Amount Of Total Soluble Sugars Research Articles

Response of Maize Seedlings to Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) under Drought Stress.

Recently, the use of nanofertilizers has received a great deal of attention in managing plants under biotic and abiotic stresses. However, studies that elucidate the role of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) in regulating maize tolerance to drought stress are still at early stages of development. In this study, plants that were treated with SiO2NPs (0.25 g/L as foliar spray) displayed considerable improvement in the growth indices, despite being subjected to drought stress. In addition, the action of SiO2NPs led to a considerable rise in the levels of chlorophylls, proline, cell membrane integrity, leaf water content, and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX)). In contrast, an inverse trend was seen in the oxidative injury, the total amount of soluble sugars, and the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX). At the same time, carotenoids were unaffected in SiO2NPs-treated and non-treated plants under drought stress. The results of the molecular investigation that was conducted using qRT-PCR showed that the relative expression of the D2 protein of photosystem II (PsbD) was elevated in SiO2NPs-treated plants in response to drought stress, while the expression of the osmotic-like protein (OSM-34) and aquaporin (AQPs) was downregulated in SiO2NPs-treated plants in response to drought stress. This research could pave the way for further investigations into how SiO2NPs boost plant resistance to drought stress.

Application of a Biostimulant (Pepton) Based in Enzymatic Hydrolyzed Animal Protein Combined With Low Nitrogen Priming Boosts Fruit Production Without Negatively Affecting Quality in Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes.

Improved nutrient use efficiency together with the use of biostimulants have been little explored thus far to improve fruit yield and quality in economically relevant crops. The aim of this study was to determine the additive or synergistic effects, if any, of the application of an enzyme hydrolyzed animal protein biostimulant (Pepton) combined with priming with low nitrogen (N) in the production and quality of greenhouse tomatoes. Biostimulant treatment (Pepton at a dose equivalent of 4 kg/ha) was applied by ferti-irrigation for 2 months during the vegetative phase both in controls (watered with nutrient solution) and nutrient efficient crop (NEC), in which plants were primed with low N by exposing them to a 30% N deficiency for 2 months, and then recovered for 1 month before fruit production. Foliar water and N contents, pigments, maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm ratio), and phytohormones [including abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and cytokinins] were measured prior and at 4 and 8 weeks after the first application. Fruit production and quality [as indicated by total soluble sugars (TSS) and acidity (TA), and the contents of lycopene, vitamin E, and vitamin C] were measured 1 month later at harvest. Priming with low N availability (NEC plants) doubled (p < 0.001) fruit production (due to an increase in the number of fruits), tended to increase (p = 0.057) by 20% the amount of TSS and increased (p < 0.05) the contents of lycopene (by 90%) and vitamin E (by 40%). Pepton displayed a tendency, almost significant, to improve (p = 0.054) total fruit production both in control and NEC plants, thus showing an additive effect to low N priming in boosting fruit production. Pepton maintained fruit quality in terms of sugar accumulation, total acidity and the contents of carotenoids, vitamins C and E. Pepton-related improvement in fruit production seemed to be related, at least partially, to an increased accumulation of cytokinins and photosynthetic pigments in leaves, which might favor vegetative vigor and ultimately fruit yield. In conclusion, Pepton application was effective in improving the yield of greenhouse tomatoes showing additive effect with low N priming, without negatively affecting fruit quality.

