Sweet Type Research Articles

Comparison Study of the Physicochemical Properties, Amino Acids, and Volatile Metabolites of Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu.

The physicochemical properties, amino acids, and volatile metabolites of 20 types of Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu were systematically compared in this study. Lower sugar contents were detected in LPSH, ZJHL-1, and GDSY-1, but the total sugar contents of the other types of Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu were more than 100 g/L (which belonged to the sweet type). Among them, a lower alcohol content was found in GDSY-1 (8.36 %vol). There was a significant difference in the organic acid and amino acid composition among the 20 Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu samples, especially the amino acid composition. However, bitter amino acids as the major amino acids accounted for more than 50% of the total amino acids. A substantial variation in volatile profiles was also observed among all types of Guangzhou Hakka Huangjiu. Interestingly, MZSK-1 had different volatile profiles from other Guangzhou Hakka Huangjiu samples. According to gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O), most of the aroma-active ingredients identified in Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu were endowed with a pleasant aroma of "fruity".

Ekspresi morfologi tiga jenis jeruk sebagai indikator ketahanan terhadap serangan Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae)

Salah satu hama penting benih tanaman jeruk adalah tungau perak jeruk (TPJ) Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh serangan TPJ terhadap morfologi daun dan tingkat ketahanan tiga jenis jeruk. Tiga jenis jeruk, yaitu Siam, Keprok, Manis digunakan sebagai tanaman uji. Tunas dari ketiga jenis jeruk tersebut diuji kandungan nutrisinya dan dilakukan infestasi TPJ sebanyak 5 individu pada tunas yang berumur lebih kurang 10 hari. Pengamatan populasi TPJ dilakukan 7 hari setelah infestasi (HSI) dan pengamatan selanjutnya dilaksanakan 4 hari sekali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kelimpahan TPJ paling rendah pada 23 HSI didapat pada jenis Siam (0,5 ± 0,38 individu) dan Keprok (0,25 ± 0,16 individu). Populasi TPJ meningkat pada 11 sampai 15 HSI, dan mulai menurun pada 19 HSI. Berdasarkan analisis korelasi Pearson, kelimpahan TPJ dipengaruhi oleh kadar lemak dan serat kasar daun. Hasil pengamatan juga menunjukkan bahwa jenis Manis lebih tahan dibandingkan dengan jenis lainnya. Dapat disimpulkan, jenis Manis masih lebih tahan dibandingkan dengan jenis Siam dan Keprok.

Changes on the physicochemical and fatty acid profile of meat induced by inclusion of biscuit bran in lamb diet.

The animal feed science is in constant search for new products that bring economic return, without harming the quality of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet upon the fatty acid profile of its meat and its physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Twenty-four male lambs divided in four treatments were used. The treatments consisted in increasing levels (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet. The significance of the treatments was determined by ANOVA and the adjusted means were compared by Tukey test at 5%. The effects were determined by linear and quadratic responses. The use of up to 45% biscuit bran sweet type did not modify the physical and sensory characteristics of meat, just as it did not affect nutrient and dry matter intakes and animal performance. A replacement of 45%, reduces the cholesterol (P = 0.03) and the total content of saturated fatty acid (P = 0.002), not modifying other physicochemical characteristics. The replacement of corn by biscuit bran sweet type in the feeding represents an alternative nutritional strategy for sheep meat production with desirable organoleptic and quality characteristics.

Evaluation of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum and compost application on the growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta) under organic cultivation

Efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculum and compost application on cultivation of cassava variety Hanatee (a sweet type) under organic farming are required to investigate for management in order to obtain high yield and quality of the cassava product. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2020 at organic farm in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand to examine the efficacy of inoculum product of AM fungi and leafcompost application on the growth, tuber yield and nutrient uptake of the cassava variety. Dominant species of AM fungi isolated from inoculum product (Aaulospora scrobiculataand A. tuberculata) were used for the study and sunn hemp acted as host plant for inoculum production. Four experimental treatments viz., control (without application of boththe AM fungal inoculum and compost), application of AM fungal inoculum without compost, application of compost without AM fungal inoculum, and applications of both AM fungal inoculum and compost were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Nine months of cassava cultivation, the results showed that application of AM fungal inoculum increased growth, tuber yield and nutrient uptake of cassava variety Hanatee, especially the higher shoot dry weight (153.4 g/plant), tuber dry weight (229.3 g/plant), N andP contents in tuber (321.0 and 255.3 mg/plant, respectively) were recorded when inoculum of AM fungiwas used in combination with the compost application. Tuber dry weights of cassava in thetreatments applied only AM fungal inoculum, applied only compost, and applied both AM fungal inoculum in combination with compost were about 1.7, 5.1 and 11.4 times higher than the control treatment, respectively. Furthermore, compost application had positive impact on root colonization and spore densities of AM fungi in the cassava field. Therefore, this study highlights the use of AM fungi inoculum together with compost application for a move towards sustainable organic farming.

