Total Soluble Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

تاثیر قارچ Piriformospora indica بر صفات مورفوفیزیولوژیک گیاه تربچه (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) در شرایط تنش فلزات سنگین

AbstractBackground and Objective: Piriformospora indica is an endophytic fungus, which transfers several benefits to hosts including enhance plant growth and induce tolerance to abiotic stress as heavy metals stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of P. indica on some morphophysiological parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus) under normal conditions and heavy metal stress. Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty of Malayer University. The experimental factors included four heavy metals (zinc, nickel, lead and control) and three fungal inoculums (inoculated with spores and mycelium and non-inoculated). Shoot dry weight, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, electrolyte leakage, total soluble carbohydrate, protein and proline contents were investigated parameters. Results: The results showed that the heavy metal stress significantly decreased dry weight, RWC, chlorophyll, total soluble carbohydrate, protein and proline contents; whereas inoculation with fungual spore and mycelium affected parameters such as proline, total soluble carbohydrate and protein and mitigated the adverse effect of heavy metal stress. Heavy metal stress with increasing electrolyte leakage causes membrane instability, whereas inoculation with P. indica especially spore decreased lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: Using biotic methods can play an important role in counteracting with toxic effect of heavy metals. Based on these results and because P. indica can be propagated axenically on various medium, it can be concluded that this endophytic fungus serves as a promising approach to clean soil contaminated with heavy metal ions.

Changes of structures and biosynthesis/hydrolysis-associated genes expression of glucans at different Volvariella volvacea maturity stages

In the present study, effects of maturity stage on structural characteristics and biosynthesis/hydrolysis-associated genes expression of glucans from Volvariella volvacea fruit body were well investigated. Elongation and pileus expansion stages decreased total soluble carbohydrate and protein contents to 17.09 mg/g and 8.33 mg/g, and significantly accumulated the total amino acids contents to 32.37 mg/g. Yields of crude polysaccharides significantly increased to 8.12% at egg stage and decreased to 3.72% at pileus expansion stage. Purified VVP I-a and VVP I-b were proved to be α-glucans. The maturity process affected the monosaccharide compositions, decreased the molecular weights of VVP I-a and VVP I-b with decreased transcription levels of glucan biosynthesis-associated enzyme genes vvugp and vvgls and increased glucan hydrolysis-associated glucanase gene vvexg2 expression with no significant effects on backbone structures including glycosidic linkages and configurations. The findings would benefit for understanding change patterns of V. volvacea glucan structures and their biosynthesis/hydrolysis-associated genes expression at maturity stages.

INHIBITION OF RED CHILIES RIPENING PROCESS AT FRESH WEIGHT AND TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE CONTENT BY RED LIGHT

The research was conducted in a factorial experiment with factor A: far-red light treatment with 2 levels: control (without far-red light), and treatment (far-red light). Factor B was a time of observation with 3 levels: 4, 6, 8 days after wrapping. Wrapping each detached fruit in a combination of four layers of blue-colored plastic, one layer of green-colored plastic, and two layers of red-colored plastic resulted in a red light treatment. Transmission measurement of that plastic combined with a spectrophotometer at wavelength 700-735 nm was 75%. To deter fresh weight, each fruit was weighted with an analytical balance. Total soluble carbohydrate content was determined by the phenol-sulfuric method and counted based on the glucose standard curve (mg/gram tissue). Analysis of variance was conducted at a 5% significant level, and if the interaction was significant, then continued with simple effect determination at a 5% significant level by the F test. The fresh weight average of the soluble carbohydrate content of treated fruits was higher than the control. The fresh weight of chili fruits was relatively constant during observation of both treated and controlled fruits. The total soluble carbohydrate content average relatively did not differ between treated and control fruits. Total soluble carbohydrate content was increased 6 days after treatment and decreased 8 days after treatment. The result of this research concluded that red light inhibited the ripening process of chili fruits by slowing the decrease of fresh weight.

