GL (530 nm) in the reactions of the aboveground part and roots. RL (660 nm) and BL (450 nm) show opposite effects: RL initiates a photomorphogenetic program of shoot part, and BL has a greater effect on photomorphogenesis of root system. Conclusions: Different levels of growth, morphogenetic processes and changes in the content of soluble carbohydrates are probably related to the ability of photoreceptor systems to activate the realization of different ways of photomorphogenesis in the axial organs of seedlings under the influence of selective light of a certain spectrum.

191 Evaluation of Diverse Cool-Season Grass Mixtures with red Clover on Ruminal Fermentation in Continuous Culture

Abstract Dual-flow continuous culture fermenters were used to evaluate the impacts of forage mixtures on ruminal fermentation. Diets (DM basis) contained 40% red clover combined with 1) 60% orchardgrass (OG); 2) 30% orchardgrass + 30% meadow fescue (MF); 3) 20% orchardgrass + 20% meadow fescue + 20% Kentucky bluegrass (KYBG); or 4) 15% orchardgrass + 15% meadow fescue + 15% Kentucky bluegrass + 15% perennial ryegrass (PRG). Treatments were randomly assigned to fermenters in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Each 10-d period included a 7-d adaptation and 3-d sampling period. Diets (110 g DM/d) were added across 4 feedings/d (33% each, 0700 h and 1600 h; 17% each, 0820h and 1720 h). Fermenter pH was recorded continuously for 10-d. Methane was measured on d 7-10 at 0630 and 1530 h. Effluent samples were collected on d 8-10. Results were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with significance at P ≤ 0.05. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF was greatest (P ≤ 0.05) for fermenters receiving KYBG, followed by PRG. Apparent DM and OM digestibility for OG and MF were less than KYBG by 18.0% and 19.6%, respectively. Fermenters receiving KYBG spent the greatest amount of time under pH 5.8 (avg. 15.5 h/d; P = 0.0004). Acetate:propionate and acetate + butyrate:propionate ratios were greater for fermenters receiving KYBG (4.09 and 4.71) and PRG (4.03 and 4.65; P < 0.0001). Water soluble carbohydrate concentration of effluent was least for KYBG (0.80 mg/ mL; P ≤ 0.05). Methane output for KYBG (116.8 mg/dL; P < 0.0001) was greater than that of OG (13.7 mg/dL), MF (31.7 mg/dL), and PRG (11.9 mg/dL) which did not differ from one another. These results suggest that diets containing KYBG and PRG were more digestible with PRG having the added benefit of decreased methane output.

Differential growth and physiological responses of Sargassum fusiforme and epiphytic Ulva lactuca to culture densities and interspecific competition

The commercial seaweed Sargassum fusiforme is adversely affected by the increasing presence of epiphytic macroalgae, mainly Ulva species, during seawater cultivation, especially at high culture densities. In the present study, comparative studies of S. fusiforme and Ulva lactuca were carry out to examine their physiological responses to densities between monoculture and bi-culture. The results showed that, both species of algae showed significant reduction in growth when the density of the cultures (mono-and bi-culture) was increased, although U. lactuca exhibited stronger growth and photosynthetic rate than S. fusiforme in both cultures. Specifically, for S. fusiforme, its maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), light harvesting efficiency (α), soluble carbohydrate (SC) content, and the ratio of SC/SP were all significantly decreased by high density, whereas its nitrate reductase (NR) activity, chlorophyll a (Chl a) and soluble protein (SP) contents were significantly increased in the monoculture. High density also decreased the photosynthesis and contents of SC and SP of U. lactuca in the monoculture. Moreover, the SC contents and NR activities of both S. fusiforme and U. lactuca significantly increased whereas their SP contents decreased in the bi-culture regardless of the culture densities. U. lactuca was dominant because of its potent neighboring shading and possible allelopathic effects on S. fusiforme. Its nutrients uptake was also more rapid than that of S. fusiforme in bi-culture. The interspecific competition between the two algae became intense with the increasing density. Thus, for the maricultivation of S. fusiforme, a moderate culture density would be preferable because of the higher photosynthetic efficiency and growth rate of S. fusiforme.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF 14C PHOTOASSIMILATED INTO CARBOHYDRATES IN DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES OF FRUIT-BEARING APPLE SHOOTS USING A 13CO2 IN-SITU EXPOSURE SYSTEM.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the photoassimilation process of 14CO2 into agricultural plants through determining the photoassimilated carbohydrate-13C in each part (leaves, current branch and fruit) of the fruit-bearing apple shoots exposed to 13CO2 in different growth stages (early and late fruit development stages). The carbohydrate content was assessed as soluble (ethanol-extracted fraction) and other (HCl-extracted and residual fractions) components. The total (i.e. sum of the three fractions) bulk carbohydrate concentrations in all parts of the shoots were statistically similar between different growth stages. The changes in the concentration of 13C-labeled soluble carbohydrate (i.e. ethanol-extracted fraction) to the total content between different growth stages were statistically unclear among all parts of the shoot. These results suggest that the distribution ratio of photoassimilated 13C in soluble and other components in the apple shoot was thereabout constantly independent of the growth stages.

