Full Maturity Stage Research Articles

Effect of Harvesting Stages on Seed and Oil Yield of Rapeseed-mustard to Suitable in a Cropping Pattern

Aim: To find out the optimum harvesting stage of high yielding rapeseed-mustard varieties to fit in rice based cropping pattern.
 Study Design: The field study was arranged following RCB (factorial) design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Agronomy field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jamalpur (located between 24°34ʹ and 25°26ʹ North latitude and 89°40ʹ and 90°12ʹ East longitude), Bangladesh during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.
 Methodology: Seeds of mustard varieties viz. BARI Sarisha-11, BARI Sarisha-14, BARI Sarisha-15, Binasarisha-4 & Tori-7 were sown in line maintaining 30cm spacing on 02 November, 2015 and 06 November, 2016. This varieties were harvested at four different harvesting stages viz. H1= Green stage of siliquae, H2= Pale yellow stage of siliquae, H3= Golden yellow stage of siliquae and H4= Full maturity stage of siliquae. Green stage of siliquae was determined just at seven to ten days after all flower droppings of crop while the pale and golden yellow stage of siliquae was determined when 40%-50% and 70%-80% bearing turned into light yellow and deep yellow in color respectively. Full maturity stage of siliqua was determined when lower bearing just brust out.
 Results: BARI Sarisha-14, BARI Sarisha-15 (B. campestris) and Binasarisha 4 (B. napus) may be harvested at pale yellow stage of siliquae at 73, 82 and 78 DAS (average of two years) considering 11.0% seed and 3.15% oil yield; 10.0% seed and 1.56% oil yield; 6.60% seed and 3.90% oil yield loss respectively than full maturity stage of siliquae.
 Conclusion: BARI Sarisha-14, BARI Sarisha-15 and Binasarisha 4 need to be sown within first week of November in districts named Mymensingh (located 24°15′ and 25°15′ N and 90°49′ E longitudes), Jamalpur (located 24°34ʹ and 25°26ʹN latitude and 89°40ʹ and 90°12ʹ E longitude) and Tangail (located 24°01′ and 24°47′ N latitudes and 89°44′ and 90°18' E longitudes) and the crop should be harvested at pale yellow stage of siliquae (within 73-82 days period) sacrificing seed and oil yield loss to some extent to introduce HYVs of rapeseed-mustard in rice based cropping pattern.

Seed Harvesting at Different Maturity Stages of Siliqua on Seed Quality of Rapeseed-Mustard Varieties

A laboratory experiment with three replicates was conducted at Plant Physiology Division research laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during November, 2015 to observe the seed quality of rapeseed-mustard by harvesting at different maturity stages of siliqua. Seeds were collected from siliqua of different rapeseed-mustard varieties and harvesting was made at different maturity stages based on their external color i.e., Green, pale yellow, Golden yellow and full maturity stage of siliqua. After harvesting of siliqua as per external color seeds were dried naturally about 48 hours and were packed in polythene and stored at laboratory environment for next season uses. Under laboratory condition seeds were evaluated in terms of moisture and germination percentage, speed of germination, root and shoot length, vigor index etc. Moisture content was found significantly at elevated level in respect of mustard varieties of BARI Sarisha-14 (V2), BARI Sarisha-6 (V3) and Tori-7 (V4). The variety Tori-7 and BARI Sarisha-14 showed the highest vigor index-II & vigor index-I, respectively. Among the harvesting stages, most of the parameters showed the highest standards in seeds harvesting at full maturity of siliqua stage (H4) followed by the golden yellow siliqua stage (H3) and pale yellow siliqua stages seeds (H2).Irrespective of rapeseed-mustard varieties seed collected from golden yellow and pale yellow siliqua stages could be stored up to twelve month for next season without significant loss in terms of germination percentage and vigor followed by full maturity stages of siliqua harvested seeds (H4).
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2019, 22(1): 121-130

Utjecaj gnojidbe na sadržaj primarnih aroma u moštu sorte ‘Škrlet bijeli’ (Vitis vinifera L.)

