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Chinese cabbage is rich in vitamins, fibre, and nutrients and is one of the primary vegetables consumed in autumn and winter in South Asia. 'Purple pak choi' sprouts are particularly rich in anthocyanins and are favoured by consumers. However, reports on the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in purple pak choi sprouts do not exist. In this study, we examined the phenotypic development of purple pak choi sprouts after germination. The total anthocyanin content increased from 0.02 to 0.52 mg/g FW from days 0 to 6. RNA-seq data analysis revealed an increase in differentially expressed genes corresponding to the development of purple pak choi sprouts. Expression pattern analysis of genes associated with the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway revealed a significant upregulation of structural genes during the purple phase, suggesting that the transcription factors PAP2 and MYBL2 may play crucial regulatory roles. BraPAP2.A03, BraTT8.A09, and BraMYBL2.A07 exhibited strong interactions with key genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, specifically BraDFR.A09. Furthermore, the expression of BraPAP2.A03 aligned with the expression patterns of most anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes, whereas those of BraTT8.A09 and BraMYBL2.A07 corresponded with the expression pattern of BraDFR.A09. These results provide valuable insights into regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin synthesis in purple pak choi sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol has been found to stimulate the growth of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and protect them from oxidative damage. The topical application of resveratrol effectively enhanced hair growth and stimulated the transition of the hair cycle from the resting phase (telogen) into the active growth phase (anagen phase). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of resveratrol-rich peanut callus and sprout extracts on promoting hair growth and anti-hair loss effects in hDPCs and then select the most effective extract (callus) for further assessment in clinical applications. The peanut sprout and callus were produced from plant seeds and extracted with ethanol. Resveratrol was identified as the major constituent in the extracts obtained using the HPLC approach, although no resveratrol was found in the original seed extract. Hair cell proliferation, growth factor expression, and 5α-reductase (5-AR) inhibition assays were used to examine the extracts' promotion of hair growth and inhibition of anti-hair loss in an in vitro hDPCs model, and standard resveratrol served as a positive reference. Initially, the cytotoxicity of the samples was assessed, revealing that 2.5% of all extracts and 0.02% of resveratrol exhibited a non-cytotoxic effect to hDPCs. The 50% cytotoxic concentration of peanut callus extract (15.50 ± 0.05%) was significantly less cytotoxic to hDPCs than sprout (12.30 ± 0.14%) and seed (11.69 ± 0.26%) extracts (p < 0.05). In vitro experiments indicated that peanut callus extract had the greatest proliferated hDPCs (20.44 ± 0.78%), increased the expression of growth factors (IGF-1, KGF, and HGF) and inhibited 5AR (27.83 ± 2.48%). Then, the callus extract and resveratrol as the positive standard were separately incorporated into a hair serum base and assessed for anti-hair loss effect in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 60 subjects, and the daily hair shedding count, one-minute combing, and forcible hair pluck tests were monitored for 12 weeks. The clinical study showed that the hair serum containing peanut callus extract and resveratrol were effective in reducing hair shedding (66.98% and 61.47%), decreased hair fall from combing by (83.92% and 68.19%), and increased the ratio of the anagen/telogen by (3.3 and 2.8, respectively). The results suggest that peanut callus extract has a significant amount of resveratrol and the potential to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, making it an alternative bioactive option for cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the impact of germination duration on the functional components (vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of germs and cotyledons of the germinated Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). We utilized seeds of the "Zaofeng" Chinese chestnut to germinate, and sowed the seeds in wet sand at 22 °C and 85% relative humidity. The germination rate, length, diameter, and fresh weight of the sprouts were investigated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after sowing, and the kinetic changes of amylose, amylopectin, sugar components, soluble protein, vitamin C, GABA, total phenols, flavonoids, and the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in the germs and cotyledons were monitored, respectively. The findings revealed that the germination rate and germ biomass increased continuously during germination. The germination rate reached 90% on the 8th day after sowing. Germination reduced amylose in cotyledons from 42.3% to 34.2%, amylopectin from 42.9% to 25.8%, total sugar from 12.6% to 11.4%, and vitamin C from 1.45 mg/g to 0.77 mg/g. Meanwhile, soluble protein in the embryos rose from 0.31% to 0.60%, vitamin C from 21.1 to 29.4 mg/g, GABA from 0.49 to 1.68 mg/g, total flavonoids from 53.6 to 129.7 mg/g, and ABTS antioxidant activity from 1.52 to 3.27 μmol TE/g. The average contents of D-fructose, inositol, vitamin C, GABA, polyphenols, and flavonoids and the DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity in germs were as high as 22.5, 6, 35, 7.5, 10, 20, and 10 and 20-fold those of cotyledons, respectively. Especially, the average content of glucose in germ was as high as 80-fold that of cotyledon. D-xylulose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-ribose were only found in germs, but not in cotyledons. Considering the germ biomass and functional components content, germs of Chinese chestnuts germinated at 22 °C for 8 days are considered the most suitable raw material for functional food products. In conclusion, controlled germination not only enhances the physicochemical and functional properties of Chinese chestnut germs but also reduces the caloric content and improves the nutritional composition of the cotyledons appropriately. Moreover, the comprehensive evaluation of compositional changes and functionality in the embryo and cotyledon of Chinese chestnuts will provide a solid foundation for subsequent functional food processing utilizing germinated Chinese chestnuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprout is a popular homemade salad, but frequently contaminated with pathogens, which requires efficient disinfection measure. The present work demonstrated an effective method to control microorganisms on seeds before sprout production using electrochemical activated solution (EAS). The seeds were treated with EAS containing different concentrations of chlorine to assess the efficacy of disinfection, germination, and sprout growth. The long-term effect of the treatment with EAS was studied on seeds stored for 4, 8, or 12 w at 8 or 28°C. The results showed that EAS treatment reduced coliform and Erwinia carotovora without affecting seed germination or sprout growth. High sterilisation efficacy was achieved at higher available chlorine concentration (ACC) and/or longer treatment. The highest disinfection effect was observed at the ACC of 29.0 ppm and treatment at 15 min. Sterilisation was maintained for 12 w at 8°C or 4 – 8 w at 28°C when the seeds were treated with EAS having 29.0 ppm ACC in 15 min. The present work provided an effective way to control bacteria on seeds, and prevent the transmission of pathogens from seeds to later sprout products, thus improving their safety and hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is one of the most important legume crops grown in subtropical and tropical regions with high nutritional quality. However, the consumption of pigeon pea is very limited worldwide owing to its high level of anti‐nutrients, hard texture, and unpleasant characteristic taste. The present review summarized the nutritional profile and health benefit of pigeon pea with special attention to its bioactive phytochemicals (e.g., cajanin, cajanol, and cajaninstilbene acid). Furthermore, some aspects that can help promote the application of pigeon pea in foods were highlighted from the perspectives of physical (i.e., thermal, extrusion, and ultrasound‐assisted), chemical (i.e., chemical modification and enzymatic hydrolysis), and biological treatment (i.e., sprouting and fermentation). The primary impact of physical methods was confined to the mitigation of anti‐nutrients. Chemical approaches were less explored and mainly targeted on the modification of starch and protein in pigeon pea. In contrast, the biological methods were found to decrease the level of anti‐nutritional factors, increase the production of bioactive phytochemicals, and improve the sensory properties of pigeon pea. Therefore, biological methods, especially sprouting techniques, are considered to be more promising.