Size and harvest time of cladodes modulate the composition and physicochemical stability of prickly pear cactus mucilage

The objective was to carry out a physicochemical characterization of the mucilage obtained from different sizes of cladodes harvested at different times. Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck cladodes were collected in two sizes (100 to 230 and 240 to 300 mm), at two different times (6 am and 8 pm), and processed for mucilage extraction. This was dried in an oven, and then hydrated and kept at 5 °C for 12 days. The mucilage yield after harvest was quantified, in addition to the characterization of the main bands in the infrared region. In the mucilage, the following physicochemical analyzes were performed: K+ and Na+ content, electrical conductivity, titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, total soluble solids, total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins after harvest (day 0), and to the 12 days of storage at 5 ºC. Correlation between the variables was determined through principal component analysis (PCA). The highest mucilage yield was obtained in cladodes harvested at 6 am, regardless of size. The 6 am harvest showed higher acidity and protein content and lower concentrations of soluble solids, EC, Na+, K+, vitamin C, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. In conservation, the mucilage of the cladodes with sizes between 100 and 230 mm and the harvest at 6 am showed greater stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a tendency of formed groups between different sizes, harvest times, and conservation days, indicating that different conditions for obtaining the cladodes result in differences in the composition and stability of the mucilage. Thus, the results show that, in addition to the climatic conditions, as proposed by other authors, the harvest time and the size of the cladode modulate the physicochemical and important ion composition and stability, which can change the technological and industrial applications of mucilage.

Combined Influences of Light and Nitrogen Enrichment on the Physiological Performance of a Golden Tide Alga (Sargassum horneri)