The primary aromas of grapes originate from the volatile compounds formed in the vine berry during ripening and thus play a key role in the formation of the grape quality. The content and development of primary aromas depend on the variety, soil, climate, agrotechnical practices in the vineyard, and are especially affected by temperature, exposure to sunlight, water supply and leaf defoliation in the cluster zone. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of different fertilization treatments, especially the foliar application of potassium (K) and boron (B) and other microelements on the content of primary aromas in grapes of the 'Skrlet bijeli' variety. Four fertilization treatments were applied: NPK; NPK + Fertdolomite; NPK + Fertdolomite + Folibor B; NPK + Fertdolomite + Folibor B + Proteoleaf. Grape harvesting in research years 2012, 2013 and 2014 was performed at the stage of full maturity. The primary aromas were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). In this research, it has been determined a statistically significant effect of vintage years with lower average temperature during the growing season on the content of primary aromas in the must. The exception is β-damaskenone whose values were significantly higher in a vintage year with a higher average temperature during the growing season.

Estimation of the Maturity Date of Soybean Breeding Lines Using UAV-Based Multispectral Imagery

Physiological maturity date is a critical parameter for the selection of breeding lines in soybean breeding programs. The conventional method to estimate the maturity dates of breeding lines uses visual ratings based on pod senescence by experts, which is subjective by human estimation, labor-intensive and time-consuming. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based phenotyping systems provide a high-throughput and powerful tool of capturing crop traits using remote sensing, image processing and machine learning technologies. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of predicting maturity dates of soybean breeding lines using UAV-based multispectral imagery. Maturity dates of 326 soybean breeding lines were taken using visual ratings from the beginning maturity stage (R7) to full maturity stage (R8), and the aerial multispectral images were taken during this period on 27 August, 14 September and 27 September, 2018. One hundred and thirty features were extracted from the five-band multispectral images. The maturity dates of the soybean lines were predicted and evaluated using partial least square regression (PLSR) models with 10-fold cross-validation. Twenty image features with importance to the estimation were selected and their changing rates between each two of the data collection days were calculated. The best prediction (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 1.4 days) was made by the PLSR model using image features taken on 14 September and their changing rates between 14 September and 27 September with five components, leading to the conclusion that the UAV-based multispectral imagery is promising and practical in estimating maturity dates of soybean breeding lines.

Impact of elevated CO2 on C:N:P ratio among soybean cultivars

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) exerts significant influence on nutrient requirement in plant. The investigation of C:N:P ratios in major cropping soils is important for managing nutrient balance and maximizing their use efficiency in future farming systems. This study aimed to examine the effect of eCO2 on the C:N:P ratios in different plant parts among soybean cultivars. Twenty-four soybean cultivars were planted in open top chambers at two CO2 concentrations (390 and 550 ppm) and sampled at the initial pod filling stage (R5) and the full maturity stage (R8). The C, N and P concentrations in root, stem, leaf and seed were determined. Elevated CO2 decreased the N concentrations in stem (−5.1%) and leaf (−3.2%) at R5, and in root (−24%), stem (−25%) and seed (−6.2%) at R8, resulting in a significant decrease of C:N ratio in the corresponding parts. The P concentration was significantly increased in root (6.0%), stem (7.9%) and leaf (16%) at R5, and in root (2.6%), stem (29%) and seed (16%) at R8 across 24 cultivars, leading to a decrease in the C:P ratio. Elevated CO2 significantly decreased the N:P ratio in root (−4.5%), stem (−12%) and leaf (−17%) at R5, and in root (−26%), stem (−57%) and seed (−22%) at R8. Furthermore, the response of C:N:P ratios to eCO2 varied greatly among soybean cultivars leading to significant CO2 × cultivar interactions. Nitrogen, but not P was the limiting factor for the soybean plants grown in Mollisols under eCO2. The considerable variation in the C:N:P ratios among cultivars in response to eCO2 indicates a potential improvement in soybean adaptability to climate change via selection new cultivars. Cultivars SN22 and ZH4 that did not considerably altered the C:N and C:P ratios in response to eCO2 are likely the optimal genomes in soybean breeding programs for eCO2 adaption.