Crop plant varieties exhibit diverse reactions when subjected to wastewater irrigation in terms of seed germination, seedling development, and overall productivity. Magneto-priming, which involves treating seeds with an appropriate magnetic field, is gaining popularity as the preferred technique due to its effectiveness and environmentally friendly characteristics for improving seed vigour, growth, and plant yield. In this study, magneto-primed and non-primed broccoli seeds were irrigated with distilled or wastewater and kept under observation for a 10-day period to record seedling growth. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the impact of magneto-priming on broccoli seeds with a homogeneous stationary magnetic-field strength of 5.9 mT for 1 h. They were irrigated with two types of water: distilled and wastewater. Another test was performed to evaluate the effect of 1-h and 2-h magneto-priming on seed germination when seeds were irrigated with wastewater. From the results, the broccoli seedlings irrigated with distilled water grew higher and heavier than the ones irrigated with wastewater, probably due to the significant amounts of salts in organic wastewater. Nonetheless, the saline effect of wastewater was ameliorated when seeds were previously magneto-primed. All the germination parameters of broccoli seeds irrigated with wastewater were significantly reduced when seeds were magneto-primed for both periods.

Crop plant varieties exhibit diverse reactions when subjected to wastewater irrigation in terms of seed germination, seedling development, and overall productivity. Magneto-priming, which involves treating seeds with an appropriate magnetic field, is gaining popularity as the preferred technique due to its effectiveness and environmentally friendly characteristics for improving seed vigour, growth, and plant yield. In this study, magneto-primed and non-primed broccoli seeds were irrigated with distilled or wastewater and kept under observation for a 10-day period to record seedling growth. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the impact of magneto-priming on broccoli seeds with a homogeneous stationary magnetic-field strength of 5.9 mT for 1 h. They were irrigated with two types of water: distilled and wastewater. Another test was performed to evaluate the effect of 1-h and 2-h magneto-priming on seed germination when seeds were irrigated with wastewater. From the results, the broccoli seedlings irrigated with distilled water grew higher and heavier than the ones irrigated with wastewater, probably due to the significant amounts of salts in organic wastewater. Nonetheless, the saline effect of wastewater was ameliorated when seeds were previously magneto-primed. All the germination parameters of broccoli seeds irrigated with wastewater were significantly reduced when seeds were magneto-primed for both periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The paper has application potential in the bakery and related industries, considering that the proposed solutions offer improved products in terms of the nutritional and functional points of view. This study aimed to compare the nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wheat flour (WF) cookies enriched with different proportions of lupin sprout flour (LSF) and those with different proportions of lupin green sprout (LGS). To achieve this, a control cookie (CC); three cookies with 10%, 20%, and 30% of LSF, respectively, CLSF1, CLSF2, and CLSF3; and three other cookies (CLGS1, CLGS2, and CLGS3) with 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, were produced. The proximate composition of each cookie was analyzed using AOAC methods. Also, the measurements of the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, individual polyphenols, glycemic index, and a sensory analysis were carried out using recent and accurate methods. The contribution of the main nutrients from 100 g of product to the required daily dose was also calculated. Data analysis revealed that cookies with LSF were richer than cookies with LGS in protein, fat, and energy values. CLGS3 was 35.12%, 1.45%, and 5.0% lower in protein, fat, and energy content than CLSF3, respectively. On the other hand, CLSF3 was lower than CLGS3, with 48.2% and 12.4% in moisture and mineral substances, respectively. Both cookies were lower in carbohydrates than the CC (65.20 g/100 g). Still on the subject of micro- and macronutrients, cookies with LSF were richer than those with LGS in all the minerals analyzed. The study also revealed improvements in phytochemical properties, such as total and individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity with the percentage of lupin sprout flour addition. The sensory analysis revealed that, for LSF and LGS cookies, the 10% samples were the most appreciated by consumers, irrespective of the sensory attributes studied. The glycemic index of the CLSF2 product was lower compared to the CC. This study shows that the LSF cookies have better nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory values than the LGS cookies. LSF is, therefore, better suited than LGS to the enrichment of bakery products in general and cookies in particular. The paper provides significant information to estimate the contribution of the consumption of functional products based on lupin sprouts to the required daily dose of food nutrients and the impact on the glycemic index of fortified products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of plasma treatment on reused water and evaluated the interactions of the plasma-treated water (PTW) with plants or microbes to determine the optimal PTW for reuse. The repeated treatment gradually accumulated nitrate (NO3−) in the PTW and lowered its pH; afterward, it led to the sprouted soybeans accumulating other inorganic ions in the PTW. The biomass of soybean sprouts was enhanced by the accumulated NO3− but decreased due to the pH effect. Meanwhile, the acidic pH reduced the microbial counts, but they increased after sprinkling the PTW over the sprouts. The optimal PTW in our study, which had a gradual increase of NO3− (≤321.8 mg·L−1) with an acceptable pH (≥pH 3), significantly enhanced the biomass by 4.2% compared to the untreated control. Additionally, it increased the total content of amino acids and isoflavones by 9% and 18% in the growing part, respectively.

The current study investigated the impact of germination duration on the functional components (vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of germs and cotyledons of the germinated Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). We utilized seeds of the “Zaofeng” Chinese chestnut to germinate, and sowed the seeds in wet sand at 22 °C and 85% relative humidity. The germination rate, length, diameter, and fresh weight of the sprouts were investigated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after sowing, and the kinetic changes of amylose, amylopectin, sugar components, soluble protein, vitamin C, GABA, total phenols, flavonoids, and the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in the germs and cotyledons were monitored, respectively. The findings revealed that the germination rate and germ biomass increased continuously during germination. The germination rate reached 90% on the 8th day after sowing. Germination reduced amylose in cotyledons from 42.3% to 34.2%, amylopectin from 42.9% to 25.8%, total sugar from 12.6% to 11.4%, and vitamin C from 1.45 mg/g to 0.77 mg/g. Meanwhile, soluble protein in the embryos rose from 0.31% to 0.60%, vitamin C from 21.1 to 29.4 mg/g, GABA from 0.49 to 1.68 mg/g, total flavonoids from 53.6 to 129.7 mg/g, and ABTS antioxidant activity from 1.52 to 3.27 μmol TE/g. The average contents of D-fructose, inositol, vitamin C, GABA, polyphenols, and flavonoids and the DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity in germs were as high as 22.5, 6, 35, 7.5, 10, 20, and 10 and 20-fold those of cotyledons, respectively. Especially, the average content of glucose in germ was as high as 80-fold that of cotyledon. D-xylulose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-ribose were only found in germs, but not in cotyledons. Considering the germ biomass and functional components content, germs of Chinese chestnuts germinated at 22 °C for 8 days are considered the most suitable raw material for functional food products. In conclusion, controlled germination not only enhances the physicochemical and functional properties of Chinese chestnut germs but also reduces the caloric content and improves the nutritional composition of the cotyledons appropriately. Moreover, the comprehensive evaluation of compositional changes and functionality in the embryo and cotyledon of Chinese chestnuts will provide a solid foundation for subsequent functional food processing utilizing germinated Chinese chestnuts.