Water-deficit stress and genotype variation induced alteration in seed characteristics of Camelina sativa

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of water deficiency on seed qualitative traits of C. sativa genotypes in terms of oil and protein fiber content, total soluble carbohydrate content, fatty acids composition, and some phytochemical constituents including total phenol, flavonoid, and glucosinolate content. The investigations were conducted in a factorial manner through a completely randomized design with two factors genotype (five camelina genotypes) and water supply (100, 75 and 50% field capacity) under greenhouse condition. The results showed that water-deficient- responsive approaches varied in camelina genotypes. Water deficiency decreased oil content and increased protein and total carbohydrate content and both studied antioxidant compounds, containing total phenolic and flavonoid content. The fiber content was also influenced by the genotype greater than water-deficient stress. Among the studied genotypes, only one genotype showed a reducing trend of total glucosinolate under water-deficient stress. Various fatty acids contents were observed within and between the genotypes under the different levels of irrigation. DH68 genotype with the greatest oil content, unsaturated fatty acids and standard glucosinolate content had the best performance under water-deficient stress and can be a favorite outcome for dry climates. Overall, findings indicated a strong effect of genetic backgrounds and water-deficient stress especially during the reproductive stage on seed compositions of camelina plant.

Evaluation of physiological and biochemical responses of pistachio plants (Pistacia vera L.) exposed to pesticides.

Pesticides may manipulate plant physiology as non-target organisms. In this study, we examined biochemical responses of pistachio plants (Pistacia vera L.) to imidacloprid and phosalone as common pesticides used to control pistachio psyllids. Enzymatic characterization in treated plants with pesticides showed greater specific activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase compared with untreated plants during 14 days after treatment. Further experiments displayed elevated levels of total phenols and total proteins coupled with significant increases in proline and total soluble carbohydrate contents in treated plants in comparison to untreated plants. Moreover, pesticide treatment leads to a significant decrease in polyphenol oxidase activity. Nevertheless, no significant changes in contents of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, total chlorophyll, and electrolyte leakage index were obtained in treated plants. Pesticides' impacts on host plant physiology resulted in similar responses between two pesticides with differences in peak days. Overall, the findings of this study provide an insight into the side effects of phosalone and imidacloprid, chemicals with no specific target site in plants, on the physiology and biochemistry of pistachio plants at recommended rates.

Potassium-enriched clinoptilolite zeolite mitigates the adverse impacts of salinity stress in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) by increasing silicon absorption and improving the K/Na ratio

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that adversely affects turfgrass growth. Clinoptilolite zeolite, a silicon (Si)-rich mineral, may allow these plants to cope with salinity. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of ordinary clinoptilolite zeolite (OZ) and potassium-enriched clinoptilolite zeolite (K-EZ) on the growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were assessed under salinity stress. Perennial ryegrass seeds were cultured in soil mixtures amended, or not, with OZ or K-EZ, then exposed to three salinity levels (0, 50 or 100 mM NaCl) for three months. Control plants were grown in the same soil mixture without zeolites, but not exposed to salinity. In salinity, the application of both types of zeolite significantly decreased Na content by 44.36% and 21.31%, but increased K content by 272.34% and 81.59%, as well as the K/Na ratio by 590.47% and 129.43%, in shoots and roots, respectively, compared to the no-zeolite treatment. Similarly, Si content in shoots increased by 28.33%. Amending the soil mixture with zeolite, especially K-EZ, enhanced relative water content, membrane stability index, total chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities but reduced the contents of total soluble carbohydrates, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde in saline conditions. Shoot and root dry weight, root volume and root/shoot ratio also improved. Soil amendment with both forms of zeolite, as a Si-rich mineral, partially offset the negative impacts of salinity on perennial ryegrass, although K-EZ had more noticeable positive and beneficial effects. The amendment of growth media with zeolite may be an effective sustainable management practice for turfgrass used in landscaping and sports fields exposed to saline water.