Sargassum golden tides (GT) are common in numerous coastal areas all over the world, and it adversely affects local marine life. Eutrophication is critical for Sargassum GT development. However, its physiological and ecological mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the responses of drifting Sargassum horneri, the species causing GT in the western Pacific, to light and enriched nitrogen, we set three light conditions (Low-light (LL), 10 μmol photons m−2 s−1; Middle-light (ML), 60 μmol photons m−2 s−1; and High-light (HL), 300 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and three nitrogen conditions (Natural seawater, the final concentration of N was 31.8 μmol L−1, including 30.5 μmol L−1 of NO3− and 1.3 μmol L−1 of NH4+; Enrichment of NO3−, final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1; and Enrichment of NH4+, the final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1), and grew the thalli under varying conditions for 10 days before determining the growth and utilization of carbon and nitrogen. Based on the accumulated data, the elevated light level led to a higher growth rate of alga. In the LL culture, the higher capacity for carbon utilization, which was reflected by the higher maximum photosynthetic carbon fixation rate (Vmax), resulted in the elevated growth rates of thalli in the nitrogen-enriched media as compared with the natural seawater. Furthermore, a higher growth rate was found in the enrichment of NH4+ despite a low affinity for inorganic carbon indicated by a higher value of the half-saturation constant (K0.5). In the ML treatment, an insignificant difference in growth rate was found in three nitrogen cultures, except for a slight increase in the enrichment of NH4+ than the enrichment of NO3−. In the HL treatment, compared with natural seawater culture, enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ accelerated the growth of alga, with no significant difference between the two nitrogen sources. Such enhancement in growth was related to the more photosynthetic carbon fixation, indicated by the higher value of Vmax and soluble carbohydrates content of alga cultured with NO3− and NH4+ enrichments. Additionally, the uptake and assimilation products of nitrogen, such as pigments and soluble proteins, remained unaffected by nitrogen source enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ at all three light levels. In conclusion, enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ exhibited different influences on the growth of S. horneri at different light levels, which was mainly associated with the capacity and efficiency of photosynthetic carbon utilization. At the HL level, both the enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ dramatically accelerate the growth of alga by stimulating the photosynthetic carbon fixation. Accordingly, we speculated that drifting S. horneri, exposed to HL level on the surface of the sea, were likely to develop rapidly to form GT in eutrophic oceanic areas with upwelled and river plume NO3− or NH4+ nutrients.

Enhancing biohydrogen gas production in anaerobic system via comparative chemical pre-treatment on palm oil mill effluent (POME)

Biological hydrogen production using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a carbon source through dark fermentation process has been suggested to be a promising bioenergy potential and enacts as alternative renewable energy source. Results have indicated that among various 1.5% (w/v) chemical pre-treatments (sodium hydroxide, NaOH; hydrochloric acid, HCl; sulphuric acid, H2SO4; phosphoric acid, H3PO4 and nitric acid, HNO3) on POME, using H3PO4 would generate maximum biohydrogen production of 0.193 mmol/L/h, which corresponded to a yield of 1.51 mol H2/mol TCconsumed with an initial total soluble carbohydrate concentration of 23.52 g/L. Among H3PO4 concentrations (1%–10%), the soluble carbohydrate content and the biohydrogen produced was highest and increased by 1.70-fold and 2.35-fold respectively at 2.5% (w/v), as compared to untreated POME. The batch fermentation maximum hydrogen production rate and yield of 0.208 mmol/L/h and 1.69 mol H2/mol TCconsumed were achieved at optimum pre-treatment conditions of pH 5.5 and thermophilic temperature (60 °C). This study suggests that chemical pre-treatment approaches manage to produce and improve the carbohydrate utilisation process further. Continuous fermentation in CSTR at the optimum conditions produce heightened 1.5-fold biohydrogen yield for 2.5% H3PO4 at 6 h HRT as compared to batch scale. Bacterial community via next-generation sequencing analysis at optimum HRT (6 h) revealed that Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum registered the highest relative frequency of 20.24%. At the class level, Clostridia, Bacilli, Bacteroidia, Thermoanaerobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were identified as the biohydrogen-producing bacteria in the continuous system. Insightful findings from this study suggest the substantial practical utility of dilute chemical pre-treatment in improving biohydrogen production.