Determination of Soluble Mono, Di, and Oligosaccharide Content in 23 Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Beans provide a rich source of plant-based proteins and carbohydrates. It is well documented in the literature that the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs: raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose) is linked with flatulence issues. In this study, the soluble sugar content of 23 dry beans was investigated using a newly developed and validated analytical method with high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled to an amperometric pulse detection. All seven sugars (galactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose) showed good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.99) between 0.156 and 20 μg/mL. The limit of detection and quantification were determined as 0.01-0.11 μg/mL and 0.04-0.32 μg/mL, respectively. Significant variations in the profiles and concentrations of individual and total sugars were observed in 23 dry beans. Sucrose and stachyose were the two prominent soluble sugars combinedly representing an average of 86% of the total soluble sugars. Yellow split beans, large lima, and black eyed peas contained higher amounts of total soluble sugars (79.8-83.6 mg/g), whereas lower amounts were observed in speckled butter peas and lentils (53.6-56.6 mg/g). Garbanzo beans contained maximum levels of mono and disaccharides (MD), and yellow split beans showed the highest levels of RFOs. Based on the hierarchical cluster analysis of the total soluble sugars (TS), MD, RFOs, and MD/RFOs ratio, 23 beans can be classified into five groups. The average TS content and the MD/RFOs ratios of the five groups were determined as group 1 (TS = 55.1 mg/g and MD/RFOs = 0.30), group 2 (TS = 77.6 mg/g and MD/RFOs = 0.31), group 3 (TS = 78.3 mg/g and MD/RFOs = 0.51), group 4 (TS = 59.1 mg/g and MD/RFOs = 1.06), and group 5 (TS = 68.5 mg/g and MD/RFOs = 0.62). This information is useful for researchers, food industries, and consumers that are looking for plant-based protein source as an alternative to animal proteins with reduced flatulence problems.

Morpho- physiological status of fenugreek seedlings under NaCl stress

Salinity is one of the main factors affecting seed germination and seedling growth. An in vitro experiment was conducted to assess the ability of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) to germinate and cope with salt stress. Fenugreek seeds were germinated in presence of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl for 2 and 5 days; and the seedlings were evaluated for their morpho- physiological features. Data revealed that seedling dry mass and seedling mass vigor index (SMVI) were non- significantly affected by salinity at both ages, seedling fresh mass was adversely affected only at the first age, while germination percent, germination index, seedling length and seedling length vigor index were all suppressed by salinity at both ages. Salinity could also hit the seedlings cellular membranes as indicated by enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane injury with subsequent less membrane stability at the two ages. As a strategy to withstand stress, water extracts of the seedlings had higher osmotic pressure under salinity; with increased amount of total soluble sugars, proline, citric acid as well as sodium and chloride especially at the first age. Induced activity of some antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, ascorbic peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were also recorded at both ages under most of the checked salt concentrations. Moreover, correlation coefficient was determined between each parameter of the estimated morpho- physiological criteria and SMVI. Also, the degree by which the estimated criteria contributed to overall seedling performance was statistically computed.

Residues of Profenofos with Special Reference to its Removal Trials and Biochemical Effects on Tomato

During June of 2016 tomato plants were sprayed with profenofos (Seliton 72% E.C.) at the rate of 750 cm3 / feddan (540 g a.i.). Leaves and fruits samples were collected at 2 hrs to 15 days after application and analyzed using GC. Results revealed that, the initial amounts in leaves were much higher than in tomato fruits. A rapid degradation of profenofos residues was noticed in tomato fruits comparing with tomato leaves. The washing of the treated fruits (2 hours) with tap water or 1% of soap, sodium chloride, acetic acid and potassium permanganate reduced indicating the initial deposits (20.53 mg/kg) to 6.11, 9.03, 7.69, 9.87 and 5.06 mg/kg indicating 70.24, 56.02, 62.54, 51.92 and 75.35% dislodge, respectively. Preparation of tomato paste reduced profenofos residues to undetected amounts being 100% removal. The consumable safety time was 3 days after application and this period could be shorted to two hours after spraying if harvested tomato fruits were washed with the above mentioned washing solutions or prepared to tomato paste. Profenofos significantly reduced the mean levels of each N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn. As well as the mean levels of total soluble solid (T.S.S.), ascorbic acid, β-carotene, acidity and protein were significantly reduced at 6, 9 and 15 days of spraying. The mean amounts of total soluble sugars and glucose were not significantly affected by profenofos. Dry matter in treated tomato fruits were significantly increased compared with control.

