bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Heavy Metals on Growth and Development of Eichhornia crassipes Species, Cultivated in Contaminated Water
Authors: BUTA Erzsebet , PAULETTE Laura , MIHĂIESCU Tania , BUTA Mihai , CANTOR Maria
Published: March 2018

Many plants are capable of accumulating heavy metals (called hyperacumulators), one of which is the water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Mart. The roots of this water plant naturally absorb pollutants, including heavy metals such as Pb, Hg, Zn, Co, Cd, and Cu and can be used for wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of heavy metals on growth and development of water hyacinth and to determinate the uptake capacity of heavy metals of this species. It was evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing pollution potential in wastewater. From the combination of experimental factors 11 variants resulted. The results showed that Eichhornia absorbed a high quantity of Pb (504 mg/kg dry matter) and Cu (561 mg/kg dry matter) in their roots. More Cu accumulated in the root compared to Pb. The level of Zn absorption was lower in roots (84 mg/kg dry matter) and also in stem plus leaves (51 mg/kg dry matter). A high quantity of Cd (281 mg/kg dry matter) was removed from stem plus leaves of Eichhornia while the level of Co was very low (45 mg/kg dry matter). Regarding the growth and development of this plant it was found that in tanks with Pb plants had a better development and had flowers also, and in the case of Cd, Co, Cu at a double dose of maximum admissible limits, the plants died and the growing period was shorter.
Evaluation of Hydrolytic Activity of Different Pectinases on Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris) Substrate Using FT-MIR Spectroscopy
Authors: CHIŞ Adina , FETEA Florinela , MATEI Horea , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pectinase activity of two commercial enzymes Rohament PL and Rohapect 10L, using as substrate the sugar beet pulp, in different conditions. The method applied to check the rate of hydrolysis was Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR), by recording the absorption spectra of different carbohydrates in the specific, MIR (middle IR) spectral range (650-4000 cm-1). In order to calibrate the method, it has been recorded the FT-MIR spectrum of standard solutions of glucose, fructose, sucrose and galacturonic acid, at different concentrations, establishing also the peaks and the fingerprint regions specific to these compounds. Considering the specific peak intensities identified for glucose (at 1033 cm-1), fructose (at 1063 cm-1), sucrose (at 995 cm-1), and based on peak area for galacturonic acid (1500-700 cm-1), it has been calculated their concentrations, as a result of the Rohament PL or Rohapect 10L activity. Based on calibration curves for each sugar type, it has been calculated their concentrations in the sugar beet samples, and after their release by enzymatic treatment, establishing an optimized protocol of action for the two enzymes. Differences among the two enzymes activity were identified, specifically their optimum concentration and hydrolysis timing. FT-MIR spectroscopy proves to be an adequate method to evaluate the enzymatic activity of the different enzyme types, having certain advantages in comparison with the chromatographic methods, being a rapid, non-destructive method, at relatively low costs.
Effects of Sulphurization Duration of Doses and Cold Storage on SO2 Content of Dried Apricot Fruits of cv. â€˜Hacihalilogluâ€™
Authors: OZTURK Kadir , KONAK Ramazan , OZTURK Bulent , ATAY Salih , CELIK Belgin , YANAR Makbule , DEMİRTAS Mehmet Naim , ERCISLI Sezai
Published: March 2018

The study was carried out between 2004 and 2005 years in Malatya Fruit Research Institute. The fumigation of 1600, 1800 or 2000 g SO2 were applied for 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hr after harvest on dried ‘Hacihaliloglu’ apricot fruits. The loss of SO2, product moisture (%), product temperature, acidity (%), pH and the colour of the apricot fruits were determined after the drying processes on the wooden trays following the SO2 fumigation and during storage periods. The results showed that the average level of the SO2 in the dried apricots was found as 2000 ppm after fumigation as requirement of European regulations. Dried apricot fruits had 2174 ppm of SO2 in 2004 and 1586 ppm of SO2 in 2005 at the beginning of storage and these amounts were decreased to 1284 and 1091 ppm at the end of 12 months of storage in normal atmospheric conditions. The loss of SO2 amount in dried apricots was found to be directly proportional with the initial quantity of SO2. When the level of SO2 in dried apricots was decreased to 1500 ppm, the quality of the product was also decreased and the colour of dried apricots are darkened. As a result of this study, can be recommended that the dried apricots including 2000 ppm SO2 should be marketed after 6 months of storage.
Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Different Caffeine Products
Authors: AFIFY Abd El-Moneim M.R. , SHALABY Emad A. , EL-BELTAGI Hossam Saad
Published: March 2018

The antioxidant activity of water extracts (cold and hot) of six caffeine products were carried out. The extracts were screened for total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS methods and reducing power method at 50 and 100 Î¼g/ml after 15 min and 30 min using DPPH, ABTS BHA and Caffeine as standard compounds. The results indicated that, the hot water extracts for different caffeine products showed higher antioxidant activity than those of cold extracts and this activity was time and concentration dependent. In addition, the activity was higher against ABTS radical more than DPPH and reducing power methods. Also, there is a positive correlation between the antioxidant and reducing compounds presented in water extracts of different caffeine products. The results of HPLC showed that fresh tea leaves are rich in flavanol monomers known as catechins. The most abundant catechin derivatives in green tea are EGC, EGCG and GC. On the other hand EGCG and GC are major catechin derivative in different caffeine product except El-Fakher tea and Cacao. Generally, these beverages had high antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents, and could be important dietary sources of antioxidant phenolic for prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Comparative Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activities of Some Wild and Cultivated Blueberries from Romania
Authors: BUNEA Andrea , RUGINA Olivia Dumitrita , PINTEA Adela M. , SCONŢA Zoriţa , BUNEA Claudiu I. , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