Screening for Cold Tolerance during Germination within Sweet and Fiber Sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for Energy Biomass

Within the project “BIOSEA” funded by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a preliminary laboratory test was conducted to assess the variability for cold tolerance during germination in 30 cultivars of biomass sorghum, among fiber and sweet types. Seed germination (%) and mean germination time (MGT) were examined at seven constant temperatures (from 8 °C to 35 °C) and base temperature (Tb) and thermal time (θT) for 50% germination were calculated. A wide genetic diversity in the germination response of sorghum was ascertained at 8 °C (CV 45%) and 10 °C (CV 25.4%). At 8 °C, in cultivars of ‘Padana 4’, ‘PR811F’, ‘PSE24213’, ‘PR849’ and ‘Zerberus’, seed germination exceeded 80%. Seeds of ‘Zerberus’ were also the fastest, requiring less than 13 days for final germination at this low temperature. Great differences were found in Tb and θT among cultivars. Tb varied between 7.44 °C (‘PR811F’) and 13.48 °C (‘Nectar’). Thermal time (θT) was, on average, 24.09 °Cd−1, and ranged between 16.62 (‘Nectar’) and 33.42 °Cd−1 (‘PSE24213’). The best combination of the two germination parameters (i.e., low Tb and θT) corresponded to ‘Zerberus’, ‘Sucrosorgo 506’, ‘Jumbo’ and ‘PR811F’. Accordingly, these cultivars are more tolerant to cold stress during germination and, thus, more adapt to early spring sowings in Mediterranean areas (March-April). Cultivars ‘PR811F’ (fiber type) and ‘Sucrosorgo 506’ (sweet type) also combine high cold tolerance with good productivity in terms of final dry biomass, as assessed in open-field conditions (late spring sowing). The genetic variation in the germination response to a low temperature is useful for the identification of genotypes of sorghum suitable to early sowings in semi-arid areas. Selection within existing cultivars for cold tolerance during germination may also contribute to the expansion of biomass sorghum into cooler cultivation areas, such as those of Northern Europe, which are less suitable to this warm season crop.

KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI DAN KIMIAWI BEBERAPA VARIETAS UBI KAYU MANIS ASAL KECAMATAN PALAS, KABUPATEN LAMPUNG SELATAN BERDASARKAN UMUR PANEN YANG BERBEDA

Most of cassava grown in Palas, South Lampung District is sweet type cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) utilized as raw materials for cassava-based snack production. However, their characteristic had never been reported. The aims of the research were to determine the effect of varieties, harvesting age, and interaction between varieties and the harvesting age on morphology and chemical characteristics of sweet type cassava planted in Palas District, South Lampung. The experiment was factorial and arranged in a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with two factors and four replications. The first factor was cassava variety, i.e., manalagi (V1), mentega (V2), and krembi (V3). The second factor was the harvest age (U) i.e., 7-8 months (U1) and 8-9 months (U2). Morphology data were reported descriptively, while data for other characteristics were tested for homogeneity and additivity using Barlett and Tuckey test, then subjected to ANOVA, and further tested using Duncan test at the level of 5%. The results showed that the variety and harvest age significantly affected of water content, starch yield, starch content, amylose, and amylopectin. There was a significant interaction between varieties and age of harvest on moisture content, starch yield, and starch content, but there was no significant interaction effect on amylose and amylopectin. The highest value of moisture content was found in manalagi aged at 7-8 months (67.28% wb), the highest value of starch yield was found in manalagi age at 8-9 months of (16.34%), the highest value of starch content was found in mentega aged at 8-9 of months (17.52 % wb), the highest value of amylose was found in mentega aged at 8-9 of month (10.35% db), the highest value of amylopectin was found in krembi aged at 7-8 of month (92.78% db). Overall, krembi, manalagi, and mentega can be categorized as low-amylose cassava which has potential to be developed as raw material for crispy cassava-based snack.
 Keywords: harvesting age, krembi, low-amylose cassava, manalagi, mentega

Exploring the Nutraceutical Potential of Dried Pepper Capsicum annuum L. on Market from Altino in Abruzzo Region.