Nutritional composition of fruit of four date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)cultivars grown in Haryana, India

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the nutrient composition of four varieties of date fruit. The results of the study indicated that the variety Shamran had highest protein (2.77%) content and the variety Medjool the lowest (1.88%). Fat and crude fibre contents of date fruit varieties ranged from 0.17 to 0.50% and 1.71 to 2.22%, respectively. The variety Medjool had lowest amount of total soluble sugars (67.49g/100g) and reducing sugar (61.31g/100g). All the varieties of date fruit differed non-significantly among themselves for their non- reducing sugar content. The variety Khadrawi had the highest amount of starch content. Total dietary fiber (11.70g/100g) and soluble dietary fiber (3.34g/100g) were highest in variety Hillawi. All the four varieties of date fruit differed significantly from each other for their total dietary fiber content and soluble dietary fiber content. The varieties Khadrawi (8.46%), Hillawi (8.35%) and Shamran (7.94%) had significantly (p£ 0.05) higher insoluble dietary fiber as compared to variety Medjool (4.25%). The variety Shamran had highest amount of calcium (195.33mg/100g) and zinc (1.81mg/100g). The variety Medjool contained lowest amount of calcium (70.33mg/100g), iron (1.91mg/100g) and potassium (713mg/100g) while the highest amount of phosphorus (52.66mg/100g). A non-significant (p£0.05) difference was observed in magnesium content of all the varieties. Polyphenol content of date fruits from different varieties ranged from 228.79 to 253.21 mg/100g.

A comparative evaluation of agronomic performance and kernel composition of normal and high sugary corn genotypes (Zea mays L.) grown for dry-grind ethanol production

High sugary corn genotypes (Zea mays L.) have the potential to reduce enzyme consumption and enhance ethanol yield during dry-grind ethanol production. In the present work, four high sugary and four parent field corn genotypes (HSGs and PFCs, respectively) were studied comparatively to evaluate agronomic performance and kernel composition of the genotypes, as well as predict the effects of these traits on carbohydrate accumulation in the kernels. The corn genotypes were grown over two cropping years (2012 and 2013) under rain fed conditions, and some important agronomic traits and kernel biochemical components were determined. Both HSGs and PFCs varied in the agronomic properties, but these variations were not atypical in HSGs if compared with those of PFCs. The average grain yield ranged from 6.19Mega gram per hectare (Mg/ha) to 9.43Mg/ha in HSGs and 5.77Mg/ha to 10.23Mg/ha in PFCs. Sugar accumulation in the kernels was found to be negatively correlated with flowering time, grain filling period and physiological maturity of the genotypes. Compared with PFCs, a higher amount of total soluble sugars (TSS) and a lower quantity of starch were recorded in HSGs, which resulted a significant negative correlation between kernel starch and TSS. The agronomic performance and kernel composition of HSGs, particularly with high kernel sugars and low starch contents suggest that these corn genotypes could be promising candidates for producing cost-effective ethanol during dry-grind process.

Pearl millet growth and biochemical alterations determined by mycorrhizal inoculation, water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is an important fodder and is a potential feedstock for fuel ethanol production in dry areas. Our objectives were to assess the effect of elevated CO2 and/or reduced irrigation on biomass production and levels of sugars and proteins in leaves of pearl millet and to test whether mycorrhizal inoculation could modulate the effects of these abiotic factors on growth and metabolism. Results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation and water regime most influenced biomass of shoots and roots; however, their individual effects were dependent on the atmospheric CO2 concentration. At ambient CO2, mycorrhizal inoculation helped to alleviate effects of water deficit on pearl millet without significant decreases in biomass production, which contrasted with the low biomass of mycorrhizal plants under restricted irrigation and elevated CO2. Mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced water content in shoots, whereas reduced irrigation decreased water content in roots. The triple interaction between CO2, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and water regime significantly affected the total amount of soluble sugars and determined the predominant soluble sugars in leaves. Under optimal irrigation, elevated CO2 increased the proportion of hexoses in pearl millet that was not inoculated with AMF, thus improving the quality of this plant material for bioethanol production. By contrast, elevated CO2 decreased the levels of proteins in leaves, thus limiting the quality of pearl millet as fodder and primary source for cattle feed.