Seed nutritional quality comparison of vegetable soybean genotypes at fresh pod and mature stage

Vegetable soybean is famous for its better eating quality and taste, which is usually harvested at fresh pod stage. However, no report is available on nutritional values between vegetable soybean seed at fresh pod stage and mature stage. To better understand the seed nutritional quality differences between fresh pod stage and mature stage in vegetable soybean, five vegetable soybean genotypes were examined. The results found that seeds from fresh edible stage had higher total free amino acid, and higher K, Na, Mn and Zn concentrations. The concentrations of soluble sugar, crude oil as well as unsaturated fatty acid were also higher at fresh pod stage. While total isoflavone, Mg and Fe concentrations were generally higher at full maturity stage. No differences in protein concentration were found between the two stages. Significant genotypic differences were found among nutritional parameters. The genotype Line 61 had the highest total soy isoflavone of 4593 μg g-1, whereas the genotype “Heidou” had the lowest total soy isoflavone of 1700 μg g-1 at mature stage. Correlation analysis indicated that total free amino acid was significantly positively correlated with soluble sugar, crude oil and total isoflavone. Therefore, the nutritional values at fresh pod stage and mature stage differed from the perspective of nutritional compositions. The findings reported here add new knowledge to vegetable soybean function and is a useful starting point for future breeding program and cultivation towards improving the nutritional compositions of soybean species.

Expression of protein synthesis elongation factors in winter wheat and oat in response to heat stress

The aim of our work was to examine the expression and accumulation of EF-Tu and eEF1A in grain filing stage of five genotypes of winter wheat and one oat genotype in conditions of heat stress. In addition, the correlation between accumulation of elongation factors eEF1A and EF-Tu, and yield components of cereals in the field was investigated. Flag leaf protein samples were analyzed by immunoblotting. Flag leaves were collected under conditions of moderate (23 °C; MT) and high air temperature (38 °C; HT) in a field experiment. After the harvest, grain yield was determined. The yield components, the weight of dry seed and grains number per spike, were assessed in the stage of full physiological maturity of investigated cultivars. Obtained results revealed a difference in the level of EF-Tu accumulation both under conditions of moderate air temperatures and conditions of heat stress among investigated cultivars. Cultivar Zvezdana was the only one that showed increase in EF-Tu accumulation under HT (25%) compared to MT. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the highest increase of eEF1A accumulation (43%) in relation to moderate temperature was detected in cultivar Talas. A significant, positive, linear correlation was found between the expression of eEF1A and small grains productivity under heat-stress conditions.

Phenotypic, Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of New Egyptian Mango Genotypes

The first step towards improving mango production was started by the selection of eleven genotypes because of their superior horticultural characteristics and fruit quality parameters, from Suez Canal University orchard through 2016 to 2018 seasons. All studied mango genotypes (G) differed in dates of full bloom, maturity stage, bearing habit, floral malformation and fruit characteristics. All genotypes had commercially acceptable qualities and produced relatively high yield ranged from 298.7 - 394 Kg/tree. Generally, genotype No. 9 recorded the highest value (96.6%) in the general evaluation according to yield, Biennial bearing and fruit quality, followed by genotypes No. 7 and No. 5 which scored 94.0 and 91.8%, respectively. In general, these three genotypes possessed most of the desired commercial attributes of international standard. In addition, further understanding of the structure of genetic diversity was done using nine SSR markers based on their scorability, repeatability and capability to differentiate among studied genotypes. Also, analyze of DNA fingerprinting data to create molecular IDs was done to get an idea for the conservation and protection of studied genotypes. The nine SSR loci produced a total of 32 alleles with 97% polymorphism and observed alleles per locus diversified from 1 to 8 alleles with an average of 3.6 without zero alleles. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) within the loci ranged from 0.0 to 0.55 with an average value of 0.23, heterozygosity level within the genotypes varied from 0.11 to 0.44. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0 to 0.86 with an average value of 0.49, whereas the mean of discriminating power (DP) for all loci was 0.51. Regarding the probability of matching fingerprints, none of the genotypes were different or similar at all loci with any of the rest genotypes and this value ranged from low to medium with an average of 0.48. The similarity degree ranged from 0.18 to 0.90 with an average of 0.53, indicating that the genetic differences were moderate among mango genotypes under study. Whereas, seven of these genotypes produced 11 unique bands maybe accompanying to number of novel functional alleles, which can be used in mango improvement.