Evaluating the role of gamma irradiation to ameliorate salt stress in corn

Purpose Salt stress is a significant issue in corn cultivation leading to corn yield reduction, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. Nuclear technologies, along with other standard methods, can be used as an efficient method for mitigating salt stress effects on plants. Materials and methods In this research, gamma irradiation (GI) was studied on seeds in the salt stress amelioration of corn in laboratory and field conditions. A total of five doses of gamma rays (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy) were applied to corn seeds (SC.703) at the laboratory under saline and control conditions. The best gamma-ray treatment (25 Gy) was selected for studying corn under salt stress in the field condition. Results The length of the radicle, seminal roots and shoot, dry weight of radicle, and seminal roots were affected by salt stress (p <.001). However, GI affected only the radicle and seminal root length (p < .001). The radicle length was decreased as much as 3, 11, 17, 25, and 27% in 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy of GI, respectively. In addition, the seminal root length was decreased in all GI treatments except 25 Gy (p < .05). Plants derived from seeds exposed to GI (25 Gy) had a higher chlorophyll content of 1, 17, and 29% at V3 (third leaf stage), R1 (silk stage, p < .001), and R4 (dough stage, p < .001), respectively. In GI treatment, the soluble carbohydrate content was significantly higher (p < .001) at all three measurement stages and the soluble protein was significantly higher (p < .001) only at the R4 stage. Moreover, proline content was higher in GI (25 Gy) at V3 (58%, p < .05) and R1 (98%, p < .001) treatment stages. Conclusion Since plants from gamma-irradiated seeds had a greater plant weight and their economic traits (cob and grain weight) were higher compared to control plants under salt stress conditions, it can be concluded that a low dose of GI may ameliorate the effect of salt stress on the corn plants.

Physiological and molecular features predispose native and invasive populations of sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa L.) to colonization and restoration of drought degraded environments

The aim of this study was to determine physiological and molecular grounds for high adaptation potential of invasive populations of Rosa rubiginosa to soil drought. We assume that the invasive populations possess specific and effective adaptive mechanisms making them capable pioneer and nurse plants in dry environments. By colonizing the land, they limit its degradation and initiate revitalization of areas damaged by soil droughts. We analyzed plant water status, the photosynthetic apparatus activity, carbohydrate and phenolic content, the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants and RbcL protein associated with fixation of CO2. The research involved native (Northern Hemisphere: Poland, Spain) and invasive (Southern Hemisphere: Argentine, New Zealand) populations. Contrary to the native population, the invasive one demonstrated soil drought induced specific responses aimed at maintaining high water potential in the leaves, greater content of soluble carbohydrates, and higher osmotic potential. In the invasive population, the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates prevailed over their consumption for the synthesis of phenolic compounds. The invasive plants also maintained high content of assimilation pigments and showed greater level of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Reduced activity of the photosynthetic apparatus was associated both with increased energy amount dissipated from PSII and the efficiency with which an electron can move from the reduced intersystem electron acceptors to the PSI end electron acceptors. The study results pave the path for further research on the genetic basis of sweet briar response to soil drought in the context of progressive steppe formation and desertification.

Yields and weed management of sweet corn as influenced by seedbed preparation methods and wheat residues rates

One of the challenges to improve sweet corn [Zea mays var. Saccharata (Sturtev.) L. H. Bailey] production is finding a way to increase crop establishment and decrease weed infestation. Crop establishment and weed control are of prime importance in sweet corn production. Three methods of seedbed preparation including pre-planting irrigation before ridge-furrow preparation, pre-planting irrigation after ridge-furrow preparation and irrigation after planting, and four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue rates (0, 250, 500 and 750 g/m2) were arranged in a split plot based on a randomized complete blocks design. Higher seedling emergence and weed control were significantly obtained in pre-planting irrigation than irrigation after planting treatments. Wheat residue mulching reduced soil moisture depletion, proline and soluble carbohydrates contents with decreasing weed biomass. The efficiency of weed management was found to be ensured using pre-planting irrigation coupled with wheat residues application. The grain yield was the highest (1433 g/m2) using pre-planting irrigation and wheat residue mulching (750 g/m2). Weed biomass decreased by 58% in pre-planting irrigation after ridge-furrow preparation and wheat residue mulching (750 g/m2) compared to irrigation after planting and no-mulching treatment. Therefore, pre-planting irrigation after ridge-furrow preparation and wheat residues application (500–750 g/m2) were optimal management practices for crop establishment and weed control to improve yields and water productivity of sweet corn in the region.