Effect ofAphis odinae(Hemiptera: Aphididae) Infestation on Sugars and Amino Acid Content in mango

The mango aphid, Aphis odinae (Toxoptera odinae) (Van der Goot) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an occasional, phytophagous sucking pest of mango. These aphids are very often associated with natural enemies and an ecological understanding, especially on insect—crop relationships, is needed in management. This will be manifested in altered sugar and amino acids contents of the plant. In light of this, the effect of aphid feeding on the content of total soluble sugars (TSS) and free amino acids (FAA) in mango shoots was studied. The amount of TSS and FAA in infested and uninfested shoots with varying levels of aphid infestation, namely low, medium and high, were quantified. Results indicated a significant reduction in the amount of TSS and FAA in infested shoots due to aphid feeding (P < 0.05). At maximal aphid abundance (251–300 aphids/shoot), TSS declined by 32 % and FAA by 47.5 %. Further, regression analysis between aphid numbers and the quantity of TSS/FAA yielded simple linear equations with R2 = 0.99, which can be used as an alternative way to estimate aphids numbers. The present study discusses the influence of aphid herbivory in mango shoots, a critical factor in understanding aphid–plant interactions and their damage to the host. It can be possibly extended to similar other aphid infestations.

Influence of salt stress on growth, pigments, soluble sugars and ion accumulation in three pistachio cultivars

In this study, three pistachio cultivars were treated with different concentration of salt solution to provide a reference for the cultivation of salt tolerant rootstocks. The results revealed that increasing the salinity stress resulted in decreasing growth performances of the plants in the three pistachio cultivars. This decrease was not significant in salinity of 100 mM but was significant in other salinities compared to control. In all salinity levels and control conditions, Akbari (Ak) cultivar exhibited larger growth performances of the plants in comparison with the other two cultivars; this state is more sensible in salinities of 200 and 300 mM. Ak cultivar assumed significantly higher pigment amount than the other two cultivars in high salinities. Impact of salinity on reduction of chlorophyll amount was significant in all cultivars starting from salinity of 200 mM. Moderate and high salinity led to an increase in amount of total soluble sugars in Ak cultivar while no significant contrast was achieved between the other two cultivars compared to control conditions. The impacts of different salinities on Na and Cl were nearly similar and the amounts of these elements increased with exceeding salinity stress in different cultivars compared to control condition. The high stress level resulted in remarkable enhancement of Cl and Na amounts in Ouhadi (Ou) and Kalehghouchi (Ka) cultivars. However, the low and moderate salinities increased the concentration of potassium in AK cultivar compared to the other two cultivars. Therefore, higher plant growth and photosynthetic pigments, lower Na and Cl content, greater accumulation of soluble sugars and K could explain the greater salt-tolerance of AK compared to that of Ka and Ou. Key words: Pistachio cultivars, salinity, growth, ion accumulation.

Diversity of Local Fruit Trees and Their Contribution in Sustaining the Rural Livelihood in the Northern Cameroon

The northern Cameroon ecosystems harbor a diversity of useful tree species producing non wood forest products (NWFPs). Indigenous fruit trees are very important for the nutritional quality of rural population and contribute to their income. A better knowledge of the potential utilization of these species and the constraints attached to the transformation of their products and commercialization would favor their promotion. Methodological approach included ethno-nutritional and market surveys, and chemical analysis. Results showed that a total of 55 fruit tree species were valued by the farmers. The top sixteen are represented by Adansonia digitata L., Aframomum latifolium (Afz.) K. Schum, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Borassus aethiopum Mart, Deatrium microcarpum Guill. et Perr., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst ex.A.Rich. Haematostaphis barteri Hook F., Hyphaena thebaica (L.)Mart, Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) R.Br.ex.G.Don, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich) Hochst, Syzygium guineense var. macrocarpum (Engl.) F. White, Ximenia americana L., Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn.f, , Vitex doniana Sweet, Tamarindus indica L, and Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. They are the most preferred and the most commercialized. The chemical composition of these fruits showed that S. birrea has the highest vitamin C value (13.60 mg/100g) and S. guineense has the highest amount of total soluble sugars (93.98 % of DW). Oil contents are low for all the fruits evaluated except C. edulis with 21.04 % of lipid. Iron value varies from 0.48 to 48.07 mg/100g respectively for P. guajava and A. senegalensis. The richest source of calcium and magnesium is A. senegalensis (558.74 and 18.20 &mu;g/g respectively). The nutritive potential of the fruit tree species and their dietary applications are important. Species with high nutritious value can be recommended for a domestication program, which is important to diversify agricultural production and to reduce poverty in Northern Cameroon.Key words: Northern Cameroon, Fruits, Marketing, Chemical composition, Domestication.