Morphological and biochemical responses of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench under drought stress

Sorghum is an important forage crop, and both quantity and quality of this crop are affected by drought stress. Accordingly, in order to investigate the effect of drought stress on quantity and quality of morpho-physiological traits, a split-plot experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with four replicates in Isfahan, Iran, during 2017 and 2018 crop seasons. Treatments were irrigation regimes with four levels (control, preventing irrigation at pollination, seed milky, and seed doughy stages) and three varieties of sorghum (Sepideh, Kimia, and Payam). The results showed that drought stress negatively influenced morphological and yield-related traits of sorghum, while its effect was positive on some quality-related traits such as total soluble carbohydrate, crude protein, and proline contents. According to the results, drought stress based on prevention of irrigation at doughy stage (representing moderate drought stress) caused inconsiderable reduction in sorghum yield. In addition, drought stress has effect on relationships between morpho-physiological traits in sorghum. Considering morphological and yield-related traits together with susceptibility (stress susceptibility index) and tolerance (geometric mean product) indices indicated that Payam variety is more proper to be used in both drought stress and non-stress conditions. Furthermore, both Kimia and Payam varieties were shown to be suitable varieties based on quality-related traits, but because of having low NDF Payam variety might be more suitable.

Photoprotection and antioxidative metabolism in Ulva lactuca exposed to coastal oceanic acidification scenarios in the presence of Irgarol

Anthropogenic changes such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and the release of hazardous chemicals affect coastal environments and aquatic organisms. We investigated the effects of seawater pH (7.4 and 8.2) isolated and in combination with Irgarol on Ulva lactuca. Stress indicators such as membrane damage, lipid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide content were assessed. In addition, chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. The photosynthetic yield was affected by low pH in assays with and without Irgarol. However, the combination of low pH and Irgarol promoted photoinhibition, besides the induction of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and changes in photosynthetic pigment contents. The induction of NPQ was directly influenced by low pH. The membrane damage was increased in low pH with and without Irgarol exposure. Total soluble protein and carbohydrate contents decreased in low pH, and in presence of Irgarol. The H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation were not affected by low pH. In contrast, Irgarol exposure strongly increased lipid peroxidation in both pHs, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. To avoid the harmful effects of high H2O2, U. lactuca increased antioxidant enzyme activities in treatments under low pH and in presence of Irgarol. Our results indicate that U. lactuca is tolerant to low pH by inducing NPQ, changing pigment contents, and increasing antioxidant defenses. In contrast, these protective mechanisms could not avoid the harmful effects of the combination with Irgarol.

Characterization of physiological responses and fatty acid compositions of Camelina sativa genotypes under water deficit stress and symbiosis with Micrococcus yunnanensis

The effects of drought on growth and seed quality of oilseed crops are of crucial importance in edible oil production due to its pivotal role in sustainable agriculture. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can improve crop yield by promoting plant growth under various environmental conditions. In the present study, the physiological responses, growth, and seed quality of three camelina doubled haploid lines (DH51, DH69, and DH104) were assessed upon their exposure to two irrigation regimes at the presence of Micrococcus yunnanensis during their reproductive phase. The results showed that the investigated parameters of camelina were affected by genotype, irrigation regimes, and PGPB. Drought decreased crop yield as measured by silique length, silique, and seed number and 1000-weight seed. PGPB significantly decreased the adverse effects of stress consistent by increasing the branches per plant and root length. Drought also caused a significant enhancement in the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, but the PGPB-inoculated plants showed lower contents of both compounds. Relative water content significantly reduced in plant grown under stress but inoculation enhanced the potential of water retaining in plants under stress and non-stress conditions. Drought stress and PGPB elevated proline and total soluble carbohydrate content in genotypes. Drought stress had no significant effect on photosynthetic pigments content of genotypes while inoculation apparently moderated negative impact of drought with enhancement of pigments content. The obtained results were responsible for metabolic changes occurring in response to stress. PGPB improved the plant drought-tolerance by enhancing its physiological traits. The fatty acid profile showed some variations among camelina genotypes under drought stress and PGPB inoculation. Upon symbiosis association, an increase was observed in major constituents of polyunsaturated acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, and a significant increase in oleic acid as a main monounsaturated acid. They also altered another major constituent, gadeolic acid, under water deficit stress and/ or with PGPB. Both drought stress and PGPB decreased the poly unsaturated fatty acids/mono unsaturated fatty acids ratio. In general, there was a significant difference among camelina lines in terms of seed yield and quality in response to drought. Also, it strongly suggested that PGPB application can be a positive strategy to mitigate drought stress and increase crop yield.

Solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos em Salicornia neei Lag. sob lâminas de irrigação e adubação no semiárido cearense

A halófita Salicornia neei Lag. pode ser utilizada como fitorremediador nas áreas degradadas por sais. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os teores dos solutos orgânicos (carboidratos e N-aminossolúveis) e inorgânicos (Na+, K+ e Cl-) em S. neei submetidas a diferentes lâminas de irrigação e adubação no semiárido cearense. As amostras foram obtidas em cultivo realizado em Ocara-CE. Foram preparadas quatro áreas de 100 m2 com diferentes tratamentos (denominados T1, T2, T3, T4) de irrigação: uma vez ao dia (0,15 m3/dia) em T1 e T2, e duas irrigações ao dia (0,30 m3/dia) em T3 e T4, por 30 minutos, cada, e adubação somente nos tratamentos T2 e T4 com NPK (10:28:20). Foram coletadas duas amostras por tratamento aos 60, 90 e 120 dias após o plantio (DAP). Os teores de carboidratos solúveis totais das plantas adubadas não diferiram significativamente entre os dias de coleta. Os maiores teores de N-aminossolúveis ocorreram aos 120 DAP nas plantas com uma irrigação e sem adubo. As plantas com uma irrigação e sem adubo tiveram os maiores teores de Na+ e K+. Os teores de Cl- não diferiram entre as datas de coleta nas plantas com duas irrigações. Conclui-se que os maiores teores dos solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos ocorreram nos tratamentos com uma irrigação e sem adubo.

Light-emitting diodes and gas exchange facilitation minimize hyperhydricity in Lippia grata: Physiological, biochemical and morpho anatomical aspects

Lippia grata Schauer is a Brazilian savanna plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Its importance in folk medicine, combined with threats to its natural habitat, gave rise to the necessity to carry out studies involving large-scale propagation. Unlike other species of the same genus, L. grata has shown high rates of hyperhydricity, which reduces survival during acclimatization. The present study aimed to define an efficient protocol that minimizes hyperhydricity. Young cuttings containing nodal segments were cultivated in Murashige-Skoog medium. The culture test tubes were totally sealed with aluminum foil (non-ventilated) or partially sealed (ventilated) with aluminum foil containing one hole. The cultures were maintained in a growth room exposed to four light treatments for 45 days: two combinations of red and blue light-emitting diodes (LED) with red: blue light ratios of 5:1 and 1:1, white-LED, and fluorescent lamps. Non-ventilation under fluorescent lamps represent traditional conditions of tissue culture. The lowest hyperhydricity rates in plants were found in the partially sealed culture test tubes. The combination of partial sealing with red/blue LED at a 1:1 light ratio resulted in 26% hyperhydric leaves in contrast to 87% under traditional conditions. Higher contents of photosynthetic pigments, namely chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were found in plants under partially sealed test tubes under white-LED illumination, reaching 1.24, 0.56, 1.79, and 412.94 mg g−1 FM, respectively. In addition to uniformity in cell morphology of the various tissues, plants cultivated under partial sealing showed higher content of total soluble carbohydrates and sucrose, i.e., 487.49 and 192.74 mg g−1 FM, respectively. These results demonstrate that micropropagation systems with higher light intensity and quality (wavelengths), combined with a facilitated gas exchange between culture and laboratory air, were efficient in preventing hyperhydricity and in preserving leaf morphophysiology.

