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Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is a key enzyme regulating the biosynthesis of the compounds of the phenylpropanoid pathway. This study aimed to isolate and characterize PAL genes from Ferula pseudalliacea Rech.f. (Apiales: Apiaceae) to better understand the regulation of metabolite production. Three PAL gene isoforms (FpPAL1-3) were identified and cloned using the 3′-RACE technique and confirmed by sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis revealed important structural features, such as phosphorylation sites, physicochemical properties, and evolutionary relationships. Expression analysis by qPCR demonstrated the differential transcription profiles of each FpPAL isoform across roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. FpPAL1 showed the highest expression in stems, FpPAL2 in roots and flowers, and FpPAL3 in flowers. The presence of three isoforms of PAL in F. pseudalliacea, along with the diversity of PAL genes and their tissue-specific expression profiles, suggests that complex modes of regulation exist for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in this important medicinal plant. The predicted interaction network revealed associations with key metabolic pathways, emphasizing the multifaceted roles of these PAL genes. In silico biochemical analyses revealed the hydrophilicity of the FpPAL isozyme; however, further analysis of substrate specificity and enzyme kinetics can clarify the specific role of each FpPAL isozyme. These comprehensive results increase the understanding of PAL genes in F. pseudalliacea, helping to characterize their contributions to secondary metabolite biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Ophrys schulzei Bornm. & Fleischm is an orchid species which its underground organ is harvested and has numerous applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The population of this orchid species in the natural habitat has been greatly reduced and is at risk of extinction due to the low germination percentage, required specific ecological conditions and also overharvesting. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate different propagation methods in order to approach ex situ conservation, domestication and cultivation of this plant species. Vegetative propagation of orchids is difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and also a small number of propagules can be obtained from each mother plant. Sexual propagation in ex vitro condition is also difficult due to low endosperm of orchid seeds, undifferentiated embryo and need to symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, it seems that in vitro seed germination is the most suitable method for producing orchid seedlings. The most important and crucial step in seedlings mass production is selecting appropriate growth media for in vitro cultivation. Therefore, in this research, the effect of different culture media on the germination and seedling growth of ophrys schulzei was studied. Materials and Methods In this research, germination, protocorm formation and growth indices of ophrys schulzei seedlings were evaluated in 5 different culture media including Malmgren, Orchimax, P725,1 MS and1B5. At first, the seeds were sown in the mentioned culture media and transferred to the growth chamber with 25٥c and dark conditions. After germination, they were placed in a refrigerator at 4٥c for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, the culture containers were placed in the growth chamber with 25٥c and light conditions 16/8 h (light/dark). After 12 months from seed sowing, the mentioned factors were evaluated. This research was conducted as a completely randomized design with 5 replications at Research Center of Medicinal Plants Breeding and Development of University of Kurdistan, in 2019-2022. Results and Discussion The highest (25.26%) and lowest (0%) germination percentage were observed in Malmgren and Orchimax culture media, respectively. Protocorms were appeared earlier in the Malmgren medium than other media (19.55 days after seed sowing). Protocorms on 1MS medium were stayed in initial form, and no significant development was observed. Protomeristems were appeared earlier in Malmgren medium compared to P725 and1B5 (105.66 days after seed sowing). There was no significant difference between P725 and1B5 in terms of protomeristem appearance time (1/4 B5 148.55 and P725 159 days after seed sowing). Seedlings were formed only in P725, Malmgren and 1B5 culture media. The highest protocorm weight (0.12 g) was belonged to the Malmgren culture medium, and the highest root length (21.44 mm), root weight (0.19 g), aerial weight (0.05 g), seedling length (45.98 mm) and seedling weight (0.57 g) were belonged to the seedlings grown in P725 medium. In terms of the number of roots and shoot length, no significant differences were observed between the three culture media. Conclusion In general, among the studied culture media, Malmgren and P725 were determined the most suitable culture media for production of ophrys schulzei seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO), a PGR, is involved in numerous physiological and molecular responses in higher plants. The study was undertaken to determine how preharvest application of NO affected physical and biochemical postharvest properties and chilling injury of tomato fruit, cv. Newton, during cold storage. Tomato plants were treated twice with 200 or 500 µM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or distilled water, at 41 and 49 days post anthesis. For postharvest analyses samples were taken at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days of storage at 1 ± 0.2°C and 90% ± 5% RH and transferred to ambient temperature (~24°C) for 2 days. The SNP delayed weight loss, increased total soluble solids, and maintained firmness of fruit during storage. Vitamin C, titratable acidity, lycopene content, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase enzyme activity were higher due to SNP treatment than for the control. The SNP treatment decreased percent chilling injury. The 200 μm SNP concentration was best for preserving postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Preharvest application of SNP improved postharvest quality and mitigated deleterious effects of chilling injury of tomato fruit during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of natural and bio-rational insecticides such as plant essential oils has been extended in the recent years because of negative effects on environment and human health of synthetic chemicals. In the present study, toxicity of essential oils isolated from parsley,Petroselinum crispumL., and coriander,Coriandrum sativumL., have been investigated against three major stored-product insect pests; cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatesF.), Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniellaZeller) and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella(Hübner)). Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry displayed Dlimonene (18.83 %), myristicin (17.18 %) and apiol (10.09 %) in the essential oil ofP. crispumand (+)-(S)carvone (39.55 %) and 4-carene (35.28 %) in theC. sativumessential oil were main components. The essential oils revealed significant toxicity against tested insects. LC50values ofC. sativumandP. crispumessential oils againstC. maculatusadults were 72.167 and 71.071 μ/l air, respectively. These values were achieved as 62.633 and 52.412 μ/l air forE. kuehniellaand 50.956 and 55.197 μ/l air forP. interpunctellalarvae, respectively. For both essential oils a correlation between concentrations and mortality percentage has been attained. According to the results of present study, essential oils ofP. crispumandC. sativumhave worthy potential in the integrated management ofC. maculatus,E. kuehniellaandP. interpunctella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]