Arginine Increases Tolerance to Nitrogen Deficiency in Malus hupehensis via Alterations in Photosynthetic Capacity and Amino Acids Metabolism

Arginine plays an important role in the nitrogen (N) cycle because it has the highest ratio of N to carbon among amino acids. In recent years, there has been increased research interest in improving the N use of plants, reducing the use of N fertilizer, and enhancing the tolerance of plants to N deficiency. Here, the function of arginine in the growth of apple (Malus hupehensis) under N deficiency was explored. The application of 100 μmol L–1 arginine was effective for alleviating N-deficiency stress. Exogenous arginine promoted the absorption and use of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) under low N stress. The net photosynthetic rate, maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, and chlorophyll content were higher in treated plants than in control plants. Exogenous arginine affected the content of many metabolites, and the content of many amino acids with important functions was significantly increased, such as glutamate and ornithine, which play an important role in the urea cycle. Half of the metabolites were annotated to specialized metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of phenolic substances, flavonoids, and other substances with antioxidant activity. Our results indicate that arginine promotes the plant photosynthetic capacity and alters amino acid metabolism and some antioxidants including phenolic substances and flavonoids to improve the tolerance of apple to N deficiency, possibly through the improvement of arginine content, and the absorption of mineral.

Phenolic substances and cyanogenesis in galled and non-galled tissue of the fern species Microgramma vacciniifolia

Galls, neo-formed plant structures that can occur in different organs, are generated by species-specific interaction with an inducing organism. Inducers manipulate the metabolism of its host. Microgramma vacciniifolia (Langsd. & Fisch.) Copel. is a Neotropical epiphytic fern that hosted two stem galls, one induced by a midge species (Diptera) and other by a micromoth species (Lepidoptera). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these two gall-inducing insects on the biochemistry of phenolic acids and the cyanogenesis in galls, stems and leaves of M. vacciniifolia. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicated a total of 14 phenol derivatives, including caffeic and coumaric acid. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) of the phenolic substances indicated three groups consisting (1) non-galled stems and micromoth-induced galls; (2) midge-induced galls; (3) midge-induced galls with parasitoids. Regarding the frequency of cyanogenesis assessed by the picrate paper test, the chi-squared test showed significant difference between fertile leaves (8.3%), sterile leaves (27.7%), non-galled stems (0%) and galls. Among galls, only the midge-induced galls analyzed were cyanogenic (15%). Our results indicated that the different gall-inducers (midge and micromoth) promote species-specific alterations to the phenolic substance composition of the host fern.

Influence of agricultural techniques on yield and quality of grapes and wine

Under the conditions of changing biotic properties of terroir, it is relevant to establish the patterns of influence of different norms of the load of a grape bush in its own rooted and grafted culture on the quality of grapes, as well as the aesthetic and biological value of wine products in Russia. The objects of research were grapes and wine material of the Krasnostop AZOS variety in a grafted and rooted culture with variants of different load of shoots on the bush. The experience of studying the influence of various agrotechnical methods on the productivity of a grape plant and the quality of wine material was laid in the Anapo-Taman climatic zone of the Krasnodar Territory of Russia. The highest yield of the Krasnostop AZOS variety during the years of the study was obtained in the variant of own-rooted grape growing with its load of 36-40 shoots per bush. In our studies, there is a tendency to an increase in sugar content, and a decrease in the titratable acidity of grapes when growing vineyards of the Krasnostop AZOS variety in their own rooted culture. The most optimal ratio of sugar content and titratable acidity in the experiment was possessed by grapes from a variant of own-rooted culture with a load of 36-40 shoots/bush, here the glucoacedometric parameter was 4.36. In the studied variants, the largest amount of phenolic substances was found in wine material from self-rooted grapes with a load of 36-40 shoots per bush — 4130 mg/dm3. This had a positive effect on the organoleptic evaluation of this sample. The maximum total content of substances from a number of biologically active substances was found in wine from grape raw materials obtained from a grafted culture (134.9-147.9 mg/dm3). In 2018-2019, from the organoleptic side, wine materials from grapes of own-rooted culture proved to be of the highest quality. This advantage over the grafted crop was traced in all variants of rationing the load by the shoots of grape bushes.

