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Background and Aims Tropaeolaceae (Brassicales) comprise ~100 species native to South and Central America. Tropaeolaceae flowers have a nectar spur, formed by a late expansion and evagination of the fused proximal region of the perianth (i.e. the floral tube). This spur is formed in the domain of the tube oriented towards the inflorescence axis, which corresponds to the adaxial floral region. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for the evolution of spurs in Tropaeolaceae. Methods In this study, we examined the spatio-temporal expression of genes putatively responsible for differential patterns of cell division between the adaxial and abaxial floral regions in Tropaeolaceae. These genes include previously identified TCP and KNOX transcription factors and the cell division marker HISTONE H4 (HIS4). Key Results We found a TCP4 homologue concomitantly expressed with spur initiation and elaboration. Tropaeolaceae possess two TCP4-like (TCP4L) copies, as a result of a Tropaeolaceae-specific duplication. The two copies (TCP4L1 and TCP4L2) in Tropaeolum longifolium show overlapping expression in the epidermis of reproductive apices (inflorescence meristems) and young floral buds, but only TlTCP4L2 shows differential expression in the floral tube at early stages of spur formation, restricted to the adaxial region. This adaxial expression of TlTCP4L2 overlaps with the expression of TlHIS4. Later in development, only TlTCP4L2 is expressed in the nectariferous tissue of the spur. Conclusions Based on these results, we hypothesize that Tropaeolaceae TCP4L genes had a plesiomorphic role in epidermal development and that, after gene duplication, TCP4L2 acquired a new function in spur initiation and elaboration. To better understand spur evolution in Tropaeolaceae, it is critical to expand developmental genetic studies to their sister group, the Akaniaceae, which possess simultaneously an independent duplication of TCP4L genes and a spurless floral tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bisphosphonate recently isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum is almost certainly a contaminant and not a genuine natural product.

The aim of this paper is to present recent advances in the microbotanical analyses of an organic residue on a potsherd from a late Holocene hunter-gatherer site in Argentine Patagonia, which is the first evidence of this kind for the processing of starchy food. Standard methods were carried out for starch grain recovery and morphometric analysis, care being taken in the prevention of cross-contamination and evaluation of post-depositional factors. Diagnostic features of the ancient starch grains recovered were compared against those from a list, available in the bibliography, of plants potentially processed in pottery, but no match was found. An anatomical and starch grain reference collection was established with three of the most frequently consumed traditional wild underground storage organs (USOs) of Patagonia, Alstroemeria aurea Graham, Tropaeolum porifolium Cav. and Diposis patagonica Skottsb., in order to compare these against the archaeobotanical record. We suggest that T. aff. porifolium (and probably also A. aff. aurea) were processed in the pot from which the sherd came, and discuss these results in terms of a better understanding of the role of wild USOs in subsistence and the possible cooking methods used in hunter-gatherer societies in Argentine Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum (Tropaeolaceae) incluye aproximadamente 100 especies distribuidas desde México hasta el sur de Argentina y Chile. En Argentina habitan 15 especies entre los 700 y 3500 m s.n.m. Los recuentos cromosómicos para el género revelan un número cromosómico básico x = 14. En el presente trabajo se realizaron estudios citogenéticos en tres especies ampliamente distribuidas en el Noroeste Argentino: T. argentinum, T. atrocapillare y T. capillare. Los botones florales se trataron con técnicas citogenéticas clásicas. El número gametofítico encontrado en las tres especies analizadas fue de n = x = 14. Durante la división celular se observaron asociaciones cromosómicas secundarias y numerosas irregularidades tales como cromosomas rezagados, puentes de cromatina y segregaciones desbalanceadas. Nuestros resultados representan los primeros estudios citológicos de estas especies y evidencian el carácter diploide para los taxones de esta región.