Relationship Between Lodging Resistance and Chemical Contents in Culms and Sheaths of Japonica Rice During Grain Filling

To understand the relationship between lodging resistance and chemical component contents in culms and leaf sheaths of rice, the physical strength and maximum bearing capacity of culm, and the contents and amounts of potassium (K), silicon (Si) and soluble sugars in culms and leaf sheaths were investigated using four japonica rice varieties with different lodging resistance characteristics during grain filling. There were significant differences in the total amounts of K, Si and soluble sugars in culms and leaf sheaths among the tested rice varieties. The difference in the total amount of Si was greater than that of K or soluble sugars. The physical strength and maximum bearing capacity of culm continuously decreased from heading to ripening, with a rapid decrease at the dough stage. However, the contents and total amounts of K and Si in culms and the Si content in leaf sheaths gradually increased and an accumulation of K and Si in culms was exhibited, whereas the content and total amount of K and the total amount of Si in leaf sheaths gradually decreased and an exportation of K and Si in leaf sheaths was presented. The physical strength was positively and significantly correlated with the total amounts of K and Si in culms during grain filling except that at the heading stage, the total amount of soluble sugars in culms at the heading and milky stages, the total amounts of Si and soluble sugars in leaf sheaths at the heading stage, the total amount of K in leaf sheaths at the heading and milky stages, and the maximum bearing capacity during grain filling. It is suggested that the lodging resistance of japonica rice would be improved by increasing the amount of soluble sugars in plants at the early filling stage, and enhancing the amount of Si in plants during grain filling through topdressing Si fertilizer at the early filling stage.

INFLUENCE OF PRESERVATIVE MATERIALS ON POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE OF CUT WINDOW LEAF FOLIAGE (MONSTERA DELICIOSA)

Cut flowers and foliage occupy an important position in the local and foreign markets. Laboratory trials were carried out to investigate the effect of preservative chemicals on vase life of cut leaves of Monstera deliciosa. Freshly cut leaves of window leaf were put in vases containing 8-hydroxyquinaline sulfate (8-HQS) at 200 and 400 ppm with sucrose 30 g/L, calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) at 500 and 1000 ppm; and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) at 25 and 50 ppm, in addition control (distilled water). The results can be summarized as follows; the holding solution GA 3 at the rate of 50 ppm was the most efficient treatment in increasing the vase life period (59 days) followed by GA 3 at 25 ppm (51 days). While, using 8-HQS at 400 ppm+30 g/L sucrose gave the lowest vase life period (12 days). The maximum amount of total soluble sugars resulted from GA 3 at the rate of 50 ppm after 6 and 12 days. Also, GA 3 at 50 and 25 ppm gave the highest values of chlorophyll after 6 and 12 days, respectively. A maximum value in change of fresh weight (%) resulted from using distilled water from the beginning of hold in solution after 6, 9 and 12 days. Calcium chloride at 1000 ppm and GA 3 at 50 ppm were the most suitable preservative solutions for improving water uptake (%). Based on our results using GA 3 could increase the vase life of cut leaves of window leaf.

Changes in biochemical components of wheat and rapeseed grown on selenium-contaminated soil

To study changes in some biochemical parameters in relation to selenium accumulation in wheat and rapeseed, plant samples at different growth stages of the crops were collected from the normal and selenium-contaminated region of Punjab. Plants grown in seleniferous soils accumulated 220–242 folds Se in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.var PBW 343) and 51–67 folds in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.var GSL-1) leaves; and 16–17 folds in grains of both the crops. Due to selenium accumulation, lipid and protein contents remained significantly low in leaves at both the stages of growth as well as grains of both the crops. Distinct differences were noticed in both the crops with respect to changes in total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch contents. In seleniferous soils, wheat leaves at stage I (55-day-growth) contained significantly higher amounts of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch and thereafter these parameters recorded significantly low values in leaves at stage II (ear initiation) as well as in grains. On the other hand, a significant decrease in total soluble sugars and reducing sugars was recorded due to Se accumulation in rapeseed leaves at both growth stages. Quality of rapeseed grains harvested from seleniferous soil was not affected by Se accumulation except decrease in lipid content. Se accumulation did not influence the proportion of different lipid classes like phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols but reduced the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (Glomus veruciforme) on Changes of Some Physiological Parameters in Cadmium Treated Wheat Plants

