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Background: Micro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. However, various factors, including culture media and cultivation systems, influence the scaling-up and efficient commercialization of in vitro techniques. The utilization of liquid cultivation systems and bioreactors are relatively cost-effective and has attracted significant attention for mass production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eight culture media, in both semi-solid and liquid forms, on the growth of in vitro mini-plantlets of Phalaenopsis orchids. We subsequently assessed the performance of four selected media: half-strength modified Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MMS), modified FAST (MFAST), and two simplified media (SM1 and SM2), across four types of cultivation systems, including semi-solid media in glass jars, liquid media in a permanent immersion system using Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker (PIS), and a temporary immersion system (TIS) in two forms: FA-Bio bioreactor (TIS-FA-Bio) and RITA® bioreactor (TIS-RITA®). Results: The results indicated that the optimal culture medium for orchid growth depends on the cultivation system used. Among the eight evaluated semi-solid and liquid media, the highest plant growth was observed in the SM2 medium, attributed to the presence of additives (banana powder and activated charcoal), two types of sugar (with high carbon content), and small amounts of nickel and ascorbic acid. The high carbon content in the SM2 liquid medium, combined with the temporary immersion explants in a large volume of medium in the TIS-RITA®, resulted in the highest total carbohydrate content and enhanced plant growth. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the number of plantlets per liter in SM2 semi-solid medium were higher than those in the 1/2 MMS semi-solid medium (control), leading to a 61.6% reduction in production costs. Furthermore, the number of plantlets per liter in the TIS-FA-Bio containing SM2 (10.8 USD) was higher than in TIS-RITA® with 1/2 MMS (39.3 USD), resulting in a 72.5% decrease in production costs due to a lower volume of medium and the use of inexpensive equipment. Conclusions: We recommend the use of SM2 in TIS-FA-Bio and TIS-RITA® for economical and efficient mass propagation of Phalaenopsis orchid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic bacterium Anaerocellum (f. Caldicellulosiruptor) bescii natively ferments the carbohydrate content of plant biomass (including microcrystalline cellulose) into predominantly acetate, H 2 , and CO 2 , and smaller amounts of lactate, alanine and valine. While this extreme thermophile (growth T opt 78 °C) is not natively ethanologenic, it has been previously metabolically engineered with this property, albeit initially yielding low solvent titers (∼15 mM). Herein we report significant progress on improving ethanologenicity in A. bescii , such that titers above 130 mM have now been achieved, while concomitantly improving selectivity by minimizing acetate formation. Metabolic engineering progress has benefited from improved molecular genetic tools and better understanding of A. bescii growth physiology. Heterologous expression of a mutated thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE) modified for co-factor requirement, coupled with bioreactor operation strategies related to pH control, have been key to enhanced ethanol generation and fermentation product specificity. Insights gained from metabolic modeling of A. bescii set the stage for its further improvement as a metabolic engineering platform. • Anaerocellum (f. Caldicellulosiruptor) bescii as a metabolic engineering platform. • Developed strains with high ethanol:acetate selectivity using AdhE variant. • Bioreactor pH control is key to selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lactic acid (LA) treatment of cereals is known to improve ruminant performance. However, changes in cereal nutrient levels and variations in rumen fermentation remain unclear. Methods: This study was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological characteristics of barley and to discover the differences in rumen fer mentation characteristics and metabolomes between LA-treated and untreated barley. Results: Compared with those of untreated barley (BA), the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash and water-soluble carbohydrate contents of barley plants treated with 5% LA for 48 h (BALA) decreased, but the resistant starch (RS) and non-fiber carbohydrate contents increased. Moreover, the amount of proteinaceous matrix in BA decreased in response to LA treatment. During in vitro fermentation, BALA had a greater pH but lower dry matter disappearance and ammonia, methane, and short-chain fatty acid levels than BA. The differential metabolites between BA and BALA were clustered into metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism, lysine degradation, and linoleic acid metabolism. Observable differences in ultrastructure between BALA and BA were noted during fermentation. Conclusion: Lactic treatment altered barley nutrient content, including DM, CP, RS, ash, water-soluble carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates, and affected barley ultrastructure. These variations led to significant and incubation time-dependent changes in the in vitro fermentation characteristics and metabolome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the growth and development of plants, a large quantity of root exudates is released into the rhizosphere, forming a microbiome capable of stimulating plant growth and productivity. The application of microbial preparations will be the cornerstone of soil improvement and obtaining high-quality plant products. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of Azotobacter vinelandii IMV B-7076, a component of the highly effective complex bacterial preparation Azogran, on the buckwheat development and exometabolite composition in the root zone. Methods. The effect of azotobacter on the growth of buckwheat plants and their exometabolite synthesis was investigated during a 14-day cultivation period in a Farreus medium under phytotron conditions. The content of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves was determined using spectrophotometric methods. The protein content in the medium was determined by the Bradford method, carbohydrates by their interaction with phenol and sulfuric acid, and phenols by the Folin-Chokalteu reagent. Results. It was found that the cultivation of buckwheat in a medium with azotobacter significantly stimulated the growth activity of plants and the content of chlorophyll a in their leaves. Under these conditions, the content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids in buckwheat leaves increased less noticeably. During the 14-day cultivation of plants in a medium containing 107 CFU/mL of these bacteria, the protein content increased by 110.4% compared to the control, phenolic compounds by 48.8%, and carbohydrates by 266.4%. Conclusions. Azotobacter vinelandii IMV B-7076 noticeably improves the growth of buckwheat, increases the concentration of exometabolites in the medium during hydroponic cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compost is a natural and sustainable way to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth. Moringa leaves have high mineral, cytokinin, and vitamin content which are useful for growth so that they can be used as organic fertilizer. Azotobacter and Streptomyces are from soil and have many biological activities. This study aimed to detect the importance of bioagents formula with Moringa Compost (MC) to enhance plant growth in poor sterile soil and plants were irrigated with half strength of Hoagland nutrient solution. Moringa leaves were collected and cleaned, and organic compost was prepared and analyzed for microbial and chemical composition. The prepared MC was rich in nitrogen and minerals and had high content of bacteria and fungi. The two bioagents used were isolate MB5 and MB11 which were characterized and molecular identified as Azotobacter chroococcum MB5 and Streptomyces griseus MB11. The free-living A. chroococcum can fix atmospheric nitrogen while Streptomyces is a filamentous bacterium with a high ability to produce secondary metabolites. The addition of 20% MC to soil increased soil EC and microbial counts compared to MC-free soil. Moreover, inoculation of soil with either AZ or ST increased the microbial counts and soil EC and the clearest