Morphological and chemical analysis of peach fruits in three different farming systems

This study aimed to access the commercial and the sensorial quality of the “flat peaches” variety grown in three farming systems: conventional and organic (“with compost” and “without compost”) in Gafsa, located at the south-west of Tunisia. Tests were performed on 18 and 22 ripe fruits randomly harvested at full maturity stage based on morphological and chemical traits according to peach descriptors and to some previous fruit analysis. Highly significant differences were noted between the three farming systems for some peach morphological characters. According to the peach descriptors, the organic peaches (“with compost” and “without compost”) had a good attractiveness (7) and very firm flesh (9) compared to the conventional ones (3 and 5, respectively). The highest mean fruit weight (89.3 g) was obtained in organic cropping system “with compost.” A significant difference between cropping systems was noted for the majority of chemical parameters. The juice percentage was higher in organic fruits (≥ 55.0%) than in conventional ones (> 43%). The soluble solids content and the total sugars were the highest in organic peaches “without compost” (13.5 and 11.8% Brix, respectively). In organic peaches “with compost,” the titrable acidity and the total acidity were high (73.5 meq/l of juice and 0.4%, respectively) and the ripening and the sweetness indexes were low (0.1 and 1.6, respectively). The increases in the titrable and total acidities were concomitant with a decrease in juice pH values. The titrable acidity was significantly and negatively correlated with the ripening index (r = − 1.0*). This latter was also significantly and positively linked to the sweetness index (r = 1.0*). The organically grown peaches exhibited the highest quality traits (attractive, firm, big, juicy, etc.). Peaches were acid when grown organically system “with compost” and sweet “without compost.” These results may incite more the Tunisian farmers to produce organic peach and to develop more this agricultural system in Tunisia.

Nonlinear dynamics in mechanics and engineering: 40 years of developments and Ali H. Nayfeh’s legacy

Nonlinear dynamics of engineering systems has reached the stage of full maturity in which it makes sense to critically revisit its past and present in order to establish an historical perspective of reference and to identify novel objectives to be pursued. This paper makes a first step in this direction, focusing on the mechanics of machines, solids and structures, with applications in both classical and novel technological areas. This is accomplished first by identifying some main stages of scientific development over the last four decades, with the characterizing features as regards addressed systems, underlying mathematical tools and phenomenological aspects. These are substantiated in terms of topics and involved people with also an archival, and tentatively comprehensive, list of related activities. The second part of the study deals with Ali Nayfeh’s contributions as a scientist and a scholar, embedding his research achievements within the identified four stages of development and highlighting some qualifying methodological features of his activity as a book author. His legacy is framed within an overall scenario of expected future developments of nonlinear dynamics.

THE INFLUENCE OF VARIETY ON THE CONTENT OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is the most important species of the Allium genus and an important vegetable crop throughout the world. Garlic is widely used as an obligatory part in many cooked dishes. It is one of the ancient plants playing one of the most important dietary and medicinal roles in human beings for centuries. Garlic possess many therapeutic properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and antioxidant. This study has focused on the comparison of the total polyphenols content, the total sulphur content and antioxidant activity of the studied varieties of garlic in the area of Nitra, Slovak Republic. The analyzed samples of garlic were collected at the stage of full maturity. TPC was measured using the spectrophotometric method of Folin-Ciocalteu agents. TPC in studied varieties of garlic were determined in the range 742 mg.kg-1 (Mojmír) to 635 mg.kg-1 (Makoi). The determination of the total sulfur content was based on dry combustion in the presence of oxygen and allows for the quantitative conversion of sulfur to SO2. Statistically significant highest level of TSC recorded in 0.751% (Mojmír) and the lowest level was in 0.523% (Makoi). Antioxidant activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method using a compound DPPH˙ (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl). The highest value of AA was measured in Mojmír (17.7%). The lowest level was observed in Makoi (12.4%). In all studied samples of garlic was confirmed by the strong dependence of the total polyphenols content, total sulfur content and antioxidant activity.

