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Worldwide prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has become a major concern with several implications for public health, economy, and social well-being, especially in developing countries. Conventional pharmacological management of T2D have proved effective, but possess underlying side effects, leading the scientific community to research alternative compounds that exert beneficial effects on current therapeutic targets of T2D. Bioactive peptides (BAPs) from food sources, have shown relative advantages in this matter, moreover, BAPs have proved to impart anti-diabetic activity through one or more mechanisms such as enzymatic inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPP-IV. Several plants and animal have been used as protein sources of anti-diabetic BAPs, in the sense of this matter, the pseudo-cereals amaranth and quinoa, along with the ancestral grain chia, have gained attention. Due, to their high protein content and balanced amino-acid composition, along with proved anti-diabetic features, the three seeds are top choices for the obtention of anti-diabetic BAPs. With a comprehensive overview of the most recent reported in silico and in vitro anti-diabetic studies in relation to biomarkers α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPP-IV, the present review aims to examine the current knowledge of amaranth, quinoa and chia derived anti-diabetic BAPs and their effects on T2D therapeutic markers.

Amaranthus tuberculatus and Amaranthus palmeri are agronomically important weed species, both with stable dioecious reproductive systems. An understanding of the genetic basis of sex determination may lead to new methods of managing these troublesome weeds. Previous research identified genomic sequences associated with maleness in each species. Male-specific sequences were used to identify genomic regions in both species that are believed to contain sex-determining genes, i.e. the male-specific Y (MSY) region. These regions were compared to understand if sex determination is controlled via the same physiological pathway and if dioecy evolved independently. A contiguously assembled candidate MSY region identified in Amaranthus palmeri is approximately 1.3 Mb with 121 predicted gene models. In Amaranthus tuberculatus, several contigs, with combined length of 4.6 Mb and with 147 gene models, were identified as belonging to the MSY region. Synteny was not detected between the two species' candidate MSY regions but they shared two predicted genes. With lists of candidate genes for sex determination containing fewer than 200 in each species, future research can address whether sex determination is controlled via similar physiological pathways and whether dioecy has indeed evolved independently in these species.

BackgroundVegetable amaranth is a source of natural phytopigments and functional components of the commercial food industry for sustainable health benefits across the globe. It is guessed that recently identified amaranth (drought-tolerant) genotypes may contain ample phytopigments and phytochemicals suitable to extract juice as drinks. Hence, phytopigments and phytochemicals content of amaranth were assessed in detail for suitability as drinks to feed the phytochemicals deficient community across the globe.ResultsThe selected amaranth contained adequate carbohydrates, protein, moisture, and dietary fiber, phytopigments, minerals, phytochemicals including the ability to scavenge radicals. Nine flavonoids compounds were estimated in amaranth genotypes including six flavonols, one flavanol, one flavone, and one flavanone. It is the first effort in which we identified one flavonol such as myricetin, one flavanol, such as catechin, one flavone i. e., apigenin, and one flavanone, like naringenin in drought-tolerant vegetable amaranth. Across six flavonols, quercetin and rutin were the most noteworthy compounds followed by myricetin and isoquercetin. Across the accessions, AT7 and AT15 had abundant phytochemicals, and radical quenching ability including considerable proximate, nutraceuticals, and phytopigments in comparison to the accessions AT3 and AT11. AT15 demonstrated the maximum total flavonols including the highest rutin and hyperoside. AT7 showed high total flavonols including the highest quercetin, isoquercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. The association of values revealed that studied phytopigments and phytochemicals of vegetable amaranth accessions demonstrated good radical quenching ability of 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2- Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl equivalent to Trolox.ConclusionsThese advance lines AT7 and AT15 had abundant nutraceuticals, phytopigments, and phytochemicals including radical quenching ability. These lines might significantly contribute to the promotion of health benefits and feeding the community across the globe deficit in nutraceuticals and antioxidants. Identified flavonoid compounds open the new route for pharmacological study.

In this study, cadmium (Cd) solution spraying and Cd-contaminated soil pot experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of Cd from atmospheric deposition and soil on the growth, cumulative distribution, chemical morphology, physiological, and biochemical responses of Amaranthus tricolor L. The results indicated that Cd in plants mainly came from soil (92-98%) and was stored in the roots in large quantities while the portion from atmospheric deposition could also effectively increase Cd content in stems and leaves (2-3%). Cd was mainly stored in plant cell walls and would transfer to the soluble part under high-concentration soil stress Cd from atmospheric deposition alone promoted the growth of plants, but high Cd concentrations from soil had the negative influence. The contents of H2O2 and MDA in plants increased under soil and atmospheric Cd stress, indicating that the plant cells were damaged by oxidative stress. The content of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, CAT, SOD, and antioxidants like AsA and GSH increased under low-concentration Cd stress but decreased under elevated stress, suggesting that high Cd-contaminated soil poses severe toxicity on the antioxidant system of the plants. Hence, the accumulation and physiological response of plants under multi-source Cd contamination were mainly affected by high soil Cd concentrations. Though the effect of atmospheric deposition is relatively less, it cannot be ignored.