increase was in the case of inoculation of soil with MC+AZ+ST. It also found that MC extract alone with the bacterial filtrates increases seed germination of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean), which is a herbaceous annual worldwide plant, grown for its edible dry seeds or green unripe pods. In this regard, inoculation of soil with inoculum of both A. chroococcum MB5, and S. griseus MB11, in the presence of MC has the most pronounced effect and enhances both the growth, fresh and dry weights, leaf number, plant height, and root length of P. vulgaris grown under greenhouse conditions for one month and chemical content of the plant protein carbohydrates, P, N, Ca++ and K+. In conclusion, the combined application A. chroococcum MB5 and S. griseus MB11, as a biofertilizers with Moringa compost is recommended to enhance P. vulgaris growth. The use of these biofertilizers can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, which can have detrimental effects on soil and the environment. Therefore, further research on the inoculation and application of these microorganisms with MC is essential for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article evaluates the phytochemical and antioxidative potential in Ocimum basilicum Lamiaceae by inducing variability using ethyl methane sulphonate in Uttarakhand, India. The study examines the yield of various crude extract of screened mutant of Ocimum basilicum L., as well as the presence of protein, alkaloids, amino acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics and saponin in the mutants of Ocimum basilicum L.

The article discusses research which indicates the biochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Leucas urticifolia Sm. medicinal plant. The study estimates the total amino acids, starch, carbohydrates, reducing sugars and protein contents and chlorophyll pigment concentrations of the medicinal plant. It observes the antimicrobial activity of the plant extract against fungi including Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride and Penicillin notatum for methanolic extracts.

Tackling rising up obesity tendency, especially among kids and adolescents, is a crucial task for modern society. The reduction of fast-acting carbohydrate content and plant protein enrichment in snacks recipe is seen as a perspective strategy to prevent overweight. The existed initiates and scientific projects related to the reduction of obesity among kids are described. This study has presented the data about protein-rich snack development by using alternative raw-materials, legumes as well. The review indicates that identifying consumer orientation and co-creation strategy along new functional products development will contribute to the increased consumption of protein-enriched snacks among the young generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice yield stability is a breeding goal, particularly for short-growth duration rice, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In an attempt to identify the relationship between yield stability and source-sink characteristics in short-growth duration rice, a field experiment was conducted at three sites (Yueyang, Liuyang, and Hengyang) in 2021 and 2022. This study compared yield, yield components, source-sink characteristics, and their stability between two stable-yielding short-growth duration rice cultivars, Zhongzao 39 (Z-39) and Lingliangyou 268 (L-268), and two unstable-yielding short-growth duration rice cultivars, Zhongjiazao 17 (Z-17) and Zhuliangyou 819 (Z-819). The stability of agronomic parameters was represented by the coefficient of variation (CV). The respective CVs of yield in Z-17, Z-819, Z-39, and L268 were 10.2%, 10.1%, 4.5%, and 5.7% in 2021 and 19.7%, 15.0%, 5.4%, and 6.5% in 2022. The respective CVs of grain weight were 6.3%, 5.7%, 3.4%, and 4.5% in Z-17, Z-819, Z-39, and L-268 in 2021, and 8.1%, 6.3%, 1.5%, and 0.8% in 2022. The mean source capacity per spikelet and pre-heading non-structural carbohydrate reserves per spikelet (NSCpre) were 7%-43% and 7%-72% lower in Z-819 and Z-17 than in L-268 and Z-39 in 2021 and 2022. The mean quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry of leaf, leaf area index, and specific leaf weight of L-268 and Z-39 were higher than those of Z-819 and Z-17 at the heading stage. This study suggests that high NSCpre, caused by great leaf traits before heading, increases source capacity per spikelet and its stability, thereby increasing the stability of grain weight and yield. Increasing NSCpre is critical for achieving grain weight and yield stability in short-growth duration rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Editorial: New advances in understanding the regulation of appetite in insects," explores the topic of appetite regulation in insects. The authors discuss how insects maintain energetic and nutritional homeostasis despite their small size and high activity levels. They highlight recent research on topics such as the ability of house crickets to discriminate essential amino acids, the carbohydrate limitation for migratory herbivorous insects, the importance of timing in nutrient regulation, and the role of hemolymph trehalose levels in regulating appetite in forager bees. Overall, the article provides insights into how insects secure optimal nutrition and energy levels in diverse food landscapes. [Extracted from the article]

In order to use plant biomass as biochar for storing carbon in soils, the relationship between the chemical composition of plants and biochar yield obtained by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis was studied. The extractive content of herbaceous plants such as dokudami (Houttuynia cordata), halcyon (Erigeron philadelphicus), and mugwort (Artemisia Spp.) was higher than that of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), and the yields at 250 and 300 °C tended to decrease with increasing extractive content of plants. This indicated the possibility that thermal decomposition of herbaceous plants can be conducted at low temperatures (below 350 °C). In addition, the content of crystalline carbohydrates (remaining upon treatment with 5% sulfuric acid) of herbaceous plants was lower than that of Japanese cypress, and the yield at 400 °C tended to decrease with increasing crystalline carbohydrate content of plants. This indicated the possibility that herbaceous plants can be used to obtain biochar with higher yield at 400 °C than woody plants. Therefore, herbaceous plants are considered to be feasible resources as raw materials for biochar production for storing carbon in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world’s food needs are increasing, thereby encouraging people to look for new food sources based on biological resources. Indonesia as a tropical megabiodiversity country has the potential for diverse food sources, including tuber-based foods, such as the taka plant (Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze). Specifically, in Bangka Belitung Archipelago, Indonesia, this plant can be found in Membalong, Simpang Pesak, and Manggar. The problem is that this plant as a carbohydrate food source has not been used optimally by the wider community. This study was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. Data were collected through open and free interviews with local communities, and direct field observations. Preliminary research was conducted at Herbarium Bogoriense, which investigated the morphology and distribution of the taka plant. The results of this study indicate that the people of Belitung Island use the tubers of the taka plant as the basic ingredients for making rintak cakes and crackers through traditional processes. Based on the local knowledge of the people of the Bangka and Belitung Archipelago, then proximate and mineral analysis was conducted, in which the samples were the tubers of the taka plant from those two islands. The outcome of the analysis shows that the carbohydrate content of the taka plant was 84.97-86.72%, and the starch content was 91.82%. Therefore, the use of these local tubers as an alternative to flour can be further developed to reduce dependence on wheat flour. The use of coastal land can be optimized with this plant of domestication effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stamnagathi (Cichorium spinosum L.) is an indigenous plant species well-known for its health-promoting properties. Salinity is a long-term issue with devastating consequences on land and farmers. Nitrogen (N) constitutes a crucial element for plant growth