Subsequent drought and re‐watering events cause a shift in productivity and nutritive value of alfalfa and hybrid fescue plant

AbstractGlobal climate change leads to increasing frequency of droughts, threatening the productivity and quality of forage plants. Therefore, this glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of reoccurring droughts on productivity and nutritive value of alfalfa and hybrid fescue plants. Starting from 63 days after sowing, seedlings of plants were exposed to double drought‐recovery treatments, each separate period lasting for 1 week. At the end of each treatment, growth of above‐ and below‐ground dry weight, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidative capacity, content of polyphenols, soluble and insoluble carbohydrates and proteins, as well as elemental composition of shoots were investigated. The findings confirmed our hypothesis, as growth of both plant species were mostly insignificantly affected by subsequent drought events. Whereas effect on leave redox homeostasis and plant nutritive value was much stronger, highly depending on both plant species and the order of stress event. We found significant drought‐induced increase in the content of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), starch, soluble and insoluble proteins, and polyphenols. Water shortage tended to decrease and increase the content of most macro‐ and microelements in alfalfa and fescue, respectively. These effects were reversed by re‐watering with several exceptions, such as constant reduction of Ca content in alfalfa. To conclude, alfalfa was found to be more sensitive than fescue to the first drought, but able to recover after both stress events. The second drought‐initiated prolonged accumulation of WSC implies a shift in plants metabolism towards increased resistance and herewith nutritive value with respect to soluble sugars.

Properties and mechanism of the antimicrobial peptide APT produced by Lactobacillus ALAC-4

Fungal infection is the huge concerns of crop and food security in the worldwide, promoting the variety of natural antimicrobial agent developments and applications. At present, there has been relatively little research relating to antimicrobial peptide of lactic acid bacteria that inhibits fungi. In this study, the antimicrobial peptide APT produced by Lactobacillus ALAC-4, which was isolated from traditional fermented sour porridge in Inner Mongolia, was focused, and the antimicrobial properties were measured using double-layer plate method. APT performed significant both anti-growth activities against most foodborne microorganisms especially Candida albicans. Candida albicans was used as an indicator strain to detect the antimicrobial activity of APT. The results showed that pores appeared on the cell surface and part of the cell structure remained incomplete, in addition the Candida albicans cell walls were seriously damaged under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Concomitantly, soluble total carbohydrate and soluble protein contents increased, and phosphorus consumption, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity decreased. It was speculated that APT might contribute towards Candida albicans inhibitions via four potential mechanisms: by damaging cell walls, increasing cell membrane permeability, decreasing phosphonic acid metabolism, and by decreasing the respiratory enzyme activity within Candida albicans.

Protein and carbohydrate profiles of a diploid and a tetraploid red clover cultivar

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is characterized by high dry matter (DM) yield and a high nutritive value. It has a higher concentration of soluble carbohydrate than lucerne and its protein is less degradable in the rumen than lucerne protein. The aim of this study was to quantify the main crude protein (CP) and carbohydrate (CHO) fractions of a tetraploid (4n, cv K-32) and a diploid (2n, cv K-39) red clover cultivar harvested at three stages of development in the spring growth. Results showed that the cultivar and stage of development had a large impact on chemical composition and the protein and carbohydrate fractions determined by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The rapidly degradable protein fraction (PA) was significantly higher in the tetraploid (272 to 287 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development) than in the diploid red clover cultivar (214 to 268 g kg-1 CP). Rumen degradable carbohydrate concentration was not affected by cultivar but it was significantly influenced by the stage of development. The concentration of rumen degradable protein decreased from 726 to 655 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development in the diploid red clover cultivar. In conclusion, the tetraploid red clover cultivar was higher in CP, its protein was more rapidly degradable, and it was characterized by lower concentrations of lignin and unavailable carbohydrate fractions than the diploid cultivar.