A. hypochondriacus leaves contained ample phytopigments including betalain, anthocyanin, β-xanthin, β-cyanin, and bioactive phytochemicals of interest in the industry of food. We have been evaluating the possibility of utilizing phytopigments of amaranth and bioactive constituents for making drinks. Therefore, we evaluated bioactive phytopigments and compounds including the potentiality of antioxidants in A. hypochondriacus leaves. A. hypochondriacus leaves have abundant protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. We found considerable levels of inorganic minerals including magnesium, calcium, potassium (3.88, 3.01, 8.56 mg g−1), zinc, manganese, copper, iron (16.23, 15.51, 2.26, 20.57 µg g−1), chlorophyll b, chlorophyll ab chlorophyll a (271.08, 905.21, 636.87 μg g−1), scavenging capacity of radicals (DPPH, ABTS+) (33.46, 62.92 TEAC μg g−1 DW), total polyphenols (29.34 GAE μg g−1 FW), β-xanthin, betalain, β-cyanin (584.71, 1,121.93, 537.21 ng g−1), total flavonoids (170.97 RE μg g−1 DW), vitamin C, β-carotene, carotenoids (184.77, 82.34, 105.08 mg 100 g−1) in A. hypochondriacus leaves. The genotypes AHC6, AHC4, AHC11, AHC5, and AHC10 had a good scavenging capacity of radicals. Polyphenols, phytopigments, flavonoids, and β-carotene of A. hypochondriacus had potential antioxidant activity. Extracted juice of A. hypochondriacus can be an ample source of phytopigments and compounds for detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attaining nutritional and antioxidant sufficiency.

A nomenclatural study of the names in Amaranthus published by W. Roxburgh was carried out. Seven names appear to have been published by the author, three being not valid from the nomenclatural point of view (Amaranthus atropurpureus, A. fasciatus, and A. lanceofolius, nomina nuda, Arts. 38.1 and 38.2 of ICN). The remaining four names are valid and they are typified by illustrations included in “The Roxburgh Collection” at the library of the Royal Botanic Garden of Kew [Nos. 447 (lectotype of A. fasciatus), 1676 (lectotype of A. lanceolatus), and 1677 (lectotype of A. frumentaceus)] or included in the Seikei Zusetsu Agricultural Catalog (neotype of A. atropurpureus).

α-Amylase inhibitors (α-AIs) target α-amylases and interfere with the carbohydrate digestion of insects. Among different classes of α-AIs, a knottin-type inhibitor from Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AhAI) was found to be specific against coleopteran storage pests. In this report, we have characterized three previously unidentified knottin-type α-AIs from various Amaranthaceae plants namely, Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AhAI2), Alternanthera sessilis (AsAI) and Chenopodium quinoa (CqAI). They contain a signal peptide, pro-peptide, and mature peptide. The mature peptides of the new α-AIs shared 68 to 78% identity with AhAI and have highly variable pro-peptide regions. Along with the cystine-knot fold, they showed conservation of reactive site residues. All recombinant α-AIs were successfully expressed in their active form and native state using an oxidative cytoplasmic environment. Inhibition studies against various amylases revealed that these inhibitors showed selective inhibition of coleopteran recombinant insect α-amylases viz., Tribolium castaneum, and Callosobruchus chinensis. Tribolium castaneum α-amylase inhibition potency was highest for AhAI2 (Ki ~ 15 μM) followed by AsAI (Ki ~ 43 μM) and CqAI (Ki ~ 61 μM). Interaction analysis of these inhibitors illustrated that the reactive site of inhibitors make several non-covalent interactions with the substrate-binding pocket of coleopteran α-amylases. The selectivity of these inhibitors against coleopteran α-amylases highlights their potential in storage grain pest control.

Dioecy, the separation of reproductive organs on different individuals, has evolved repeatedly in different plant families. Several evolutionary paths to dioecy have been suggested, but the mechanisms behind sex determination is not well understood. The diploid dioecious Amaranthus palmeri represents a well-suited model system to study sex determination in plants. Despite the agricultural importance of the species, the genetic control and evolutionary state of dioecy in A. palmeri is currently unknown. Early cytogenetic experiments did not identify heteromorphic chromosomes. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing of male and female pools from 2 independent populations to elucidate the genetic control of dioecy in A. palmeri. Read alignment to a close monoecious relative and allele frequency comparisons between male and female pools did not reveal significant sex-linked genes. Consequently, we employed an alignment-free k-mer comparison which enabled us to identify a large number of male-specific k-mers. We assembled male-specific contigs comprising a total of almost 2 Mb sequence, proposing a XY sex-determination system in the species. We were able to identify the potential Y chromosome in the A. palmeri draft genome sequence as 90% of our male-specific sequence aligned to a single scaffold. Based on our findings, we suggest an intermediate evolutionary state of dioecy with a young Y chromosome in A. palmeri. Our findings give insight into the evolution of sex chromosomes in plants and may help to develop sustainable strategies for weed management.

In the last decade, Amaranthus tuberculatus has evolved resistance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors in multiple states across the midwestern United States. Two populations resistant to both mode-of-action groups, one from Nebraska (NEB) and one from Illinois (CHR), were studied using an RNA-seq approach on F2 mapping populations to identify the genes responsible for resistance. Using both an A. tuberculatus transcriptome assembly and a high-quality grain amaranth (A. hypochondriacus) genome as references, differential transcript and gene expression analyses were conducted to identify genes that were significantly over- or underexpressed in resistant plants. When these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mapped on the A. hypochondriacus genome, physical clustering of the DEGs was apparent along several of the 16 A. hypochondriacus scaffolds. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphism calling to look for resistant-specific (R) variants, and subsequent mapping of these variants, also found similar patterns of clustering. Specifically, regions biased toward R alleles overlapped with the DEG clusters. Within one of these clusters, allele-specific expression of cytochrome P450 81E8 was observed for 2,4-D resistance in both the CHR and NEB populations, and phylogenetic analysis indicated a common evolutionary origin of this R allele in the two populations.