Abstract Eco-friendly biosynthesis of nanoparticles from medicinal plants as reducing agent has gained importance due to its potential therapeutic uses. In the present study Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were eco-friendly synthesized using the leaf extracts of the medicinal plant Tropaeolum majus. The obtained AgNPs were characterized by UV - visible spectrum, FTIR, SEM and XRD which clearly showed the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0. In addition, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals and its antioxidant activities. GC–MS spectrum showed the presence of 25 compounds with benzeneacetic acid as the dominant contents. The synthesized AgNPs revealed maximum absorption spectrum at 463 nm and FTIR vibrational peaks at 3357.46, 21,966.52, 2118.42, 1637.27, 658.571 and 411.728 cm−1 respectively. SEM and XRD studies evidenced the nature of nanocrystalline with face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Both AgNPs and plant extracts showed more inhibition activity against Pseudomonas aeroginosa compared to other bacteria with MIC value of 6.25 μg/ml. Antifungal activities was higher for Penicilium notatum with MIC value 31.2 μg/ml. The IC50 values for MCF7 for aqueous extract were found to be 4.68 μg/ml, ethanol extract 7.5 μg/ml, AgNPs 2.49 μg/ml, and doxorubicin 1.4 μg/ml. The IC50 values for VERO cell line for aqueous extract was 8.1 μg/ml, ethanol extract with 6.8 μg/ml, silver nanoparticles 5.3 μg/ml and doxorubicin 2.6 μg/ml respectively. Conclusively, the antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer properties of the synthesized AgNPs from Tropaeolum majus act as major therapeutic drug for microbial infectious disease and other health associated disorders. Highlights • Silver nanoparticles were green synthesized from the leaf extract of Tropaeolum majus. • Nanoparticles showed UV peak at 463 nm confirmed Silver nanoparticles surface plasmon resonance. • TEM and SEM analysis confirmed the nanoparticels were crystalline with face centered cubic. • Nanoparticles exhibited activity against Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Penicilium notatum. • Nanoparticles documented both antioxidant and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite substantial heterogeneity of studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in terms of changing their composition and/or diversity. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from the food and medicinal plant nasturtium ( Tropaeolum majus ) is known for its antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of infections of the draining urinary tract and upper respiratory tract. Against this background, we raised the question of whether a 14 d nasturtium intervention (3 g daily, N = 30 healthy females) could also impact the normal gut microbiota composition. Spot urinary BITC excretion highly correlated with a weak but significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli . A significant increase in human beta defensin 1 as a parameter for host defense was seen in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) upon verum intervention. Pre-to-post analysis revealed that mean gut microbiome composition did not significantly differ between groups, nor did the circulating serum metabolome. On an individual level, some large changes were observed between sampling points, however. Explorative Spearman rank correlation analysis in subgroups revealed associations between gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, as well as between changes in blood markers and bacterial gut species., Competing Interests: The study was partly supported by a grant from Repha GmbH, Langenhagen, Germany. Repha GmbH was not involved in the design, conduction, interpretation, or publishing of the results.

A species of Aphis collected in a low-altitude Chilean locality in the region of Coquimbo and in two high-altitude Argentinian locations in the Mendoza province on plants of the genus Tropaeolum (Brassicales: Tropaeolaceae) is described from apterous and alate viviparous females and is named as Aphis tropaeoli Nieto Nafría and Brown, sp. n.. Similarities of and differences between 71 species known in South America belonging to five genera of the subtribe Aphidina (Aphidinae, Aphidini) are presented in a partial identification key; the new species is most similar to Aphis berberidorum Ortego & Mier Durante. The new species must be able to live on several species of Tropaeolum and may be widespread in a large area of South America. It is recommended the monitoring plants of Tropaeolum species used in gardening anywhere in the World. