PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF TARRAGON AND THYME GROWN UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHT

The research aimed at evaluation of productivity and quality of tarragon and thyme medicinal material was carried out on hydroponic installations during 2019-2020. The objects under study were Monarkh and Gudvin tarragon varieties as well as Medok and Zmeyka thyme varieties. The plants were grown in mineral cotton substratum. Fertikea Hydro complex fertiliser with microelements and calcium nitrate were used. The growing conditions: ambient temperature +22…+25℃, solution temperature +20℃, ambient humidity 55…65%. Experiment regimens: growing under white LEDs (luminous flux 8000 lm, color temperature 4000 K, PPF 165 mkmol/s/m2) and color LEDs (combination of red, blue and white LEDs (32:16:32), luminous flux 6573 lm, PPF 143 mkmol/s/m2), for 16-hour light regimen. We found that thyme grown on a vertical hydroponic system increase its biomass 2.0…3.5 times compared to the conventional growing. The highest productivity of Zmeyka thyme variety is reached under white light, while for both the tarragon varieties and Medok thyme variety it is reached under coloured LEDs. Chlorophyll-a content in green biomass is a little higher under coloured LEDs for Zmeyka thyme variety and Gudvin tarragon variety, while the reverse trend is observed for Monarkh tarragon variety. All the varieties show higher chlorophyll-b content under coloured LEDs. Combined chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b content increases under coloured LEDs for the thyme varieties and Gudvin tarragon variety. Monarkh tarragon variety shows the highest combined chlorophyll content under white LEDs. Carotenoid concentration in Medok thyme variety and Monarkh tarragon variety is higher under white LEDs and it is higher under color LEDs for the rest of the varieties. Flavonoids in the studied varieties accumulate statistically better (1.5…3.0 times) under white LEDs

Photoprotection and high-light acclimation in semi-arid grassland lichens – a cooperation between algal and fungal partners

In lichens, each symbiotic partner cooperates for the survival of the symbiotic association. The protection of the susceptible photosynthetic apparatus is essential for both participants. The mycobiont and photobiont contribute to the protection against the damaging effect of excess light by various mechanisms. The present study investigated the effect of seasonality and microhabitat exposure on photoprotection and photoacclimation in the photo- and the mycobiont of six lichen species with different thallus morphology in inland dune system in the Kiskunság region (Hungary) with shaded, more humid and exposed, drier dune sides. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, spectrophotometry, chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetic technique were used, and micrometeorological data were collected. The four years data series revealed that the north-east-facing side was characterized by higher relative humidity and lower light intensities compared to the south-west-facing drier and more exposed sides. The south-west facing side was exposed to direct illumination 3–4 hours longer in winter and 1–2 hours shorter in summer than the north-east facing side of the dune, influencing the metabolism of sun and shade populations of various species. Because rapid desiccation caused short active periods of lichens during bright and drier seasons and on exposed microhabitats, the rapid, non-regulated non-photochemical quenching mechanisms in the photobiont had a significant role in protecting the photosynthetic system in the hydrated state. In dehydrated conditions, thalli were mainly defended by the solar screening metabolites produced by the mycobiont and curling during desiccation (also caused by the mycobiont). Furthermore, the efficacy of light use (higher chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration) increased because of short hydrated periods. Still, a lower level of received irradiation was appropriate for photosynthesis in dry seasons and on sun exposed habitats. In humid seasons and microhabitats, more extended active periods lead to increased photosynthesis and production of solar radiation protectant fungal metabolites, allowing a lower level of photoprotection in the form of regulated non-photochemical quenching by the photobiont. Interspecific differences were more pronounced than the intraspecific ones among seasons and microhabitat types.

Whey- and Soy Protein Isolates Added to a Carrot-Tomato Juice Alter Carotenoid Bioavailability in Healthy Adults

Recent findings suggested that proteins can differentially affect carotenoid bioaccessibility during gastro-intestinal digestion. In this crossover, randomized human trial, we aimed to confirm that proteins, specifically whey- and soy-protein isolates (WPI/SPI) impact postprandial carotenoid bioavailability. Healthy adults (n = 12 males, n = 12 females) were recruited. After 2-week washout periods, 350 g of a tomato-carrot juice mixture was served in the absence/presence of WPI or SPI (50% of the recommended dietary allowance, RDA ≈ 60 g/d). Absorption kinetics of carotenoids and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were evaluated via the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction response, at timed intervals up to 10 h after test meal intake, on three occasions separated by 1 week. Maximum TRL-carotenoid concentration (Cmax) and corresponding time (Tmax) were also determined. Considering both genders and carotenoids/TAGs combined, the estimated area under the curve (AUC) for WPI increased by 45% vs. the control (p = 0.018), to 92.0 ± 1.7 nmol × h/L and by 57% vs. SPI (p = 0.006). Test meal effect was significant in males (p = 0.036), but not in females (p = 0.189). In males, significant differences were found for phytoene (p = 0.026), phytofluene (p = 0.004), α-carotene (p = 0.034), and β-carotene (p = 0.031). Cmax for total carotenoids (nmol/L ± SD) was positively influenced by WPI (135.4 ± 38.0), while significantly lowered by SPI (89.6 ± 17.3 nmol/L) vs. the control (119.6 ± 30.9, p < 0.001). Tmax did not change. The results suggest that a well-digestible protein could enhance carotenoid bioavailability, whereas the less digestible SPI results in negative effects. This is, to our knowledge, the first study finding effects of proteins on carotenoid absorption in humans.