Changes in bioactive compounds in spiny coriander leaves in response to inflorescence pruning at different growth stages

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of inflorescence pruning on spiny coriander and determine the levels of antioxidants at different growth stages. Inflorescence pruning increased leaf biomass by 188%, although total biomass did not vary among treatments. Pruning altered the biomass partition, induced the earmarking of a higher percentage of photosynthates for the production of new leaves, and increased the leaf contents of reducing sugars, sucrose and soluble proteins. The contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were not affected by inflorescence pruning. Regarding the growth stages, the polyphenol and flavonoid contents were high during the juvenile stage, and highest levels of carotenoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were produced at the beginning of plant maturation. From the full maturity stage onwards, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) were highest, coinciding with a decrease in bioactive compounds. Considering the production of bioactive compounds and antioxidant, POD and PPO activities, the ideal harvesting time would be in the late juvenile and early maturation stages of spiny coriander, between 90 and 120 days after germination. Moreover, inflorescence pruning is recommendable for spiny coriander cultivation, for increasing the leaf biomass without affecting the leaf levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Our results highlight the relevance of the growth stages for the production of bioactive compounds of this crop, contributing to improve the cultivation practices, with higher yields and an optimized use of the therapeutic properties of the leaves.

Cl− More Detrimental Than Na+ in Rice Under Long-Term Saline Conditions

Rice is considered sensitive to salinity and hence, improving the salinity tolerance of rice is desired to increase productivity. Most research on salinity tolerance for the growth and grain yield of rice focuses on the toxicity of sodium (Na+) and not chloride (Cl−); the information on the negative effects of Cl− on rice is still limited. To learn the difference in the long-term effects of Na+ and Cl− on the whole plant and grain productivities, three rice varieties differing in salinity tolerance were grown in pots irrigated by water with NaCl and KCl in the same molar concentration. The whole plant dry weight and grain yield in all varieties decreased to the same extent after NaCl and KCl treatments compared to the control during the full heading and maturity stages. However, Na+ content in shoots of all varieties under NaCl treatment were higher at all stages than that under KCl treatment and the control. In the most cases, the Cl− content in plants was similar in the NaCl and KCl treatment groups. There was a negative significant correlation between the relative dry weight and grain yield (treated/control) and the Cl− content in the plants. From these results, it was suggested that plant dry weight and grain yield under long-term salinity conditions was reduced by Cl− toxicity rather than Na+ toxicity.

Effect of Sulphur Application on Photosynthesis and Biomass Accumulation of Sesame Varieties under Rainfed Conditions

Oilseeds yield response to sulphur (S) has been well investigated but the dynamics of total biomass accumulation (TBA) and partitioning by sesame plants in response to S are not well understood. This study was initiated to investigate the effects of S on sesame, in which four sesame varieties V1, SG-27; V2, SG-30; V3, SG-36; V4, SG-51 and four S treatments T1, 20; T2, 30; T3, 40; T4, 50 kg ha−1 were used. Results revealed that the leaf area index and photosynthetic rate of sesame varieties were significantly higher under T3 with V3. Similarly, S fertilization considerably increased the TBA and maximum TBA was reached at late-flowering with V3 in T3. Relative to T1, plants in T3 had 33 and 23% higher capsule and seed biomass, respectively. Furthermore, total S accumulation and distribution in different plant organs changed with growth stage, at pre-flowering and mid-flowering stage maximum S was found in the stem, whereas at late-flowering and full-maturity stage highest S was recorded in reproductive parts. These results implied that S fertilizers should be applied to agricultural fields to improve oilseed production and by selecting the appropriate and area-specific genotype we can increase sesame seed yield under rainfed conditions.

