Genomic Epidemiology and Evolution of Scallion Mosaic Potyvirus From Asymptomatic Wild Japanese Garlic

Scallion mosaic virus (ScaMV) belongs to the turnip mosaic virus phylogenetic group of potyvirus and is known to infect domestic scallion plants (Allium chinense) in China and wild Japanese garlic (Allium macrostemon Bunge) in Japan. Wild Japanese garlic plants showing asymptomatic leaves were collected from different sites in Japan during 2012–2015. We found that 73 wild Japanese garlic plants out of 277 collected plants were infected with ScaMV, identified by partial genomic nucleotide sequences of the amplified RT-PCR products using potyvirus-specific primer pairs. Sixty-three ScaMV isolates were then chosen, and those full genomic sequences were determined. We carried out evolutionary analyses of the complete polyprotein-coding sequences and four non-recombinogenic regions of partial genomic sequences. We found that 80% of ScaMV samples have recombination-like genome structure and identified 12 recombination-type patterns in the genomes of the Japanese ScaMV isolates. Furthermore, we found two non-recombinant-type patterns in the Japanese population. Because the wild plants and weeds may often serve as reservoirs of viruses, it is important to study providing the exploratory investigation before emergence in the domestic plants. This is possibly the first epidemiological and evolutionary study of a virus from asymptomatic wild plants.

GC-MS based metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of solvent extracts of Allium chinense G Don leaves

Allium chinense, a main source of “Xiebai” drug in Chinese traditional medicine and commonly known as Ganoderma lucidum belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. The main focus of this research was to quantify the secondary metabolites, antioxidant potential and study the GC- MS based metabolite profile of different solvent leaf extracts of A. chinense. The reports on the bioactive compounds of A. chinense leaves are still insufficient compared to the bulb; hence this study was carried out to understand the bioactive compounds present in A. chinense leaves using different solvents of varying polarity. Our investigation showed that the ethanol extract contained the highest saponin, flavonoid, phenol, and DPPH scavenging activity. Further, metabolite profiling revealed a total of forty-eight compounds, indicating a diverse range of phytochemicals present in the four extracts. The highest number of compounds were observed in ethanol extract (15) followed by chloroform extract (13), petroleum ether extract (11) and methanol extract (9). Some of the major compounds identified in the four solvents are octacosane (27.11%), heptadecane (19.66%), eicosane (18.51%), ethyl palmitate (18.50%), phytol (17.68%) and phytol acetate (17.30%). In conclusion, this study highlights that A. chinense leaf extracts contain high saponins, terpenes and alkanes which could be a potential source of a new beneficial drug.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Immunobiotic Lactiplantibacillusplantarum N14 Fermented Rakkyo (Allium chinense) Pickled Juice on the Immunocompetence and Production Performance of Pigs

Rakkyo (Allium chinense), is a Japanese leek that is primarily used to make a popular sweet or sour pickled dish. Lactic acid bacteria are often involved in the preparation steps of fermented pickles, which helps in the effective preservation of the natural bioactive compounds of fruits and vegetable, and thereby exert several health benefits including immunomodulation and growth performance. This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N14 fermented rakkyo pickled juice as feed supplement on the immunocompetence and production performance of pigs. We first analyzed the nutritional composition, which revealed that the proportion of protein, lipid, and water-soluble fiber content were estimated as of 4%, 5%, and 5% in rakkyo residual liquid or juice, while 22%, 15% and 14%, respectively, were estimated in rakkyo residual powder. For the in vivo feeding trials, three groups of pigs were treated either with 5%, 20%, or 40% mixture (v/v) of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the grinded residual liquid supplemented in the drinking water in addition to standard feed. The results of the feeding trials showed that the administration of a juice mixture of 5% or 20% (fermented pickled juice and residual liquid) had a similar trend of effects in improving the complement activity, phagocytic activity and leucocytes counts in the peripheral blood when compared to pigs fed with 40% mixture or untreated controls. Those changes were related to an improved resistance to enteric infections. Moreover, animals receiving a mixture of fermented pickled juice and fermented rakkyo residues had a higher growth rate and carcass quality than controls. The results suggested that the use of 5% mixture of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the residual liquid through drinking water could be a cost-effective approach to promote the immune-health and production performance of pigs. This approach would contribute not only to the sustainable management of food wastes but also to the application of a value-added feed supplement for the promotion of animal health and production.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF GENUS ALLIUM: A REVIEW

The genus Allium plants are often used by people as a food flavoring. These plants are also used for medicinal purposes. The genus Allium plants are known to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites by having the Allicin, Ajoene main compounds, and secondary metabolites. This review article describes plants from the genus Allium that have antimicrobial potential. In the writing process, this review article used literature study techniques by finding literature in the form of official books, national journals, and international journals in the last 10 years (2010-2020). The literature search in writing this review article was conducted through online media search with keywords as follows: antimicrobial, Allium, and inhibition zone diameter. The search for the main references in this review article was done through Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Reserachgate, and other published journals. Some plants of the genus Allium such as Allium ascalonicum, Allium cepa, Allium chinense, Allium porrum, Allium roseum, Allium sativum, Allium staticiforme, Allium subhirsutum, Allium tuberosum, Allium tuncelianum, and Allium wallichii showed antimicrobial activity. The potential antimicrobial activity of each part of the plant depends on the solvent used, the concentration and levels of secondary metabolites contained therein.