Sweet pepper is a typical type of Capsicum annuum from Abruzzo region, recognized as a traditional and local product, traditionally cultivated in the town of Altino (Abruzzo region, Italy). The aim of this study is to compare the sweet type of peppers from Altino with the hot pepper cultivated in the same area, in order to delineate their different phytochemical and biological profiles in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we elucidated their phytochemical composition, fatty acids composition and phenolic/flavonoid contents in extracts. Then antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays were performed to evaluate their biological properties, together with in vitro cell assay and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Microwave (1000 mg/mL) extract of hot pepper showed the best inhibition value on in vitro cell growth assay; in fact, the number of survived cells was about 20% and 40% for microwave and Soxhlet extracts, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed good activity for both species, which, when associated with in vitro cell inhibition results, could explain the protective effect on human prostatic hyperplasia.

Evaluation of Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i> Crantz) Genotypes for Total Cyanide Content, Storage Tuber and Starch Yield in South Western Ethiopia

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the main food crops that significantly contribute to food security and poverty alleviation in South and Southwest Ethiopia. Cyanide present in cassava roots poses a health challenge in the use of cassava for food. It is therefore important to identify the sweet and bitter types for food and industry. In this study, 11 farmers preferred genotypes were assessed for storage tuber yield, cyanide content and starch contents at Jimma, Metu and Tepi during 2015-2017 cropping seasons. From the genotypes analyzed, AAGT-108 (128.35 mg/kg) and AAGT-189 (118.5 mg/kg) are identified for bitter type (high HCN content). Based on storage tuber yield, genotype AAGT-108, AAGT-189 and AAGT 192 produced the highest tuber yield in all tested locations. The starch content varies from 5.11 (Qulle at Metu) to 18.40 (AAGT-108 at Tepi). Similarly, genotypes AAGT-108, AAGT-189 and AAGT-192 are the best materials at Jimma as compared to others and gave the mean starch content of 15.22, 16.98 and 16.61%, respectively. Based on the overall result of hydrogen cyanide and starch contents, genotype AAGT-108 and AAGT-189 are recommended for bitter type (high HCN content). On contrary, the rest of genotypes have sweet type due to low hydrogen cyanide content below 100 mg/kg and are recommended for human consumption.

Sweet type brigadeiro made with banana biomass and flour grape residue from the wine production of the region of the submédio São Francisco

Sweet type brigadeiro made with banana biomass and flour grape residue from the wine production of the region of the submédio São Francisco

Using Torulaspora delbrueckii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus wine yeasts as starter cultures for fermentation and quality improvement of mead

Wine yeast strains Torulaspora delbrueckii, Saccharomyces bayanus and an osmo-ethanol tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain isolated in a Pedro Ximenez grape must have been used as starter cultures for mead production without addition of nitrogen assimilable sources. Significant differences on the fermentation kinetics, major volatile compound (MVC) contents and in organoleptic properties (OP) were obtained. A Multivariate Analysis (MVA) carried out with the contents in the six key compounds, acetaldehyde, 1-propanol, isobutanol, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol (levo) and diethyl succinate, allows to obtain a chemical profile or fingerprint very useful to differentiate each mead. By subjecting these MVC to a principal component analysis, two PCs were obtained that explain the 85.3% of variance and group the meads according the yeast used. Meads obtained with T. delbrueckii have a low ethanol, high residual sugar content and preserve the primary aroma of honey. It was concluded from a sensorial evaluation that the most suitable yeast that produces the sweet type of multifloral honey mead is T. delbrueckii, while S. bayanus is suitable for dry meads.