Gene transcription and antioxidants production in Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis grown under temperature variation.

To investigate the transcription of selected antioxidants and relevant genes under varying temperature conditions, and to identify the optimum temperature for antioxidants production by Arthrospira platensis. The dry weight (DW), pigment production, antioxidants production and gene transcription were examined in A. platensis growing under three temperatures of 23, 30 and 37°C. The cyanobacterial DW was highest in the high temperatures (30 and 37°C), while the pigments, such as Chl a, carotenoids, C-phycocyanin and total phycobiliprotein contents, showed their maximum value at 30°C. The total soluble protein and carbohydrate contents were highest at 30°C. Lipid peroxidation, as a marker for thermal stress, was high at 23°C, while higher temperatures remarkably reduced lipid peroxidation levels. Antioxidants activity was increased by 1·5-fold at 30°C and temperature fluctuations induced the antioxidant enzyme activities. The transcriptional abundance of heat shock protein (HSP90), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), delta-9 desaturase (desC), iron-superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) and the large subunit of Rubisco (rbcL) genes was measured under the same temperatures. The optimal temperature for growth, biochemical constituents and antioxidants of A. platensis is 30°C while some antioxidant enzyme activity increased at lower and higher temperatures. The study showed the significance of temperature for growth, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and gene expression in A. platensis. This contributes to the knowledge of culturing A. platensis to harvest specific antioxidants or as an antioxidant-rich food source.

Sargassum stenophyllum (Fucales, Ochrophyta) responses to temperature short-term exposure: photosynthesis and chemical composition

Sargassum species form extensive benthic beds in tropical and subtropical low intertidal and subtidal zones, acting as important drivers for marine community structure. Temperature, as one of the most important abiotic factor, affects seaweed performance and triggers changes in metabolic responses; therefore, laboratory experiments involving temperature ranges are tools for understanding seaweed engineering. The aim of this study was to assess the physiological vulnerability and sensitivity of Sargassum stenophyllum C. Martius exposed to five different temperatures by analyzing photosynthetic performance and chemical composition related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism. There were no significant differences in energy quenching between treatments, except at 35 °C, which showed decreased photochemical quenching and increased non-regulated non-photochemical quenching. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll c at 15 °C and 35 °C exhibited lower amounts at the end of experiment. Protein content showed progressive diminution in the treatments. Total soluble carbohydrates content showed higher concentration as temperature increased. After 7 days, total amino acid content showed increase from 15 °C to 30 °C. No generalization between the amino acid patterns, although glutamine and glutamate content at 15 °C and 35 °C were reduced; and the highest values of isoleucine and leucine were detected at 35 °C. We postulated that accumulation of certain chemical compounds in S. stenophyllum results from a reallocation of carbon and nitrogen, osmoregulation responses and protection against oxidative stress. Results suggest this species’ tolerance ranges between 15 °C and 30 °C and sensitivity at 35 °C.

Biochemical parameters and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis amongst green microalgal strains from selected aquatic sites of Eastern India

In the present study, 24 green microalgae strains were isolated from selected aquatic sites of India. These were microscopically identified as Chlamydomonas sp., Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp., Dictyosphaerium sp. and Dunaliella sp. Nannochloropsis sp. (MCC 25), was used as a reference strain. Results showed that Dictyosphaerium sp. (MCC 10 and MCC 12) showed relatively higher nutritive content. The total soluble proteins in the reference strain was 21.4%, whereas it showed carbohydrate content of 17.2% and the lipids were 3.4% on a dry weight basis. Best performing strains were identified by biochemical characterization. Five genera were selected for molecular identification since they were the most representative based upon their area of isolation and their optimum content of total soluble proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. 18S rRNA sequencing authenticated their identification as Scenedesmus sp., Dictyosphaerium sp. and Chlorella sp. The sequences of these have been submitted in NCBI database with accession numbers as KT808247-KT808251. The correlation matrix showed positive correlation between carbohydrates and lipids, while negative correlation was seen between proteins and carbohydrates and between proteins and lipids. This study emphasizes the need for complete compositional analysis of the biomass for the possible applicability in the area of value addition.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Compounds of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Fruits Species for Potential Use in Food Applications.

Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family and is an important medicinal plant. Due to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity hawthorn has recently become quite a popular herbal medicine in phytotherapy and food applications. In this study, physicochemical characterization (color parameters, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrate, total carotenoid, total phenols, and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity (by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP assay), and quantification of some individual phenolic compounds of fruits of 15 samples of different hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) collected from different regions of Iran were investigated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 21.19–69.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (dw), 2.44–6.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g dw and 0.32–1.84 mmol Fe++/g dw, respectively. Hyperoside (0.87–2.94 mg/g dw), chlorogenic acid (0.06–1.16 mg/g dw), and isoquercetin (0.24–1.59 mg/g dw) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of hawthorn fruits. The considerable variations in the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of hawthorn species were demonstrated by our results. Hence, the evaluation of hawthorn genetic resources could supply precious data for screening genotypes with high bioactive contents for producing natural antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds valuable for food and pharma industries.

Nutritional Status of Crossocheilus latius latius (Hamilton, 1822) and Garra lamta (Hamilton, 1822) from Alaknanda River of Central Himalaya

ABSTRACTCrossocheilus latius latius and Garra lamta are commonly found in the Alaknanda River and its tributaries, and are consumed by local inhabitants. The present investigation was aimed to determine the chemical composition and nutritional status of these fishes, so that priority can be given to their consumption. The fish samples were collected from the major Himalayan river, Alaknanda, and its tributary with the help of local fishermen. Total soluble protein and carbohydrate contents were found to be highest during the summer season, with 24.03% and 2.34%, respectively, in Crossocheilus latius latius, and 24.28% and 2.21%, respectively, in Garra lamta. Total moisture content and lipid content were found to be highest during the monsoon season in both C. latius latius (75.50% and 2.62%, respectively) and G. lamta (75.06% and 2.44%, respectively). Calcium and iron were found to be the dominant mineral elements in fish tissue. No significant difference was found between C. latius latius and G. lamta with respect to chemical constituents and trace elements. However, macroelements showed a significant difference, indicating C. latius latius to be rich in Ca and K, while G. lamta was a good source of Na content. Trace elements were recorded below the highest permissible limit of Food and Agriculture Organization; hence, the fish are recommended safe and healthy for human consumption.

Wettability of Wood Surface Layer Examined From Chemical Change Perspective

The effect of artificial ageing on spruce (Picea abies), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), birch (Betula pendula), and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) wood surfaces were investigated using qualitative (total phenolic and total soluble carbohydrate content) chemical examination methods. During ageing (∑240h), the influence of surface chemistry modifications was monitored by contact angle measurements of polar, dispersive (distilled water), and dispersive (diiodomethane) liquids. The results clearly show the relation between the ratio of main chemical components of the wood surface layer and surface wettability during artificial radiation. The identified surface chemistry modifications cause more significant change in the contact angle of polar and dispersive liquid, relative to the change of dispersive liquid contact angle. Chemical changes of the wood surface layer are due to the degradation of the main wood components (cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin) which can be properly monitored by total phenolic (TPC) and total soluble carbohydrate content (TSCC) measurements.

Pengaruh Penambahan Asam Sitrat Terhadap Proses Non-Enzimatik Browning Jus Buah Pir Yali (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.)