and development (chlorophyll, primary metabolites, etc.). Thus, it is of paramount importance to investigate the impact of salinity and N supply on plants' metabolism. Within this context, a study was conducted aiming to assess the impact of salinity and N stress on the primary metabolism of two contrasting ecotypes of stamnagathi (montane and seaside). Both ecotypes were exposed to three different salinity levels (0.3 mM—non-saline treatment, 20 mM—medium, and 40 mM—high salinity level) combined with two different total-N supply levels: a low-N at 4 mM and a high-N at 16 mM, respectively. The differences between the two ecotypes revealed the variable responses of the plant under the applied treatments. Fluctuations were observed at the level of TCA cycle intermediates (fumarate, malate, and succinate) of the montane ecotype, while the seaside ecotype was not affected. In addition, the results showed that proline (Pro) levels increased in both ecotypes grown under a low N-supply and high salt stress, while other osmoprotectant metabolites such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) exhibited variable responses under the different N supply levels. Fatty acids such as α-linolenate and linoleate also displayed variable fluctuations following plant treatments. The carbohydrate content of the plants, as indicated by the levels of glucose, fructose, α,α-trehalose, and myo-inositol, was significantly affected by the applied treatments. These findings suggest that the different adaptation mechanisms among the two contrasting ecotypes could be strongly correlated with the observed changes in their primary metabolism. This study also suggests that the seaside ecotype may have developed unique adaptation mechanisms to cope with high N supply and salinity stress, making it a promising candidate for future breeding programs aimed at developing stress tolerant varieties of C. spinosum L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne spp. can infect various horticultural plants, including eggplants (Solanum melongena, L) and cause destructive loss in crop yield production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of individual or concomitant treatments with Trichoderma viride and some plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on root knot nematode in eggplant.In greenhouse, a standard microbial fertilizer (NPK) and four microbial isolates involved Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma viride were tested and it was found thatthe dual treatments composed of NPK and Pseudomonas fluorescens or T. viride, significantly reduced the total population of root-knot nematode, M. javanica, with a reduction percentage of 67.23 and 71.02% respectively. Also, concomitant treatment of NPK and T. viride or B. subtilis improved the plant growth parameters with the 70.82 and 48.60% respectively. Under field conditions, the growth parameters increased significantly as shoot length (59.98%), shoot weight (114.06%), shoot dry weight (163.97%) and yield per plant (153.06%) upon the treatment with T. viride incorporated with NPK compared to the untreated control under the infection stress. Moreover, the concomitant treatment of NPK and T. viride gave the highest reduction percentage in the total nematode population (52.5%) followed by treatment with NPK associated with P. fluorescens (42.93%). Furthermore, a highest negative correlation was found between the plant yield and the final nematode population in soil and root. Meanwhile, total chlorophyll content increased significantly recorded the highest value upon the application of NPK integrated with T. viride under the infection stress while carotenoids content decreased compared to the untreated plants. On the other hand, the use of T. viride with NPK or S. marcescens significantly increase the content of carbohydrates in the plant leaves. Application of NPK with P. fluorescens significantly decreased the proline content and malondialdehyde (MDA). Concomitant treatments using NPK integrated with T. viride caused obvious increase in nitrogen (N), phosphorous(P) and potassium (K) concentrations in leaves. It was concluded that the motivating efficiency of PGPR and Trichoderma in suppressing plant parasitic nematodes and improving growth yield, encourages the future researches to highpoint the fungal and bacterial interactions with plants as biological control agents for ecological remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out for the estimation of polyphenols (TP) and induction of oxidative enzymes polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in sunflower plants through seed immersion in agrochemicals of salicylic acid (SA) and water soluble chitosan (CH) in addition to a conidial suspension of Trichoderma harzianum and then analysis of plant content of carbohydrates and protein. The highest level of PPO 253.3 U - min-1 was detected in 50 ppm SA for 6 h. Next was T. harzianum when catalyzed PPO with 193.67 U min-1. Peroxidase was substantially catalyzed in accordance with the increment of inducers. Sunflower roots induced TP with up to 4.88 mg g-1 in plants treated with SA at 50 ppm for 6 h and then declined with an increasing SA dose. The total carbohydrate content in leaves of 320 mg 100 g-1 was found in treatments of CH at 50 ppm for 6 h. In roots, a carbohydrate content of 500 mg 100 g-1 was observed using CH 75 ppm for 6 h. Trichoderma harzianum remarkably increased proteins in leaves and roots by up to 25% compared to 16.9% in the control. These results suggest that inducing the plants' own defense mechanism by applying salicylic acid and chitosan and bio-control of T. harzianum may offer alternative methods for controlling charcoal rot of sunflower due to the creation of defensive enzymes and could support plant vigor by enhancement of its protein and carbohydrate content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return is crucial for the sustainable development of rice planting, but no consistent results were observed for the effect of straw return on rice growth. To investigate the response of rice leaves to rice straw return in Northeast China, two treatments were set, no straw return (S0) and rice straw return (SR). We analyzed the physiological index of rice leaves and measured differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) levels in rice leaves by the use of proteomics and metabolomics approaches. The results showed that, compared with the S0 treatment, the SR treatment significantly decreased the dry weight of rice plants and non-structural carbohydrate contents and destroyed the chloroplast ultrastructure. In rice leaves of SR treatment, 329 DEPs were upregulated, 303 DEPs were downregulated, 44 DEMs were upregulated, and 71 DEMs were downregulated. These DEPs were mainly involved in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and DEMs were mainly involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, galactose metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and gluconic acid metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. Rice straw return promoted the accumulation of scavenging substances of active oxygen and osmotic adjustment substances, such as glutathione, organic acids, amino acids, and other substances. The SR treatment reduced the photosynthetic capacity and energy production of carbon metabolism, inhibiting the growth of rice plants, while the increase of metabolites involved in defense against abiotic stress enhanced the adaptability of rice plants to straw return stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State. Investigation was carried out on the effects of Fresh Shoot Biomass of Chromolaena odorata on okra Abelmoschus esculentus. For the laboratory experiment, about 5g, 10g, 15g and 20g each of Chromolaena odorata was weighed into plastic bottles each containing 250ml of distilled water for 24 hours. Two millilitres of the leachate was used to water the seeds of okra that was placed in Petri dishes. Each treatment had five replicates that contained four seeds of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). For the screening experiment, loamy top soil, fresh shoot, stems and leaves of Chromolaena odorata were collected within Federal University Oye Ekiti environment and crushed into smaller bits using mortar and pestle. Three seeds, each of okra that was planted in all the pots. The growth variables considered include radicle length, plumule length, number of roots, for the green house experiment the plant height, leaf area, stem girth, and pod weight were also observed. The leachate