Biomass yield, chemical composition and theoretical ethanol yield for different genotypes of energy sorghum cultivated on marginal land in China

Energy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench] is potentially of great significance for bioethanol production because of its high biomass and wide adaptability. In this study, a field experiment was conducted on a semiarid marginal land in Inner Mongolia (39°10′N, 109°53′E), China, to assess the effects of genotypes with similar growth duration and biomass yield levels on chemical composition and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) in both leaves and stems of four genotypes each of sweet and biomass sorghum in 2013 and 2014. Among all varieties, no significant variation was observed in the biomass yield of leaf (1.81–2.55 Mg ha−1) and stem (3.73–4.87 Mg ha−1), which was relatively low due to the marginal land with low temperature conditions. By contrast, considerable variation was detected in soluble sugars, ash and hexose contents of leaves and stems among the sweet sorghum varieties over two years. Compared with the sweet type, biomass sorghum varieties exhibited significantly lower soluble sugars content but higher cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents in both leaf and stem tissues, resulting in significantly lower hexose and higher pentose contents. Moreover, stems exhibited significantly higher total content of hexose and pentose (725.4 g kg−1) than leaves (642.3 g kg−1) across all varieties, leading to significantly higher TEY of stems than that of leaves. Despite the slightly higher TEY of sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum varieties exhibited particularly stable chemical components and TEY across both experimental years, resulting in greater potential for industrial bioethanol production in this study. Overall, varietal selection was effective in improving the biomass feedstock quality of energy sorghum for biochemical conversion. The findings of this study will help to facilitate industrial bioethanol production from dedicated bioenergy crops.

Influence of Maize Genotypes on Wheat Haploid Embryos Production in Maize Mediated Cross System

Six selected bread wheat double haploid genotypes and eight maize cultivars belonging to four types were used in this study. The six wheat genotypes pollinated with the eight maize cultivars to study the effects of different maize genotypes of distinct types on the wheat haploid embryo ratio. The results showed that the same wheat material when pollinated with different maize cultivar, the embryo rate differed between 1.5 to 3 times and ranging from 15.43% to 47.80%. The average haploid embryo induction rate was highest in sweet type (33.24%) and lowest in super sweet type (29.59%). The wheat genotype A6 recorded the highest embryo rate percentage (34.11%), while A5 recorded the lowest rate (29.36%). The white Sweet Waxy (B4) found to be the highest for embryo rate, followed by the Cloud Sweet Jade 6th (B5) and Jane wo Waxy 1th (B1), while the lowest was recorded by Cloud Super Sweet 2nd (B8) cultivar. The maize genotypes in the same type differed significantly regarding the haploid embryo induction rate of wheat genotypes and thus maize types were not consistent in their behavior. So, the key was to select maize genotypes and not the maize type. The interaction between wheat genotype and maize genotype has a significant effect on the embryogenesis rate. Therefore, if the rate of embryo induction of some wheat materials with a common maize variety is low, it may be possible using the pollination of other maize cultivars to increase the embryogenesis in wheat x maize hybridization.

Bioethanol Potential of Energy Sorghum Grown on Marginal and Arable Lands.

Field experiments were conducted in marginal lands, i.e., sub-humid climate and saline-land (SHS) and semi-arid climate and wasteland (SAW), to evaluate ethanol potential based on the biomass yield and chemical composition of biomass type (var. GN-2, GN-4, and GN-10) and sweet type (var. GT-3 and GT-7) hybrids of energy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in comparison with sub-humid climate and cropland (SHC) in northern China. Results showed that environment significantly (p < 0.05) influenced plant growth, biomass yield and components, and subsequently the ethanol potential of energy sorghum. Biomass and theoretical ethanol yield of the crop grown at SHS (12.2 t ha−1 and 3,425 L ha−1, respectively) and SAW (8.6 t ha−1 and 2,091 L ha−1, respectively) were both statistically (p < 0.001) lower than values at the SHC site (32.6 t ha−1 and 11,853 L ha−1, respectively). Higher desirable contents of soluble sugar, cellulose, and hemicellulose were observed at SHS and SHC sites, while sorghum grown at SAW possessed higher lignin and ash contents. Biomass type sorghum was superior to sweet type as non-food ethanol feedstock. In particular, biomass type hybrid GN-10 achieved the highest biomass (17.4 t ha−1) and theoretical ethanol yields (5,423 L ha−1) after averaging data for all environmental sites. The most productive hybrid, biomass type GN-4, exhibited biomass and theoretical ethanol yields >42.1 t ha−1 and 14,913 L ha−1, respectively, at the cropland SHC site. In conclusion, energy sorghum grown on marginal lands showed a very lower ethanol potential, indicating a considerable lower possibility for being used as commercial feedstock supply when compared with that grown on regular croplands. Moreover, screening suitable varieties may improve energy sorghum growth and chemical properties for ethanol production on marginal lands.