Dormancy release pattern, sprout growth and later reproduction were studied among various tuber sizes of Cyperus esculentus to determine effective methods to release dormancy and further to select suitable tuber size of this species in production. The results showed that medium tubers performed better during sprouting than large and small tubers under all pre-sprouting treatments. Pre-sprouting treatments at 25°C, 35°C, RT (room temperature) and −2°C were effective in relieving dormancy in medium tubers. Tiller number from medium tubers were significantly higher under 25°C, RT and 45°C than under 35°C and −2°C. Shoot and root mass from medium tubers were significantly higher under the 25°C, 35°C and RT than under other treatments. Tiller and tuber numbers both decreased with decreasing tuber size, as did tuber yield after three months of growth. Furthermore, leftover mass decreased with decreasing tuber mass and remained unchanged at sprouting and maturity periods. A significantly negative allometric correlation was found between plant mass and tuber mass from small tubers. However, a significantly positive allometric correlation was found between tuber size and tuber number from large tubers. In conclusion, medium tubers had a competitive advantage in sprouting, growth and reproduction.

A sprout/polyaniline was synthesized via the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of natural sprout, based on a concept of cyborg plant composite. The composite consisted of both polyaniline and plants. The chemical structure was confirmed by infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements. Optical microscopy observation revealed that polyaniline was deposited into the micro-tissue of the sprout to form the conductive polymer bio-composite. Micro-optical fiber functions for the composite were visually confirmed. Furthermore, the sprout/polyaniline based organic diode exhibited an avalanche breakdown phenomenon. Next, a fucoidan/polyaniline composite as a physiological active material/conducting polymer composite was prepared. This composite showed good film-forming ability, electrochromism, and a micro-porous surface. This paper reports the preparation of conducting polymer composites with a combination of bio-tissue and bio-substance for the creation of bio-based electrically active organized architecture.

ABSTRACT The most severe drought of this century in the Amazon rainforest, which was caused by El Niño, occurred from 2015 to 2016. With a focus on the ecophysiology of the regrowth of the Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excelsa, it was investigated how the progression of the drought of 2015-2016 affected the physiological traits of the coppice regrowth of B. excelsa. The experiment was carried out in a ten-year-old plantation of Brazil nut trees, which had been subjected to thinning and coppice regrowth two years earlier. In the sprouts grown on the stumps of cut trees, the following treatments were applied: (T1) thinning to one sprout per stump; (T2) thinning to two sprouts per stump, and (T3) maintenance of three sprouts per stump. Thinning treatments did not alter the growth and ecophysiological traits of the Brazil nut tree sprouts, though the phosphorus content of the leaves was higher in T1. However, the progression of the drought in 2015-2016 negatively affected the growth (height) and gas exchange of sprouts of all treatments. In addition, an increase of around 37% was observed in the intrinsic water-use efficiency. Concerning photochemical performance, no alterations were observed. Therefore, drought stress promoted a negative effect on sprout growth and affected traits related to the photosynthesis of the B. excelsa sprouts independently of the number of sprouts per stump.

This study aimed to compare the nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wheat flour (WF) cookies enriched with different proportions of lupin sprout flour (LSF) and those with different proportions of lupin green sprout (LGS). To achieve this, a control cookie (CC); three cookies with 10%, 20%, and 30% of LSF, respectively, CLSF1, CLSF2, and CLSF3; and three other cookies (CLGS1, CLGS2, and CLGS3) with 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, were produced. The proximate composition of each cookie was analyzed using AOAC methods. Also, the measurements of the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, individual polyphenols, glycemic index, and a sensory analysis were carried out using recent and accurate methods. The contribution of the main nutrients from 100 g of product to the required daily dose was also calculated. Data analysis revealed that cookies with LSF were richer than cookies with LGS in protein, fat, and energy values. CLGS3 was 35.12%, 1.45%, and 5.0% lower in protein, fat, and energy content than CLSF3, respectively. On the other hand, CLSF3 was lower than CLGS3, with 48.2% and 12.4% in moisture and mineral substances, respectively. Both cookies were lower in carbohydrates than the CC (65.20 g/100 g). Still on the subject of micro- and macronutrients, cookies with LSF were richer than those with LGS in all the minerals analyzed. The study also revealed improvements in phytochemical properties, such as total and individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity with the percentage of lupin sprout flour addition. The sensory analysis revealed that, for LSF and LGS cookies, the 10% samples were the most appreciated by consumers, irrespective of the sensory attributes studied. The glycemic index of the CLSF2 product was lower compared to the CC. This study shows that the LSF cookies have better nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory values than the LGS cookies. LSF is, therefore, better suited than LGS to the enrichment of bakery products in general and cookies in particular. The paper provides significant information to estimate the contribution of the consumption of functional products based on lupin sprouts to the required daily dose of food nutrients and the impact on the glycemic index of fortified products.

A sprout/polyaniline was synthesized via the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of natural sprout, based on a concept of cyborg plant composite. The composite consisted of both polyaniline and plants. The chemical structure was confirmed by infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements. Optical microscopy observation revealed that polyaniline was deposited into the micro-tissue of the sprout to form the conductive polymer bio-composite. Micro-optical fiber functions for the composite were visually confirmed. Furthermore, the sprout/polyaniline based organic diode exhibited an avalanche breakdown phenomenon. Next, a fucoidan/polyaniline composite as a physiological active material/conducting polymer composite was prepared. This composite showed good film-forming ability, electrochromism, and a micro-porous surface. This paper reports the preparation of conducting polymer composites with a combination of bio-tissue and bio-substance for the creation of bio-based electrically active organized architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Humans and plants have become enfolded and inseparable. Abiotic stresses in particular oxidative stress caused by heavy‐metal ions or high‐level salt contamination deleteriously impact plants’ growth process and have become a major threat to sustaining food security. Sprouting is the first step in plants’ growth process. When plant sprouts endure oxidative stress induced by toxic heavy‐metal ions or high‐level salt, accelerated generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., H2O2) occurs inside plant sprouts; hence in‐situ H2O2 in plant sprouts could serve as the in‐vivo biomarker for tracking the oxidative stress in plant sprouts. Herein, we design an activatable probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 to track the oxidative stress in plant sprouts via in vivo NIR‐II fluorescent imaging. In CT‐XA‐H2O2, cyano‐thiazole acts as the electron‐accepting moiety and xanthane‐aminodiphenyl as the electron‐donating moiety, and dioxaborolane as the biomarker‐responsive unit and fluorescence quencher. The probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 shows weak fluorescent emission. When H2O2 is present, the dioxaborolane in the probe is cleaved, consequently, the dye CT‐XA‐OH is generated and brings about significant fluorescent signals for detecting and imaging the in‐situ biomarker. Moreover, the aminodiphenyl group endues the chromophore (the activated probe) with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics, which ensures stronger fluorescence in the aggregated state in the aqueous milieu. The probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 has been employed in the Cd2+‐ion or high‐level salt (NaCl) induced oxidative stress models of soybean sprouts and peanut sprouts, and the experimental results evidently reveal the probe's ability for in‐situ biomarker‐activatable in‐vivo detection and imaging in the plants' sprouts.