Physicochemical Properties of Virgin Coconut Oil Extracted from Different Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) Varieties

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a superior edible oil extracted from fresh coconut (Cocos nucifera L) kernel using mixed coconut varieties without considering the varietal effect. Therefore, this research focuses on the quality evaluation of VCO extracted from four types of coconut varieties, namely Sri lanka Tall×Tall (TT), a tall variety of Gon Thambili (GT), a tall variety of Ran Thambili (RT) and Philippines tall variety of San Ramon (SR). Mature coconuts from each variety were collected from the Bandirippuwa Estate of the Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka to extract VCO by cold press oil extraction method. The extractability of VCO from different varieties was investigated. Moisture, free fatty acid (FFA), fatty acid profile (gas chromatography), peroxide value (PV), color (Lovibond scale), total phenolic substances (Galic acid equivalent), antioxidant capacity (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl, 0.1mM – DPPH method) and sun protection factor (SPF) of VCO extracted from each variety were analyzed. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replicates. Data were analyzed using ANOVA using Tukey’s test by MINITAB 17. Oil extractability (58%-59%), FFA (0.04%-0.12%), color (0.43–0.93) and fatty acid profile of VCO did not show variation among varieties. A higher concentration of total phenolic substances was observed in GT (0.24±0.03mg GAE/100g) while antioxidant capacity (857.19±14.99mg/ml) and SPF (8.99±1.26) was rich in RT.

ЭКОЛОГО-ФИТОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЦВЕТКОВ БУЗИНЫ ЧЕРНОЙ SAMBUCUS NIGRA L. В УСЛОВИЯХ УРБАНИЗИРОВАННОЙ СРЕДЫ

The impacts of the urbanized environment of Donetsk region on the contents of biologically active substances and heavy metals in black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) flowers and on the total antioxidant activity of their preparations were evaluated. The contents of lead, cadmium and mercury in all samples studied were within the tolerable limits specified for herbal medicinal raw products. The accumulation coefficients of lead and cadmium were found to decrease with increasing soil levels of these toxicants, whereas the level of mercury did not depend on the degree of soil pollution. The contents of active substances in all samples collected in Donbas conform to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. In fact, the contents of carotenoids, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids are increased in S. nigra flowers collected in urbanized areas; however, the contents of other phenolic substances (anthocyanins and tannins) are decreased. The contents of ascorbic and free organic acids are highest under moderately urbanized conditions, so as the antioxidant activity of S. nigra flower preparations is. The results suggest that prospects for the pharmaceutical use of S. nigra flowers collected in urbanized areas of Donbas are promising.

Effect of Climate Change on Polyphenols Accumulation in Grapevine

Phenolics compounds in grapes contribute to berry and must color, organoleptic properties, nutritional value, antioxidant properties and provide protection against environmental challenges. Climate change has place mammoth challenges for the viticulture industry in different viticulture regions. Environmental variables determine to the greater extent, suitable grapes varieties for fresh as well as premium quality wine production. Grape berry composition is particularly affected by heat, drought, and intensity of solar irradiation. It is expected that climatic extremes will have an adverse effect on berry quality traits such as phenolic compounds in different grape cultivars. Polyphenols particularly anthocyanins decrease at elevated temperature, similarly flavanols levels increase with better exposure to solar radiation. Water availability is crucial for better vine growth and good production, however modest water stress particularly near veraison, upregulates the activity of key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways. Therefore, it is important to know that how and when phenolic substance accumulate in berries and how various cultivars respond. This review elaborates the effect of weather conditions on biosynthesis of different phenolic compounds in grapes. Berry phenolic substances e.g., total phenolic compounds (TPC), total anthocyanins (TAC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) synthesis is strongly regulated under the influence of environmental conditions during growing season. In this chapter we, shall focus on accumulation of phenolic compounds in grapevine in relation to climatic variations.