Physiochemical and protein profiling of Bacaurea ramiflora (Burmese grape) - an underutilized fruit crop in Arunachal Pradesh

A survey was conducted in the Napit, Pekung and Runne village of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India during the period 2015-2016 for the documentation on the variability of Bacaurea ramiflora (Burmese grape) in this region. These plants are found wild or in the homestead garden. From the investigation two types of morphotype could be identified in this region (mild acidic and sweet type). Study on its different physical and quality parameters revealed that the sweetness ranges from 12.5 to 16.5° Brix and the fruit parameters like fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit juice, TSS, total sugar and acidity are found to be significant among the genotypes. However, the biochemical marker (SDS PAGE) revealed monomorphic banding pattern and no variable is found in among the genotypes which can be confirmed using molecular marker in the near future.

Natural occurrence of fumonisins and characteristics of pamonhas sweet type from Southern Brazil

ABSTRACTFresh and frozen pamonhas, a native Brazilian food made with sweet corn (Zea mays L.), similar to the Mexican tamal, which has been incorporated into the country’s diet, were investigated for fumonisins (FBs: FB1 and FB2) contamination and product characteristics. The laboratory conditions of the applied fumonisins method with liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection were validated. Five out of the total samples showed FBs contamination above the national maximum level of 1000–1500 µg/kg. Despite this, in 59.6% (31) of the samples FB1 and in 23.1% (12) FB2 could be detected. The pamonhas characteristics did not show uniformity among the brands surveyed. The moisture content of 59.4% and water activity of 0.97 for both (fresh and frozen) samples showed to be suitable conditions for fungal growth. One sample had a quite high pH. It is essential to establish guidance criteria for pamonha production by the regulatory agencies.

Type of sweet flavour carrier affects thyroid axis activity in male rats

PurposeNon-nutritive sweeteners are the most widely used food additives worldwide. However, their metabolic outcomes are still a matter of controversy and their effect on the thyroid activity, a key regulator of metabolism, has not been previously studied. Therefore, we aim to determine the influence of the sweet type flavour carrier on selected parameters of thyroid axis activity.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 105) were divided into 3 groups fed ad libitum for three weeks isocaloric diets (3.76 ± 0.5 kcal/g): two with the same sweet flavour intensity responded to 10% of sucrose (with sucrose–SC—and sucralose—SU) and one non-sweet diet (NS). To evaluate the post-ingested effects, animals were euthanised at fast and 30, 60, 120, 180 min after meal.ResultsThe results obtained indicate that both the presence and the type of sweet taste flavour carrier affect thyroid axis activity both at fasting and postprandial state. Compared to diet with sucrose which stimulates thyroid axis activity, sucralose addition diminishes thyroid hormone synthesis as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activity, plasma thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was lower than in SC and NS while in non-sweet diet the lowest level of hepatic deiodinase type 1 (DIO1) and the highest reverse T3 (rT3) level indicate on altered thyroid hormone peripheral metabolism.ConclusionBoth the presence and the type of sweet flavour carrier have a significant impact on thyroid axis activity. Our findings suggest that this organochlorine sweetener is metabolically active and might exacerbate metabolic disorders via an adverse effect on thyroid hormone metabolism.