Multifunctional food packaging was prepared by incorporating betalains-rich vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) extract into quaternary ammonium chitosan (QC)/fish gelatin (FG) blend films. The structures, physical and functional properties of the films with and without amaranth extract (AE) were determined. Results showed betalains-rich AE was pH-sensitive and could change its colors under alkaline conditions. Structural characterization revealed the interactions between AE and film matrix were based on hydrogen bonds, which influenced the compactness of the films. Notably, AE significantly enhanced the thickness (from 0.076 to 0.089 mm), UV–vis light barrier ability, elongation at break (from 66.7% to 88.8%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (from 6.8% to 95.8% at 5 mg/mL), antimicrobial activity against four foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes) and ammonia sensitivity of the films. However, AE remarkably reduced the water vapor permeability (from 34.9 × 10−11 to 26.4 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) of the films. Notably, the films containing 5 wt% and 10 wt% of AE were suitable to monitor the freshness of shrimp. Our results suggested QC/FG films with betalains-rich AE could be used as antioxidant, antimicrobial and intelligent packaging in food industry.

Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus hybridus, and Amaranthus palmeri are agronomically important weed species. Here, we present the most contiguous draft assemblies of these three species to date. We utilized a combination of Pacific Biosciences long-read sequencing and chromatin contact mapping information to assemble and order sequences of A. palmeri to near-chromosome-level resolution, with scaffold N50 of 20.1 Mb. To resolve the issues of heterozygosity and coassembly of alleles in diploid species, we adapted the trio binning approach to produce haplotype assemblies of A. tuberculatus and A. hybridus. This approach resulted in an improved assembly of A. tuberculatus, and the first genome assembly for A. hybridus, with contig N50s of 2.58 and 2.26 Mb, respectively. Species-specific transcriptomes and information from related species were used to predict transcripts within each assembly. Syntenic comparisons of these species and Amaranthus hypochondriacus identified sites of genomic rearrangement, including duplication and translocation, whereas genetic map construction within A. tuberculatus highlighted the need for further ordering of the A. hybridus and A. tuberculatus contigs. These multiple reference genomes will accelerate genomic studies in these species to further our understanding of weedy evolution within Amaranthus.

The present study addresses the herbicidal activity and biological effects of the metribuzin (MET) and tribenuron-methyl (TBM) herbicides used to control various weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Sinapis arvensis, and Leucanthemum maximum). The effects of the free herbicides and the herbicides embedded in granules of degradable polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)] blended with birch wood flour were compared. Metribuzin, regardless of the form, caused 100% mortality of the three weeds by day 21. The herbicidal activity of tribenuron-methyl was lower than that of metribuzin, but the embedded TBM was superior to the free herbicide in the length and strength of its action on the weeds. Both metribuzin forms dramatically decreased the main parameters of fluorescence: maximum quantum yield of photosystem-II [Y(II)max], maximum quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching [Y(NPQ)max], and maximum rate of non-cyclic electron transport [ETRmax] and concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. The effect of the embedded TBM on the photosynthetic activity of the weeds was lower in the first two weeks of the growth of herbicide-treated plants but lasted longer than the effect of the free TBM and increased over time. Embedding of metribuzin in the matrix of degradable blend did not decrease its herbicidal activity.

BACKGROUND Flooding throughout fall and winter months is an effective practice for rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw decomposition, soil seedbank depletion, and waterfowl habitat in Mississippi. Nevertheless, limited research is available regarding the effects of fall-winter flooding and seed burial depth on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) seed germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flooding period and seed burial depth on A. palmeri seed damage and germination in three different soil textures in Mississippi. RESULTS Amaranthus palmeri seed damage was greater when seeds were buried in sandy loam compared to silt loam soil textures. An interaction between flooding period and seed burial depth was present for A. palmeri seed germination. Flooding periods of 1-month (at 0 and 15 cm burial depth) and 2 months (at 0 cm burial depth) provided similar A. palmeri seed germination compared to no-flooding (at 0 cm burial depth). In addition, flooding periods of 3, 4, and 5 months reduced A. palmeri seed germination by 10, 10 and 14 percentage points at 0 cm burial depth, and 36, 40, and 41 percentage points when seeds were buried at 15 cm, respectively, across all soil textures. CONCLUSION This research demonstrates that flooding for 3, 4, and 5-months throughout fall and winter is an effective cultural practice to increase soil seedbank depletion through reduced germination potential to help manage herbicide-resistant A. palmeri populations in sandy loam, silt, and silt loam soil textures. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