Seeds of five cotton varieties - Chirpan-539, Helius, Trakia, Natalia and IPK Nelina, stored for one and two years, were subjected to pre-sowing electromagnetic treatments. Stimulating effect of treatments on the length of sprout and root has been established. Sprout length increased by 10.1-15.3% compared to the untreated control. Options 1 [U = (8...5)kV and t = (15...35)s] and 4 [U = (6...3)kV and t = (5...25)s] were the best ones. The length of root increased by 5.3-17.5% and the total length of sprout and root, as a generalized index, increased by 7.5-16.4%. Option 4 was the best one. Electromagnetic treatments had different impact on seeds under different storage durations due to their different physiological state. All options of electromagnetic treatment had a positive effect on the length of sprout and root, respectively on the total length of sprout and root, for the seeds stored for one year. During the two-year storage of seeds, all treatments showed significant and insignificant lower values than the control variant. Greater length of root and sprout than the control variant (Chirpan-539, one-year storage, untreated seeds) was found only in the one-year storage of seeds, for individual varieties. The total length of sprout and root during the one-year storage of seeds was greater for the varieties: Natalia - by 22.9-24.1% in options 1 and 4; Nelina - by 17.8-23.0% in options 2 [U = (6...3)kV and t = (15...35)s], 4 and 5 [U = (4...2)kV and t = (5...25)s]); Helius - by 16.5-19.5% in options 2 and 4; Chirpan-539 - 15.3% in option 4. Compared to the untreated controls corresponding to each variety and period of storage, a positive effect on the length of sprout and root was observed for all varieties in both storage periods. The strongest stimulating effect of pre-sowing electromagnetic treatments was found for the variety Helius, in the one-year storage of seeds, the total length of sprout and root increased by 36.5-43.9% in options 1, 2 and 4, compared to the respective control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we discuss the advantages of vegetable sprouts in the development of food products as well as their beneficial effects on a variety of disorders. Sprouts are obtained from different types of plants and seeds and various types of leafy, root, and shoot vegetables. Vegetable sprouts are enriched in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins. Currently, different conventional methods and advanced technologies are used to extract bioactive compounds from vegetable sprouts. Due to some issues in traditional methods, increasingly, the trend is to use recent technologies because the results are better. Applications of phytonutrients extracted from sprouts are finding increased utility for food processing and shelf-life enhancement. Vegetable sprouts are being used in the preparation of different functional food products such as juices, bread, and biscuits. Previous research has shown that vegetable sprouts can help to fight a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, in the future, more research is needed that explores the extraordinary ways in which vegetable sprouts can be incorporated into green-food processing and preservation for the purpose of enhancing shelf-life and the formation of functional meat products and substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Seeds of five Bulgarian cotton varieties, stored for one and two years, were subjected to five pre-sowing electromagnetic treatments with different intensity and duration of exposure. It was found that the selected values of controllable factors had stimulating effect on the total length and total mass of sprout and root. The total length of sprout and root increased by 7.5-16.4% (p

This study aimed to determine the effect of cutting intensity on the recovery rate, growth, and biomass production of selected savanna forage shrub species. The study was conducted at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus in the Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana. Cajanus cajan, Stylosanthes mucronata, Tephrosia purpureum and Securinega virosa were cut at 15 cm, 30 cm, and 60 cm above ground level a month after a standardizing cut and number of days to sprout, the number of shoots, plant height, and root collar diameter was recorded. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Shrubs cut at 60 cm used less mean number of days (4.25) for sprouting and those cut at 15 cm took a longer period (4.92) to sprout. Plant height, number of shoots, and root collar diameter after cutting were highest for shrubs cut at 60 cm. Securinega virosa used less mean number of days (4.00) to sprout while S. mucronata used the highest mean number of days (5.44) after cutting. Total dry matter yield was significantly highest (123.90 g/plant) for shrubs cut at 60 cm but lowest for those cut at 15 cm (91.20 g/plant). Cajanus cajan recorded a significantly higher total dry matter (116.30 g/plant) while S. virosa had the lowest (93.00 g/plant). Our results suggest that cutting height significantly influences the rate of sprouting of shrubs after cutting, and the response to the cutting effect is species-dependent.

Sprouting is associated with nutritional value, as microgreens stimulate the accumulation of health-promoting phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to examine the growth rates and cell protection activity against oxidative stress in sprouts of seven wheat varieties, and to investigate the influence of low temperatures on their phytochemical characteristics. Among the seven wheat varieties (five Korean varieties, Australian standard white, and Chinese wild-type wheat germplasm), purple wheat (Ariheuk) had the fastest growth pattern for 8 days and provided the most protection to skin cells and hepatocytes against oxidative stress. Following low-temperature treatment (<4 °C) for 1–4 days, cold exposure had a similar effect on the growth of purple wheat sprouts during an 8-day period. However, growth was negatively affected by exposure to low temperatures for more than 5 days. Purple wheat sprouts treated with low temperatures for 4 days had considerably higher total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents, as well as a higher antioxidant capacity than untreated wheat sprouts. These findings suggest that low-temperature treatment promotes the expression of phytochemicals in purple wheat sprouts. Thus, purple wheat sprouts are considered a high-value crop that could be used as a functional food material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The relationship between physiological age of parental trees and lifespan of clonal offspring is unclear. White oak (Quercus fabri Hance) has a high sprouting capability after harvest, with the regenerated sprouts being typical clonal individuals. To determine whether regenerated sprouts undergo rapid senescence compared with the parent, the senescence levels of 5-, 10-, 20- and 40-year-old regenerated stump sprouts in a natural forest were evaluated. The antioxidative abilities and transcriptomes in these leaves and shoots were compared. Results Older regenerated sprouts still had robust antioxidative systems, with 40-year-old sprouts having lower peroxidation product levels but similar antioxidative enzyme activity levels compared with 5-year-old sprouts. Older leaves had greater transcriptional activities in pathways related to cell growth and division than younger leaves. However, older sprouts had some unhealthy characteristics, such as increased base excision repair levels and upregulated phagosome, proteasome and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways in 40-year-old leaves, which indicates that DNA damage and tissue remodeling occurred more frequently than in younger leaves. Additionally, plant-pathogen interactions and MAPK signals pathways were upregulated in older shoots, which indicates that older shoots suffered from more pathogen-related biotic stress. Conclusions The 40-year-old sprouts still had the same vitality level as the 5-year-old sprouts, although the former had some unhealthy characteristics. We conclude that during their first 40 years of growth, regenerated stump sprouts do not begin to senesce, and that physiological age of parental trees does not significantly affect the lifespan of its clonal offspring.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the origin and size of planting material on the morphological characteristics of seed tuber's three potato cultivars. The objects of research were three varieties of potatoes: Aladdin, Newton and Desiree. The analysis of the morphological characteristics tuber showed highly significant (r