Two wild and three cultivated blueberry varieties (‘Elliot’, ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Duke’) from Romania were analyzed comparatively in order to determine the total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, total flavonoids content and measuring the antioxidant activity using three different single electron transfer-based assays, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS), ferric reducing ability (FRAP), 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazil radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and one hydrogen atom transfer-assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Total polyphenols content ranged from 424.84 - 819.12 mg GAE/100 g FW, total flavonoids ranged from 84.33-112.5 mg QE /100 g FW and total anthocyanins ranged from 100.58-300.02 C3GE/100g FW. The anthocyanins were separated and quantified using RP-HPLC-DAD. In Vaccinium myrtillus, petunidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside have the highest contribution to the anthocyanin content while in Vaccinium corymbosum, peonidin-3-galactoside represent the major anthocyanin. Except for ORAC assay (r=0.765), all antioxidant activity values obtained were highly correlated with total polyphenol content (0.923≤ r ≤0.986). Wild blueberries had higher total polyphenols content and also antioxidant activity compared with cultivated ones.
Analysis of Species Indicator Values in Response to Spatial Environmental Variation of Differently Managed Agro-habitats
Authors: BALEŽENTIENĖ Ligita
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates species indicator values in response to spatial gradients of environmental indices (light, L; moisture, F; nitrogen, N; temperature, T) in different agro-habitats (crop fields and their boundaries of intensive/conventional farming, IF; organic farming, OF) of Lithuania. All plant species were classified according to indicator values of the Ellenberg scale of general abiotic environmental factors (light, moisture, nitrogen, temperature) available for Central Europe. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to analyze the patterns of relationships between species indicator values and environmental conditions in six different agro-habitats. Variation of N-values (ranging from 2 to 9 and x point) was observed to be the highest between ecological gradients, thus indicating wide spatial dispersion of soil N deposition in the habitats. The presence of particular plant species with medium indicator values (L5-L6, F4-F5, N5-N6, T4-T5) suggests that IF crop habitats are favored for establishment of mezophytes. Crop and margin habitats in OF agro-habitats were found to possess a wider environmental gradient, ensuring higher biodiversity.
Risk to Onion (Allium cepa L.) Field Cultivation in Poland from Precipitation Deficiency
Authors: KALBARCZYK Eliza , KALBARCZYK Robert , RASZKA Beata
Published: March 2018

The onion is the most common vegetable cultivated in Poland and yield is marked by high year to year variability. The yield quantity is predominantly affected by variable meteorological conditions, especially by precipitation deficiency. Data were collected from the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management for the period 1966-2005 to evaluate the effect of precipitation conditions on the yield of onions (Allium cepa L.) cultivated in Poland using multiple regression analysis. Verification of the curvilinear regression equation was conducted on the basis of relative forecast error and average relative forecast error. For this equation the ARFE amounted to 9.6%. The threshold precipitation value, i.e. the value at which reduction by at least 5% of the total yield occurs, was determined by curvilinear regression. Reduction of potential yield caused by precipitation deficiency and the frequency of precipitation deficiency were determined. Reductions of at least 5% in the average domestic onion yield in Poland occurred when atmospheric precipitation was ? 183 mm. This level of precipitation constituted 87% of the norm and took place in the period between the end of emergence to the beginning of leaf bending. Potential reduction in onion yield in Poland caused by precipitation deficiency in this period varied between 9 and 18%. In Poland, the frequency of atmospheric precipitation deficiency between 1966 to 2005 varied from 10% in the south-east to 50% in the central west and north west. The average frequency of atmospheric precipitation deficiency amounted to about 37%.
Two Novel Alliin Lyase (Alliinase) Genes from Twisted-Leaf Garlic (Allium obliquum) and Mountain Garlic (Allium senescens var. montanum)
Authors: DRUGĂ Bogdan , ŞUTEU Dana , ROSCA-CASIAN Oana , PÂRVU Marcel , DRAGOŞ Nicolae
Published: March 2018

Alliinase (Alliin lyase EC 4.4.1.4), a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent lyase, represents one of the major protein components of Allium species. The enzyme is a homodimeric glycoprotein and catalyzes the synthesis of allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate, a biologically active compound), pyruvate, and ammonia starting from the specific non-protein sulfur-containing amino acid alliin ((+S)-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide). Using newly developed specific primers two new alliinase genes from Allium obliquum and Allium senescens ssp. montanum were amplified and sequenced, as well as their homologs, from Allium fistulosum and Allium schoeonoprasum. The G+C content of the alliinase region ranges between that of other dicot plants and that reported in monocot cereal plants, in all four species. Investigations of gene expression revealed a significantly higher enzyme expression level in bulbs than in leaves in all four taxa. The deduced alliinase sequences displayed a high variability among different species, since the lowest sequence similarity was found to be 55.5% between Allium senescens var. montanum and Allium cepa, while the highest similarity is 77.5%, between Allium senescens var. montanum and Allium fistulosum. Leucine is the most common amino acid in all four alliinases, while cysteine is also more frequent that in other enzymes, suggesting a high stability of the molecules due to the possible disulfide bonds.
Evaluation of the Use of Carbon Isotope Discrimination as a Selection Tool of Perennial Fodder Species for Temporary Pastures
Authors: SIMA Nicusor Flavius , SIMA Rodica Maria , CUNA Stela , CRISTEA Gabriela , MIHAI Valentin
Published: March 2018