In recent times, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles are proven to be an excellent antibacterial agent which inhibits the growth of bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Release of ROS by nanoparticles will damage the cell membrane of bacteria and leads to the leakage of bacterial internal components and cell death. However, chemically synthesized MgO nanoparticles may possess toxic functional groups which may inhibit healthy human cells along with bacterial cells. Thus, the aim of the present study is to synthesize MgO nanoparticles using leaf extracts of Amaranthus tricolor and photo-irradiation of visible light as a catalyst, without addition of any chemicals. Optimization was performed using Box-Behnken design (BBD) to obtain the optimum condition required to synthesize smallest nanoparticles. The parameters such as time of reaction, the concentration of precursor, and light intensity have been identified to affect the size of biosynthesized nanoparticles and was optimized. The experiment performed with optimized conditions such as 0.001 M concentration of magnesium acetate as precursor, 5 cm distance of light (intensity), and 15 min of reaction time (light exposure) has led to the formation of 74.6 nm sized MgO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activities of MgO nanoparticles formed via photo-irradiation and conventional biosynthesis approach were investigated and compared. The lethal dosage of E. coli for photo-irradiated and conventional biosynthesis MgO nanoparticles was 0.6 ml and 0.4 ml, respectively. Likewise, the lethal dosage of S. aureus for both biosynthesis approaches was found to be 0.4 ml. The results revealed that the antibacterial activity of MgO nanoparticles from both biosynthesis approaches was similar. Thus, photo-irradiated MgO nanoparticles were beneficial over heat-mediated conventional method due to the reduced synthesis duration.

Background Recent evidence indicates that elevating plasma nitrites through dietary nitrates (NO3 −) supplementation is associated with enhanced muscle efficiency, fatigue resistance and performance. Beetroot (in various forms) is the dominant source of dietary NO3 − primarily due to its vast availability and the simple form of preparation suitable for final consumption. After a few years of research and experimentation, our scientific team identified alternative source rich with dietary NO3 − as possible nitric oxide precursor, amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) with a standardized concentration 9–11% of NO3 −. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single-dose (±400 mg of dietary NO3 −) and long-term (6 days) supplementation of amaranth concentrate derived dietary NO3 − on aerobic capacity in physically active young people. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study. Thirteen healthy and physically active young male participants were randomized into experimental and placebo groups. The aerobic capacity was tested during increasing cycling exercise (ICE) with pulmonary gas exchange recording and analysis. Results The peak power of the ICE, the maximum oxygen consumption and the first ventilatory threshold were significantly increased after long-term consumption of dietary amaranth (from 4.44 ± 0.50 to 4.55 ± 0.43 W/kg; from 37.7 ± 2.7 to 41.2 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min and from 178.6 ± 30.3 to 188.6 ± 35.2 W, p

Background Amaranth leaves can provide important nutrients to small-scale farming families growing amaranth for seed. Amaranth is known to be tolerant to defoliation, but there is little guidance on when defoliation should be performed for optimal nutritional benefits. This series of experiments assessed tolerance to defoliation at different points throughout the vegetative stage of development, in addition to the nutritional benefits and flavor of amaranth leaves at each stage. Results Overall, timing of defoliation had no impact on seed yield or quality. Fifty percent defoliation at any point did not significantly reduce seed yield, whereas 100% defoliation throughout development reduced seed yield. The nutritional value of amaranth leaves differed substantially throughout development, with the highest concentrations of iron mid-way through vegetative development, and the highest levels of vitamin A, magnesium, and copper at the end of the vegetative development stage. Palatability was highest in young leaves, and decreased as plants aged. We also found that neither timing nor intensity of defoliation had an influence on branching, which can negatively influence ease of harvest. Conclusions These results indicate that amaranth leaves are a nutritious food source that provides vital nutrients at different concentrations throughout development. Farmers who wish to harvest both leaves and seeds can harvest up to 50% of the leaves at any point during vegetative development or bud formation while maintaining seed yield. Leaf harvest timing can thus be tailored to nutritional needs, although palatability decreases with plant age. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Imbalance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is crucial in RA progression. Various dietary factors can modulate the disease severity by restoring the balance in differentiation of CD4+ T cell subsets. Dietary amaranths hold an important part of diet as vegetables, where commonly consumed species includes Amaranthus cruentus (Ac), Amaranthus viridis (Av), and Amaranthus hybridus (Ah). The present study focuses on to evaluate whether these dietary amaranths can modulate the immune activation in collagen-induced arthritis. For in vivo study, Female Wistar rats were immunized with type II collagen and after immunization period, rats were separately supplemented with cooked Ac, Av, and Ah at 500 mg/100 g bwt concentration mixed with standard rat feed for 60 days. HPTLC fingerprint analysis identified peaks for compounds in these three amaranths. The results showed a protective role of immunomodulation in Th1/Th2 response of the three dietary amaranths, by significantly augmenting lymphocyte activation with increased IL-4 secretion, but decreased IFN-γ by cultured spleen lymphocytes subjected to collagen-induced inflammation. Moreover, Th17/Treg imbalance created by increase in IL-17 and decrease in IL-10 was significantly balanced by the three dietary supplemented groups. Furthermore, Th1/Th2 status reflected from Tbet/GATA3 ratio and Th17/Treg status reflected from RORγt/FOXP3 ratio was significantly decreased in the three dietary amaranth supplemented groups. Thus, dietary amaranths provide an immune-modulating role by keeping the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg response in collagen-induced inflammation.