Study of the kinetic regularities of the grain extrusion process in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle

The problem of developing highly digestible compound feeds with protected protein for cattle is due to the specifics of the gastric tract of cows and the peculiarities of protein assimilation. Due to the importance of preliminary moisture-heat treatment of grain for the subsequent course of the extrusion process, the treatment was carried out by steam at a pressure of 0.6 MPa before moistening the feed to a humidity of 17-20 % and heating to a temperature of 70-80 ° C. It is established that heat treatment has a significant effect on the carbohydrate complex of grain. Heating it at high temperatures causes the destruction of starch, accompanied by the formation of easily soluble carbohydrates, which has a positive effect on the digestibility of feed. The kinetic regularities of the processes of moisture-heat treatment, grinding and extrusion of grain in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle were studied. The degree of dextrinization and the digestibility of starch increased with the heating temperature of corn and its mixtures with wheat up to 100-110 ° C. At the same time, the performance of the extruder was 300-320 kg/h, the digestibility of starch extruded corn and grain mixture increased to 85 and 68 mg of glucose per 1 g of the product (hereinafter mg/g), respectively. For wheat, this indicator is lower and, accordingly, is 50 mg/g. When heated during the extrusion of corn to a temperature of up to 120-140 ° C, the digestibility of starch was 100-110 mg/g, and for the grain mixture – 80-83 mg/g. At this temperature, the digestibility of the starch of extruded wheat corresponded to 60-65 mg/g. The optimal moisture content of feed in the process of extrusion for the purpose of forming pellets is 18 %. Studies of the extrusion effect on the carbohydrate complex of processed feed have shown that the destruction of starch in the extruded product increases. Thus, the content of soluble carbohydrates increases by 27-32 %, and the digestibility of starch increases twice in extruded feed compared to the unprocessed feed.

Insight into the role of magnetic nutrient solution on leaf morphology and biochemical attributes of Rasha grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The growth, development, and morphology of plants are extremely affected by many internal and external factors. In this regard, plant nourishing solutions take the most impact. Nowadays, the magnetization of nutrient solutions has been recommended as a promising eco-friendly approach for improving the growth and development of plants. This study was designed to explore the potential of magnetic nutrient solutions in altering morphometric characteristics as well as some physiological and nutritional attributes of Rasha grapevines. Magnetic treatments included magnetized nutrient solution (MagS) and pre-magnetized water completed with nutrients (MagW + S) at magnetic field intensities (0.1 and 0.2 T). According to the results, the most considerable changes in leaf shape and size as well as fresh and dry weights were observed in the plants treated with MagS at 0.2 T. Also, MagS 0.2 had a significant effect on increasing photosynthetic pigments, content of total soluble carbohydrates and protein, and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The content of TNK, K, P, Fe, and Cu was considerably amplified by MagW + S 0.2. Overall, the magnetic solutions had favorable influences on physiological, nutritional state, and leaf morphology of grapevines possibly through alerting water and solution properties, mineral solubility, and phytohormones signalling.

Attributes that ensure Cerrado shrub layer resilience after afforestation: The case of Psidium grandifolium

The Cerrado, the most biodiverse savanna, has been losing its natural areas through conversion to agricultural land. In the Santa Barbara Ecological Station (SBES), more than 136.4 ha of open Cerrado vegetation were converted into pine plantations in the 1960s-1970s. Nonetheless, nowadays techniques such as clear-cutting pine trees and burning of the remaining material have been used to recover the native vegetation in those areas. In one of these recovering areas, some native species have resprouted, particularly Psidium grandifolium, which naturally occurs in open Cerrado vegetation. Here, we aimed to elucidate which attributes ensured the resilience of this species after decades of afforestation. To do so, we compare the belowground systems, bud banks, chemical contents of roots and vessel characteristics of P. grandifolium occurring in a natural open Cerrado area and an area under regeneration after the clear-cutting of pine and later burning at SBES. In both study areas, plants showed xylopodium whose upper parts consisted of a thin cauline axis joined to a lignified tuberous root with fusiform morphology. In the natural area, the xylopodia were orientated vertically on the ground, while in the regenerating area, there was a curvature in the cauline axis, changing the xylopodia orientation to a horizontal position. The belowground bud bank was three times greater in the area under regeneration. Roots presented significant differences in the concentrations of total soluble carbohydrates and flavonoids between study areas. Our results also demonstrated that plants with thickened bud-bearing belowground systems held great resilience capacity, even when the structures were damaged by soil management before pine planting. Individuals of P. grandifolium managed to remain dormant in the plantations for decades until the conditions for resprouting were adequate. This work showed a series of plastic responses that Cerrado species present when submitted to afforestation and different growing conditions.