The purpose of this study was to find out how effective citric acid is against the nonenzymaticprocess of browning Yali Pear fruit juice (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. Theresearch was conducted in a complete randomized design consisting of 5 replications. Thenon-enzymatic browning inhibition process was tested with citric acid treatment as the mainfactor with five concentrations ie 0% w/v, 2,5% w/v, 5% w/v, 7,5% w/v and 10% w/v.Qualitative parameters were dehydrogenase enzyme activity and reducing sugar level.Quantitative parameters were browning index and total soluble carbohydrate content.Levene test, analysis of variance, and Tukey test were performed at 5% significant level. Theresults showed that decrease in dehydrogenase enzyme activity occurs along with increasingthe concentration of citric acid. The level of reducing sugar has increased along with theincrease of citric acid concentration. The 7,5% w/v citric acid concentration effectivelyinhibited non-enzymatic browning of Yali Pear juice with a 21% reduction in the browningindex. Total soluble carbohydrate content increased 7% at 7.5% w/v citric acidconcentration. From the results of the study it was concluded that citric acid at 7,5% w / vconcentration was the inhibitor of non-enzymatic browning and dehydrogenase enzymeactivity, but stimulator of total soluble carbohydrate and reducing sugar level.

Yield, Leaf Mineral Content, and Quality Properties of Hayward kiwifruit as Influenced by Different Fertilization Methods

Kiwifruit requires a high quantity of nutrients that must be supplied through fertilization to obtain an optimum yield on a sustainable basis. This research was conducted to evaluate different fertilization methods including broadcast application (as control), deep placement of the fertilizer and fertigation, alone or in combination with foliar application and their effects on the yield, leaf mineral contents, and some quality properties of kiwifruit (A. deliciosa cv. Hayward). Results showed that fertilization methods had a significant effect on yield and the highest level of yield (76 Kg tree-1) was obtained in the combination of fertigation with foliar spray. In addition, foliar application significantly increased leaf mineral contents of kiwifruit in all treatments. Furthermore, the fertilization method had significant effects on phenol, ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity of fruits. The highest levels of antioxidant (70.9%), phenol (103.6 mg 100g-1), and ascorbic acid (54.2 mg 100 g-1) in fruits were recorded in ‘soil application’ method. Total soluble carbohydrate and starch contents of the fruits were reduced following foliar nutrition in all treatments. However, foliar nutrition significantly increased fruit crude protein. In conclusion, based on obtained results, fertilization method directly influenced the yield and leaf mineral status and indirectly influenced the fruit chemical composition of Hayward kiwifruit. In fact, the supplemental foliar application reduced some fruit quality attributes (lower antioxidant activity and carbohydrate content) but enhanced the yield of kiwifruit.

Effect of Irrigation Water Quality and Spraying with Tocopherol on Na, K, K+/Na+ and Cl- and Chemical Components of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The experiment was carried out in a private orchard at Shat-Al- Arab District, Basrah Province during the summer seasons of 2011and 2012 in order to study the effect of irrigation water quality and spraying with Tocopherol on growth and yield of okra plants tolerance to salinity resulted from irrigation by salinity water and its effect on the leaves of chemical parameters. Treatments included three sources of water (i.e. tap water, tap water + river water 1:1 and river water) and spraying plants with Tocopherol at four concentrations 0, 50, 100 and150mg. l-1). Treatments of this experiment were distributed in Split Plot Design with three replicates, which were the main Plots represented water sources, spraying with tocopherol represented sub-plots. Means were compared according to L.S.D. Test at significant level of 0.05. Result could be summarized as follows: Plants irrigated with tap water had a significantly higher parameters (N, K, K+/Na+ ratio), carbohydrate, leaves chlorophyll concentration, abscisic acid contents in leaves for both seasons,.Foliar application with Tocopherol at 150 mg.l-1 caused an increase in N,K, K+/Na+, total soluble carbohydrate and chlorophyll contents in leaves while resulted decrease in proline and abscisic acid contents in leaves.The interactions between the studied factors were significant in all studied parameters for both seasons.