Background Amaranth seed oil (ASO) and rapeseed oil (RSO) are functional foods that display antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. These oils are also known to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. The current study compared the effects exerted by RSO and ASO on weight loss and metabolic parameters during a 3-week body mass reduction program. Methods Eighty-one obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2), aged 25–70 years, were enrolled in a 3-week body mass reduction program based on a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity. Participants were randomly categorized into an AO group (administered 20 mL/d of ASO), a RO group (administered 20 mL/d of RSO), and a C group (control; untreated). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and endpoint. Results Significant decreases in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), visceral fat mass (VFM), and total body water (TBW%) were observed in all groups (P P = 0.034), total cholesterol (Δ -14.6; P = 0.032), non-HDL cholesterol (Δ 15.9; P = 0.010), TG/HDL ratio (Δ -0.6; P = 0.032), LDL cholesterol (Δ -12.3; P = 0.042), and triglycerides (Δ -6.5; P = 0.000) were significantly improved in the AO group, compared to the RO group. Conclusions The 3-week body mass reduction intervention caused a significant reduction in the weight, BMI, WC, HC, FM, and VFM of all groups. Except for HOMA-IR, there were no statistical differences between the clinical parameters of all groups. However, a trend toward improved insulin levels and HDL% was noticeable in AO and RO. Therapies involving edible oils with high nutritional value, such as RSO and ASO, show potential for improving metabolic measurements during body mass reduction programs. Thus, obese patients undertaking weight reduction programs may benefit from RSO and ASO supplementation. Trial registration retrospectively registered, DRKS00017708.

Background Two waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) populations from Illinois demonstrating multiple-resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, and photosystem II (PSII)-inhibiting herbicides (designated CHR and SIR) also displayed reduced sensitivity to very-long-chain fatty acid-inhibiting herbicides, including S-metolachlor. We hypothesized that a physiological mechanism, such as enhanced metabolism, could be responsible for the reduced efficacy of S-metolachlor. Results Metabolism experiments indicated that resistant populations degraded S-metolachlor more rapidly than sensitive populations and equally as rapidly as corn 2-24 h after treatment (HAT). Resistant waterhemp and corn metabolized 90% (DT90 ) of absorbed S-metolachlor in less than 3.2 h whereas DT90 values for sensitive waterhemp exceeded 6 h. The glutathione S-transferase inhibitor 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazon and cytochrome P450-inhibitor malathion decreased the amount of S-metolachlor metabolized in resistant waterhemp at 4 HAT but not in sensitive waterhemp or corn, and altered the abundance of certain metabolites in resistant waterhemp. Conclusion Results from this research demonstrate that resistance to S-metolachlor in these waterhemp populations is due to enhanced herbicide metabolism relative to sensitive populations. In addition, our results indicate that resistant waterhemp might utilize metabolic pathway(s) more intricate than either sensitive waterhemp or corn based on their metabolite profiles. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Key message A simple and rapid speed breeding system was developed for short-day crops that enables up to five generations per year using LED lighting systems that allow very specific adjustments regarding light intensity and quality. Abstract Plant breeding is a key element for future agricultural production that needs to cope with a growing human population and climate change. However, the process of developing suitable cultivars is time-consuming, not least because of the long generation times of crops. Recently, speed breeding has been introduced for long-day crops, but a similar protocol for short-day crops is lacking to date. In this study, we present a speed breeding protocol based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that allow to modify light quality, and exemplarily demonstrate its effectiveness for the short-day crops soybean (Glycine max), rice (Oryza sativa) and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.). Adjusting the photoperiod to 10 h and using a blue-light enriched, far-red-deprived light spectrum facilitated the growth of short and sturdy soybean plants that flowered ~ 23 days after sowing and matured within 77 days, thus allowing up to five generations per year. In rice and amaranth, flowering was achieved ~ 60 and ~ 35 days after sowing, respectively. Interestingly, the use of far-red light advanced flowering by 10 and 20 days in some amaranth and rice genotypes, respectively, but had no impact on flowering in soybeans, highlighting the importance of light quality for speed breeding protocols. Taken together, our short-day crops’ speed breeding protocol enables several generations per year using crop-specific LED-based lighting regimes, without the need of tissue culture tools such as embryo rescue. Moreover, this approach can be readily applied to a multi-storey 96-cell tray-based system to integrate speed breeding with genomics, toward a higher improvement rate in breeding.

Loom-dye effluent discharge has constituted a major environmental threat to the people of Belkuchi Upazila of Sirajganj District. The present study was conducted to characterize loom-dye effluents and investigate their health implications by the growth analysis of rice and red amaranth seedlings along with a survey study among the individuals associated with loom-dyeing, weaving, and crop farming activities. A total of twenty-eight loom-dye effluent samples were collected for physicochemical characterization; among them, only three loom-dye effluents, i.e. pink, violet, and black dyes, at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were applied as irrigation water to rice and red amaranth. The plant growth experiment was laid out following a completely randomized design with three replicas. Chemical analyses of loom-dye effluents showed the presence of a significant amount of plant nutrients and heavy metals. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were 0.938, 0.046, 0.212, 7.109, 0.609, 0.351, and 0.191 mg L−1, respectively. Among the metals, the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Fe, and Mn were above the recommended limit proposed by the irrigation water guideline value. Application of ≤ 25% pink and violet dye effluent and ≤ 10% black dye effluent had significant (p