RESEARCH OF THE RED GRAPES WHICH ARE GROWN UP IN THE SAMARA REGION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE WINEMAKING MATERIALS

Изучена возможность использования для производства винодельческой продукции винограда, выращиваемого в Самарской области. Исследованы два технических сорта красного винограда урожаев 2015–2016 гг. – Ливадийский черный и Мерло. Качество винограда соответствовало требованиям ГОСТ 31782–2012. Переработку винограда по красному способу вели в полупромышленных условиях. Брожение проводили на мезге с плавающей шапкой. Для сбраживания виноградной мезги использовали сухие французские винные дрожжи Sainte Georges S101. Температура бродящей мезги не превышала 28–30°С. Дображивание полученных виноматериалов и последующую их выдержку осуществляли при температуре (14 ± 1)°С. В результате получены сухие столовые виноматериалы. Показатели качества полученных виноматериалов удовлетворяют требованиям ГОСТ 32030–2013 по всем основным физико-химическим показателям качества и характеризуются достаточно высоким содержанием фенольных веществ. Виноматериалы имели насыщенный рубиновый цвет, характерные сортовые вкус и аромат. Полученные результаты подтверждают целесообразность проведения дальнейших исследований в области обоснования и разработки технологий получения винодельческой продукции в Самарском регионе. The possibility of use for production of wine-making production of the grapes which are grown up in the Samara region is studied. Two technical grades of red grapes of harvests of 2015–2016 Livadia black and Merlots are investigated. The quality of the grapes meets the requirements of GOST 31782–2012. Grapes processed by red method in semi-conditions. Fermentation was carried out on pulp with a floating cap. Dry wine yeast “Sainte Georges S101” (Fermentis, France) were used for fermentation of grape pulp. The temperature of the fermenting pulp did not exceed 28–30°C. After-fermentation of the received wine materials and the subsequent their endurance was carried out at a temperature of (14 ± 1)°C. Dry table wine materials are as a result received. The resulting wine materials meet the requirements of GOST 32030–2013 in all basic physical and chemical indicators of quality and characterized by a rather high content of phenolic substances. Wine materials had a rich ruby color, characteristic varietal taste and aroma. These results confirm the usefulness of further research in the field of study and the development of technologies for the production of wine production in the Samara region.

RESEARCH OF THE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF FRUITS OF DIFFERENT APRICOT VARIETIES GROWN IN THE PLAINS, FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAIN-VALLEY FRUIT-GROWING AREAS OF DAGESTAN