Effect of Mixing Pumpkin Puree With Wheat Flour on Physical, Nutritional and Sensory Characteristics of Biscuit

Physical, nutritional and sensory quality characteristics of semi sweet type biscuit made by mixing wheat flour and pumpkin puree were studied. Wheat flour and pumpkin puree were mixed in the ratio of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. Diameter and thickness of biscuit decreased and bulk density increased as the amount of pumpkin increased. The nutritional quality of biscuit was positively influenced by the incorporation of pumpkin. Pumpkin increased protein, crude fibre, calcium, carotene and vitamin C of biscuit. The sensory quality of biscuit made from the mixed flour containing 70 parts of wheat flour and 30 parts of pumpkin puree was best. The biscuit made fromthe flour of this composition contained 2.53% moisture, 9.7% protein, 12% fat, 0.51% crude fiber, 0.81% total ash, 76.98% carbohydrate, 13.01 mg/100g carotene, 1.04 mg/100g Vitamin C, 1.88 mg/100g iron, 35.6 mg/100g calcium and energy value of 454.72 Kcal/100g dry matter.

Biomass Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Energy Sorghum in Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Marginal Land in a Semi-Arid Region

Energy sorghum tolerates adverse climatic and edaphic conditions and has great potential as biofuel feedstock in marginal land. This study investigates the potential energy sorghum biomass production and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on a sandy loam marginal land in a semi-arid region, in order to define optimum N fertilizer rate to produce the highest biomass yield with minimal nutrient elimination. Five N rate treatments (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha−1) and two sorghum varieties (sweet type Guotian-8 (GT-8) and biomass type Guoneng-11 (GN-11)) were used. Yield increment was observed as N level increased, but the standout treatment appeared to be N rate of 60 kg ha−1 which significantly increased biomass yield vs. controls by 68.8% in 2014 and 64.1% in 2015. Biomass yield exhibited non-significant differences between N rate treatments from 60 to 240 kg ha−1, although the highest biomass yield (9.2–11.9 t ha−1) was observed in the 120 kg N ha−1 treatment. Nutrient analysis showed that N, P, and K accumulation in aboveground plants increased with N rate increase, ranging between 32.2 and 119.1, 7.9 and 19.2, and 22.1 and 94.0 kg ha−1, respectively, for the highest N rate of 240 kg ha−1. Substantial amounts of N were extracted from the soil in control and 60 kg N ha−1 treatments, despite the low fertility and organic matter content of the soil. Moreover, nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) was maximized at lower N rates. A decline in physiological N use efficiency (PNUE) resulted in decreased agronomic N use efficiency (ANUE) at higher N rates. Hence, it is concluded that N fertilizer rate between 60 and 120 kg ha−1 would be the optimal N requirement to facilitate sustainable production of energy sorghum on a sandy wasteland.

Biochemical Activity, Functional Properties and Texture Profiling of Non-bitter and Bitter Type Aloe vera Gel

Aloe vera has long history as a medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic applications and antioxidant properties. Aloe vera contains large number of vitamins, minerals and other biological active compounds. This study was conducted to determine nutrient composition and Functional properties of sweet and bitter type of Aloe vera gel. Gel yield was comparatively more in bitter than non type Aloe vera viz. 521, 422g per kg respectively. The result of the phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and carbohydrate. Ash, fibre, protein and fat content of non bitter and bitter type of Aloe vera gel have slight difference. Bitter type Aloe vera gel shows higher amount of ascorbic acid than non bitter cultivar. Total phenolic content was also higher in bitter type aloe vera gel. Functional group distribution was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Texture analysis shows that the gel treated with citric acid had maximum firmness.

GENETIC VARIATION AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MAIZE TYPES AND TEOSINTE AS REVEALED BY ISOZYMES AND RAPD MARKERS

Genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships among four types of yellow maize (Zea mays L.); dent, flint, sweet and pop corn, and their wild relative; teosinte (Zea mexicana), were assessed using isozymes and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The results indicated that the percentage of polymorphic loci; for peroxidase and esterase isozymes, were 66.67% and 92.59%, respectively. By applying RAPD analysis, 116 bands were obtained from seven primers with 87.07% polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic distance segregated the five genotypes into two main clusters. Both isozymes and RAPD markers separated teosinte into the first cluster, whereas the four maize types were grouped together in the seconds cluster. Dent and flint types were much close to each other with high similarity indices; 0.842 and 0.792 based on peroxidase and esterase isozymes, respectively. Furthermore, the flint type closely related to sweet type in RAPD cluster (similarity index of 0.588). This high variability detected among maize types and teosinte can be used in breeding programs to maximize the use of genetic resources.