of Chromolaena odorata resulted to a reduction in radicle length, plumule length and number of roots. The radicle length of okra treated with leachates of 15g/250ml were adversely affected, while the plumule length of 5g/250ml, 15g/250ml and 20g/250ml greatly decreased compared to the control. The highest decrease in number of roots was noticed in the 15g/250ml concentration. The control plant had the highest plant height increased in a concentration dependent manner with exception of those treated with 200g, the leaf area of the control plant was observed to be lower than all the treatment plants, but it increased in a concentration dependent manner. Also, there was a concentration dependent increase in the steam girth of A. esculentus. The pod weight of the treated plants were lower than the control. The plant treated with 50g highest moisture content, the fat content was higher in the control and plant treated with 50g than the other treated plant. The protein content of the treatment plants was observed to be significantly higher when compared to the control plant. Crude fiber content of the treatment plant was significantly higher than the treatment plants. The ash content of the control was significantly lower than the treated plants, the carbohydrate content of the control plant increased significantly compared to the treatment plant with the lowest at 150g treated plant. The study concluded that the leachate and FSB affected the seed germination, growth and the food content of Abelmoschus esculentus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Locusts are major intermittent threats to food security and the ecological factors determining where and when these occur remain poorly understood. For many herbivores, obtaining adequate protein from plants is a key challenge. We tested how the dietary protein : non-structural carbohydrate ratio (p : c) affects the developmental and physiological performance of 4th-5th instar nymphs of the South American locust, Schistocerca cancellata, which has recently resurged in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Field marching locusts preferred to feed on high carbohydrate foods. Field-collected juveniles transferred to the laboratory selected artificial diets or local plants with low p : c. On single artificial diets, survival rate increased as foods became more carbohydrate-biased. On single local plants, growth only occurred on the plant with the lowest p : c. Most local plants had p : c ratios substantially higher than optimal, demonstrating that field marching locusts must search for adequate carbohydrate or their survival and growth will be carbohydrate- limited. Total body lipids increased as dietary p : c decreased on both artificial and plant diets, and the low lipid contents of field-collected nymphs suggest that obtaining adequate carbohydrate may pose a strong limitation on migration for S. cancellata. Anthropogenic influences such as conversions of forests to pastures, may increase carbohydrate availability and promote outbreaks and migration of some locusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The halophyte Salicornia neei Lag. can be used as a phytoremediation agent in salt degraded areas. The objective of this work was to evaluate the organic (carbohydrate and N-aminosoluble) and inorganic (Na+, K+ and Cl-) solutes contents in S. neei submitted to different blades of irrigation and fertilization in Ceara semiarid. The samples were obtained in culture carried out in Ocara-CE. Four areas of 100 m² were prepared with different treatments (denominated T1, T2, T3, T4) of irrigation: once a day (0.15 m³ / day) in T1 and T2, and two irrigations a day (0.30 m³ / day) in T3 and T4, for 30 minutes each, and fertilization only in treatments T2 and T4 with NPK (10:28:20). Two samples were collected per treatment at 60, 90 and 120 days after planting (DAP). The total soluble carbohydrate content of the fertilized plants did not differ between the days of collection. The largest concentrations of N-aminossoluveis occurred to 120 DAP in plants with one irrigation and without fertilizer. Plants with one irrigation and without fertilizer had the greatest levels of Na+ and K+. The Cl- levels did not differ between the dates in the collection with two plants irrigation. It is concluded that the highest levels of organic and inorganic solutes occurred in the treatments with and without irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the tolerance potential of Cd, Pb and Cu and physiological alterations in two common tree species growing in Minia governorate (Egypt) namely: Eucalyptus globulus and Ficus nitida and to investigate the leaf features [leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA)] associated with the phytoremediation process. The findings may be useful for future surveillance as preliminary reference values for levels of heavy metals in urban and industrial settings. The levels of cadmium, lead and Cupper in plant leaf were determined. The results showed that heavy metals could inhibit the growth of plants including LA and SLA. The water content (WC) and photosynthetic pigments of Eucalyptus and Ficus decreased with the increased concentration of metals. Contrary to chlorophylls (a) and (b), carotenoids and chlorophyll ratio (a/b) showed a significant increase with increasing metals concentration especially that of Cd and Cu. Proline content was relatively increased and soluble carbohydrate content decreased in plants with high metal accumulation. Eucalyptus showed better tolerance capacity for Cd, Pb and Cu when compared to Ficus. The ability of Eucalyptus to accumulate and tolerate metal stress makes this species a good candidate to recuperate heavy metals-contaminated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to estimate the comparative impact of organic manure (Vermicompost, Farmyard manure), chemical fertilizers (NPK, Urea) and their combinations on protein and carbohydrate content of Wheat during different growth stages, an experiment was conducted by using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The results revealed that at 15 days after sowing protein content of wheat (leaves) recorded maximum (15.73 mg/gm) in 10% Vermicompost +100 gm NPK fertilizer treatment and minimum (7.92 mg/gm) in control. However at 60 days after sowing it was reported maximum (17.92 mg/gm) in 10% Vermicompost +100 gm NPK fertilizer combination and minimum (9.68 mg/gm) in control. In the wheat grains, protein content was maximum (127.42 mg/gm) in 10% Vermicompost +100 gm NPK followed by 10% VC+100 gm urea (123.59 mg/gm) and minimum (87.53 mg/gm) in control. Moreover, the carbohydrate content of plant leaves at 15 days after sowing was recorded maximum (37.52 mg/gm) in 10% Vermicompost +100 gm NPK treatment and minimum (19.35 mg/gm) in control. However at 60 days after sowing it was observed maximum (39.74 mg/gm) in 10% VC+100 gm NPK and minimum (21.41 mg/gm) in control. Furthermore in grains, the carbohydrate content was observed maximum (496.72 mg/gm) in 10% FYM+100 gm NPK followed by 10% VC+100 gm urea (488.61 mg/gm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of leaves of botanicals in combination with wheat straw on the inhibition of microbial contaminants, growth and yield parameters as well as the nutritional parameters of Pleurotus florida. Five botanicals were used in this study namely Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globules, Phyllanthus emblica, Morus alba, Lantana camara and control-wheat straw and each treatment was replicated six times. Minimum time taken for complete mycelia run and minimum time for fruiting bodies formation were recorded in T1 (Neem + wheat straw) 13.67 days, 17.16 days and 20.50 days. While maximum number of fruiting bodies, yield (g/2 kg wet substrates) and biological efficiency (%) were recorded in T1 (Neem + wheat straw) 186.83, 992.32g, 175.22%, respectively. Maximum protein content (%) was recorded in T1 (Neem + wheat straw) 28.2% and maximum carbohydrate content (%) was recorded in T0 (Wheat straw) 40.