Представлены результаты определения содержания сахаров, титруемых кислот, витаминов С и Р, фенольных и пектиновых соединений в плодах абрикоса сортов Дженгутаевский, Краснощекий, Хонобах и Шалах, хорошо адаптированных к почвенно-климатическим условиям равнинной, предгорной и горно-долинной плодовых зон. Цель работы – изучение особенностей нутриентного состава в плодах абрикоса в зависимости от сортовой принадлежности и влияния высотного градиента мест выращивания, расположенных на различных высотах над уровнем моря. Определено наиболее перспективное, богатое ценными компонентами плодовое сырье для производства высококачественной импортозамещающей пищевой продукции. Выявленные сортовые различия биохимических комплексов изученных плодов позволяют объективно оценить их пищевые и вкусовые достоинства. Содержание сахаров и титруемых кислот в плодах абрикосов, выращенных в равнинной плодовой зоне, варьировало соответственно от 8,2 (Дженгутаевский) до 11,5 г/100 см3(Хонобах) и от 1,19 (Хонобах) до 1,54% (Дженгутаевский). В плодах сорта Шалах определено наибольшее количество пектиновых веществ – 0,84%, витамина С – 15,7 мг %, фенольных веществ – 137,1 мг % и витамина Р – 72,5 мг %. Количественное содержание всех идентифицированных нутриентов в плодах различалось в зависимости от почвенно-климатических условий произрастания абрикосов. Природные условия предгорья и горных долин способствуют интенсивному накоплению в плодах абрикоса титруемых кислот, витаминов С и Р, фенольных и пектиновых веществ, а почвенно-климатические условия равнины дают возможность образованию в них большей концентрации сахара. Результаты исследования питательной ценности плодов абрикоса могут быть применены для разработки рецептур новых пищевых продуктов, предназначенных для нормализации деятельности различных систем и восполнения дефицита нутриентов в организме человека. Results of studying of qualitative structure and quantitative content of saccharums, titrable acids, vitamins C and P, phenolic and pectinaceous bonds in fetuses of an apricot of grades Dzhengutayevsky, Krasnoshcheky, Honobakh and Shalakh of the flat, foothill and mountain and valley fruit zones which are well adapted to soil climatic conditions are presented in article. The work purpose – studying of features of formation of nutriyentny structure in apricot fetuses depending on high-quality accessory and influence of a high-rise gradient of the places of cultivation located at various heights above sea level. The problem of the choice of the most perspective rich was solved it is nutritious valuable components of fruit raw materials for production of superfine import-substituting food products. The taped high-quality differences of biochemical complexes of the studied fetuses allow to estimate objectively their alimentary and gustatory advantages. Content of saccharums and titrable acids in the apricots which are grown up in a flat fruit zone varied respectively from 8,2 (Dzhengutayevsky) to 11,5 g/100 см3 (Khonobakh) and from 1,19 (Honobakh) to 1,54% (Dzhengutayevsky). In grade fetuses Shalakh the greatest number of pectinaceous substances – 0,84%, vitamin C – 15,7 mg %, phenolic substances – 157,1 mg % and vitamin P – 72,5 mg % is defined. Quantitative content of all identified nutrients in apricots differed depending on in what soil climatic conditions they grow. An environment of the foothills and mountain valleys promote the strengthened accumulation in apricots of titrable acids, vitamins C and P, phenolic and pectinaceous substances, and soil climatic conditions of the plain gave the chance to concentrate more saccharum in apricot fetuses. The received data on nutritional value of the studied apricots can be applied to development of compoundings of the new foodstuff intended for normalization of activity of various systems in a human body and deficiency restores on nutrients.

New Mutant Amaranth Varieties as a Potential Source of Biologically Active Substances

Amaranth species represent a diverse group of plants. Many of them are a rich source of secondary metabolites with many positive biological effects. Total phenolic, total flavonoid and rutin content, antioxidant activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, FRAP (Ferric-reducing ability of plasma) assay and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay were determined in ethanol extracts of dried leaves of the new Slovak amaranth varieties ‘Pribina’ and ‘Zobor’. The amount of total phenolic substances (‘Pribina’ GAE 38.3 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ GAE 26.1 mg.g−1 DM), content of total flavonoids (‘Pribina’ QE 26.5 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ QE 20.3 mg.g−1 DM) and rutin (‘Pribina’ 50.8 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ 15.2 mg.g−1 DM) were higher in the variety ‘Pribina’, compared to the variety ‘Zobor’. A statistically higher antioxidant activity against superoxide radical (1.63%·mg−1g−1 DM), hydroxyl radical (3.20%.mg−1g−1 DM), FRAP assay (292.80 µmol.L−1·mg−1.g−1 DM) and DPPH (54.2 ± 1.78 µg.mL−1 DM) were detected in the ‘Pribina’ variety. Antiradical and antioxidant activities of both extracts showed high positive correlations in relation to the content of total phenolic substances, total flavonoids and rutin. Amaranth is an undemanding crop on specific environmental conditions and is resistant to abiotic and biotic stress.