Response of Seeds Quality of Sunflower to Inoculation with Single and Mixed Species of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Background: The sunflower seeds which are popular in Syria and Mediterranean countries as a roasted or salted snack, supply a large number of nutritious components including protein and minerals. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the impact of indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and protein content in seeds of confection-type hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The indigenous AMF including Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae, and Glomus viscosum, were isolated from an agricultural field in Syria. The most abundant species (G. viscosum) was multiplied in monospecific culture. Method: Sunflower plants were inoculated with the mixture of three AMF species or with G. viscosum. The plants were harvested at full physiological maturity stage. Total N was determined using the Kjeldhal method and the detection of phosphorus was based on the colorimetric method. The rate of AMF-root colonization was determined microscopically by the gridline intersect method. Result: Seeds N and P content were enhanced by the inoculation of sunflower with single and mixture of AMF compared with non-AM plants. Higher content of N and P was observed in AMF mixture inoculation compared to individual inoculation with G. viscosum. The maximum protein concentration was found in the treatment of mixture AMF followed by individual inoculation with G. viscosum. The results indicated that mixed species of AMF were more species, and could be considered as a good inoculum for improving the seeds quality of sunflower grown under sustainable agriculture conditions.

Diversity of Fungi in Rhizoplane, Rhizosphere and Edaphosphere of Sunflower at Different Stages of its Development

AbstractThe genus and species composition of the micromycete complex in the root zone (rhizoplane, rhizosphere and edaphosphere) of sunflower at the beginning of flowering and full maturity stages during its cultivation on leached chernozem was studied. It was established that representatives of the genera Aspergillus, Botrytis, Gliocladium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Trichoderma formed the complex of typical fungi of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere. At the stage of flowering in the mycocenosis, the species Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces variotii and Trichoderma viride dominated, and in the maturity stage Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillium nigricans, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans prevailed. The phytopathogenic complex at the flowering stage formed the species of the genera Fusarium and Rhizopus, and by the end of the vegetation the variety of potential pathogens was expanded by representatives of the genera Alternaria, Botrytis and Gliocladium. A comparative analysis of the micromycete complex revealed a similarity of the dominant species of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere in different stages of sunflower development. However, by the end of the vegetation in the rhizosphere, compared to rhizoplane, the abundance of fungi of the species Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans and Penicillium nigricans increased significantly. As for edaphosphere, Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma viride and Penicillium nigricans dominated during sunflower flowering, and by the end of the crop vegetation the number of micromycetes of the genus Fusarium was reduced while the proportion of micromycetes of the genus Rhizopus increased significantly.

Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes at Different Stages of Maturity

Abstract Tomato is known as a vegetable with several health benefits due to its high level of bioactive compounds, especially lycopene, phenolics, and vitamin C. The effect of tomato variety and stage of maturity on the bioactive compounds concentration was studied. Ten tomato varieties were grown and collected from a greenhouse at two different stages of ripening. The obtained results showed that there were significant differences in the mean values between analysed parameters according to the stage of ripening and variety. The highest concentration of vitamin C was determined for variety Sakura F1 at maturity stage, and the lowest for variety Sunstreem F1 for unripe fruits. The concentration of phenols and flavonoids increased during tomato ripening and the highest rate was observed for variety Naget F1 (from 7.86 mg·100g−1 to 14.34 mg·100 g−1 (phenols) and flavonoids from 6.09 mg·100 g−1 to 10.03 mg·100 g−1. The concentration of lycopene in the unripe stage was low (mostly about 1 mg·100 g−1) and the most quantitative changes and the highest concentration of lycopene in full maturity stage was determined for variety SV0946TS (27.11 mg·100 g−1) and variety NectarF1 (16.81 mg·100 g−1).

