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Characterizing the diverse melon cultivars for nutrition aids in crop improvement and promoting a healthy diet. Here, we used in vitro assays to characterize the nutritional qualities and health-beneficial effects of 30 melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes, including 10 improved cultivars, 16 landraces, and 4 wild types collected from different parts of India. Two landraces (Sidoota and Alper Green) had the highest (12.20 and 11.25) total soluble solids (TSS) contents. The Sidoota and Pappusa landraces had high reducing sugar contents (2.84 and 2.81 mg g−1 fresh weight [FW]). The highest polyphenols contents (22.0 mg g−1 FW) were observed in the landraces Mage Kaayi-2, Budamekaayi, and Small Melon. Reflecting on the primary and secondary metabolite contents, the Mekke Kaayi and Giriyala landraces exhibited high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (97.6 and 91% at 100 μg mL−1). Additionally, seven of the landraces showed significant nitric oxide (NO) induction activity (&gt, 80% inhibition at 200 μg mL−1), indicating their potential health benefits, and seven showed considerable angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity (highest in Kashi Madhu), indicating their potential usefulness in reducing hypertension. Genotypes with high health beneficial compounds identified in this study can be used for breeding improved melon cultivars to promote these fruits as well as a healthy diet.

The primary gene pool for tetraploid cotton species includes Gossypium hirsutum L., as well as the other four 2n = 52 species of Gossypium (G. barbadense, G. mustellinum, G. tomentosum and G. darwinii). To help overcome barriers to effective introgression, we have developed a number of alien chromosome substitution (CS) lines from G. barbadense, G. mustellinum and G. tomentosum, most of which are nearly isogenic to the inbred ‘Texas Marker-1’, a genetic standard. At the time CS line development was initiated, molecular markers did not exist for some CS lines, and most of these lines were developed based on cytological analysis without using any marker-based testing. Here we report on tests with SSR markers from one ore more linkage maps specific to the substituted chromosome or chromosome segment from one or more linkage maps to assess the constitution and genetic identity of the CS lines. The specific objective of this paper is to report on the genetic identity of the CS lines using SSR markers and some special characteristics associated with some of the CS lines. We used chromosome-specific SSR markers following standard methods of DNA extraction, PCR and according to manufacturer’s protocol on ABI Genetic Analyzer 3130xl to confirm the identity of the introgressed alien chromosome or chromosome segments in the CS lines. For most CS lines and most mapped markers, the observed SSR profiles were concordant with expectations as per the results of cytological analysis. For a minority of markers and lines, however, the results were discordant; these markers, linkage groups, and CS lines will be further investigated to understand and define their genetic identity for use as breeding resources. Interspecific germplasm introgression can be useful for genetic improvement of Upland cotton. However, such efforts are constrained by genetic incompatibilities between the species. Our results document for the first time the development of CS lines from G. tomentosum and G. mustelinum. These CS lines will open a new paradigm in cotton breeding program by providing a tool for introgression of useful genes from wild and unadapted species in the genetic improvement of Upland cotton.

We present here the report on evaluation of melon landraces from the Karnataka state of India for resistance to downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) and powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii), the major diseases of melon as well as other cucurbits. Thirty four melon landraces collected from different agro-climatic regions of the state were evaluated for resistance against downy mildew under natural epiphytotic conditions and powdery mildew under artificial conditions. Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated for each entry and based on that accessions were categorised as resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible. A very wide variation was observed among the accessions for resistance to both the diseases. Based on PDI, out of 34 accessions, COHB04, COHB37, COHB38, COHB41 and COHB43 were resistant to downy mildew. Ten genotypes were moderately resistant, fifteen were susceptible and four lines including susceptible check were highly susceptible to disease. Three landraces, COHB12, COHB38 and COHB40 were resistant to powdery mildew disease. Two genotypes were moderately resistant and rest of the lines were susceptible to disease. COHB38, an unexplored and uncultivated genotype was resistant to both the diseases. The highly resistant genotype COHB38 identified within the accessions tested offers an additional source for the development of downy and powdery mildew resistant melon cultivars.

The lower incidences of many chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular related ailments are associated with consumption of vegetables rich dietary regimes and this has been substantiated through numerous in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical investigations. Members of cruciferous family are cultivated and widely consumed universally as a part of daily diet. The major vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, radish, kale, brussels sprouts, watercress and cabbage that are used either fresh (salads), steamed or cooked. Besides nutritional components, these vegetables are also rich in health beneficial secondary metabolites, which include sulfur containing glucosinolates and S-methylcysteine sulfoxide, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes, terpenes and other minor compounds. Based on the worldwide popularity and health benefits of these vegetables, this review provides collective information on nutritional and health benefits. In addition, information on evidence based therapeutic and prophylactic benefits of commonly used cruciferous vegetables are discussed with emphasis on cancer and cardiovascular disease. Some of the unique mechanisms of cancer inhibition such as effect on Nrf2, polymorphism, anti-inflammatory, inhibition of histone deacetylase activity and influence on estrogen metabolism are also included.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by ­elevated sugar levels in blood, caused by defects in insulin secretion and further signaling cascades. Among the approaches to overcome diabetes, diet plays a key role in the maintenance of blood sugar level, in the hyper-glycosylation of biomolecules associated with diverse metabolisms, and in the prevention of pathologies thus associated. In this connection, a number of bioactive molecules found in fruits, vegetables, dietary constituents, and other natural sources are being continuously explored for their direct or indirect benefits in preventing and/or management diabetes. Consumption of red beet (beetroot) is associated with numerous health benefits, attributed to its wide-ranging array of bioactive molecules. The major bioactive molecules in beet are polyphenols, flavonoids, betalains, therapeutic enzymes, ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA). Among the phenolic compounds, betalains are the major bioactive molecules, probably due to their water-soluble nature, nitrogen content, intactness during assimilation, and stability in the circulatory system. The health benefits of red beet demonstrated by in vitro and pre-clinical studies include hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-acetylcholinesterase, antimutagenic, and lipid-lowering benefits, protection from cardiovascular disease, prevention of peripheral capillary fragility, induction of phase II enzymes activity, etc. All of these pharmacological properties are said to be associated directly or indirectly with free radical-scavenging abilities of bioactive molecules, which are abundant in red beet. Extract of red beet is known to reduce glycemic value and serum lipid in diabetic animals, and similar results were found in human intervention studies. The current chapter provides an insight into the role of phytochemicals in the prevention of diabetes, with an emphasis on red beet constituents.

Although pigments of biological origin are intensely researched for their market potentials and health benefits, their stability, from the maturity status of the source material to their processing and products into which the pigments are incorporated and the storage of those products, is shrouded with many problems. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors affect the prospective arrays of applications of natural pigments such as betalains. Although the maturity of the red beet may not be the major quality trait in sourcing, the various processing steps, starting from the selection of the extraction medium, extraction conditions, product concentration, storage, transportation and incorporation into products, are huge tasks. The extrinsic factors affecting betalain stability include oxygen, temperature, pH, light and chemicals of processing and food products. On the other hand, the intrinsic factors in the red beet, apart from the quality of the source material, are mainly enzymes: β-glucosidases, polyphenoloxidases (PPOs) and peroxidases (PODs). The current chapter is a compilation of research progress made in understanding the factors affecting the stability of betalains, the chemical changes taking place during degradation and their further fate. Improvements in processing/extraction techniques and storage conditions that impart stability to betalain pigments are discussed. Additionally, application of fermentation and other advanced processes used for the preparation of pigments and food formulations are discussed.