Estimation of the relationship between carbon isotope discrimination (Î”13C) in perennial fodder plants and various factors such as climate, fertilization and soil could contribute to a better selection and/or improvement of genotype of fodder species. Theoretical models of carbon isotope discrimination in plants indicate a linear relationship between Î”13C and CO2 partial pressures ratio (pi/pa) from the intercellular spaces (pi) of CO2 in leaves and from the atmosphere (pa). It is also known that between pi parameter and water-use efficiency (WUE) there is a negative correlation. Eight perennial fodder legume and grass mixtures were cultivated on three levels of fertilization in order to assess mixtures for pastures that can provide sustainable quantitative and qualitative yields. The species, which composed the mixtures, were also cultivated as pure crops on the same fertilization conditions. The results of this study indicated that in five of the six species, which composed the mixture with the highest yield, pi/pa values decreased while fertilization doses increased, most likely as a result of variation in water-use efficiency.
Antibacterial Activity of Copper and Cobalt Amino Acids Complexes
Authors: STĂNILĂ ANDREEA , BRAICU Cornelia , STĂNILĂ Sorin , POP Raluca M.
Published: March 2018

The antibacterial properties of differently copper and cobalt amino acids complexes on agar plates was investigated in the present study. The antibacterial activity of amino acid complexes was evaluated against on three bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus). Generally, the amino acids complexes were mainly active against gram-positive organisms, species like Micrococcus luteus being the most susceptible strain tested. It was registered a moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus. The microorganisms Escherichia coli, which are already known to be multi-resistant to drugs, were also resistant to the amino acids complexes but also to the free salts tested. Escherichia coli were susceptible only to the CoCl2 and copper complex with phenylalanine. The complexes with leucine and histidine seem to be more active than the parent free ligand against one or more bacterial species. Moderate activity was registered in the case of complexes with methionine and phenylalanine. From the complexes tested less efficient antibacterial activity was noted in the case of complexes with lysine and valine. These results show that cobalt and copper complexes have an antibacterial activity and suggest their potential application as antibacterial agents.
Determination of Apomictic Fruit Set Ratio in Several Romanian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Cultivars
Authors: COSMULESCU Sina Niculina , BOTU Mihai , ACHIM Gheorghe
Published: March 2018

carried out to determine the ability of apomictic fruit setting in twelve Romanian walnut cultivars. â€˜Sibisel 44â€™, â€˜Geoagiu 65â€™, â€˜Germisaraâ€™, â€˜Musceleanâ€™, â€˜Sarmisâ€™, â€˜Valcorâ€™, â€˜Valmitâ€™, â€˜Valrexâ€™, â€˜Jupanestiâ€™, â€˜Velnitaâ€™, â€˜Orastieâ€™ and â€˜Argeseanâ€™ cultivars were used in the experiment. Female flowers were isolated with pergament paper bags and the apomictic fruit set was determined 8 weeks after anthesis. The apomixis degree was determined as the number of fruit calculated in relation to the number of isolated flowers. The percentage of apomictic fruit set without pollination in cultivars analyzed is low, ranging from 7.86% (â€˜Orastieâ€™ cultivar) up to 12.46% (â€˜Jupanestiâ€™ cultivar). The results indicated that apomictic fruit set is insufficient for economical seed and crop production in these Romanian walnut cultivars.
Monitoring Lactic Acid Fermentation in Media Containing Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: VODNAR Dan C. , POP Oana L. , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is considered to be a comprehensive and sensitive method for detection of molecular changes in cells and media. In the present study, FTIR spectroscopy was employed as an easy, rapid and reliable technique to evaluate the lactic fermentation of Lactobacillus casei on a model de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium with or without the addition of dandelion extract (DE). Dandelion, due to its high content in fructans, can be used as an additional carbon source in lactic fermentation. Lactic fermentation in a dandelion extract, using the FTIR fingerprint as a qualitative and semi-quantitative assay for lactic acid production was monitored. Specific bands of carbohydrates in the fingerprint region (1200-900 cm-1) and their shifts indicated the hydrolysis and metabolism during fermentation. The band at 1336 cm-1 may be considered a sensitive marker for the identification of L. casei during fermentation, while the dandelion extract showed a unique characteristic peak at 1436 cm-1. The results proved that the species were detectable and that significant spectral differences existed between fermented samples in media with or without dandelion addition. Representative peaks of bacteria and dandelion appeared in the spectra of a mixture of bacteria and dandelion. The peaks were evident in the samples taken using the model MRS media from the beginning of fermentation as opposed to at the end of fermentation.
Plants and Natural Compounds with Antidiabetic Action
Authors: COMAN Cristina , RUGINA Olivia Dumitrita , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