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to identify accessions of T. tuberosum with highest quantities of thiocyanates, starches and sugars. The study was performed in Cevallos, Ecuador. Six accessions were cultivated in six individual plots and processed. The Yellow, White and Purple accessions were exposed to sunlight for periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. The resulting biomass was analysed: The Purple variety presented the greatest quantity of thiocyanates (663 mg/100g) after three days' exposure. Meanwhile, the Yellow variety showed the highest amount of starches (47%) and total sugars in freshly-harvesting. The results reveal the potential of these accessions as a source of starch and thiocyanate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crem (Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam) is a tuber that is well-known in the south of Brazil, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. It is used as a condiment in food and is normally prepared by being grated and pickled in red vinegar. This study aimed to chemically characterize crem and to quantify its bioactive compounds. The following were evaluated: chemical composition; phenolic compounds by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; antioxidant capacity by scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical; and flavonoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that the tuber was a good source of fiber (16.79%); the values found for total phenolic compounds were 32.98 ± 0.57 mg GAE/100 g and DPPH free radical scavenging activity was 22.49 ± 0.74%. In the quantification of phenolic compounds the following five flavonoids were identified: kaempferol (15.62 ± 0.01 mg/g); luteolin (12.17 ± 0.03 mg/g); quercetin (10.45 ± 0.01 mg/g) coumarin (6.38 ± 0.02 mg/g) and rutin (0.84 ± 0.01 mg/g). Other components found in crem were caffeic acid (6.15 ± 0.02 mg/g), gallic acid (4.97 ± 0.03 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (4.73 ± 0.01 mg/g). The crem has good fiber supply, but presents low amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity when compared to other condiments. Some flavonoids stand out in relation to other condiments, making it a culinary alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. (batata-crem or crem) is of great economic and medicinal importance. For being an endangered species, the knowledge of its genetic variability is necessary. Considering the lack of cytological studies on this species, this work describes the chromosome numbers, the meiotic behavior, the meiotic index, and the viability of the pollen grains of three populations of T. pentaphyllum from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The three populations presented 2n = 28 chromosomes. Meiotic behavior was regular, with low abnormality frequency (<1%), which culminated in IMx> 90% in the three accessions. This meiotic stability resulted in high production of viable pollen grains, which will favor the use of these accessions in selection programs for commercial purposes, conservation and sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropaeolum majus herb (nasturtium) and Armoracia rusticana root (horseradish) produce three different isothiocyanates as secondary metabolites, which exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory functions in humans., Purpose: Combined in the medicinal product ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N, the two natural components demonstrated promising effects against acute bronchitis., Study Design: A randomized, two-armed, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase IV study revealed the healing fostering effect of the two herbal plant components METHODS: This study included 384 patients, with 195 in the treatment and 189 in the placebo group. The 'bronchitis severity score' (BSS) was utilized as primary endpoint. This score sums the ratings for five significant bronchitis symptoms, which are established at the patient's visits to the clinic., Results: Compared to placebo intake, the group of patients treated with the phytomedicine showed statistically significant accelerated healing of bronchitis symptoms after three days of treatment, with reductions in coughing, mucous production, and chest pain. This beneficial effect persisted for the entire duration of treatment until day ten., Conclusion: In conclusion, a combination of Tropaeolum majus herb and Armoracia rusticana root promotes an elevated improvement of bronchitis symptomatology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Rainer Stange declares that he acted as Principal Investigator for the clinical trial. Uwe Albrecht declares that he was the Project Manager of the CRO responsible for the clinical trial. Ulrich Stefenelli declares that he analysed the data of the clinical trial. All do not benefit from a relationship with the sponsor., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

BACKGROUND The content of individual and total glucosinolates in 65 mashua tuber accessions ( Tropaeolum tuberosum) from the germplasm bank at Universidad Nacional de Colombia was determined by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography on enzymatically desulfated extracts. The predominant glucosinolate was identified and the possible structure of the glucosinolate present in lower proportion was postulated from evidence obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and bi-dimensional experiments. The biological action of the hydrolysis products generated from the glucosinolates in the accessions that showed a higher content of these compounds was assessed in the presence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora infestans. RESULTS The total content of glucosinolates ranged between >3.00 × 10−1 and 25.8 µmol g−1 dry matter. p-Methoxybenzyl glucosinolate was identified as the predominant glucosinolate in Colombian mashua accessions; besides, the possible presence of p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate was postulated. In vitro assays established an important fungal growth inhibition of the potato pathogen P. infestans. CONCLUSION The biological action from p-methoxybenzyl glucosinolate and p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate found in Colombian mashua accessions depends on their concentration, with the Tt30 accession, characterized for showing the highest content of glucosinolates, being the most promising to control the assessed pathogens. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. tubers (Tropaeolaceae) are known and used as a condiment and for the treatment of skin infections in Southern Brazil. However, its activity and composition has not yet been investigated. Thus, different extracts and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against a range of microorganisms. The most active extracts were submitted to chromatographic analysis. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract (70%), fractions of it, and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against several bacteria, yeasts and molds, furnishing the corresponding inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal minimal concentration values. The most active extracts were submitted to GC-MS investigation. Results: The strongest effects against different strains of microorganisms, such as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, Candida spp. and dermatophytes were observed for the essential oil and the chloroform fraction, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) well below 200 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major essential oil constituent is benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), while the chloroform fraction is constituted of BITC, amides, sulfur, fatty acids and its esters, all compounds that may be related to the demonstrated activity. Conclusions: Overall, the results support the popular use of the plant for the treatment of skin infections, and revealed the main active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) is an Andean tuber with a high content of glucosinolates (GLSs). GLSs subjected to biotransformation by plant enzymes or enzymes of the gastrointestinal microbiota give rise to biologically active compounds, to which chemo preventive properties are attributed. In this work, the biotransformation of mashua GLSs was evaluated in vitro by six strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and in vivo using rats with and without previous LAB dosing. The results showed that L. rhamnosus GG utilized the totality of glucosinalbin and glucotropaeolin, and 46.7 % of glucoaubrietin. Four GLSs derivatives were detected. The GLSs were absorbed and metabolized by the rats with low contents in feces (0.02 %) and urine (0.59 %) and were detected up to 3 h after consumption in plasma. The results showed that probiotic bacteria play an important role in transforming GLSs into beneficial compounds for the health of consumers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Leptogenys elongata and Leptogenys manni (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ponerinae), the only described Leptogenys known from the continental US, were recently included on a list of exotic ants established in North America. To evaluate this possibility, I compiled and mapped published and unpublished specimen records of L. elongata and L. manni. Leptogenys elongata records have an essentially continuous distribution through central and eastern Texas (65 counties), southern Oklahoma (one county), and western Louisiana (eight parishes), south through much of Mexico (nine states), plus one questionable record from Colorado and one almost certainly erroneous record from the District of Columbia. Leptogenys manni records are known from much of Florida (22 counties), plus one isolated record from Georgia that needs corrobora-tion. I found no credible evidence that L. elongata or L. manni have established populations anywhere beyond their native ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mashua phenolic compounds soluble in ethyl acetate (EaF) were tested as enhancers of oxidative stability of sacha inchi oil (SIO) and in ground raw pork meat as food matrices. The evaluation of the SIO oxidation was tested by differential scanning calorimetry and by accelerated oxidation tests (55C for 15 days) where peroxide, p-anisidine, dienes and trienes values were quantified. The oxidation of the pork meat was carried out under refrigerated storage conditions (4C for 9 days) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value was evaluated. Mashua EaF (200-600 ppm) increased induction periods of SIO. Lower values of peroxides, p-anisidine, dienes and trienes were obtained in comparison with the oil with 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The effectiveness of mashua EaF (100- 200 pm) to control lipid oxidation of pork meat was better than the meat pork with 200 ppm BHT. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of mashua EaF phenolics to delay lipid oxidation in polyunsaturated rich fatty acid sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esta es la familia de la «mashua». La familia Tropaeolaceae es reconocida en el Perú por presentar un género, Tropaeolum, y 24 especies (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993), todas herbáceas y bejucos. En este trabajo reconocemos 10 especies endémicas, las cuales se encuentran principalmente en las regiones Bosques Muy Húmedos Montanos y Mesoandina, entre los 1800 y 3200 m de altitud. Una especie, aparentemente, se encuentra representada dentro del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado.