Pollution due to release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from thermal power plants is a major global issue as the same is highly toxic and carcinogenic. The current research aims to investigate the responses of a dietary plant Amaranthus cruentus towards PAH pollution. For the said purpose, the plant was collected from agricultural land in close vicinity to thermal power units and the effects of PAH pollution on its chlorophyll and various nutraceutical content was evaluated. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant defense enzymes status and PAH accumulation was quantified as well. Real-time evidence of cell death, depletion of nutraceutical resources, and stomata configuration was generated through various histochemical studies and SEM analysis. Results indicated significant decline of chlorophyll a to the extent of 77% when compared to control. Oxidative stress markers, namely, superoxide radical, H2O2, and hydroxyl radical in pollution exposed plants were 12.7, 2.2, and 2.4 times respectively higher over the control which eventually resulted in 35% more cell death for the pollution exposed group. Total phenolics and flavonoids showed a decline of 57.6% and 41.3% respectively in the group exposed to PAH pollution. Similar decreasing trend was also observed for ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, total proteins, and carbohydrate contents as well. PAH-induced stress also resulted in complete imbalance in the redox homeostasis of the plant which was evident from increase in super oxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase antioxidant enzymes by more than 2-fold when compared to control. PAH accumulation in sample group was 10-20 times more when compared to control. Proteomic analysis also indicated upregulation of some proteins related to stress situation. Results are evident of the fact that severe depletion of nutraceutical resources of dietary plants can take place if subjected to oxidative stress arising from PAH pollution.

The green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] is an important pest of amaranth grown for leaf consumption (i.e., leafy amaranth) in the tropics. Aphids reduce the amount of fresh leaf yield of amaranth and the value of leafy amaranth as aphid-infested leaves are not marketable. Our objective was to evaluate Amaranthus species selected by a breeding program in East Africa to develop cultivars for leaf consumption with resistance to M. persicae. We focused on antibiosis to determine whether varieties of Amaranthus spp. could be grown without producing an aphid population. Artificial infestations of aphids were placed on multiple selections of three species of Amaranthus: two selections of A. blitum, four selections of A. hybridus and one selection of A. hypochondriacus. Aphid populations were assessed over a 5-wk period. Evaluations of vegetative yield, leaf damage symptoms, and specific leaf area (SLA) were made of the seven selections at the end of this experiment. Aphid populations assessed 49 d after planting differed significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among the amaranth species and within selections of the same species. The selections of A. blitum had the lowest aphid populations, and A. hybridus had the highest populations. Selections of A. hybridus produced the most marketable leaves (i.e., aphid free). The fresh weight of A. blitum were the lowest of the seven selections, whereas A. hybridus had the greatest fresh leaf weight. Implications of these finding for further promotion of amaranth breeding are discussed related to pest management for leaf production.

In this study, the active metabolites from both the wild strain of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae C1136 and three genetically enhanced strains of C1136 were obtained through random mutagenesis. The effect of the active metabolites from these strains was evaluated in relation to physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural changes on the leaves of two weeds (Amaranthus hybridus and Echinochloa crus-galli). The phytotoxic metabolites secreted by the genetically enhanced strains showed a decrease in the pigments (chl a, chl b, and carotenoids), carbohydrate content, and the amino acid profile. On the other hand, an increase in total phenols of the tested leaves was observed when compared with the untreated leaves. The scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of damages, necrosis, degradation, and ultrastructural changes on the tested leaf tissues of the weeds. Also, increased lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage were also observed on the tested weeds treated with phytotoxic metabolites secreted by the genetically enhanced strains. We also showed that the phytotoxins from the strains of C1136 are biocompatible and that it improved soil CO2 evolution, organic carbon content, and enzymatic activity (acidic and alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenases, cellulase, catalase). The study validates the severe pathological effects of phytotoxic metabolites from the strains of C1136 on the leaves of the weeds presented in this study. The mode of action of the phytotoxic metabolites produced from this bioherbicidal isolates will go a long way in preventing environmental hazards.

Amaranth has two morphological types described as red and green morphs. Previous studies have extensively characterised red morph amaranth regarding both morphological and chemical properties including antioxidant activity, antioxidant phytochemical profile, mineral content and proximate composition. However, there is scarce information concerning green morph amaranth. Hence, the present study evaluated 12 green morph genotypes for proximate composition, antioxidant activity, antioxidant pigments, minerals, and phytochemicals. Green morph amaranth was found to contain abundant carbohydrates, dietary fiber and protein. We found notable levels of inorganic minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Antioxidant capacity quantified as free radical quenching capacity varied between 27 and 48 μg g−1 Trolox equivalents. We additionally quantified antioxidants, including total phenolics, total flavonoid equivalents and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant pigments carotenoids, chlorophylls and betalains. These data indicated that four green morph genotypes could be considered as enriched in their antioxidant profiles. Green morph amaranth could be a potential source of nutritional components and antioxidant phytochemicals in the human diet providing opportunities to address mineral nutrient deficiencies and provide an antioxidant rich food

Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. is a pseudocereal with nutritional properties. Some bioactive peptides have been identified from amaranth protein isolates. The metabolic reactions developed during seed germination have produced different functional foods. The present research aimed to develop a non-dairy germinated amaranth-based functional beverage fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) strain using Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota (LCS) as control. The content of betalains (BT), total phenolic compounds (TFC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), color changes, and scavenging bioactive peptides were determined. BT in the original base was significantly increased after fermentation by LP and LCS (from 1.276 ± 0.030 to 2.732 ± 0.196 and 1.904 ± 0.760 mg/100 ml, respectively). TFC increased after fermentation; however, no significant differences were found between the two strains (p .05). The fermentation did not decrease the antioxidant content of the germinated amaranth base. However, a slight increase in the antioxidant capacity was found by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP in the beverage fermented by LP compared with the LCS one. Moreover, the peptidomic approach suggested 18 peptides with scavenging activity. Thus, a bioactive food product with antioxidant properties was obtained by germination of A. hypochondriacus and its subsequent fermentation by LP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Non-dairy fermented beverages are novel carriers for probiotics and beneficial metabolites. This research evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of a fermented drink made with amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) and a potential probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The results led to conclude that it is possible to develop functional drinks with potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities and provide the biochemical basis for further research and development.