Diabetes has become the most common metabolic disease worldwide. In particular, type 2 diabetes is the most commonly encountered type of diabetes, which is characterised by the inability of the organism to respond to normal levels of circulating insulin, also called insulin resistance. Current antidiabetic therapy is based on synthetic drugs that very often have side effects. For this reason, there is a continuous need to develop new and better pharmaceuticals as alternatives for the management and treatment of the disease. Natural hypoglycaemic compounds may be attractive alternatives to synthetic drugs or reinforcements to currently used treatments. Their huge advantage is that they can be ingested in everyday diet. Recently, more attention is being paid to the study of natural products as potential antidiabetics. This mini review of the current literature is structured into three main sections focused on: (a) plant extracts, (b) plant biomolecules, and (c) other natural molecules that have been used for their antidiabetic effects. Potential molecular mechanisms of action are also discussed.
Efficient Biolistic Transformation and Regeneration Capacity of an EgTCTP Transgene in Protocorm-like Bodies of Phalaenopsis Orchid
Authors: KANCHANAPOOM Kantamaht , NAKKAEW Alisa , KANCHANAPOOM Kamnoon , PHONGDARA Amornrat
Published: March 2018

An efficient genetic transformation system using the biolistic method and protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Phalaenopsis orchidwas established for introducing the EgTCTP gene obtained from oil palm leaves. A pCAMBIA 1302 vector containing the greenfluorescent protein (mgfp5) as reporter gene and the selectable marker hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) gene under the cauliflowermosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter were used in this experiment. The transformed PLBs were cultured on MS medium containing 20mg/L hygromycin for 2 months. The surviving PLBs with green fluorescence spots were used to calculate a transformation frequency(93.34%). PLBs containing the transformed EgTCTP gene had the highest percentage of regeneration frequency (95.66%) and numbersof regenerated shoots per explant (3.78Â±1.89 shoots) compared to the control. The time required for initiation of primordial shoots inthe transformed PLBs (55.22Â±26.56 days) was much shorter than for the control. Evaluation of the regeneration efficiency, determinedthat the status of the EgTCTP transformants was above average: score=4.04Â±0.88. The EgTCTP gene was detected in the PLBs overa period of at least 6 months with subculturing every 4 weeks. The stability of the transgenes within the PLBs was confirmed by PCRand this indicated that the transgenes had been integrated into the genome of the transformants. This is the first successful report tointroduce EgTCTP gene into PLBs of Phalaenopsis orchid.
Soil Nutrient, Woody Understory and Shoot and Root Growth Responses of Pinus brutia Ten. Saplings to Fire
Authors: GANATSAS Petros , SPANOS Ioannis , TSAKALDIMI Marianthi , GOUDELIS Gerasimos
Published: March 2018

Nine years after a wildfire, above- and below-ground morphology of Pinus brutia Ten. saplings and the microsite factors prevailing in understorey (unburned area) and postfire conditions (burned area) of the Forest Park of Thessaloniki were studied. Major stand characteristics (density, tree canopy cover, tree height, crown height, and diameter) were measured in the unburned area. Light and soil conditions as well as plant cover of woody species were recorded in both areas (burned and unburned). A random sample of pine saplings, of uniform age, was taken from both burned and unburned areas, and their above-ground (height, diameter, number and total length of branches, needle biomass) and below-ground morphological characteristics (taproot length, total length of coarse and fine roots, and number of coarse roots) were measured. Data analysis showed that above- and below-ground morphology of pine saplings was adversely affected in saplings grown in understorey conditions, compared to those grown in postfire conditions. P. brutia is a shade-intolerant tree species and thus the light conditions seem to be the critical factor affecting the growth of pine saplings. Light is not a limiting factor in the burned area compared to the understorey, where density of the tree canopy limits available light.
Seasonal Pattern of Flavonoid Content and Related Enzyme Activities in Leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: CHENG Shuiyuan , XU Feng , LI Linling , CHENG Hua , ZHANG Weiwei
Published: March 2018

The contents of flavonoids and other related components, in addition to the activities of related enzymes, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), chalcone synthase (CHS), and UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT), were determined in Ginkgo biloba L. leaves during leaf development. The results indicated that POD activity increased gradually in the early stages and reached its first activity peak in the beginning of Jul., the second one in late Aug., and the third one (the highest peak) in the middle of Oct. The changes in POD activity were irregular, and its activity was maintained at a low level in the early stages. However, it increased rapidly from the middle of Sep., and reached its highest value in the middle of Oct. Three peaks were obtained for PAL activity. The first peak, with the highest value was in early to middle Jul. The second one, with the lowest value, was in late Aug., and the last one, with a higher value and the longest period, was after the middle of Sep. UFGT activity had a speedy increase in the early stages and continued to increase after May. However, the net increase remained low. CHS activity was enhanced during all stages and showed two obvious peaks. The first time was in early Jul., and the other, with a higher value, was in the middle of Nov. Although PAL activity had a close relationship with the flavonoid content, no notable correlation could be identified between them. A significant correlation between CHS activity and the flavonoid content showed that CHS was one of the key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. The relationship between flavonoid content and other related enzymes is discussed in this study.
Hairy Root Induction in Linum mucronatum ssp. mucronatum, an Anti-Tumor Lignans Producing Plant
Authors: SAMADI Afsaneh , CARAPETIAN Jirair , HEIDARI Reza , JAFARI Morad , HASSANZADEH GORTTAPEH Abdollah
Published: March 2018