Rapeseed is the third largest oil crop in the world and the largest oil crop in China. The multi-functional development and utilization of rapeseed is an effective measure for the high-quality development of rapeseed industry in China. In this study, several basic nutrients of eight rapeseed sprouts and five bean sprouts (3–5 varieties each) were determined, including sugar, crude protein, crude fiber, vitamin E, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and glucosinolates. Data analysis revealed that compared with bean sprouts, rapeseed sprouts were nutritionally balanced and were richer in active nutrients such as glucose, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and glucosinolate. Moreover, rapeseed sprouts exhibited reasonable amino acid composition and abundant unsaturated fatty acids (accounting for 90.32% of the total fatty acids). All these results indicated the potential of rapeseed sprout as a functional vegetable. Subsequently, three dominant nutrients including vitamin E, glucosinolate, and selenium were investigated in seeds and sprouts of 44 B. napus L. varieties. The results showed that germination raised the ratio of α-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol from 0.53 in seeds to 9.65 in sprouts, greatly increasing the content of α-tocopherol with the strongest antioxidant activity among the eight isomers of vitamin E. Furthermore, germination promoted the conversion and accumulation of glucosinolate components, especially, glucoraphanin with strong anti-cancer activity with its proportion increased from 1.06% in seeds to 1.62% in sprouts. In addition, the contents of selenium, vitamin E, and glucosinolate in rapeseed sprouts were highly correlated with those in seeds. Furthermore, these three dominant nutrients varied greatly within B. napus varieties, indicating the great potential of rapeseed sprouts to be further bio-enhanced. Our findings provide reference for the multi-purpose development and utilization of rapeseed, lay a theoretical foundation for the development of rapeseed sprout into a functional vegetable, and provide a novel breeding direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: determine in almond cv. Guara and cv. Marinada the date of transition between endodormancy and ecodormancy, and chill and heat requirements to breaking autumn-winter. Materials and methods: to determine the transition date between endodormancy and ecodormancy, a correlation method was used between the date of full bloom and periods of average air temperature. The cold requirement was determined using three different models: chill hours (CH), chill units (CU) and chill portions (CP). Heat accumulation was calculated as growing degree hours (GDH °C) for the three models of cold accumulation. Results: the average transition date between endodormancy and ecodormancy wasJuly 29 for cv. Guara and July 27 for cv. Marinada. The CP model estimated the date of full bloom one day before that observed in the field. The CH model six days earlier, and the CU model six days later. Conclusion: the most suitable model was the CP model. Cultivars Guara and Marinada have the same cold requirement (41 CP) and different heat requirements (4626 and 5552 GDH °C, respectively), for blooming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of five Bulgarian cotton varieties, stored for one and two years, were subjected to five pre-sowing electromagnetic treatments with different intensity and duration of exposure. It was found that the selected values of controllable factors had stimulating effect on the total length and total mass of sprout and root. The total length of sprout and root increased by 7.5-16.4% (p<0.05), the total mass of sprout and root increased by 7.8-12.7% (p<0.05). The best treatment options were 1[U=(8...5)kV, T =(15...35)s] and 4[U=(6...3)kV, T =(5...25)s]. Electromagnetic treatments had stronger positive effect on seeds stored for one year. Compared to the untreated control, corresponding to each storage period, the electromagnetic impact had stimulating effect for both storage periods: for the total length of sprout and root the increase was by 7.6-21.1% and 2.3-11.0% at option 4; for the total mass of sprout and root it was by 10.8-16.5% at option 1 and 4.5-9.1% at option 4, respectively, at one-year and two-year storage of seeds. In comparison with the control Chirpan-539 variety, untreated seeds, one-year storage, higher values for both studied characteristics were found only for seeds stored for one-year: for the total length of root and sprout at the varieties Natalia, treatment options 1 and 4, Nelina and Helius, options 2 and 4 and Chirpan-539, option 1; for the total mass of root and sprout at the varieties Nelina, options 1, 2 and 3 and Chirpan-539, option 5. Compared to the untreated control corresponding to each variety, the stimulating effect of the pre-sowing electromagnetic treatment for the two characteristics was found for all varieties, for both storage periods. The Helius variety was the most responsive to the electromagnetic impact, with the strongest stimulating effect for both characteristics, at the one-year storage of seeds the total length of sprout and root increased most strongly by 34.8-43.9% at options 1, 4 and 2[U=(6...3)kV, T =(15...35)s], and the total mass of sprout and root increased by 48.5% at options . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize varieties BH540, BH660, BH661, and MVFG (unknown variety as local check) were evaluated at low (5.6 kg m-2 ), medium (7.6 kg m-2 ), and high (9.6 kg m-2 ) seed rate for hydroponic fodder productivity. A 3 × 4m wide and 3 m height low-cost plastic house made of translucent plastic and a plastic trays made by bisecting a 25 liter capacity plastic oil container into two equal parts were used for growing the hydroponic fodder. The bottoms of the trays were drilled to open holes to drain excess water during irrigation and placed on shelves.The BH661 exhibited significantly (p

Present Russian agriculture tends to increase grain production not only due to increased productivity, but also by improving the quality of seed material. Due to the large number of injured grains in the total amount, their sowing qualities deteriorate, and the future yield decreases. The purpose of the current study is to identify the degree of the effect of seed injury on their sowing qualities. The objects of the research were the winter soft wheat varieties “Aksiniya” and “Lydia” developed in the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. It has been established that it is impossible to obtain high-quality seeds without reducing grain injury during harvesting and post-harvesting processing. Seeds with a damaged hull and partly an embryo can germinate under laboratory conditions. In our trials, laboratory germination of the variety “Aksiniya” ranged from 92 to 99%, and that of the variety “Lydia” varied from 95 to 99%. The field germination rate of injured seeds is much lower than laboratory germination and it was 81 to 92% for the variety “Aksiniya”, and 92% for the variety “Lydia”. This is due to the fact that soil microflora has a negative effect on injured seeds. Seed processing increased a number of injured seeds from 11 to 17% of the total injury after a combine threshing, which resulted in a decrease of the number of sprouts and their dry weight for the variety “Aksiniya” by 7 pieces and 0.13 g; for the variety “Lydia” by 8 pieces and 0.1 g, respectively. The study of the injured seeds of winter soft wheat revealed that sprouts from injured seeds lag behind not only in growth and development, but also form a smaller weight of sprouts compared to the weight of sprouts grown from non-injured seeds. It was established that harvesting equipment injures from 11 to 39% of seeds, and the share of grain processing equipment accounts for 11–17% of injured seeds.

South Kalimantan's pre-eminent cowpea, namely Nagara beans, needs to be improved, one of them being sprout flour. The purpose of this study was to (1) analyze the chemical and physicochemical properties of Nagara bean sprout flour on a small scale; (2) determining the best soaking and germination time on a small scale; and (3) comparing the chemical properties of Nagara bean sprout flour between small scale and scale up. The method used is making Nagara bean sprout on a small scale with an amount of 500 g, while on a scale up making sprout with an amount of 3000 g. Making sprouts on a small scale soaking for 12, 18, and 24 hours and germination for 24, 36, 42 and 48 hours. The germination for scale up is done with the best soaking and germination time of small-scale results, namely soaking for 12 hours and germination for 48 hours. The result is that soaking time only affects protein and carbohydrate content, whereas the interaction between soaking and germination time only affects the protein content of Nagara bean sprout flour. The best Nagara bean sprout flour is produced with a 12 hours soaking time and 48 hours germination time. Changes in the scale of the process of germination of Nagara bean sprout flour from small scale to scale up caused a decrease in levels of ash, protein and vitamin C content and an increase in levels of fat, carbohydrates, Fe, Ca, and vitamin E content.

Soil and water salinization differently affects the growth and development of rice at all stages, reducing its productivity. The article presents the results of the analysis aimed to determine salt resistance of 186 hybrid samples of rice F5 developed in the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”. There were studied the samples developed from three hybrid combinations “IR 52713-2B-8-2B-1-2 x Novator”; “IR 74099-3R-3-3 x Novator”; “NSIC Rc 106 x Novator”. The studies were carried out in the ABSIE FSBI HE DonSAU. The rice seeds were germinated in rolls of filter paper on 1.5% NaCl solution and in distilled water. Salt tolerance was determined as the ratio of the percentage of germinated seeds in the experiment to the control. The purpose of the research is to analyze rice samples for salinization resistance. The analysis found out that the rice samples differed significantly among themselves in the length of the sprouts and roots on the salted and control variants. The graphic material of the article reliably shows the relative and absolute values of sprouts and roots in a trial and in a control variant. The analysis showed an average correlation between the length of sprouts in the trial and salt tolerance for sprouts (0.62±0.08), as well as a high correlation between the length of the roots in the trial and salt tolerance for the roots (0.74±0.09). PCR analysis with the help of the markers RM493 and RM7075 made possible to identify in 59 forms the presence of the dominant QTL locus Saltol in the homozygous state. According to the set of indicators 14 best samples were identified. Selected on salt solutions, the best samples with long shoots and roots have been planted on the rice bays of the OS “Proletarskaya” in the form of seedlings.