In soybean fields containing insecticide- and herbicide-resistant genetically engineered varieties, some weed species have increasingly become difficult to manage and may favor the population growth of secondary pests like Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To test this hypothesis, we measured life-history traits, population growth parameters and adult nutrient content of S. cosmioides reared on foliage from four Amaranthus species, from Cry1Ac Bt and non-Bt soybean varieties, and on meridic artificial diet.Larvae reared on A. palmeri and A. spinosus had a shorter development time (5-7 days) than larvae raised on the soybean varieties and A. hybridus. Armyworm survival probability was zero on A. viridis and highest (80% and 71%) on soybeans and A. palmeri. The latter and the artificial diet produced the heaviest larvae and pupae, in contrast to the non-Bt soybean variety. Body nutrient content diverged mostly for adults reared on artificial diet compared with those raised on the soybean varieties. The intrinsic rate of population increase (overall fitness) was 27.88% higher for the armyworms on A. palmeri, Cry1Ac Bt soybean and artificial diet compared with those on non-Bt soybean, A. spinosus and A. hybridus.Cry1Ac soybean fields infested by some Amaranthus weeds, especially A. palmeri, are conducive to the population growth of S. cosmioides. Integrated pest management programs may be needed to properly manage S. cosmioides in soybean fields, with surveillance for population peaks and judicious control measures when needed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

In this study, the phytochemical content of Amaranthus lividus extract and its multi-biological activities were investigated. Total protein, phenol, flavonoid, saponin and condensed tannin contents were determined for phytochemical analysis. In addition, GC–MS and HPLC analyzes were carried out for the determination of the active components of the extract. In determining the multi-biological activities, radical scavenging, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-microbial activities of the extract were investigated. GC–MS analysis revealed that the leaf extract of A. lividus contains phytol and β-sitosterol as major compounds and the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, vanillin and kaemferol compounds were determined with HPLC analysis. The radical scavenging effect of A. lividus extract was determined as 75.6% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 85.2% against superoxide. In anti-bacterial studies, it was determined that A.lividus extract formed different inhibition zones against all tested bacteria. The highest inhibition zone was 14.3 ± 0.7 mm against Bacillus subtilis. In addition, the anti-microbial activity of the extract was demonstrated by molecular docking studies of the binding of gallic acid and phytol to aquaporin and arginase enzyme of bacteria, and the mechanism of anti-microbial activity was explained. A. lividus extract, which provided a 68.59–33.13% reduction in the formation of chromosomal aberrations such as unequal distribution of chromatin, micronucleus formation, fragment, sticky chromosome, bridge and vagrant chromosome, exhibited a strong anti-mutagenic effect. A. lividus extract has a reducing effect on the number of dividing cells and exhibits an anti-proliferative effect of 25.7% compared to the control group. The antiproliferative mechanism of action was investigated by molecular docking and it was determined that the gallic acid and phytol in the extract decreased proliferation by interacting with telomerase. As a result, A.lividus extract consumed as food is a potential natural anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative source with its rich phytochemical content.

Resistance to protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)-inhibitors in

Nano-enabled foliar-application could be an ideal strategy for advancing agricultural productivity. However, it remains largely unknown whether they inhibit or promote the uptake of pollutants. Here, we systematically examined how foliar applying SiO

Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides is endowed primarily by target-site mutations at the PPX2 gene that compromise binding of the herbicide to the catalytic domain. In Amaranthus spp. PPX2, the most prevalent target mutations are deletion of the G210 codon, and the R128G and G339A substitutions. These mutations strongly affect the dynamic of the PPO2 binding pocket, resulting in reduced affinity with the ligand. Here we investigated the likelihood of co-occurrence of the most widespread target site mutations in the same PPX2 allele.Plants carrying R128G+/+ ΔG210+/-, where + indicates presence of the mutation, were crossed with each other. The PPX2 of the offspring was subjected to pyrosequencing and E. coli-based Sanger sequencing to determine mutation frequencies and allele co-occurrence. The data show that R128G ΔG210 can occur in one allele only; the second allele carries only one mutation. Double mutation in both alleles is less likely because of significant loss of enzyme activity. The segregation of offspring populations derived from a cross between heterozygous plants carrying ΔG210 G399A also showed no co-occurrence in the same allele. The offspring exhibited the expected mutation distribution patterns with few exceptions.Homozygous double-mutants are not physiologically viable. Double-mutant plants can only exist in a heterozygous state. Alternatively, if two mutations are detected in one plant, each mutation would occur in a separate allele. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John WileySons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