This work aimed to characterize the physicochemical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of a non-conventional starch obtained from cubio (Tropaeolum tuberosum), as well as to evaluate the potential use of this native Andean tuber in the preparation of biodegradable packaging. The cubio starch (CUS) showed an intermediated apparent amylose content (31.2 %) accompanied by a high CIE whiteness index (90.8). About the morphology and particle size, the CUS exhibited irregular oval and round shapes and a smooth surface with a mean particle diameter of 14.04 ± 0.1 μm. Although it showed good stability regarding pasting properties, the final viscosity was low. Native CUS exhibits a typical B-type diffraction structure, with a relative crystallinity of 16 %. The resistant starch (RS) fraction of the CUS was 94 %, indicating a low susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. The thermal analysis demonstrated that the CUS showed good thermal stability. Additionally, the films prepared using CUS as raw material showed continuous surfaces without porosities, good thermal stability, and high transparency. The results of this work demonstrate the industrial potential of the CUS as it presents characteristics comparable to commercial potato starch., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The brief history of Tropaeolum umbellatum Hooker in cultivation is described, and the original illustration (Fig. 1) is republished. Only three collections of this very distinct species appear to have been made in the wild, all in Ecuador around 1846, and no further records are noted either in the literature, or on the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum smithii DC, a climber from the mountains of tropical South America from Venezuela to Peru is illustrated. Its history and variation are discussed. The two forms in cultivation are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum minus L. was the first nasturtium to appear in European gardens. It was already widespread in the 16th century, and hence it must have been among the first American plants to be cultivated widely in European gardens. It is a smaller species than T. majus L., the well-known garden nasturtium, and has lost popularity since the latter was introduced. Its cultivation and uses are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum argentinum Buch., a climber from the mountains of Argentina and Bolivia, is illustrated. Its history, relationships and cultivation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known and long-cultivated canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum L. is illustrated. Its relationship with other species, history and cultivation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds from mashua tuber were evaluated as potential antioxidants to retard the oxidation of crude soybean oil submitted to accelerated storage and frying. During the accelerated storage, an ethanolic crude extract, a purified extract, an aqueous fraction and an ethyl acetate fraction from mashua containing different gallic acid equivalent concentrations (100, 300 and 600 ppm) in oil were evaluated at 55 °C. After 15 days of storage, better effects were evidenced against soybean oil oxidation at 300 and 600 ppm of ethyl acetate fraction in comparison to 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene and the control (no antioxidant added). During the frying process at ∼180 °C, principal component analysis revealed that the content of trienes and dienes were strongly correlated with the frying batch. Ethyl acetate fraction at 200 ppm showed the highest efficacy against oil oxidation in terms of polar compound values, free fatty acids and conjugated dienes and trienes in comparison to the oil containing 200 ppm tert-butylhydroquinone and control. Differential scanning calorimetry corroborated the efficacy of ethyl acetate fraction phenolic and it is strongly recommended as method for validation of results. This study provides strong evidence related to the excellent protective effects against soybean oil oxidation of mashua phenolics. This crop could be utilized as an alternative source of natural antioxidants by the oil industry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tropaeolum, the sole genus in the family Tropaeolaceae, comprises two sections. Sect. Tropaeolurn is largely tropical and annual. Sect. Chilensia Sparre, as profiled below, is predominantly temperate and of tuberous perennial life-form. The latter contains five subsections, three of which are published validly for the first time here. Salient distinctions of all subsections and taxa in sect. Chilensia are outlined, and keys and further facts provided, including additional taxonomic, ecological, conservational and horticultural information. The morphological boundaries of former T. jilesii Sparre are expanded and its classification is altered to nothospecies, with T. looseri Sparre and T. sessilifoliurn Poepp. & Endl. the postulated parental species. As a result its nomenclature and authorship are changed to Tropaeolurn x jilesii Sparre, emend. J.M. Watson A.R. Flores. Reasons for this reclassification are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Tropaeolum sect. Chilensia Sparre, are discussed. Their phytogeography, ecology, evolution and pollination are considered. Photographs of habitats, and of most of the species taken in the wild, are shown. A synopsis of all the species in the section, and a new arrangement of subsections is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum leptophyllum G. Don subsp. gracile (Hook. & Arnott) Sparre is described and illustrated. The history and distribution in the wild of the two subspecies of T. leptophyllum are discussed and notes on cultivation are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum incisum Sweet is described and illustrated. Its history and distribution in the wild are discussed and notes on cultivation are given. Reference is made to the vigorous form grown in Kew's Alpine House. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. subsp. pentaphyllum, from eastern South America is described and illustrated. The two other subspecies, subsp. megapetaloides Sparre and subsp. megapetalum (Buch.) Sparre are noted. Their habitat, pollination, distribution, and cultivation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum ciliatum Ruiz. & Pav. is described and illustrated. Its habitat in the wild, and its pollination, are discussed and instructions for its successful cultivation are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum azureum Bertero ex Colla from northern Chile is described and illustrated. Its cultivation and propagation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum austropurpureum (J.M. Watson & A.R. Flores) J.M. Watson & A.R. Flores, stat. nov., based on Tropaeolum hookerianum Barnéoud subsp. austropurpureum J.M. Watson & A.R. Flores, is described, and the new rank is published. Details of the discovery, ecology, and possible evolution of this species are discussed. Instructions for its cultivation are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum brachyceras Hook. & Arnott is described and illustrated. An account of its history and distribution in the wild is given and notes on cultivation are provided. The hybrid T. × tenuirostre, a cross between T. brachyceras and T. tricolor, is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum tricolor Sweet is described and illustrated. Its history and distribution in the wild are discussed and notes on cultivation are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum speciosum Poepp. & Endl. is described and illustrated. Its habitat in the wild, and its pollination are discussed, and instructions for its successful cultivation are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pav. (Tropaeolaceae) and its two subspecies, subsp. tuberosum and subsp. silvestre Sparre are described and illustrated, and their cultivation and propagation discussed. The origin of the cultivar 'Sidney' is noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuadorean mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) germplasm has been found to be widely infected with the potyvirus Tropaeolum mosaic virus (TropMV). The objective of this research was to produce virus-tested (VT) germplasm to compare growth in vitro and in the field with virus-infected (V) germplasm. Twentythree of 25 apical dome-derived clones tested free of virus based on bioassays using Nicotiana benthamiana and Chenopodium quinoa. In vitro-generated plant tissue was just as effective for determining VT status as greenhouse-generated plant tissue. Genotype rather than virus-infection status appeared to have a greater effect on in vitro proliferation. There were no differences in in vitro rooting among the genotypes or between the VT clones compared to the V clones, with at least 90% of the microcuttings rooting. However, rooted microcuttings of V clones were taller than rooted microcuttings of VT clones. Plants were readily reestablished in a greenhouse at the USDA, Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit at Fort Detrick, USA. In field experiment 1, ca. 75% of the plants survived field transplanting and VT plants of genotype 1147 had greater tuber weight (928 g) than V plants (235 g). In field experiment 2, plant mortality was high one month after field transplanting. Genotypes 1093 (59%) and 1141 (54%) had higher survival than genotype 1147 (44%); however, survival did not differ between the VT (46%) and V (59%) plants of all genotypes. No differences were noted in field performance for the three genotypes after 10 months of growth. Although overall tuber yield among the V, VT and VTR (reinfected-VT plants) did not differ, V plants produced big tubers that weighed more than those from VT plants. Thirty-three percent of the VT plants became reinfected and 42% of the V plants tested negative after 10 months in the field based on double-antibody-sandwich ELISA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Purified mashua extracts (PME) from four different coloured mashua genotypes were assayed for oxidative damage prevention. Three in vitro assays for oxidative damage to biological structures rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as LDL and erythrocytes, were tested: AAPH-induced TBARS assay and Cu2+-induced conjugated dienes assay for LDL oxidation and AAPH-induced oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes. Additionally, ORAC antioxidant capacity, total phenolics (TP), total flavanoids (TFA) and total anthocyanins (TA) were evaluated. In the presence of 5μM of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), inhibitions of LDL oxidation for the PME ranged from 29.1% to 34.8% and from 51.8% to 58.1% when the TBARS and conjugated dienes assays were performed, respectively. PME inhibited the hemolysis of erythrocytes within the range 20.8–25.1%. Thus, mashua phenolic extracts are capable of scavenging peroxyl radicals, as well as chelating redox metal ions in vitro. ORAC and LDL protection (TBARS and conjugated dienes assays) showed good correlations with the TP and TFA, suggesting that these compounds have a good ability to protect LDL molecules under the employed conditions. In contrast, inhibition of hemolysis did not show any correlation with