Soil pollution by heavy metals has become a critical environmental concern due to its potential adverse ecological effects. In this study we have investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus veruciforme) on some physiological growth parameters, such as chlorophyll content, amount of total soluble sugar and total protein of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Azar2) and we compared these factors in mycorrhizal (AM) and non-mycorrhizal (non-AM) plants. The content of chlorophyll in the absence of Cd in AM-plants was higher than non-AM plants. In the presence of mycorrhiza the content of chlorophyll a and b was decreased by increase in Cd concentration in both AM and non-AM plants. Furthermore, the amount of total soluble sugars and total proteins of shoots and roots have been increased in parallel to exogenous Cd concentration. In roots of AM-plants, the increase of soluble sugars was more dramatic in the presence of 2500 microm, but in the roots of non-AM plants this increase was step-by-step. The increase of total soluble sugars was gradually and significant in shoots of both AM and non-AM plants. The content of total proteins in shoots was raised with the increased level ofCd treatment, gradually and non-significantly.

RNA interference‐mediated repression of sucrose‐phosphatase in transgenic potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum) strongly affects the hexose‐to‐sucrose ratio upon cold storage with only minor effects on total soluble carbohydrate accumulation

Storage of potato tubers at low temperatures leads to the accumulation of glucose and fructose in a process called 'cold sweetening'. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of sucrose-phosphatase (SPP) in potato tuber carbohydrate metabolism at low temperature (4 degrees C). To this end, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to reduce SPP expression in transgenic potato tubers. Analysis of SPP specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), SPP protein accumulation and enzyme activity indicated that SPP silencing in transgenic tubers was stable during the cold treatment. Analysis of soluble carbohydrates showed that in transgenic tubers, cold-induced hexogenesis was inhibited while, despite strongly reduced SPP activity, sucrose levels exceeded wild-type (WT) values four- to fivefold after 34 d of cold treatment. This led to a drastic change in the hexose-to-sucrose ratio from 1.9 in WT tubers to 0.15 to 0.11 in transgenic tubers, while the total amount of soluble sugars was largely unchanged in both genotypes. Sucrose-6(F)-phosphate (Suc6P), the substrate of SPP, accumulated in transgenic tubers in the cold which most likely enables the residual enzyme to operate with maximal catalytic activity in vivo and thus, in the long term, counterbalances reduced SPP activity in the transformants. Northern analysis revealed that cold-induced expression of vacuolar invertase (VI) was blocked in SPP-silenced tubers explaining a reduced sucrose-to-hexose conversion. Suc6P levels were found to negatively correlate with VI expression. A possible role of Suc6P in regulating VI expression is discussed.

Influence of germination on the soluble carbohydrates and dietary fibre fractions in non-conventional legumes

Influence of light exposure during germination on structural and soluble carbohydrates including total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble (SDF) dietary fibre fractions and also raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) was studied in non-conventional legumes Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean), Stizolobium niveum (mucuna), and Lablab purpureus (dolichos), and compared to a well known and used Glycine max (soybean). Non-conventional legumes were rich in DF, mainly IDF, which represented 93–97% of TDF. It was relevant the proportion of protein that remained associated to the insoluble DF matrix. Non-conventional legumes exhibited important levels of RFOs but their profile was different depending on the tropical seed. The germination of seeds produced changes in the carbohydrate fraction, mainly an increase of TDF in most instances, except for soybean, and a drastic reduction of RFOs, from 98% to 63%, with the corresponding increase in the amounts of total soluble sugars.

ACLIMATIZAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO EM CAMPO DE GENGIBRE ADVINDOS DE MUDAS MICROPROPAGADAS E TIPO CONVENCIONAL