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma spp. are free-living fungi present in virtually all terrestrial ecosystems. These soil fungi can stimulate plant growth and increase plant nutrient acquisition of macro- and micronutrients and water uptake. Generally, plant growth promotion by Trichoderma is a consequence of the activity of potent fungal signaling metabolites diffused in soil with hormone-like activity, including indolic compounds as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) produced at concentrations ranging from 14 to 234 μg l-1, and volatile organic compounds such as sesquiterpene isoprenoids (C 15), 6-pentyl-2 H -pyran-2-one (6-PP) and ethylene (ET) produced at levels from 10 to 120 ng over a period of six days, which in turn, might impact plant endogenous signaling mechanisms orchestrated by plant hormones. Plant growth stimulation occurs without the need of physical contact between both organisms and/or during root colonization. When associated with plants Trichoderma may cause significant biochemical changes in plant content of carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids and lipids, as detected in Arabidopsis thaliana , maize (Zea mays), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare), which may improve the plant health status during the complete life cycle. Trichoderma -induced plant beneficial effects such as mechanisms of defense and growth are likely to be inherited to the next generations. Depending on the environmental conditions perceived by the fungus during its interaction with plants, Trichoderma can reprogram and/or activate molecular mechanisms commonly modulated by IAA, ET and abscisic acid (ABA) to induce an adaptative physiological response to abiotic stress, including drought, salinity, or environmental pollution. This review, provides a state of the art overview focused on the canonical mechanisms of these beneficial fungi involved in plant growth promotion traits under different environmental scenarios and shows new insights on Trichoderma metabolites from different chemical classes that can modulate specific plant growth aspects. Also, we suggest new research directions on Trichoderma spp. and their secondary metabolites with biological activity on plant growth. • The fungal genus Trichoderma fulfills multiple ecological functions in the rhizosphere. • Several Trichoderma species can promote plant growth in natural and agricultural systems. • Trichoderma spp. produce a large number of bioactive metabolites that exert beneficial effects on plant growth. • Different species of these fungi can solubilize soil nutrients. • Trichoderma can promote the adaptation of plants under stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) importance for tree productivity and resilience, little is known about their seasonal regulations and trade-off with growth and reproduction. We characterize the seasonal dynamics of NSC in relation to the aboveground phenology and temporal growth patterns of three deciduous Mediterranean species: almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb), walnut (Juglans regia L.) and pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Seasonal dynamics of NSC were synchronous between wood tissues from trunk, branches and twigs. Almond had almost identical levels and patterns of NSC variation in twigs, branches and trunks whereas pistachio and walnut exhibited clear concentration differences among plant parts whereby twigs had the highest and most variable NSC concentration, followed by branches and then trunk. While phenology had a significant influence on NSC seasonal trends, there was no clear trade-off between NSC storage and growth suggesting that both were similarly strong sinks for NSC. A temporal trade-off observed at the seasonal scale was influenced by the phenology of the species. We propose that late senescing species experience C allocation trade-off at the end of the growing season because of C-limiting thermal conditions and priority allocation to storage in order to survive winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of hydraulic function during and after a drought event is crucial for tree survival, but the importance of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in the recovery phase is still debated. We tested whether higher NSC availability facilitates post-drought hydraulic recovery, by applying a short-term drought (S dr) and a long-term drought combined with shading (L dr+sh) in Fraxinus ornus and Ostrya carpinifolia. Plants were then re-irrigated and recovery was checked 24 h later, by measuring water potential, stem percentage loss of hydraulic conductance (PLC) and NSC content. The relative magnitude of hydraulic and carbon constraints was also assessed in desiccated plants. During drought, PLC increased only in F. ornus, while it was maintained almost constant in O. carpinifolia due to tighter stomatal control of xylem pressure (i.e. more isohydric). In F. ornus , only S dr plants maintained high NSC contents at the end of drought and, when re-irrigated, recovered PLC to control values. Whereas hydraulic failure was ubiquitous, only F. ornus depleted NSC reserves at mortality. Our results suggest that preserving higher NSC content at the end of a drought can be important for the hydraulic resilience of trees. • Drought induces hydraulic failure and carbon starvation. • Hydraulic recovery was possible only in plants with high carbohydrate content. • Carbon starvation was not an ubiquitous cause of plant mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Heavy metals are characterised by a relatively high density and cause genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects on plants, animals and humans. Lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals that causes toxicity to plants and animals.This experiment was conducted using a hydroponic technique to study the effects of Pb(NO3)2 on physiological, biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics in Leucaena leucocephala seedlings. Plants were grown in a growth chamber for 21 days in Hoagland's solution supplemented with 0 (control), 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 700 µm Pb(NO3)2.Shoot heights as well as root lengths decreased significantly in Pb‐treated plants with 300, 500 and 700 µm. In Pb‐treated plants with high Pb concentrations, photosynthesis rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E) decreased. Total protein and carbohydrate content in Pb‐treated plants with 300, 500 and 700 µm increased significantly in leaves. Moreover, in Pb‐treated plants with 300, 500 and 700 µm Pb(NO3)2, mesophyll cells had enlarged chloroplasts with disrupted thylakoid membranes associated with large starch grains. In contrast, Pb treatments with 25, 50 µm and 100 µm were not toxic to the plants. Thick sections of roots of Pb‐treated plants with 300, 500 and 700 µm Pb showed distinct changes in structure of epidermal and cortical cells. Moreover, thin sections of roots of Pb‐treated plants with 300, 500 and 700 µm Pb had thickened walls of xylem cells.These results will shed more light in understanding the effects of heavy metal stress on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been developed with the aim of reviewing the different sources, structure, extraction, composition, properties and health benefits of plant gums. Gums are known for their multifarious uses in food industries like bakery, meat, fruit and vegetable. Those obtained from different sources exhibit differences in their chemistry. All have a rich nutritional profile and require different methods for extraction/purification. Most studies reveal fair flow characteristics of plant gums. The X-ray diffraction studies and scanning electron micrographs confer their amorphous nature. General appearance of plant gums varies from yellow–cream to whitish in color. Water absorption and swelling are two essential physicochemical properties of the plant gums owing to their hydrophilic nature. In spite of hydrophilicity, plant gums exhibit significant interfacial properties like emulsifying and foaming. Aqueous plant gum dispersions are acidic in nature and show great variations in their rheological behaviour. Thermal properties (DSC) of the plant gums reveal endothermic as well as exothermic transitions. Many gums obtained from botanical sources have proven health promoting benefits. • Gums are obtained from different plant sources. • NMR and MS are commonly used for their structural elucidation. • Carbohydrate content of plant gums varies from 43.51 to 98.46 %. • Gums influence the water binding, swelling and interfacial properties of foods. • Rheology of foods can be greatly modified by addition of gums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Girdling significantly affected stem CO 2 efflux by altered substrate availability. • Effects of girdling on stem CO 2 efflux differed in degree and timing with season. • Apparent Q 10 of the stem CO 2 efflux increased above the girdle. Abstract The effect of carbohydrate supply on stem CO 2 efflux and its temperature