Difference and molecular mechanism of soluble sugar metabolism and quality of different rice panicle in &amp;lt;italic&amp;gt;japonica&amp;lt;/italic&amp;gt; rice

<p id="C3">This study investigated the mechanism of starch and rice quality differences on different parts of spikelet in <italic>japonica</italic> rice. According to the internodes of the primary stem on main panicle, rice grains on the panicles were divided into top, middle, and the bottom spikelets. The dynamic changes of soluble carbohydrate and starch, starch biosynthesis related enzyme activity, gene expression on different parts of panicles at different filling stage and the starch content, chalkiness degree after harvest of six varieties were measured. The results showed that the amylose content of the five varieties was in an order as top &gt; middle &gt; bottom except Xiushui 134. The chalkiness degree of Jia 58 and Zhongjia 8 was higher than the other varieties, and the chalkiness degree of rice grains on the middle part of panicles was lower than that on the bottom part, and the rice grains on the top part had the highest chalkiness degree. Rice grains of high chalkiness degree had significant difference in starch granules size and shape. We found that the shape of starch granules was semi-ellipsoid or other spherical curved in rice grains with high chalkiness degree and mostly regular polyhedra in rice grains with low chalkiness degree. The contents of sucrose, glucose, and fructose in grains of different varieties and parts were different during grain filling period, but the dynamic changes of sucrose content were first decreased and then slightly increased, while glucose and fructose were basically increased first and then decreased. The contents of invertase and AGPase were significantly different among rice grains on top, middle, and bottom parts of panicles. However, the relative expression levels of AGPase were in an order as top &gt; middle &gt; bottom during the whole filling stage. The relative expression levels of invertase were in an order as top &lt; middle &lt; bottom during the early filling stage, and the rule was completely the opposite at late filling stage. The expression levels of <italic>OsCIN2 </italic>and<italic> OsCIN5</italic> encoding sucrose invertase genes were in an order as middle &gt; bottom &gt; top, and the expression levels of <italic>OsAGPL1</italic>,<italic> OsAGPL2</italic>, and <italic>OsAGPS1a</italic> encoding AGPase genes were in an order as top &gt; middle ≈ bottom. It concluded that the amylose content and chalkiness degree of grains in different panicles had significant difference and also affected by varieties. The content of soluble carbohydrate, starch biosynthesis related enzyme activity, and the gene expression of encoding related enzymes had an effect on starch biosynthesis. The genes of <italic>OsCIN2, OsCIN5, OsAGPL1</italic>,<italic> OsAGPL2</italic>, and<italic> OsAGPS1a</italic> played an important role in the difference of starch content and chalkiness degree in different panicles.

Effect of Lysosomes on Extending Vase Life of Cut Flowers.

In this study, we were investigated the effect of lysosomal extracts (named as lysosomal enzymes) on extending the vase life of cut flowers. The results confirmed that senescence of cut freesia treated with lysosomal enzymes delayed. Also, the results for cut roses and lilies showed a similar pattern. In the case of them the fresh weight was lower than that of the control group, but time the ornamental value was retained increased by about 2days. The reasons have explained as results by the change including stomata, accumulation of microbial population, and soluble carbohydrate contents. In conclusion, pretreatment with lysosomal enzymes has enhanced vase life and ornamental value of cut flowers. It has an important significance in improving the marketability of cut flowers in the flower industry. Therefore, lysosomal enzymes have the potential to be used sufficiently as eco-friendly and effective materials for pretreatment agents in the cut flower industry.