Transgenic hairy root system is a promising source of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants with high pharmaceutical value.For the first time, hairy roots were established in different explants of Linum mucronatum, an anti-cancer agent producing plant, via amikimopine type strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, â€˜A13â€™. The percentage of hairy root induction varied from 0 to 60% depended onthe explants and hypocotyl (including cotyledonary node) explants were found to be highly susceptible to A. rhizogenes infection withthe highest (60%) rate of hairy root induction. four different Murashige and Skoog (MS)-based liquid culture media were used for wellestablishment of hairy roots. Hairy root growth medium D (HRGM-D) containing hormone-free MS basal medium with an extra oneday pre-incubation period at 35Â°C was found to be more efficient for profuse growth (fresh weight; 8500 mg per 25 ml culture medium)of hairy roots. Hairy root system presented in this study may offer a suitable platform for optimization and production of satisfactorylevel of aryltetralin lignans like podophyllotoxin and its derivatives from L. mucronatum.
Chemical Composition and Physical Characteristics of Fruits of Two Cultivars of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) in Relation to their Degree of Maturity and Harvest Date
Authors: OCHMIAN Ireneusz Dariusz , SKUPIEN Katarzyna , GRAJKOWSKI Jozef , SMOLIK Milosz , OSTROWSKA Krystyna
Published: March 2018

The aim of study was to compare yield, fruit quality, chemical composition and fruits colour of berries of two blue honeysuckle(Lonicera caerulea L.) cultivars of Polish bred â€˜Wojtekâ€™ and â€˜BrÄ…zowaâ€™ collected at the beginning and at the end of harvest season,respectively. On average, â€˜Wojtekâ€™ yielded 1565 g per bush, whereas â€˜BrÄ…zowaâ€™ 1941 g. During the fruit ripening process, considerablechanges were found in the fruit colour. Fruits of both cultivars became darker and their colour changed from green and yellow to redand blue. With the changes in fruit colour, considerable changes in firmness also occurred. Fruit ripening reduced fruit firmness andpuncture resistance. For both genotypes, the berries of late harvest were bigger and richer in soluble solids and total polyphenol, however,they showed decreased firmness, lower acidity, and L-ascorbic acid content. Nevertheless the time of harvest, â€˜Wojtekâ€™ berries surpassedâ€˜BrÄ…zowaâ€™ fruit regarding soluble solids, titratable acidity and L-ascorbic acid content (for late-crop berries of both cultivars 14.1>12.6%,3.4>2.7 g citric acid 100 g1, and 76>56 mg 100 mL-1. Further, â€˜Wojtekâ€™ berries showed higher total polyphenol content (149.30 and183.66 mgâˆ™100 g-1, for early and late ripening fruit, respectively) compared to that of â€˜BrÄ…zowaâ€™ (125.51 and 175.67 mg 100 g-1). Amongphenolics, anthocyanins made the substantial group ranging from 94.47 mg 100 g-1 (â€˜BrÄ…zowaâ€™ berries of early harvest) to 141.96 mg 100g-1 (late â€˜Wojtekâ€™ fruit).
Some Fruit Characteristics of Iranian Cornelian Cherries (Cornus mas L.)
Authors: HASSANPOUR Hamid , HAMIDOGHLI Yousef , SAMIZADEH Habibollah
Published: March 2018

Although the Cornelian Cherry is widely grown in the north-eastern areas of Iran, it is not recognized as an important fruit crop as are many other fruit species. Large variability has been observed in all morphological and chemical compositions under study. Fruit weight varied from 1.499 to 3.29 g, whereas seed weight ranged from 0.249 to 0.425 g. The average lengths of fruits were between 15.22 and 22.31 mm, and the average widths of them were between 10.26-16.3 mm. The content of ascorbic acid ranged from 240-360 mg/ 100 g fresh weight. The total soluble solids and total acidity were 5-12.5% and 0.43-1.86% respectively. Grouping of Cornelian Cherry accessions based on 5 factors was performed and were divided into three sub-clusters. The results obtained from this study might be helpful for Cornelian Cherry breeders trying to develop new genotypes and varieties.
Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolics and Taxol Contents Response of Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) Cells to Benzoic Acid and Cinnamic Acid
Authors: BEMANI Ebrahim , GHANATI Faezeh , YOUSEFZADEH BOROUJENI Laleh , KHATAMI Faezeh
Published: March 2018

Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) plant has been recently introduced as a plant with the ability to produce Taxol. In the present research effects of different concentrations of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid on the phenolic compounds, Taxol content, and antioxidant activity of extracts of suspension-cultured hazel cells were investigated. The cells were treated with different concentrations of benzoic acid (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) and cinnamic acid (0, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 mM) on day 7 of subculture and were harvested on day 14. Benzoic acid in higher concentrations increased Taxol (4 fold of the control) and antioxidant activity of the cell extract. Cinnamic acid supply did not bring remarkable increase in Taxol content but increased phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of hazel cells extract. Interestingly, the extract of hazel cells showed more cytotoxicity for human cancer cells than pure Taxol. Further investigations may suggest the extract of cinnamic- and benzoic acid- fed hazel cells for treatment of cancer cells.
Study of Cytostatic and Cytotoxic Activity of Several Polyphenolic Extracts Obtained from Vitis vinifera
Authors: NECHITA Ancuta , COTEA Valeriu V. , NECHITA Constantin-Bogdan , PINCU Rotinberg , MIHAI Cosmin-Teodor , COLIBABA Cintia Lucia
Published: March 2018