Storage under combined ultraviolet (UV) and light-emitting diodes (LED) enhances carotenoid concentration in mature green tomatoes

Tomato is rich in different bioactive compounds, especially the carotenoid lycopene, which intake is associated with various health benefits. Post-harvest use of ultraviolet light (UV) and light-emitting diode (LED) has been shown to increase the concentration of tomato bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet (A and C) and red-blue LED light on the concentration of carotenoids during a 7-days storage trial of mature green tomatoes. Exposure to combined UV and LED light nearly doubled the total carotenoid concentration and had no negative impact on sensory attributes.

Characterization of Macro- and Microalgae Extracts Bioactive Compounds and Micro- and Macroelements Transition from Algae to Extract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of macroalgae (Cladophora rupestris, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Ulva intestinalis) and microalgae (Arthrospira platensis (Sp1, Sp2), Chlorella vulgaris) extracts, including micro- and macroelement transition to extract, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, the concentrations of chlorophyll (-a, -b), and the total carotenoid concentration (TCC). In macroalgae, the highest TCC and chlorophyll content were found in C. rupestris. In microalgae, the TCC was 10.1-times higher in C. vulgaris than in Sp1, Sp2; however, the chlorophyll contents in C. vulgaris samples were lower. A moderate negative correlation was found between the chlorophyll-a and TCC contents (r = −0.4644). In macroalgae extract samples, C. rupestris and F. lumbricalis showed the highest total phenolic compound content (TPCC). DPPH antioxidant activity and TPCC in microalgae was related to the TCC (r = 0.6191, r = 0.6439, respectively). Sp2 extracts inhibited Staphylococcus haemolyticus; C. rupestris, F. lumbricalis, U. intestinalis, and Sp2 extracts inhibited Bacillus subtilis; and U. intestinalis extracts inhibited Streptococcus mutans strains. This study showed that extraction is a suitable technology for toxic metal decontamination in algae; however, some of the desirable microelements are reduced during the extraction, and only the final products, could be applied in food, feed, and others.

Characterization of Anatomical and Physiological Effects of Variegation Mutation on Grapevine

Variegation is a common trait in plants that characteristically displays white or off-colored plant tissue. In grapevine, leaf variegation is expressed as white and pale green leaf tissue resulting in plants that are stunted in growth and hindered in development. In this study, several experiments were performed to investigate the impact of this mutation has on the anatomy of grape leaves and physiology of the plant. Histological staining of variegated and nonvariegated leaf tissue transections showed alterations to the leaf palisade mesophyll structure that affected leaf tissue width. An assay quantifying leaf pigments was performed to compare chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations in leaves between variegated and wild-type seedlings, which showed that variegated leaf samples had reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration. Through fluorescence imaging, we determined that photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) is reduced in variegated seedlings. By growing variegated and wild-type plants under high, medium, and low light intensities that variegated plants exposed to higher light intensity reduces the phenotypic expression of the variegation trait. Also, we found variegated plants to have significant reductions in growth traits such as plant height, leaf number, branch number, and dry weight compared with wild-type phenotype plants. Overall, our experiments revealed the variegation mutation altered normal leaf development causing significant effects to grapevine physiology.

Chlorophyll pigment and needle macronutrient responses and interactions to soil moisture and atmospheric CO2 treatments of eight pine and spruce species