the evaluated phenolic assays (TP, TA, TFA) or with any of the evaluated oxidative LDL assays, suggesting a specific action of some non-evaluated compounds present in the PME. The results of this study indicate that the mashua polyphenol extracts displayed good antioxidant properties against oxidative damage in biological structures rich in PUFA. The displayed antioxidant properties could be applied in the field of food or cosmetic industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maximum parsimony and Bayesian likelihood analysis of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences from 55 samples representing 25 species, subspecies, and/or hybrids of Tropaeolum sect. Chilensia yielded a tree with a large proportion of well-supported nodes at the interspecific and intersubspecific level. However, the tree shows samples from two species, T.azureum and T. brachyceras, arising in two different positions. Samples representing subspecies of T. hookerianum and T. leptophyllum suggest that these species are polyphyletic. The data corroborate evidence for hybridization between T. brachyceras and T. tricolor. Consideration of interfertility data, past and present Chilean ecology, and empirical evidence for the behavior of phenotypic and genotypic characters in known hybrids suggest a high likelihood that reticulate evolution has played a role in the diversification of T. sect. Chilensia. This reticulate evolution may explain the discordance between the ITS tree and the conventional taxonomy. High divergence in ITS sequences between T. sect. Chilensia and other members of Tropaeolum prohibits reliable outgroup-rooting, but midpoint rooting places the root at a partition comprising taxa whose distribution conforms to a relictual eastern-western South American disjunction described for other taxa. Within the Chilean taxa, the analysis suggests that biogeographic diversification has been from the mesophytic southern habitats northward to central mediterranean and northern arid zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Changes of cuticular wax morphology, chemistry, and wettability of Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae), Eucalyptus gunnii (Myrtaceae) and Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae), with different types of surface waxes, cultivated at three levels of relative air humidities (RH) (a: 20–30%, b: 40–75% and c: 98% RH) have been investigated. Wax chemistry was investigated by gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectroscopy (MS), micro morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface wettability by measuring the contact angle. Grown at 98% RH, all species showed decreased total wax mass and wax crystal density but significantly increased leaf surface wettability. In contrast cultivation at 20–30% RH led to increased total amounts of wax and reduced surface wettability. SEM investigations and GC/MS analysis revealed that wax crystal morphology and qualitative wax composition of Brassica were altered after cultivation at 98% RH, whereas chemical composition and morphology of wax crystals in Tropaeolum and Eucalyptus remained unchanged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated the substrate subsite recognition requirement of the xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase/xyloglucan-specific endo-(1→4)-β- d-glucanase (NXET) from the cotyledons of nasturtium seedlings. Seed xyloglucans are composed almost entirely of the Glc subunits XXXG, XLXG, XXLG and XLLG, where G represents an unsubstituted glucose residue, X a xylose-substituted glucose residue and L a galactosyl-xylose-substituted glucose residue. Thus in the xyloglucan sequence shown below, the xylose (Xyl) residues at the backbone glucose (Glc) residues numbered - 3,- 2, + 2 and + 3 may be galactose-substituted, and NXET cleaves between the unsubstituted glucose at - 1 and the xylose-substituted glucose at + 1, which never carries a galactosyl substituent. We have isolated the xyloglucan oligosaccharides XXXGXXXG and XLLGXLLG from NXET digests of tamarind seed xyloglucan, have modified them enzymatically using a pure xyloglucan oligosaccharide-specific α-xylosidase from nasturtium seeds to give GXXGXXXG and GLLGXLLG, and have identified and compared the products of NXET action on XXXGXXXG, GXXGXXXG, XLLGXLLG and GLLGXLLG. We have also compared the molar proportions of XXXG, XLXG, XXLG and XLLG in native tamarind and nasturtium seed xyloglucans with those in NXET digests of these polysaccharides. Using these and existing data we have demonstrated that NXET action does not require xylosesubstitution at glucose residues - 4, - 2, + 1 and + 3 and that xylose substitution at + 2, is a requirement. There may also be a requirement for xylose substitution at - 3. We have demonstrated also that galactosyl substitution of a xylose residue at + 1 prevents, and at - 2 modifies, chain-cleavage. A partial model for the minimum substrate binding requirement of NXET is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triacylglycerols of both Tropaeolum majus L. and Limnanthes douglasii R. Br. are predominantly esterified with very long-chain acyl groups at each position of the glycerol backbone. In order to elucidate whether these acyl groups are directly chanelled into the triacylglycerols via the stepwise acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate, seed oil formation has been investigated in developing embryos of both plant species. [1-C]Acetate labelling experiments using embryos at different stages of development, as well as the determination of the properties of the microsomal acyl-CoA: sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15) and