The study of polyphenolic extracts from skins, seeds, grape pomace and lees is justified by the huge amount of information from specialized literature, drawing attention to the many pharmacological effects of these biomolecules. The concentrated vegetal extracts obtained from seeds, skins, grape pomace and lees (yeast deposit after fermentation) were characterized according to their content of total polyphenols, anthocyanins, dry matter, ash and pH. The biological material used in the in vitro testing experiments in order to study cytostatic and cytotoxic effects were stabilized cultures of HeLa cancer cells, uncontaminated with mycoplasma and derived from a human uterine cervix carcinoma. Another action of the cytostatic substances could be exerted upon the cell proliferation process. The cell division process of the HeLa cell cultures treated with seeds by-product showed remarkable quantitative changes. The study has also evidenced a great number of dead cells in the composition of the treated HeLa cell cultures, their existence pointing out that the bioactive agent induced a major decrease of the cells viability. The obtained results in the context of the complex evaluation of the in vitro antitumoral property of the extracts, obtained from seeds, skins, grape pomace and wine lees from the â€˜ArcaÅŸâ€™ grape variety, on HeLa cells cultures, have demonstrated the significant cytostatic and cytotoxic potential of the seeds polyphenolic biopreparate. The results obtained show that polyphenolic extracts from Vitis vinifera seeds act as cytostatic and cytotoxic agents.
A Method for Prediction of Graft Incompatibility in Sweet Cherry
Authors: GUCLU S. Filiz , KOYUNCU Fatma
Published: March 2018

This study was carried out on 1-year old trees of â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™ variety grafted onto â€˜KuÅŸ kiraziâ€™, â€˜Kara idrisâ€™, â€˜Sari idrisâ€™, â€˜MaxMa 14â€™, â€˜MaxMa 60â€™ and â€˜Gisela 5â€™ in order to determine their compatibility. For this purpose, total peroxidase activity was determined by spectrophotomery assay. Taking ground tissue samples were planned three times as before the grafting (beginning), and then 8 and 12 months after grafting. Total peroxidase activities of rootstocks before grafting varied between 10.80 Î”Ag.min. (â€˜KuÅŸ kiraziâ€™) and 7.83 Î”Ag.min. (â€˜Kara idrisâ€™) and were found to be statistically important. The peroxidase activity of â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™ was 11.07Î”Ag.min. and the closest value occurred in Prunus avium rootstock. The most different values occurred in rootstocks of â€˜Kara idrisâ€™ and â€˜Gisela 5â€™. The results showed that peroxidase activity increased in rootstock and graft scion. This increase had higher values in heterogenetic combinations especially in â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™/â€˜Gisela 5â€™ and â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™/â€˜Kara idrisâ€™ grafts. Peroxidase activity was decreased at the 12th month for all combinations. The highest value was obtained from â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™/â€˜MaxMa 14â€™ combinaion with 29.17 Î”Ag.min. while lowest one was â€˜0900 Ziraatâ€™/â€˜KuÅŸ kiraziâ€™ with 17.39. The findings showed that peroxidase activity could be used as a parameter in early determination of graft incompatibility.
Integrated Effect of Plant Density, N Rates and Irrigation Regimes on the Biomass Production, N Content, PAR Use Efficiencies and Water Productivity of Rice Under Irrigated Semiarid Environment
Authors: AHMAD Shakeel , HASANUZZAMAN Mirza
Published: March 2018

Two field experiments were conducted for two years (2000 and 2001) at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan. There were 15 treatment combinations for experiment-I having three plant densities, viz., one seedling hill-1 (PD1), two seedlings hill-1 (PD2) and three seedlings hill-1 (PD3) and five nitrogen rates, viz., 0, (N0); 50, (N50); 100, (N100); 150, (N150); and 200 (N200) kg N ha-1. Experiment-II also included 15 treatments having three plant densities, viz., one seedling hill-1 (PD1), two seedlings hill-1 (PD2) and three seedlings hill-1 (PD3) and five irrigation regimes, viz., 62.5 cm (I1), 77.5 cm (I2), 92.5 cm (I3), 107.5 cm (I4), and 122.5 cm (I5). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with three repetitions. The results for experiment-I revealed that the highest biomass (1438 g m-2), grain yield (497 g m-2), crop growth rate (15.36 g m-2 d-1), net assimilation rate (4.24 g m-2 d-1) were observed in the treatment having combination of two seedlings hill-1 and 200 kg N ha-1 (PD2N200). The agronomic and economic nitrogen and PAR use efficiencies were also higher in this treatment. In case of experiment-II, the highest biomass and grain yield were obtained in case of treatment having combination of two seedlings hill-1 and 107.5 cm irrigation regime (PD2I107.5). The irrigation application based water productivity ranged from 0.36 kg mm-3 to 0.61 kg mm-1, irrigation plus precipitation based water productivity ranged from 0.32 kg mm-3 to 0.55 kg mm-3 and evapotranspiration based water productivity ranged from 0.65 kg mm-3 to 0.84 kg mm-3 among 15 treatments combination of plant density and irrigation regimes. This study concludes that for increasing the benefits for the resource-poor growers, the integration of crop management practices is an optimum strategy to substantially increase the resources use efficiency under irrigated semiarid environment.
Investigation of the Biomass and Nutrient Content of Green Manuring Plants as Second Crops in Hungary
Authors: MIKO Peter , KOVACS Gergo , BALLA Istvan , VASA Laszlo , GYURICZA Csaba
Published: March 2018