Key message Large differences were detected between genera and among species in chlorophyll pigment and macronutrient concentrations. Pines have greater variances than spruces and showed less downregulation of chlorophyll pigment concentrations than spruces in response to eCO2 and DRT. There was strong genetic control of chlorophyll pigments and most macronutrients. Abstract Chlorophyll pigment and needle macronutrient concentrations were quantified for eight tree species in two commercially important genera, Pinus and Picea grown in a 2 × 2 factorial of atmospheric CO2 (370 and 740 ppm) and soil moisture stress (− 0.1 to − 0.5 and − 0.7 to − 1.0 MPa) treatments. Four of the pines and three of the spruces are native to eastern North America, while a fourth spruce, Norway spruce (NS: Picea abies), is from Europe but has been widely used for reforestation in northeastern North America. Overall, spruces had significantly greater chlorophyll a, b, (CHLa, CHLb), and total chlorophyll concentration (TCC) and carotenoid concentration (CAR) than pines. Ambient CO2 (aCO2) had significantly greater TCC than in response to elevated CO2 (eCO2), and TCC and CAR was significantly downregulated more in spruces than in pines in response to eCO2. Pines had equal or greater TCC and CAR in response to drought treatment (DRT) than well-watered treatment, whereas spruces had significantly lower values in response to DRT. Needle N, P and Ca concentrations were greater for spruces than pines. Needle N concentrations declined in response to both eCO2 and DRT. Needle P increased in response to eCO2 but declined in response to DRT. Using total biomass as a covariate, needle N showed no response in pines; whereas spruces showed a slight positive response to increasing total biomass. Covariate analysis showed that TCC had a significant positive relationship to needle N and Mg, with greater TCC in spruces than in pines for a given needle N. Photosynthetic quantum efficiency (QE), derived from light response curves, had a significant positive relationship to TCC that was greater in pines than in spruces for a given TCC. Photosynthetic light convexity had a significant positive relationship to TCC that was also greater in pines than in spruces for a given TCC, indicating a sharper curvature compared to a more progressive curve for spruce. Pine species have greater variances than spruce species. While Pinus strobus (white pine, subgenus Strobus) stands out as having greater chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations than the other three pines (subgenus Pinus). Overall, pines showed less downregulation of chlorophyll pigment concentrations than spruces in response to eCO2 and DRT. There was strong genetic control for chlorophyll pigments and most macronutrients.

Characterisation of Pigment Producing Bacteria Isolated from Bio Floc Ponds and Its Colour Enhancement Effect in Xiphophorus helleri

Background: Biofloc technology is a minimal or zero water exchange technology which exerts beneficial effects on water quality, improves feed conversion ratio by recycling microbial protein in the culture of commercially important finfishes and shellfishes. This culture technique also improves the pigmentation in the ornamental fish culture. The presence of pigment producing bacteria and the absorption of the pigments by the ornamental fishes under biofloc technology would pave a long way to boost the production and export market of the high value fishes. Therefore, the present study evaluated the use of bacterial pigments isolated from the biofloc culture in the diets of Swordtail ornamental fish for its colouration and pigment absorption ability.Methods: A 30 days trial was conducted to evaluate the colour enhancement in swordtail through the supplementation of pigment produced from the bacteria in their diets. Swordtail fishes (1.2 ± 0.01g) were stocked in 100 litres tanks (20nos / tank) in triplicates. Fish fed with normal diet served as control and diet supplemented with pigment (50mg/kg) isolated from the bacteria Exiguobacterium profundum (T1), Chryseobacterium joostei (T2), Staphylococcus pasteuri (T3), Staphylococcus arlettae (T4) served as treatments. The characteristic features of the pigments isolated from the four different bacteria were checked and showed enhanced antibacterial, total antioxidant activity and the reductive ability.Result: Significant difference was observed in water quality parameters except temperature between the experimental groups. Growth parameters showed significant difference between control and treatment. Highest carotenoid concentration was found in fishes fed with pigments extracted from Staphylococcus pasteuri compared to other experimental groups. The present study proved the incorporation of bacterial pigments in the diets of Swordtail enhanced the total carotenoid concentration.

Avian color expression and perception: is there a carotenoid link?

ABSTRACT Carotenoids color many of the red, orange and yellow ornaments of birds and also shape avian vision. The carotenoid-pigmented oil droplets in cone photoreceptors filter incoming light and are predicted to aid in color discrimination. Carotenoid use in both avian coloration and color vision raises an intriguing question: is the evolution of visual signals and signal perception linked through these pigments? Here, we explore the genetic, physiological and functional connections between these traits. Carotenoid color and droplet pigmentation share common mechanisms of metabolic conversion and are both affected by diet and immune system challenges. Yet, the time scale and magnitude of these effects differ greatly between plumage and the visual system. Recent observations suggest a link between retinal carotenoid levels and color discrimination performance, but the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. Therefore, we performed a modeling exercise to ask whether and how changes in droplet carotenoid content could alter the perception of carotenoid-based plumage. This exercise revealed that changing oil droplet carotenoid concentration does not substantially affect the discrimination of carotenoid-based colors, but might change how reliably a receiver can predict the carotenoid content of an ornament. These findings suggest that, if present, a carotenoid link between signal and perception is subtle. Deconstructing this relationship will require a deeper understanding of avian visual perception and the mechanisms of color production. We highlight several areas where we see opportunities to gain new insights, including comparative genomic studies of shared mechanisms of carotenoid processing and alternative approaches to investigating color vision.