Gengibre (Zingiber officinale R.) tem sido muito utilizado por suas propriedades terapêuticas. O fator limitante desta cultura está na presença de doenças causadas por fungos de solo que é saneada pela técnica de micropropagação, podendo produzir mudas de alta qualidade e livre de patógenos. O objetivo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento das mudas micropropagadas de gengibre após 30 dias de aclimatização em três substratos: T1-Areia+Plantmax® (1:1), T2-Casca de arroz carbonizada+Plantmax® (1:1), e T3-Areia+Plantmax®+Casca de arroz carbonizada (1:1:1), e seu desenvolvimento no campo, assim como obter dados em relação ao teor de açúcares solúveis totais nas diferentes fases da planta. Os substratos afetaram de forma similar todos os parâmetros avaliados. O desempenho no campo das mudas micropropagadas in vitro em relação àquelas propagadas pelo método convencional foi diferente. Aos 30 dias, as mudas provenientes de rizomas apresentaram maiores valores nos parâmetros avaliados: altura, número de folhas e proliferações, porém aos 60 dias de cultivo as mudas obtidas pela micropropagação apresentaram maior número de proliferações, resultados que mostraram diferença estatística significativa. Na avaliação da quantidade de açúcares solúveis totais, realizados nos rizomas das plantas provenientes da propagação convencional, observaram-se valores superiores àqueles encontrados nos rizomas de plantas com origem na micropropagação, 1621,29±15,32 e 164,91±2,4 mg Eq Glu g-1 MF, respectivamente, o que explica o fato de que obtiveram um crescimento inicial superior, quando comparadas com as mudas oriundas de micropropagação, o primeiro ano de cultivo.

Domestic processing effects on available carbohydrate content and starch digestibility of black grams ( Vigna mungo) and chick peas ( Cicer arietium)

Domestic processing effects on available carbohydrate contents and starch digestibility of black grams and chick peas were investigated. The food legumes were soaked in tap water and alkaline solution of sodium bicarbonate at 30 and 100 °C for 1–2 h before cooking under pressure. Total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch contents of black grams and chick peas were 9.64% and 9.83%, 0.78% and 0.83%, 43.0% and 44.3%, respectively. All these available carbohydrate contents of black grams and chick peas were reduced to various extents as a result of soaking and cooking. At 30 °C, 4.46% of total soluble sugars, 3.84% of reducing sugars and 6.86% of starch contents were reduced on soaking the black grams in tap water for 1 h. Available carbohydrate contents were further reduced when soaking time and temperature of the food legumes was increased before cooking. About 3.43–25.0% of total soluble sugars and 4.26–22.7% of starch contents were lost on soaking black grams and chick peas in tap water and sodium bicarbonate solution. Maximum amounts of total soluble sugars (28.5–59.6%) and starch contents (29.9–67.4%) were lost on cooking the water- and alkali-soaked food legumes. However, these losses were comparatively less with the water soaking process. Besides these losses, starch digestibilities of black grams and chick peas were markedly improved as a result of cooking. However, no appreciable improvement in the starch digestibility was observed after soaking these food legumes in water or alkaline solution.

Jasmonates are essential factors inducing gummosis in tulips: mode of action of jasmonates focusing on sugar metabolism

The purpose of this study was to know the mechanism of jasmonates to induce gummosis in tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L. cv. Apeldoorn) shoots, especially on the focus of sugar metabolism. Gummosis in the first internode of tulip plants was induced by the application of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me, 1% w/w in lanolin) and jasmonic acid (JA, 1% w/w in lanolin) 5 days after application and strongly stimulated by the simultaneous application of ethylene-releasing compound, ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, 1% w/w in lanolin), although ethephon alone had little effect. JA-Me stimulated ethylene production of the first internodes of tulips, ethylene production increasing up to more than 5 times at day 1 and day 3 after the application. On the other hand, application of ethephon did not increase endogenous levels of jasmonates in tulip stems. Analysis of composition of tulip gums revealed that they were consisted of glucuronoarabinoxylan with an average molecular weight of ca. 700 kDa. JA-Me strongly decreased the total amount of soluble sugars in tulip stems even in 1 day after application, being ca. 50% of initial values 5 days after application, but ethephon did not. However, both JA-Me and ethephon had almost no effect on the neutral sugar compositions of soluble sugars mainly consisting of glucose, mannose and xylose in ratio of 20:2:1 and traces of arabinose. Both JA-Me and ethephon applied exogenously stimulated senescence of tulip shoots shown by the loss of chlorophyll. These results strongly suggest that the essential factor of gummosis in tulips is jasmonates affecting the sugar metabolism in tulip shoots. The mode of action of jasmonates to induce gummosis of tulip shoots is discussed in relation to ethylene production, sugar metabolism and senescence.