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) - the content of bioactive compounds

Genus Allium belongs to the family Alliaceae, which contains more than 600 species. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is the most popular food ingredient widely used all over the world. During the last few decades, garlic has received tremendous attention for their wide range of therapeutic properties and great health benefits. Garlic has possessed antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antioxidant, anticholesteremic, anti-cancerous, and vasodilator characteristics. In this work the total polyphenols content, total sulfur content and antioxidant activity was compared and evaluated in four studied varieties of garlic (Mojmír, Lukan, Záhorský and Makoi). The analyzed samples of garlic were collected at the stage of full maturity in the area Bardejov. The total polyphenols content was measured using the spectrophotometric method of Folin-Ciocalteu agents. The total polyphenols content in studied varieties of garlic were determined in the range 612.23 mg.kg-1 (Mojmír) to 566.01 mg.kg-1 (Lukan). The total polyphenols content in garlic can be arranged as follows: Mojmír >Makoi >Záhorský >Lukan. The determination of the total sulfur content is based on dry combustion in the presence of oxygen and allows for the quantitative conversion of sulfur to SO2. Statistically significant highest level of total sulfur content was recorded in 0.638% (Mojmír) and the lowest level was in 0.421% (Makoi). According to determined values of total sulfur content the studied varieties of garlic can be arranged in the following order: Mojmír >Lukan >Záhorský >Makoi. Antioxidant activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method using a compound DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl). The highest value of antioxidant activity was measured in Mojmír (15.24%). The lowest level was observed in Makoi (11.73%). The antioxidant activity in garlic declined in the following order: Mojmír >Lukan >Záhorský >Makoi. In all studied samples of garlic was confirmed by the strong dependence of the total polyphenols content, total sulfur content and antioxidant activity.

Transcript analyses of ethylene pathway genes during ripening of Chinese jujube fruit

The fruit of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is immensely popular worldwide, while its fleshy fruit has a very short shelf life and suffers serious postharvest damage. The fruit has been controversially classified as non-climacteric, though the mechanisms underlying its ripening behavior, particularly the role of ethylene, have remained unclear. In this study, low and stable ethylene production was detected during ripening of Z. jujuba ‘Dongzao’ fruit, with production increasing at the full maturity stage. To determine potential ripening behavior, the fruit of five cultivars were harvested at the white mature stage, and all exhibited a first decreasing and then moderately increasing respiration rate without concomitant climacteric-like ethylene production during shelf storage. Treatment with 1.0 μL L−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) inhibited respiration and ethylene production in white mature fruit, though the effects of 100 μL L−1 exogenous ethylene were not significant. The transcript levels of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, perception, and signal transduction were not elevated during fruit-ripening onset but substantially increased at the full-red ripening stage. Moreover, expression of genes controlling ethylene biosynthesis and perception mainly occurred in an auto-inhibited System-1-like manner, but signaling pathway genes were minimally affected by exogenous ethylene or 1-MCP. These results show that the ripening of Chinese jujube is non-climacteric. The basal level of ethylene likely plays a minor role in ripening regulation but is necessary to maintain normal ripening. This study elucidates the effects of ethylene on jujube fruit ripening, characterizing the ripening of this fruit as non-climacteric, and also provides strategies for the improvement and maintenance of fruit quality and the extension of shelf life during postharvest storage.

Caracterización de frutos y semillas de Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey. en la amazonia septentrional, Roraima – Brasil

Tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Meyer) is an oil palm tree with great economic potential. The oil of its pulp and seed of its fruits are used for the production of biofuels in Brazil, and the fruit characterization in natural populations is required to obtain important information for the genetic improvement of this species. The objective was to evaluate physical characteristics of A. aculeatum fruits and seeds in the northern Brazilian Amazon. Physical parameters of tucuma fruits and seeds in pasture areas were evaluated in the southern state of Roraima. Samples of 1000 fruits in full maturity stage of 50 plants were submitted to characterization and evaluation of morphology based on ten physical parameters. A. aculeatum fruits and seeds showed variability in the evaluated characteristics, useful to utilize in genetic improvement programs. The parameters with greater variability were the weight of the fruit, the seed coat, the wet seeds, the pulp and the thickness of both the pulp and the seed coat. Due to the high correlation between the weight and diameter of the fruit, and the weight and diameter of the seed in fruits and seeds of A. aculeatum, indirect diameter selection using the weight and vice versa can be realized, reducing work on assessments in fruits of this species.