Sprouting is associated with nutritional value, as microgreens stimulate the accumulation of health-promoting phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to examine the growth rates and cell protection activity against oxidative stress in sprouts of seven wheat varieties, and to investigate the influence of low temperatures on their phytochemical characteristics. Among the seven wheat varieties (five Korean varieties, Australian standard white, and Chinese wild-type wheat germplasm), purple wheat (Ariheuk) had the fastest growth pattern for 8 days and provided the most protection to skin cells and hepatocytes against oxidative stress. Following low-temperature treatment (

Background: The relationship between physiological age of parental trees and lifespan of clonal offspring is unclear. White oak (Quercus fabri Hance) has a high sprouting capability after harvest, with the regenerated sprouts being typical clonal individuals. To determine whether regenerated sprouts undergo rapid senescence compared with the parent, the senescence levels of 5-, 10-, 20- and 40-year-old regenerated stump sprouts in a natural forest were evaluated. The antioxidative abilities and transcriptomes in these leaves and shoots were compared. Results: Older regenerated sprouts still had robust antioxidative systems, with 40-year-old sprouts having lower peroxidation product levels but similar antioxidative enzyme activity levels compared with 5-year-old sprouts. Older leaves had greater transcriptional activities in pathways related to cell growth and division than younger leaves. However, older sprouts had some unhealthy characteristics, such as increased base excision repair levels and upregulated phagosome, proteasome and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways in 40-year-old leaves, which indicates that DNA damage and tissue remodeling occurred more frequently than in younger leaves. Additionally, plant-pathogen interactions and MAPK signals pathways were upregulated in older shoots, which indicates that older shoots suffered from more pathogen-related biotic stress. Conclusions: The 40-year-old sprouts still had the same vitality level as the 5-year-old sprouts, although the former had some unhealthy characteristics. We conclude that during their first 40 years of growth, regenerated stump sprouts do not begin to senesce, and that physiological age of parental trees does not significantly affect the lifespan of its clonal offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative profiling of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) in seeds, sprouts, and grasses of corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were performed. TPC and AOA were strongly correlated and increased with days. Grasses between 10 and 13 days showed the highest TPCs and AOA. The AOA in sprouts and grasses were a fifth and two-thirds of ascorbic acid (AA) standard, respectively, which are higher than in several popular natural antioxidants. Further cell-based studies or in vivo studies could be considered in future to draw more valuable information related to human health.

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a Mediterranean crop, member of the Asteraceae family, characterized by high production of biomass and secondary metabolites and by a good adaptation to climate change, usable in green chemistry, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent studies demonstrated the ability of cardoon to grow up in a stressful environment, which is associated with enhanced biosynthesis of biologically active compounds in these plants, and this effect is increased by abiotic stresses (salt, heat, pollution, and drought stress) that characterize many world marginal areas, affected by the climate changes. The plant response to these stresses consists in implementing different processes that modify some plant biological functions, such as alleviating both cellular hyperosmolarity and ion disequilibrium or synthesizing antioxidant molecules. The aim of this work was to investigate different cardoon response mechanisms to abiotic stresses and to evaluate their influence on the biologically active compounds biosynthesis. Following this purpose, we analyzed the ability of cardoon seeds to germinate under different salt stress conditions, and on the sprouts obtained, we measured the total phenol content and the antioxidant activity. Moreover, the growth of cardoon seedlings grown under heavy metals stress conditions was monitored, and the expression levels of heavy metal transport–associated genes were analyzed. The results showed the ability of cardoon plants to tolerate abiotic stress, thanks to different defense mechanisms and the possibility to obtain biomass with high content of biologically active molecules by exploiting the natural tolerance of this species for abiotic stresses. Moreover, we identified some important genes encoding for metal transportation that may be involved in arsenic and cadmium uptake and translocation in C. cardunculus. Then, this species can be considered as a promising crop for green chemistry and energy in marginal lands.

Rapeseed is the third largest oil crop in the world and the largest oil crop in China. The multi-functional development and utilization of rapeseed is an effective measure for the high-quality development of rapeseed industry in China. In this study, several basic nutrients of eight rapeseed sprouts and five bean sprouts (3–5 varieties each) were determined, including sugar, crude protein, crude fiber, vitamin E, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and glucosinolates. Data analysis revealed that compared with bean sprouts, rapeseed sprouts were nutritionally balanced and were richer in active nutrients such as glucose, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and glucosinolate. Moreover, rapeseed sprouts exhibited reasonable amino acid composition and abundant unsaturated fatty acids (accounting for 90.32% of the total fatty acids). All these results indicated the potential of rapeseed sprout as a functional vegetable. Subsequently, three dominant nutrients including vitamin E, glucosinolate, and selenium were investigated in seeds and sprouts of 44 B. napus L. varieties. The results showed that germination raised the ratio of α-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol from 0.53 in seeds to 9.65 in sprouts, greatly increasing the content of α-tocopherol with the strongest antioxidant activity among the eight isomers of vitamin E. Furthermore, germination promoted the conversion and accumulation of glucosinolate components, especially, glucoraphanin with strong anti-cancer activity with its proportion increased from 1.06% in seeds to 1.62% in sprouts. In addition, the contents of selenium, vitamin E, and glucosinolate in rapeseed sprouts were highly correlated with those in seeds. Furthermore, these three dominant nutrients varied greatly within B. napus varieties, indicating the great potential of rapeseed sprouts to be further bio-enhanced. Our findings provide reference for the multi-purpose development and utilization of rapeseed, lay a theoretical foundation for the development of rapeseed sprout into a functional vegetable, and provide a novel breeding direction.

Pruning some of the sprouts of poplar clones in short rotation system causes the left sprouts use more minerals, light, water and finally they have thicker and taller trunks. The aim of this project was to evaluate the poplar clones by using sprouts management method in the second harvesting period. This study was carried out on five poplar clones of P. deltoides and P. x canadensis with 3 treatments (1, 2 and multi sprouts) using statistical split plot design with 3 replicates. At the end of the growing season, growth characteristics of trees and at the end of period the woods such as branches, trunks to a diameter of 10 cm and trunks to a diameter more than 10 cm were measured. Analysis of variance results of growth characteristics at the end of period after the second harvesting indicated that diameter at breast height (dbh) and height of sprouts showed significant differences in type of clone and sprout management treatments and dry biomass of branches and trunks to a diameter more than 10 cm in sprout management treatment. Height of sprout, height of the tallest sprout and dbh were in first group in clones of P. d. 63/8 and P.x 561/41. Mean comparing for dry biomass showed that P. d. 63/8 and P.x 561/41 clones with 6.7 and 6.4 t. ha-1yr-1, respectively, obtained the highest dry biomass in a diameter lower than 10 cm. Also, the highest results of trunk production with a diameter more than 10 cm were observed in 1 sprout treatment.