The growth, and the development and trends of the nutrient content parameters of three different plant species (Phacelia tanacecifolia,Sinapis alba, Raphanus sativus) grown as secondary crops for green manure, as a function of two different fertiliser doses (0 kg/ha N; 50kg/ha N), was studied under unfavourable site conditions at the Crop Production and Biomass Utilisation Demonstration Centre of theSzent IstvÃ¡n University, GÃ¶dÃ¶llÅ‘, Hungary. The application of the small, 50 kg/ha dose of nitrogen increased the biomass yield in eachcase, to 2.78-3.11 times that of the control field. The dry matter content of the produce increased only by 2.11-2.66 times, as the watercontent of the green manure plants also increased as a result of the nitrogen supplement. The increased amount of nitrogen boosted theavailability of all of the other macro elements for the plants. In view of the present findings it can be recommend the application of somenitrogen fertiliser in the given site before growing some crop for use as green manure in all cases but where the straw after cereals is left onthe soil surface nitrogen should be applied to alleviate the pentosan effect and to increase the uptake of macro elements.
R-ISSR - Tool for Generation of a New Type of Products, Applied for the Identification of Putative Molecular Marker Linked to QTL Determined Tolerance to Nutrient Deprivation Stress in Rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: SMOLIK Milosz
Published: March 2018

This study presents results confirming the possibility of the application of various combinations of RAPD and ISSR primers in one multiplex PCR for the rye genome and generating a new type of R-ISSR products. The plant material consisted of two inbred lines (Ot0-6 and Ot1-3), F1 and two bulks (tolerant and susceptible), selected from a population of RILs (F9) with different responses to stress caused by nutrient deprivation at the seedling stage. In one PCR reaction, the DNA of five genotypes was amplified separately, with RAPD, ISSR, and RAPD+ISSR primers. In total, 28 R-ISSR combinations were tested by combining 20 and 8 appropriately selected RAPD and ISSR primers. 567 loci were amplified, including 230 RAPD, 136 ISSR and 207 amplified R-ISSR loci, of which 114 were new. It was shown that only one ISSR product was identified amongst sequenced R-ISSR products with identical electrophoretic mobility as co-migrating RAPDs and ISSRs. The remaining ones had heteroamplicons (R-ISSR) sequences. A similar range of variability was observed both in R-ISSR profiles and in RAPD, as well as in ISSR. The correlation coefficient between the matrices of genetic similarity for five rye genotypes calculated by means of the Mantel test was highly significant rAB.C = 0.964.
The Influence of Varieties and Planting Systems on the Peach Tree Growth, Productivity and NPK Uptake
Authors: MATEI Traian G. , STANICA Florin , MADJAR Roxana M.
Published: March 2018

The present study presents the effect of two organo-mineral fertilizers: root fertilizer C011 and foliar fertilizer 411 bio-ionic liquids,Â on some vegetative and productive features of five new peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] varieties introduced in Romania: â€˜Earlirichâ€™,Â â€˜Royal Estateâ€™, â€˜Rubirichâ€™, â€˜October Starâ€™ and â€˜Late Lukaâ€™, grafted on GF 677 rootstock. The experimental plot located on a reddishÂ preluvosol, have been established in 2008 with four planting systems: Tatura trellis, V planting system, Sibari Y and Vertical axe withÂ different nutrition area/tree. Fertilization was applied on the beggining of June and August, 2010 and 2011 on the soil, locally on the treeÂ rows (C011) and by foliar spraying (411). Trees vegetative growth was compared at the end of the vegetation period by number of fruitÂ buds per unit trunk surface section (CM/TSS) with significant differences between types of crowns and the biggest values for â€˜Rubirichâ€™;Â the total shoots length with significant differences between varieties. The influence of fertilization on trees productivity was apreciatedÂ by analyzing the yield and some typical productivy indexes. The studied parameters including the NPK uptake, have been significantlyÂ influenced by the variety 3.39% Nt at â€˜Rubirichâ€™ in 2010 and 2.75% Nt at â€˜Rubirichâ€™ in 2011 in Tatura trellis planting system.
Impact of White Mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. abietis) Infection on Needles and Crown Morphology of Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.)
Authors: BARBU Catalina O.
Published: March 2018

White mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. abietis (Wiesb.) Abromeit), (Santalales, Viscaceae) is a hemiparasite species and, in Romania,Â occurs only on silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). The species affects silver fir stands located mainly at lower elevations on the Eastern border ofÂ the silver fir natural distribution area. Along with drought and pollution, white mistletoe infection plays an important role in silver firÂ decline. The present study tried to quantify the mistletoe impact on crown degradation of silver fir trees, by measuring several parametersÂ such as needle length and needle loss. The data were collected from a pure silver fir stand where more than 70% of trees were affectedÂ by mistletoe. The results indicate that both mistletoe infection and branch position into the crown influence the needles length. TheÂ reduction in needle length was more evident in the upper and middle part of the crown and smaller in the lower part of the crown, asÂ well as in the â€œcompensation crownâ€ (formed by epicormic branches). The difference between needle lengths increases with the infectionÂ degree. In moderately and heavily infected trees, needles are falling in high proportion compared with low infected trees, demonstratingÂ that mistletoe is producing crown degradation significantly reducing the photosynthetic tissue.
Molecular Similarity Relationships Among Iranian Bread Wheat Cultivars and Breeding Lines Using ISSR Markers
Authors: DARVISHZADEH Reza , BERNOUSI Iraj
Published: March 2018