acyl-CoA: sn-1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.51), revealed differences between the two plant species, especially with respect to the incorporation of very longchain acyl groups into the C2 position of the triacylglycerols. In microsomal fractions of developing embryos of L. douglasii both a glycerol-3-phosphate and a 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase were detected which utilize very long-chain acyl-CoA thioesters as substrates. Thus, in seeds of L. douglasii very long-chain acyl groups can enter not only the C1, but also the C2 position of the triacylglycerols in the course of de-novo biosynthesis. A comparison of the properties of the acyltransferases of developing embryos with those of the corresponding activities of leaves indicates an embryo specific expression of an erucoyl-CoA-dependent microsomal 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase in L. douglasii. The microsomal glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase of developing embryos of T. majus displayed properties very similar to those of the corresponding activity of L. douglasii. On the other hand, the microsomal 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases of the two plant species showed strikingly different substrate specificities. Irrespective of the acyl groups of 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate and regardless of whether acyl-CoA thioesters were offered separately or in mixtures, the enzyme of T. majus, in contrast to that of L. douglasii, was inactive with erucoyl-CoA. These results of the enzyme studies correspond well with those of the [1-C]acetate labelling experiments and thus indicate that T. majus has developed mechanisms different from those of L. douglasii for the incorporation of erucic acid into the C2 position of its triacylglycerols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid mobilisation of storage products, including xyloglucan, in cotyledons of germinating nasturtium ( Tropaeolum majus L.) normally starts about 7-8 d after imbibition and growth of the seedling at 20-25° C. Levels of activity of endo-1,4- β-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) in cotyledons, as assayed viscometrically with xyloglucan as substrate, varied in parallel with the rate of breakdown of xyloglucan. When cotyledons were excised from the seedling axis and incubated on moist filter paper at any point before 7 d, the catabolic reactions which normally occurred in the intact seedling were suspended. If, however, cotyledons excised at 8 d were incubated in 10 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a rise in endo-1,4- β-glucanase (xyloglucanase) activity was observed and a sharp decrease in fresh and dry weight as well as xyloglucan levels ensued at rates comparable to those observed in cotyledons attached to the seedling. Neither gibberellin nor kinetin treatments promoted xyloglucan breakdown or enhanced xyloglucanase activity. Addition of auxin to excised cotyledons before 7 d did not evoke premature breakdown, indicating that the tissue became receptive to auxin only at this time. The triggering process took place in darkness and was unaffected by various light-dark cycles. It is concluded that the sudden degradation of xyloglucan which occurs in nasturtium seeds about a week after germination begins is the result of enhanced activity of a depolymerizing xyloglucanase, this activity being evoked by auxin originating in the emerging seedling axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants that are infested by herbivores emit volatile cues that can be used by the natural enemies of the herbivores in their search for hosts. Based on results from behavioral studies, we investigated to what extent intact and herbivore-infested plant species and varieties from the food plant range of Pieris herbivore species differ in the composition of the volatile blends. Parasitoids of Pieris species, Cotesia glomerata and C. rubecula, show differential responses towards various herbivore-infested food plants, whereas differences in responses to plants infested by other herbivore species were less clear. Chemical analysis of the headspace samples of red cabbage, white cabbage, and nasturtium plants that were infested by P. brassicae or P. rapae larvae, or that were intact, yielded 88 compounds including alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, nitriles, terpenoids, sulfides, (iso)thiocyanates, carboxylic acids, and others. The analysis revealed that herbivore-infested plants emit the largest number of compounds in the highest amounts. The plant species affected the volatile blend more than did the herbivore species, and differences between plant varieties were less pronounced than differences between plant species. Differences in headspace composition between plants infested by P. brassicae or P. rapae were mainly of a quantitative nature. Herbivore-infested nasturtium differed considerably from the cabbage varieties in a qualitative way. Headspace compositions of red and white cabbage varieties were comparable to that of the food plant Brussels sprouts ( Brassica oleracea gemmifera cv. Titurel) as determined in earlier studies in our laboratory. With respect to plant response to herbivory, nasturtium differed considerably from the cabbage varieties analyzed so far and shows resemblance with Lima bean, cucumber, and corn. These plant species produce a greater quantity and variety of volatiles under herbivore attack than intact plants. The results of this study are discussed in relation to behavioral observations on C. glomerata and C. rubecula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]