The effect of water stress on quality and productivity of winter wheat seeds The article presents the study results of water stress effect on quality and productivity of winter wheat seeds. The moisture supply of plants affects the growth power and field germination of seeds. The decrease of the index has no significant effect on the laboratory germination, as it does not fully reflect the quality of the seeds. The varieties ‘Asket’, ‘Don 93’ and ‘Izyuminka’ showed the minimum decrease of 1000-kernels weight under the stress conditions on 24%, 25% and 27% respectively. The variety ‘Aksiniya’ showed the maximum decrease of this trait (40%). The variety ‘Asket’ has shown the increase of sprouts number (30% FG) in comparison with the standard variety (70% FG). The variety ‘Ermak’ has shown a slight decrease of field germination (on 2%) and the variety ‘Lilit’ has shown a large decrease of field germination (on 17%) in comparison with the standard variety. The conducted study determined that the varieties of winter soft wheat had a different reaction during germination in the conditions of artificial drought. The quality of seeds grown in dry conditions have lower indexes in comparison with the optimal growing conditions, excluding the variety ‘Asket’ that surpassed the indexes of growth power (on 2%) and field germination (on 1%) compared with the control variety.

Black chickpea is a good source of bioactive compounds, particularly isoflavones. Sprouting improves nutraceutical value in chickpea seeds. This study aimed to explore the role of sprouting of black chickpea seeds on the synthesis of isoflavones and evaluate the impact of the soluble isoflavone on cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and antiproliferative activity in breast cancer cells. Isoflavones were identified and quantified by HPLC-UV-MS. The CAA and antiproliferative activity were determined in HepG2 cells and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, correspondingly. In sprouted black chickpea, six isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin-A, and its glycosides) were identified and the total isoflavones content increased (0.31 to 35.72 µgBA/mg of extract). The CAA was increased five times from 137.2 to 788.2 µMEQ/100 g of sample. The bioactive compounds in sprouted chickpea decreased the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cell line. Also caused morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, rounding and nuclear fragmentation. The results herein suggest that bioactive compounds, as isoflavones, in sprouted black chickpea showed a potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. Therefore, it may be considered as a value-added product or ingredient for produce functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a Mediterranean crop, member of the Asteraceae family, characterized by high production of biomass and secondary metabolites and by a good adaptation to climate change, usable in green chemistry, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent studies demonstrated the ability of cardoon to grow up in a stressful environment, which is associated with enhanced biosynthesis of biologically active compounds in these plants, and this effect is increased by abiotic stresses (salt, heat, pollution, and drought stress) that characterize many world marginal areas, affected by the climate changes. The plant response to these stresses consists in implementing different processes that modify some plant biological functions, such as alleviating both cellular hyperosmolarity and ion disequilibrium or synthesizing antioxidant molecules. The aim of this work was to investigate different cardoon response mechanisms to abiotic stresses and to evaluate their influence on the biologically active compounds biosynthesis. Following this purpose, we analyzed the ability of cardoon seeds to germinate under different salt stress conditions, and on the sprouts obtained, we measured the total phenol content and the antioxidant activity. Moreover, the growth of cardoon seedlings grown under heavy metals stress conditions was monitored, and the expression levels of heavy metal transport–associated genes were analyzed. The results showed the ability of cardoon plants to tolerate abiotic stress, thanks to different defense mechanisms and the possibility to obtain biomass with high content of biologically active molecules by exploiting the natural tolerance of this species for abiotic stresses. Moreover, we identified some important genes encoding for metal transportation that may be involved in arsenic and cadmium uptake and translocation in C. cardunculus. Then, this species can be considered as a promising crop for green chemistry and energy in marginal lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination can be used to enhance nutritional value and health functions of edible seeds. Sprouts are considered healthier than raw seeds because they are richer in the basic nutritional components (carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals) and also contain more bioactive components responsible for various biological activities. The effect of sprouting on the antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity activities, and metabolite profiles of alfalfa and buckwheat seeds was investigated in this study. DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in buckwheat sprouts followed by alfalfa sprout, buckwheat seed, and alfalfa seed, respectively. ABTS radical scavenging potential showed a similar trend as DPPH with buckwheat sprouts exerting the best scavenging capacity. Alfalfa sprout and buckwheat seed exhibited the highest percentage inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase (96.6 and 96.5%, respectively). Alfalfa sprouts demonstrated the strongest inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (57.12%) while alfalfa seed showed the highest advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation inhibitory potential (28.7%). Moreover, thirty-three (33) metabolites were characterized in the seed and sprout samples. Sprouts demonstrated a higher level of metabolites compared to raw seeds. Hence, depending on the type of seed and the target activity, sprouting is a good technique to alter the secondary metabolites and functional properties of edible seeds.

The effects of elicitors on broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts were evaluated. Seeds and then sprouts were soaked daily for 30 min over 6 days in water (control) or a mixture of FeEDTA and sodium silicate or sodium silicate alone. The contents of the flavonoids and phenolic acids (free, esters, and glycosides) were determined using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds were released from the esters after acid hydrolysis and from the glycosides using alkaline hydrolysis. Quercetin, kaempferol, (‒)-epicatechin, naringenin, apigenin, and luteolin derivatives were found in broccoli and radish sprouts, while derivatives of iso-rhamnetin, orientin, and vitexin were not present at measurable levels. The flavonoid contents, especially derivatives of quercetin, were considerably higher in the broccoli sprouts than in the radish sprouts. The quantitatively major phenolic acid content in the sprouts of both species was found to be p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its content in the radish sprouts was several times higher than in the broccoli sprouts. The total flavonoid content of broccoli sprouts was 507–734 µg/g DW, while that of the radish sprouts ranged from 155 µg/g DW to 211 µg/g DW. In contrast, total phenolic acids were higher in radish sprouts, ranging from 11,548 to 13,789 µg/g DW, while in broccoli sprouts, they ranged from 2652 to 4527 µg/g DW, respectively. These differences resulted radish sprouts having higher antioxidant activity compared to broccoli sprouts. The applied elicitors increased the content of the total phenolic acids and the antioxidant activity of radish and broccoli sprouts, while they decreased the level of the total flavonoids in broccoli sprouts.

Background: Application of bio-stimulants is one of solutions to quantitative and qualitative changes in metabolites of medicinal plants sprouts. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chitosan bio-stimulation on trigonelline content of sprout under water stress. Methods: This study was conducted in three separate factorial experiments (three times of 4, 8 and 12 days after planting) based on completely randomized design with 15 treatment in 3 replications. The treatments were chitosan in five levels (0, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%) and water stress in 3 levels (control without stress treatment, -0.2 and 0.4 Mpa). Results: The result of variance analysis showed that chitosan, under stress and interaction effect of chitosan and water stress had significant effect on trigonelline content of 4, 8 and 12-day sprout. The trigonelline content decreased during the experiment in a way that the highest content of that was observed at the first days of seed germination. Conclusion: By induction of water stress and application of chitosan with optimum amount (to 0.2%) decrease in trigonelline content attained to the lowest trend during the experiment.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) sprouts accumulate high amounts of caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) including chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) and 1,5-diCQA. These compounds, which can be found in many plants, including tomato, globe artichoke, and chicory, have many health benefits, including antioxidant, antihepatotoxic, and antiglycative activities. However, CQA profiles and biosynthesis have not previously been studied in sunflower sprouts. In the present study, we found that 5-CQA and 1,5-diCQA were the major CQAs found in sunflower sprouts. We also identified minor accumulation of other CQAs, namely 3-CQA, 4-CQA, 3,4-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA. According to genome-wide identification and phylogenetic analysis of genes involved in CQA biosynthesis in sunflower, three genes (HaHQT1, HaHQT2, and HaHQT3) encoding hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) and two genes (HaHCT1 and HaHCT2) encoding hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) were identified. Expression analysis of these five genes in hypocotyls and cotyledons strongly suggested that HaHQT2 could be the main enzyme responsible for CQA biosynthesis, as HaHQT2 had the highest expression levels. In addition, when transiently expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, all three HaHQTs, which were soluble and not membrane-bound enzymes, could increase the content of 5-CQA by up to 94% compared to that in a control. Overall, our results increase understanding of CQA biosynthesis in sunflower sprouts and could be exploited by plant breeders to enhance accumulation of health-promoting CQAs in these plants.