sensitivity is crucial in predicting forest carbon cycling under climate change and forest management but has been rarely reported. In this study, we altered carbohydrate supply via stem girdling and investigated the effect of nonstructural carbohydrate concentration on stem CO 2 efflux and its temperature sensitivity in Chinese fir and sweetgum trees in spring and winter. The stem CO 2 efflux of Chinese fir increased significantly above the girdle in spring and winter, but decreased below the girdle in winter. The stem CO 2 efflux of sweetgum increased above the girdle and decreased below the girdle in spring but not in winter. Seasonal variations in the response of stem CO 2 efflux to girdling were associated with the changes in stem soluble sugar and starch concentration, especially in sweetgum tree. Girdling altered Q 10 of the stem CO 2 efflux, and this effect was dependent on location, season and species. Compared with the Q 10 of the stem CO 2 efflux in non-girdled trees, that of CO 2 efflux in Chinese fir increased by 45% above the girdle but decreased by 16% below the girdle in winter. These values also exhibited 6% and 11% responses in spring. By contrast, the Q 10 of the stem CO 2 efflux in sweetgum increased by 95% above the girdle and decreased by 45% below the girdle in spring. However, these values were nearly constant in winter. We concluded that the effect of carbohydrate supply on stem CO 2 efflux and its temperature sensitivity depends on season and species. Therefore, the vital role of carbohydrate supply that regulates stem CO 2 efflux and its temperature sensitivity should be considered for the understanding and modeling of forest carbon cycling response to forest management, especially under global climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal messenger that mediates intracellular responses to extracellular stimuli in living organisms. Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins are the important Ca2+ sensors in plants that decode Ca2+‐signatures to execute downstream intracellular level responses. Several studies indicate the interlinking of Ca2+ and sugar signaling in plants; however, no genes have been functionally characterized to provide molecular evidence. Our study found that expression of TaCML20 was significantly correlated with water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations in recombinant inbred lines in wheat. TaCML20 has four EF‐hand motifs that may facilitate the binding of Ca2+. To explore the role of CML20, we generated TaCML20 overexpressing transgenic lines in wheat. These lines accumulated higher WSC concentrations in the shoots, and we also found a significantly increased transcript level of sucrose:sucrose‐1‐fructosyltransferase (1‐SST) in the internodes compared with the control plants. In addition, TaCML20 overexpressing plants showed significantly increased tillers per plant and also increased about 19% of grain weight per plant compared with control plants. The results also suggested a role for TaCML20 in drought stress, as its transcripts significantly increased in the shoots of wild‐type plants under water deficit. These results uncovered the role of CML20 in determining multiple traits in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of root‐derived dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) has been emphasized lately, as it can provide an alternative source of carbon for photosynthesis. The fate of newly fixed DIC and its effect on non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) pools has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. To this end, we used 13C (NaHCO3) as a substrate tracer to investigate the incorporation of newly fixed bicarbonate into the plant organs and NSC compounds of Camptotheca acuminata seedlings for 24 and 72 h. NSC levels across the organs were all markedly increased within 24 h of labeling treatment and afterward only decreased in stems at 72 h. The variation range of NSC concentrations in roots was considerably smaller than in the stem and leaves. As time passed, the δ13C in NSC compounds was significantly affected by 13C labeling and was more positive in the roots than in the stem and leaves. Starch was more 13C‐enriched than was soluble carbohydrate, and the δ13C of root starch was as high as −4.70‰. Bicarbonate incorporation into newly formed NSC compounds contributed up to 0.24% of the root starch within 72 h. These data provided strong evidence that bicarbonate not only acted as a C source that contributed slightly to the NSC pools but also stimulated the increase in NSC pools. The present study expands our understanding of the rapid change of NSC pools across the organs in response to bicarbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wheat, the capacity to store soluble carbohydrates (CHS) in the stem and to remobilize them towards the grain, constitutes a desirable characteristic to be incorporated in the germplasm directed to regions where terminal drought frequently occurs. The objective of the work was to evaluate the variability in the accumulation and remobilization of water-soluble carbohydrates (CHS) and their contribution to grain yield when the post-synthesis source is altered by defoliation and water stress. The experiments were carried out in the summer-autumn 2013 cycle (temporal, exp. 1) and winter-spring 2013-2014 (irrigation, exp. 2) in Toluca, Mexico, at a density of 350 seeds m-2 , in the exp 1 the defoliation was performed 7 days after anthesis and in the exp. 2 was not watered after anthesis. In the exp. 1 60 wheat elite lines and two source reduction treatments (defoliated and defoliated, called environments onwards) were studied under a split plot design with 2 replications. The exp. 2 consisted of 20 genotypes selected from exp. 1 and subjected to two water regimes (irrigation and post-flowering drought) in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications where each water regime was considered an environment. Great variability was observed for grain yield (RG) and the associated physiological characteristics. The RG was reduced by an average of 14% due to defoliation and post-anthesis drought. The greater contribution of CHS was in line with a greater efficiency of remobilization. There are promising genotypes for use in breeding programs with a view to incorporating physiological characteristics to increase the potential yield under conditions of biotic or abiotic stress in post-anthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of the College Of Basic Education is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Quality maintenance in rapidly decaying fruit such as blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) is of essential importance to guarantee the economic success of the crop. Fruit quality is a multifaceted subject that encompasses flavor, aroma, visual and physical issues as main factors. In this paper we report an ample characterization of different biochemical and physical aspects in two varieties (O'Neal and Emerald) of blueberries that differ in firmness, aspect, flavor and harvesting times, at two different phenological stages (fruit set vs. ripe), with the intention of unveiling how the metabolic signature of each contributes to their contrasting quality. To this effect a metabolomic, ionomic and proteomic approach was selected. The results presented here show marked differences in several variables at the two stages and between varieties. Emerald is an early variety with a large, good taste and firm fruit, while O'Neal is soft, medium sized and very sweet. Proteomic data comparison between both cultivars showed that, at fruit set, processes related with the response to inorganic compounds and small molecule metabolisms are relevant in both varieties. However, solute accumulation (mainly amino acids and organic acids), enzymes related with C: N balance, water transport and cell wall recycling are enhanced in Emerald. In ripe fruit, Emerald showed an enrichment of proteins associated with TCA, nitrogen, small molecules and cell wall in muro recycling processes, while mannitol and fatty acid metabolism were enhanced in the soft variety. The measured variation in metabolite levels gave strong support to the precedent results. This study suggests that at fruit set, a composite scenario of active metabolic recycling of the cell wall, improved C: N balance and solute accumulation give place to a more efficient carbon and water resource management. During the ripe stage, an increased and efficient in muro and metabolic recycling of the cell wall, added to enhanced inositol and secondary metabolism may be responsible for a best turgor conservation in Emerald. These findings may yield clues for improvements in fertilization practices, as well as to assist the guided development of new varieties based on biochemical quality. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Metabolite and protein content are related with quality attributes of blueberries. • Divergences were found between processes at two phenological stages for each variety. • During fruit set, the firmer variety efficiently manage C:N balance and water resources. • Ripe Emerald fruit has increased cell wall recycling, inositol and phenolic content. • The cell wall calcium content does not vary significantly between varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • LLA treatment of wheat straw results in high carbohydrate recovery. • LLA treatment of wheat straw decreases relative abundance of hydroxycinnamic acids. • Treatment time, together with NH 3 concentration, affects enzymatic hydrolysis. • Low NH 3 loadings loosen the lignocellulose architecture. Abstract Ammonia treatment of lignocellulose improves carbohydrate degradability, however, low ammonia dose treatment effects and mechanisms are hardly considered. This study describes low dose ammonia treatment of wheat straw in a statistical design of experiments (Taguchi design) to evaluate the effects of ammonia concentration, treatment time and the Solid:Liquid ratio on structure, composition and enzymatic degradability of the residual fractions. The results showed that low ammonia concentration (≤2 w/w % NH 3) resulted in a high carbohydrate recovery (>80%) coupled enzymatic hydrolysis of 50% of xylan and 40% of glucan of the treated material using a (hemi-) cellulase enzyme cocktail. This effect coincidences with the relative decrease in ferulic acid by 10% and coumaric acid by more than 50% analysed via pyrolysis-GC–MS, measured as 4-vinyl-phenol and 4-vinyl-guaiacol, respectively. Our findings show that lowering ammonia concentration increased the effect of treatment time on the enzymatic degradability of the residual fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • High and low night temperature (NT) cause a poor export of carbohydrates from the leaf. • The lack of carbohydrate translocation causes a feedback down regulation of photosynthesis. • High NT increase leaf respiration and decrease leaf carbohydrate content. • Projected increase of NT could lead to either an increase or a decrease of the translocation of carbohydrates, affecting the productivity of crops. Abstract Important processes such as plant respiration, repair of damaged photosystems and carbohydrate translocation occurs during night. The lack of photosyntate translocation can influence photosynthetic efficiency of the leaves in the subsequent day. Night temperature can play and important role influencing the carbohydrate translocation. The aim of the work was to test the effect of night temperature on the photosynthetic activity, and to assess the correlation between the accumulation of carbohydrates in the leaves due to the reduction of their overnight translocation. In two experiments, taking into account whole canopy and single leaf CO 2 assimilation of Vitis vinifera , night temperature was correlated with the variation of CO 2 assimilation between the afternoon and the subsequent morning. In a controlled experiment, such variation was correlated with the accumulation of carbohydrates in the leaves in particular for low night temperatures, suggesting a mechanism of end product feedback down regulation. High night temperature caused a poor export of carbohydrates from the leaf, but the increase of respiration caused a consistent decrease of the carbohydrate content in the leaf. In conclusion, night temperature plays a pivotal role in the carbon translocation during the night. Further to its impact on source-sink relationship, this mechanism can have an important impact on the CO 2 assimilation of the plant during the day that can be negatively affected either by relatively low and relatively high temperature during the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the Faculty of Education for Girls/University of Kufa for the period from 27/10/2017 until 15/1/2017 to test the effect of different concentrations of zinc sulphate and Gibberellic acid in vegetative growth and leaf content of carbohydrates and proteins of the plant of the rest. (50,100,150) mg / L of Gibberellin and (20,40,60 ) mg/L zíncsulphate. After 10 days of the first treatment, the plants were sprayed again until full wetness. The plants were irrigated when needed. Use the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) where the least significant difference was used at 5% (Least Significant Difference) LSN % 5 to find the differences between the averages when the coefficients were only significant. The results of the study showed that there were significant differences in the measured growth indicators of plants with different concentrations compared to nontreated plants. The results showed that the highest rate in the length of the leg length was (43) cm when treated with the acid of the Gibberellic acid concentration (50 , 150) mg/ L . As for the characteristics of the leaves, the results indicated the positive effect of both the gibberellin and zinc sulphate With a significant difference in the properties of the leaves compared to the treatment of control and the highest average of the number of leaves was recorded in the treatment with the gibberellic acid at all concentrations (50,100,150) mg/L where it was (18.3, 16.3.16) leaf / plant.The leaf area was the highest area in the treatment with Zinc Sulphate concentration of 60 mg / I gibberellic acid and acid concentration of 150 mg / l, reaching (281, 330) cm respectively, compared with the control treatment, which gave 74.4 cm. Also recorded the highest amount of chlorophyll treatment when the concentration of zinc sulphate 60 mg / L and 40 mg / L and recorded (41.7, 40.9) respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences in the amount of carbohydrates and total proteins of the leaves when treated with the Gibberellin concentration of 150 mg / I and the amount of carbohydrates and total proteins were (6.159,0.335) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high yielding wilt resistant chickpea culture tested as GJG 1003 was a cross derivative of GJG 0105 x FG 711, matures in 110 to 112 days, with an average grain yield of 1867 kg/ha under rainfed condition of Gujarat and recorded high yield by 13.6 %, 21.9 % and 5.2 % over check varieties Gujarat Gram 1 (1643 kg/ha), Gujarat Gram 2 (1531 kg/ha) and Gujarat Junagadh Gram 3 (1775 kg/ha), respectively. It was notified and released in the name of GJG 6 ( Gujarat Junagadh Gram 6) during 2016. The GJG 6 variety is resistant to wilt and shown good level of resistance against stunt diseases and comparable pod borer damage. This variety has more protein content (19.9 %) and carbohydrate content (67.84 %) than the check varieties. The variety was released for cultivation under conserved soil moisture condition of Gujarat during 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: M. stenopetala is a promising medicinal plant, which is most common in Ethiopia and Kenya, it has an enormous potential to contribute to improved diet and health. The people in the Konso district of southern Ethiopia get their food from M. stenopetala, People in the Gamo Gofa zone have a long tradition of consumption of M. stenopetala, locally called Haleko. Objective: The present study was amied to evaluate the Proximate analysis (nutritional value) of methanolic and aqueous leave extract of M. stenopetala, from Shire Endaslassie (SE), and Abi-Addi (AA) from Tigray region, Ethiopia. Methods: 50 g of the plant powder of M. stenopetala leaves was subjected to maceration and decoction extractions using methanol and aqueous as solvent, respectively, and the extracts were filtered, then proximate composition such as moisture content, total ash content, crude lipid content, crude fiber content, crude protein content, carbohydrate content, and energy value was evaluated using standard biochemical methods and using various titration methods. Results: The result of the present study was indicated that M. stenopetala leaves have rich source of nutritive value such as moisture, ash, crude lipid content, crude fiber content, crude protein content, and energy value from SE compare to AA. Conclusions: The nutrient contents in the methanolic and aqueous leave extract of M. stenopetala, from SE and AA, were found at different levels. Therefore, it has a potential to be used as a feed additive for humans and could contribute immensely toward meeting human nutritional needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at analysing the dietary fibre (DF) content and prebiotic carbohydrate profile of two local pumpkin varieties (Villachchi, Moragollagama) and five imported hybrid varieties (Arjuna, Suprima, Abishek, Lara, Pragathi) grown in Sri Lanka, and investigating the prebiotic potential of pumpkin powder in vivo using the pig as an animal model for human. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was performed to identify the prebiotic carbohydrate profile. In the feeding trial, pigs were fed with standard diet (SD), pumpkin powder + SD (PD), SD + probiotics, and PD + probiotic. Freeze dried Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (500 mgday-1) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (500 mgday-1) were used as probiotic organisms. At the end of the experimental period, faecal microbial compositions of the pigs were analysed. Results revealed that the total DF content of pumpkin pulp did not vary (p > 0.05) among varieties. However, the local varieties had higher (p < 0.05) soluble DF (11.75 - 12.21 % dry matter) than the hybrid varieties. Mean concentrations of sorbitol, mannitol, stachyose + raffinose, verbascose + kestose and nystose of pumpkin were 106.7, 41.4, 76.5, 294.5 and 37.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively. Pumpkin powder fed pigs had higher (p < 0.05) counts of faecal lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in comparison to SD fed pigs. In conclusion, this study revealed that pumpkin contains prebiotic carbohydrates, namely, sorbitol, mannitol, stachyose, raffinose, verbascose, kestose and nystose, and the feeding trial reflected prebiotic activity of pumpkin powder indicating a possibility to be used in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As we know, the survival of young ramets and stolons is essential for the clonal growth of many aquatic plants. However, few NH4+ enrichment experiments on clonal growth of submerged macrophytes have been conducted to provide possible evidences for their declines in eutrophic lakes. Here, the growth and physiological responses of V. natans to the enrichment of NH4+-N were examined under six inorganic nitrogen (IN, i.e., the sum of nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N)) concentrations (control, 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 10.5 mg L−1). When NH4+-N concentration increased over 0.5 mg L−1, free amino acid (FAA) contents in leaves and stolons increased while soluble carbohydrate (SC) and starch contents decreased, and major growth indices (total biomass of plants, number of ramets, and stolon dry weight (DW)) also showed a degressive tendency. Remarkably, the stolon DW significantly declined with increasing FAA, but significantly positively related to SC and starch. These results indicated that clonal growth of V. natans was inhibited by high NH4+-N concentration, and imbalance of C-N metabolism of stolons partly explained the decline of submerged clonal macrophytes. In this study, the leaves of new and small (NS) ramets contained significantly more FAA and less SC than that of mature and mother (MM) plants, indicating that the C-N metabolism of young ramets was easier to be disrupted, consequently inhibiting the clonal growth of aquatic plants. Furthermore, under the condition of high NH4+-N concentration, FAA may be a useful indicator of both macrophyte growth and physiological stress of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop-based bioethanol has raised concerns about competition with food and feed supplies, and technologies for second- and third-generation biofuels are still under development. Alternative feedstocks could fill this gap if they can be converted to biofuels using current sugar- or starch-to-ethanol technologies. The aim of this study was to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by simultaneously expressing the maize Corngrass1 miRNA (Cg1) and E. coli ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (glgC), both of which have been reported to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in planta. Our findings revealed that expression of Cg1 alone increased shoot branching, delayed flowering, reduced flower organ size, and induced loss of fertility. These changes were fully restored by coexpressing Escherichia coli glgC. The transcript level of miRNA156 target SQUAMOSA promoter binding-like (SPL) transcription factors was suppressed severely in Cg1-expressing lines as compared to the wild type. Expression of glgC alone or in combination with Cg1 enhanced biomass yield and total sugar content per plant, suggesting the potential of these genes in improving economically important biofuel feedstocks. A possible mechanism of the Cg1 phenotype is discussed. However, a more detailed study including genome-wide transcriptome and metabolic analysis is needed to determine the underlying genetic elements and pathways regulating the observed developmental and metabolic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of information about the transgenerational effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO 2 ) in plants. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of successive exposure of nano-TiO 2 with different surface properties to basil ( Ocimum basilicum ). Seeds from plants exposed or re-exposed to pristine, hydrophobic, or hydrophilic nano-TiO 2 were cultivated for 65 days in soil unamended or amended with 750 mg·kg −1 of the respective particles. Plant growth, concentration of titanium and essential elements, as well as content of carbohydrates and chlorophyll were evaluated. There were no differences on Ti concentration in roots of plants sequentially exposed to pristine or hydrophobic nano-TiO 2 , or in roots of plants exposed to the corresponding particle, only in the second cycle. However, sequential exposure to hydrophilic particles resulted in 65.2% less Ti in roots, compared to roots of plants exposed the same particles, only in the second cycle. The Ti concentrations in shoots were similar in all treatments. On the other hand, pristine and hydrophilic particles reduced Mg in root by 115% and 81%, respectively, while pristine and hydrophobic particles reduced Ni in shoot by 84% and 75%, respectively, compared to unexposed plants in both cycles. Sequential exposure to pristine nano-TiO 2 increased stomatal conductance (214%, p  ≤ 0.10), compared to plants that were never exposed. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic nano-TiO 2 reduced chlorophyll b (52%) and total chlorophyll (30%) but increased total sugar (186%) and reducing sugar (145%), compared to unexposed plants in both cycles. Sequential exposure to hydrophobic or hydrophilic nano-TiO 2 resulted in more adverse effects on photosynthesis but in positive effects on plant growth, compared to pristine nano-TiO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impact of drought on the carbon balance in plants has gained great attention. Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics have been suggested as an important trait reflecting carbon balance under drought conditions. However, NSC dynamics under drought and the response mechanisms of NSC to drought remain unclear, especially in water-limited savanna ecosystems. A precipitation exclusion experiment was performed to simulate different drought intensities in a savanna ecosystem in Yuanjiang valley in southwestern China. Growth, total NSC concentration and diurnal change of NSC were determined for the leaves and non-photosynthetic organs of three dominant species (Lannea coromandelica, Polyalthia cerasoides and Heteropogon contortus) throughout the growing season. Drought significantly reduced the growth of all the three species. Total NSC concentration averaged ~8.1%, varying with species, organ and sampling period, and did not significantly decrease under drought stress. By contrast, the diurnal change of NSC in these three species increased under drought stress. These results indicate that these three dominant species did not undergo carbon limitation. Thus, relative change in NSC is a more sensitive and effective indicator than carbon reserves in evaluation of plant carbon balance. These findings provide new insights for the understanding of carbon balance and the mechanisms of carbon starvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]