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to characterize and assess genetic diversity of Iranian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using 101 cultivars and breeding lines. Twenty-three ISSR primers amplified a total of 267 loci, of which 224 (83.9%) were polymorphic among the genotypes. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) for primers ranged from 54% (UBC808) to 100% (441, A12 and UBC820). The mean of expected heterozygosity (He) for the primers varied from 0.26 (UBC808, UBC827 and A14) to 0.48 (A12, 441). The PPL, He, Shannonâ€™s information index (I), and number of effective alleles (Ne) for breeding lines were slightly higher than those of cultivars. The Dice similarity coefficient for the germplasm ranged from 0.76 (between two breeding lines) to 0.91 (between two breeding lines). The dendrogram grouped samples in four main clusters; most cultivars were placed into the same cluster close to each other with regard to their geographic origin. The genotypes in different groups might be used as potential parents in bread wheat breeding programs. Also, a high level of genetic similarity detected in this collection may demonstrate the narrow genetic base of Iranian wheat germplasm.
Apoplastic Antioxidant Enzymes in the Leaves of Two Strawberry Cultivars and Their Relationship to Cold-Hardiness
Authors: TURHAN Ece , AYDOGAN Cigdem , BAYKUL Ali , AKOGLU Anil , EVRENOSOÄžLU Yasemin , ERGIN Sergul
Published: March 2018

In this study, apoplastic antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of two strawberry cultivars (â€˜Aromasâ€™ and â€˜Diamanteâ€™) and their relationshipto cold-hardiness were investigated. Fully expanded, uniformly sized leaves from 1-year-old field plants of the cultivars were collected atthe hardening (late autumn, in November and winter, in January) and de-hardening (summer, in July) stages. Leaf samples were exposedto low temperatures of 5, -5, -10, -20 and -30ÂºC for 12 h to determine their cold-hardiness (LT50; lethal temperature, where 50% of theplants were killed). Cold-acclimation produced a remarkable increase in cold-hardiness. It was found that â€˜Diamanteâ€™ had higher coldhardinessthan â€˜Aromasâ€™. Moreover, malondialdehyde and total carotenoid content increased during the hardening stage and decreasedduring the de-hardening stage. The activities of catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase in the leaf apoplast and nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity in the leaf tissue were correlated with changes in cold-hardiness. The activities of theseenzymes were higher in the hardening stage than in the de-hardening stage. The activities of apoplastic catalase, peroxidase and ascorbateperoxidase varied significantly depending on the cold-acclimation stage and the cold-hardiness level of the cultivars. This study indicatesthat elevated apoplastic antioxidative enzymes may be determinants of cold-hardiness in the strawberry plant. The lower malondialdehydecontent and higher total carotenoid and apoplastic enzyme activities in â€˜Diamanteâ€™ indicated an enhanced cold-hardiness capacity of thiscultivar, serving to protect the plant from oxidative damage.
Production Potential of Rubberwood in Malaysia: Its Economic Challenges
Authors: RATNASINGAM Jegatheswaran , RAMASAMY Geetha , IORAS Florin , KANER Jake , WENMING Lu
Published: March 2018

Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) has emerged as the most important source of wood raw material in Malaysia. Being a plantation crop, it is regarded as a green and environmental-friendly material that has found applications in almost all sectors of the wood industry. Despite its importance as a socio-economic sector, the future of the rubberwood industry in Malaysia is under scrutiny. The steadily declining rubber cultivation area in the country is raising alarms about the future supply of rubberwood. Although the government provides a replanting subsidy for smallholders, who make up the large proportion of the growers, there is an urgent need to enhance the profitability of rubber growing activities. Efforts to enhance the full recovery of wood biomass available and also expanding the use of rubberwood in high value applications must be pursued rigorously, to arrest the declining interests in rubber cultivation. Policy makers must ensure that rubber cultivation remains economical and the net value of rubberwood is further enhanced through application in non-traditional sectors.
Effect of Different Growing Systems of Apple on Trunk and Branch Diseases and Pests
Authors: BOROVINOVA Maria , PETROVA Vilina , MANEVA Svetla
Published: March 2018

The presented study aimed to determine apples trunk and branch diseases and pests in three growing systems conventional, integrated and biological (organic). The investigations were made on an experimental apple orchard (1 ha) of the Institute of Agriculture at Kyustendil, Southwest Bulgaria in four consecutive years from 2007 to 2010. Three scab resistant cultivars Prima, Florina and Erwin Baur grafted on rootstocks MM106 were planted in 1996. The orchard was divided into four plots. One plot was treated conventionally with a normal pesticide programme, two plots were treated integrated according to the general principles, rules and standards of integrated apple production and one plot for biological (organic). The monitoring of pests and diseases and assessment of their density were done every two weeks. It was established that during the experimental period important disease and pests on apple trees in different growing systems were black rot Botryosphaeria obtusa, apple clearwig moth Synanthedon myopaeformis and shorthole borer Scolytus rugulosus. The damages by trunk and branch diseases and pests on apple were considerable higher in biological growing system. The mean rate of attack of cultivar Erwin Baur by Botryosphaeria obtusa in biological and conventional growing systems was 52.35% and 4.65%, respectively. The percentage of damaged by Scolytus rugulosus trunk and branch area per tree reach to 58.74 in biological and 0.23 in conventional system. Reduced vitality of apple trees growing with out pesticides and mineral fertilizers in biological growing system was the reason for strong infection of Botryosphaeria obtusa and attack of Synanthedon myopaeformis and Scolytus rugulosus.