Sprout is a nutritious ready-to-eat vegetable. In this study, we examined the effects of ultrasonication treatments (treated with 28, 40 or 80 kHz frequency for 10 min at 25 °C) on the changes in microstructure, seed hydration and germination, sprout growth, sprout quality, and microbial load of two adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) varieties (Kaohsiung 8 and Kaohsiung 10). The results indicated that the ultrasonication at 40 kHz or 80 kHz improved seed hydration and enhanced germination; this is linked to the ultrasound-induced microstructure changes in the hilum and seed coat surface of treated seeds. The ultrasonication-increased sprout growth and yield were possibly attributable to the increased α-amylase activity during germination. Ultrasonication also improved total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and total saponins contents and further enhanced the anti-oxidative activities (FRAP and DPPH) of produce sprouts. The results further indicated that the 40 kHz or 80 kHz treatment decreased microbial loads of treated sprouts to an acceptable level; therefore, these two treatments can be used for germination improvement and an effective microbial control treatment for adzuki bean sprout production.

The objective was to evaluate different branch segments as a source of vegetative seed for sowing and the appropriate time for cutting these. Twelve treatments were evaluated. (apical, preapical, third and fourth section segment), with three cutting times (60, 90 and 120 days after planting), in a randomized complete block design, in divided plots, with three repetitions. Seed yield was similar in all treatments, with a general average of 98.73%. The types of segments significantly affect performance, the apical (11,643.96 kg ha-1) and preapical (11,101.47 kg ha-1) being better than the others. The lowest yield was the fourth section (8,971.07 kg ha-1). The cutting time of sections did not affect the yields. However, 60 day cutting time and the apical section are the ones with the highest performance. Economically the best treatment was the apical section combination with a 60-day cut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa plant is a valuable food crop because of its high nutritional and functional values. Total saponin content, sapogenins, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were analyzed in various parts of quinoa plants, including sprout, seeds, bran, pericarp, leave, stem, and root. Quinoa seeds (QS) had significantly higher sapogenin content than quinoa stem (QT), quinoa leaves (QL), and quinoa roots (QR). Quinoa saponin was mainly composed of phytolaccagenic acid. Quinoa root (QR) had the highest amount of total saponin (13.39 g 100 g−1), followed by quinoa bran. The highest total phenolic content (30.96 mg GAE 100 g−1) and total flavonoid content (61.68 mg RE 100 g−1) were observed in quinoa root extract and 1‐month‐old sprout extract, respectively. Quinoa sprouts showed better antioxidant activity than fully grown parts of the quinoa plant. Overall, root and sprout had a higher antioxidant capacity compared to other parts of the quinoa plant, suggesting the potential use of quinoa root and sprout as a nutraceutical ingredient in the health food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balloon flower (BF) is a potent natural source of phytochemical compounds and is associated with our health. The sprouting process is accompanied by significant changes in phytochemical compounds in comparison with their original plants. Even though many studies are conducted with BF, there are not yet reports of BF sprouts. In the present study, we determined the chemical composition and biological activity of BF sprouts that had been cultivated for 50 days. Kaempferol‐3‐O‐galactoside and 1‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid were identified as major components of whole BF sprouts. The leaves/stems of the sprouts had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and lower IC50 values in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays than whole sprouts or roots. The roots of the sprouts had the highest polygalacin D content (1.44 mg/g). We also determined the effects of different parts of BF sprouts on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. When these cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their nitrite and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production increased. BF sprouts suppressed the LPS‐induced production of nitrite, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 in a concentration‐dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Nitrite and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production were significantly inhibited by the roots and leaves/stems, respectively. The inhibitory effects of BF sprouts on LPS‐stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were associated with suppressed NF‐κB activation. These findings suggest that BF sprouts could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds and exert anti‐inflammatory effects due to their polygalacin D, deapi‐platycodin D3, and polyphenol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Broccoli sprouts are natural functional foods for cancer prevention because of their high content of glucosinolate and antioxidant. Sprouts and mature broccoli are of potential importance in devising chemoprotective strategies in humans. The aim of the investigation was to study the effect of essential oils on broccoli seed germination, increase their antioxidant content and determine the glucosinolate concentration and other phytochemical parameters in 3-day-old sprouts during cold storage at 4°C and 95% RH for 15 days. The results showed that all treatments of essential oils increased germination index, seed germination percentage, seedling length, seedling vigour index, yield and the antioxidant content of broccoli sprout and reduced the microbial load compared to the control. Fortunately, the coliform bacteria was not detected in all treatments. Different essential oils of fennel, caraway, basil, thyme and sage were tested. The thyme oil was the best treatment, which increased the accumulation of the phenolic compounds and glucosinolate compared to the control at different storage periods. In the sprouts treated with thyme oil treatment and the control, at the end of cold storage, 1.98% and 28.06% of total phenolic content, 1.90% and 20.28% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, 1.39% and 58.33% of flavonoids, 1.93% and 36.25% of vitamin C, 2.95% and 22.02% of anthocyanin and 2.18% and 49.12% of glucosinolate were lost, respectively. A slight reduction differences in all detected compound concentrations occurred between the initial content and the end of storage period because of the application of thyme oil compared to the control. Therefore, the total glucosinolate level in the sprout (27.02 μg/g F.W.) was higher than that in the florets (7.37 μg/g F.W.). Glucoraphanin was the most abundant aliphatic glucosinolate present in the sprout and reached the highest value (16.24 μg/g F.W.) followed by glucoerucin (5.9 μg/g F.W.) and glucoiberm(1.2 μg/g F.W.).

This study focused on the comparison of two contrasting forest regeneration types and their susceptibility to drought stress. Transpiration and biomass production were studied on young sessile oak trees Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. regenerated as sprouts and seedlings, and grown in a coppice experimental site in the Czech Republic. Biomass production was estimated using destructive methods, while transpiration was derived from sap flow measurements and assessed according to the plant biometry and microclimatic conditions. Sprouts were characterized by a significantly higher diameter, height, leaf area and above-ground biomass and by a lower wood density as compared with seedlings of the same age. Moreover, the sap flow of sprouts was higher than that of seedlings, which was explained by the plant dimension. Transpiration, expressed as sap flow scaled to plant leaf area, did not differ between seedlings and sprouts when soil water was not limiting. However, during drought periods, when soil water potential dropped below -1.4 MPa, sprouts transpired significantly more than seedlings. Our results confirm that sprouts have access to a larger water pool via the old stump root system and are able to draw more water under drought. Moreover, sprouts seemed to be less susceptible to water limitations than seedlings of similar age. Less influence of drought on sprouts may partially explain their higher above-ground biomass production. Based on our results, coppice could be an appropriate management system to be adopted in sites characterized by frequent or extreme drought periods.