Interrelating EPS, soluble microbial products and metal solubility in a methanogenic consortium stressed by nickel and cobalt

The relationships between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial product production, metal solubility, and methanogenic activity were investigated. The individual, and joint, toxic effects of nickel and cobalt on methanogenic consortia fed with glucose as model substrate were studied using biomethane potential assays. Cobalt was found to be less toxic to methanogens than nickel at each concentration tested, and the combined effects of Ni and Co on methane production in the bimetal experiment was higher than the sum of the effects of each metal alone. The protein content of EPS, and extracellular soluble protein fractions, decreased with increasing concentrations of total metals. Meanwhile, no significant change in response to metal stress was apparent for carbohydrate content of EPS or extracellular soluble carbohydrate. Decreasing protein content of EPS was accompanied by reduced methanogenic activity and an increase in the soluble metal fraction. The strong associations observed between these variables could be due to the critical role of EPS in protecting microbial cells against nickel and cobalt stress, possibly by capturing metal cations through their functional groups, thus reducing metal availability to the microbial cells in the methanogenic consortia underpinning the anaerobic digestion process.

Metabolism of carbohydrates and activity of the antioxidant system in mosses on a post-technogenic salinized territory

Adaptive physiological and biochemical reactions of mosses Didymodon rigidulus Hedw., Barbula unguiculata Hedw. and Brachythecium campestre (Müll. Hal.) Schimp. to salt stress have been investigated from the territory of the tailings storage of the Stebnyk Mining and Chemical Enterprise “Polymineral” (Lviv region, Ukraine). The peculiarities of carbohydrate metabolism in mosses under salinity conditions have been studied. The content of soluble carbohydrates and proline, the antioxidant activity, the content of ascorbate and reduced glutathione as well as the activity of enzymes of their metabolism – ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase at the initial stages of the stress (salt shock) and prolonged stress exposure (salt stress) have been evaluated. It has been found that the increase of α-amylase activity, enhancement of the hydrolysis of starch and the increase of the concentration of soluble carbohydrates under salt stress were the reactions of the studied species of mosses. It has been established that there was an increase in the concentration of soluble carbohydrates by 1.2–1.5 times in moss shoots under salinity conditions, compared with plants from the background area (vicinity of Stebnyk). Experimental studies have shown that under salinity conditions sucrose dominates in the pool of soluble carbohydrates (59.0–79.5% of the total sugars content). The sucrose content was 1.5–2.0 times higher in the plants B. unguiculata and D. rigidulus from the highly saline area of the tailings storage. It has been indicated that under stress conditions constitutive adaptive mechanisms are more expressed in resistant moss species, and plants with a lower level of resistance adapt to the stressor, mainly due to induced protective systems. Experimental studies have shown that plants B. unguiculata and D. rigidulus, which are resistant to abiotic stressors, have a high constitutive pool of soluble carbohydrates both at the beginning of the experiment and under prolonged exposure of the salt stress. In the shoots of the sensitive moss B. campestre the stress-induced character of the sugars accumulation has been revealed. The accumulation of proline in mosses cells under salt stress depended on their species characteristics. The stress-induced accumulation of proline can be considered as a part of the bryophytes’ protective system, but this osmolyte does not play a key role in the formation of the mosses’ resistance to salt stress. Obviously, soluble carbohydrates are the main osmolytes in the moss cells. It has been found that resistant moss species have a high constitutive antioxidant status, while in the sensitive moss B. campestre the increase in the antioxidant activity occurred during prolonged salt stress, which may indicate its induced nature. It has been shown that the resistant mosses B. unguiculata and D. rigidulus have 3–4 times higher levels of glutathione and ascorbate content and 1.6–2.5 times higher activity of enzymes of their metabolism – glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase, compared to plants of the less tolerant moss species B. campestre, which provided reduction of the lipid peroxidation process in plasma membranes and decreased the content of TBA-active products under stress.