In summer 2019, widespread occurrence of crown gall disease caused by

Causal mutations and their frequency in agricultural fields are well-characterized for herbicide resistance. However, we still lack understanding of their evolutionary history: the extent of parallelism in the origins of target-site resistance (TSR), how long these mutations persist, how quickly they spread, and allelic interactions that mediate their selective advantage. We addressed these questions with genomic data from 19 agricultural populations of common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus), which we show to have undergone a massive expansion over the past century, with a contemporary effective population size estimate of 8 x 107. We found variation at seven characterized TSR loci, two of which had multiple amino acid substitutions, and three of which were common. These three common resistance variants show extreme parallelism in their mutational origins, with gene flow having shaped their distribution across the landscape. Allele age estimates supported a strong role of adaptation from de novo mutations, with a median age of 30 suggesting that most resistance alleles arose soon after the onset of herbicide use. However, resistant lineages varied in both their age and evidence for selection over two different timescales, implying considerable heterogeneity in the forces that govern their persistence. Two such forces are intra- and inter-locus allelic interactions; we report a signal of extended haplotype competition between two common TSR alleles, and extreme linkage with genome-wide alleles with known functions in resistance adaptation. Together, this work reveals a remarkable example of spatial parallel evolution in a metapopulation, with important implications for the management of herbicide resistance.

Photosynthetic light response curve parameters help us understand the interspecific variation in photosynthetic traits, leaf acclimation status, carbon uptake, and plant productivity in specific environments. These parameters are also influenced by leaf traits which rely on species and growth environment. In accessions of four amaranth species (Amaranthus. hybridus, A. dubius, A. hypochondriacus, and A. cruentus), we determined variations in the net photosynthetic light response curves and leaf traits, and analysed the relationships between maximum gross photosynthetic rate, leaf traits, and whole-plant productivity. Non-rectangular hyperbolae were used for the net photosynthesis light response curves. Maximum gross photosynthetic rate (Pgmax) was the only variant parameter among the species, ranging from 22.29 to 34.21 μmol m–2 s–1. Interspecific variation existed for all the leaf traits except leaf mass per area and leaf inclination angle. Stomatal conductance, nitrogen, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents, as well as leaf area correlated with Pgmax. Stomatal conductance and leaf nitrogen explained much of the variation in Pgmax at the leaf level. At the plant level, the slope between absolute growth rate and leaf area showed a strong linear relationship with Pgmax. Overall, A. hybridus and A. cruentus exhibited higher Pgmax at the leaf level and light use efficiency at the whole-plant level than A. dubius, and A. hypochondriacus. Thus, A. hybridus and A. cruentus tended to be more efficient with respect to carbon assimilation. These findings highlight the correlation between leaf photosynthetic characteristics, other leaf traits, and whole plant productivity in amaranths. Future studies may explore more species and accessions of Amaranthus at different locations or light environments.

The history and progress of floristic knowledge on Amaranthaceae occurring in Greece and adjacent Balkan countries are briefly outlined and changes in family circumscription and generic delimitation are addressed. The new combinations Amaranthus blitoides [var. blitoides] f. thellungii (Sennen ex Thell.) Raus and A. blitoides [var. reverchonii] f. densifolius (Uline & W. L. Bray) Raus are published. The names Achyranthes argentea Lam. and Amaranthus commutatus A. Kern. ex Hayek are lectotypified, the former a synonym of Achyranthes sicula (L.) All , the latter of Amaranthus blitum L. Amaranthus commutatus A. Kern. has long been known as a designation with no nomenclatural value for a fictitious taxon but is still erroneously accepted in current floristic online sources.

Redroot pigweed is a well-known allelopathic weed worldwide with diverse organic compounds which involving in its allelopathic interactions as well. Preliminary tests of redroot pigweed extract against leukemia and various human phatogenic microorganisms revealed that amaranth extract inhibits the viability and proliferation of NB4 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner and has an excellent anti-bacterial effect on gram-positive bacteria and Candida fungi. Interestingly, the anti-luekemia effects of redroot pigweed is reported for the first time. Phytochemical analysis of redroot pigweed extract, led to the identification amaranth bioactive compounds that largely were including terpenoid compounds (51.71%) as the main group and Carvacrol (11.33%) was the key compound. Redroot pigweed contains various organic compounds with allelopathic and therapeutic properties and current investigation is a promising revelation for the pharmaceutical importance of this plant.

The objective of this work was to characterize the resistance mechanisms and the primary metabolism of a multiple resistant (MR) population of Amaranthus palmeri to glyphosate and to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor pyrithiobac. All MR plants analysed were glyphosate-resistant due to 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene amplification. Resistance to pyrithiobac was more variable among individuals and was related to point mutations at five positions in the ALS gene sequence: A122, A205, W574, S653 and G654. All MR plants were heterozygous for W574, the most abundant mutation. In nontreated plants, the presence of mutations did not affect ALS functionality, and plants with the W574L mutation showed the highest ALS resistance level to pyrithiobac. The accumulation of the transcripts corresponding to several genes of the aromatic amino acid (AAA) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) pathways detected in nontreated MR plants indicated additional effects of EPSPS gene amplification and ALS mutations. The physiological performance of the MR population after treatment with glyphosate and/or pyrithiobac was compared with that of a sensitive (S) population. The increase induced in total soluble sugars, AAA or BCAA content by both herbicides was higher in the S population than in the MR population. Physiological effects were not exacerbated after the mixture of both herbicides in S or in MR populations. This study provides new insights into the physiology of a multiple resistant A. palmeri, which could be very useful for achieving effective management of this weed. This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (AGL2016-77531-R), Spain and by the Universidad Pública de Navarra, Spain (Project UPNA20-6138). M.B.-A. received funding from fellowship through Universidad Pública de Navarra. M.V.E. is the holder of a predoctoral fellowship of the Basque Government.