Mapping QTL for popping expansion volume in popcorn with simple sequence repeat markers

Popping expansion volume is the most important quality trait in popcorn ( Zea mays L.), but its genetics is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for popping expansion volume in a popcorn x dent corn cross, and to compare the predicted efficiencies of phenotypic selection, marker-based selection, and marker-assisted selection for popping expansion volume. Of 259 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs screened, 83 pairs were polymorphic between the H123 (dent corn) and AG19 (popcorn) parental inbreds. Popping test data were obtained for 160 S(1) families developed from the [AG19(H123 x AG19)] BC(1) population. The heritability ( h(2)) for popping expansion volume on an S(1) family mean basis was 0.73. The presence of the gametophyte factor Ga1(s) in popcorn complicates the analysis of popcorn x dent corn crosses. But, from a practical perspective, the linkage between a favorable QTL allele and Ga1(s) in popcorn will lead to selection for the favorable QTL allele. Four QTLs, on chromosomes 1S, 3S, 5S and 5L, jointly explained 45% of the phenotypic variation. Marker-based selection for popping expansion volume would require less time and work than phenotypic selection. But due to the high h(2) of popping expansion volume, marker-based selection was predicted to be only 92% as efficient as phenotypic selection. Marker-assisted selection, which comprises index selection on phenotypic and marker scores, was predicted to be 106% as efficient as phenotypic selection. Overall, our results suggest that phenotypic selection will remain the preferred method for selection in popcorn x dent corn crosses.     

Marker-based linkage map of Andean common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and mapping of QTLs underlying popping ability traits

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Nuna bean is a type of ancient common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) native to the Andean region of South America, whose seeds possess the unusual property of popping. The nutritional features of popped seeds make them a healthy low fat and high protein snack. However, flowering of nuna bean only takes place under short-day photoperiod conditions, which means a difficulty to extend production to areas where such conditions do not prevail. Therefore, breeding programs of adaptation traits will facilitate the diversification of the bean crops and the development of new varieties with enhanced healthy properties. Although the popping trait has been profusely studied in maize (popcorn), little is known about the biology and genetic basis of the popping ability in common bean. To obtain insights into the genetics of popping ability related traits of nuna bean, a comprehensive quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed to detect single-locus and epistatic QTLs responsible for the phenotypic variance observed in these traits. RESULTS: A mapping population of 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two Andean common bean genotypes was evaluated for three popping related traits, popping dimension index (PDI), expansion coefficient (EC), and percentage of unpopped seeds (PUS), in five different environmental conditions. The genetic map constructed included 193 loci across 12 linkage groups (LGs), covering a genetic distance of 822.1 cM, with an average of 4.3 cM per marker. Individual and multi-environment QTL analyses detected a total of nineteen single-locus QTLs, highlighting among them the co-localized QTLs for the three popping ability traits placed on LGs 3, 5, 6, and 7, which together explained 24.9, 14.5, and 25.3 % of the phenotypic variance for PDI, EC, and PUS, respectively. Interestingly, epistatic interactions among QTLs have been detected, which could have a key role in the genetic control of popping. CONCLUSIONS: The QTLs here reported constitute useful tools for marker assisted selection breeding programs aimed at improving nuna bean cultivars, as well as for extending our knowledge of the genetic determinants and genotype x environment interaction involved in the popping ability traits of this bean crop.     

Role of the pericarp cellulose matrix as a moisture barrier in microwaveable popcorn

Since moisture loss of popcorn can cause an increase in the number of unpopped kernels, pericarp properties of popcorn hybrids were analyzed to understand factors affecting moisture loss rate during microwave heating. Differential scanning calorimetry profiles of ground pericarp displayed a notable exothermal event, and hybrids with superior microwave popping performance (fewer unpopped kernels) exhibited significantly higher enthalpies. The number of unpopped kernels was highly correlated (r = 0.826, p = 0.011) with pericarp enthalpy values. X-ray analysis confirmed that cellulose and arabinoxylan are the major structural components of the pericarp. Structural changes in cellulose were induced by moisture and heat, and considerable enhancement in crystallinity occurred when the pericarp was heated in the presence of water. Results of this study indicate that the cellulose component of the pericarp is responsible for the development of exothermal events and increased crystallinity. Thus, the propensity of cellulose to form crystalline structures in the popcorn pericarp during microwave heating improves moisture retention and hence popping performance.     

The anti-photooxidation of anthocyanins-rich leaves of a purple rice cultivar

In the leaf of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Yunnan purple rice,the anthocyanins with an obvious absorption peak at 530nm were distributed in the cells of upper and lower epidermis,bulliform tissue and bristle. The maximal photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate and chlorophyll content in flag leaves were 28% and 23%,respectively,more than the common green leaf rice cultivar Chijiaoru-anzhan. Higher chlorophyll content is probably one of the physiological adaptations for enhancing light harvesting capacity of the antenna in photosystems in this cyanic leaves species. Upon the photooxidation of leaf segments mediated by methyl viologen in weak light for 3 days,the distinct bleaching of anthocyanins in purple rice was associated with the reduction of scavenging ability to DPPH· free radical ability and the increase in membrane leakage rate. But almost no changes in contents of flavonoids and total phenolics were observed. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fo,qP and φPSⅡ decreased with the increase in NPQ and DES of xanthophylls cycle after photooxidation treatment. Green rice leaves showed more decrease in DPPH· scavenging rate and more increase in cell membrane leakage rate but showed a trace of anthocyanins during photooxidation. It is sug-gested that anthocyanin may be a beneficial and primary antioxidant in sun cyanic rice leaves against oxidative stress induced by environmental adversity. And photooxidation could induce different changing patterns of anthocyanins between the tested purple and green rice leaves.     

The anti-photooxidation of anthocyanins-rich leaves of a purple rice cultivar

In the leaf of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Yunnan purple rice, the anthocyanins with an obvious absorption peak at 530nm were distributed in the cells of upper and lower epidermis, bulliform tissue and bristle. The maximal photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate and chlorophyll content in flag leaves were 28% and 23%, respectively, more than the common green leaf rice cultivar Chijiaoruanzhan. Higher chlorophyll content is probably one of the physiological adaptations for enhancing light harvesting capacity of the antenna in photosystems in this cyanic leaves species. Upon the photooxidation of leaf segments mediated by methyl viologen in weak light for 3 days, the distinct bleaching of anthocyanins in purple rice was associated with the reduction of scavenging ability to DPPH · free radical ability and the increase in membrane leakage rate. But almost no changes in contents of flavonoids and total phenolics were observed. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fo, qP and ϕ_PSII decreased with the increase in NPQ and DES of xanthophylls cycle after photooxidation treatment. Green rice leaves showed more decrease in DPPH · scavenging rate and more increase in cell membrane leakage rate but showed a trace of anthocyanins during photooxidation. It is suggested that anthocyanin may be a beneficial and primary antioxidant in sun cyanic rice leaves against oxidative stress induced by environmental adversity. And photooxidation could induce different changing patterns of anthocyanins between the tested purple and green rice leaves.     

爆裂玉米胚乳数量性状的遗传研究

采用三倍体胚乳种子遗传模型及其分析方法,研究了4个爆裂玉米膨爆特性的胚乳直接效应、母体效应和细胞质效应。结果表明,百粒重、膨化体积的遗传同时由3套遗传体系所控制,百粒重的细胞质、膨化体积的母体和细胞质遗传率较高。爆花率和膨化倍数受胚乳和母体2套遗传体系的影响,且遗传率相近。爆花率和膨化倍数的直接和母体杂种优势均为负值。要组配出优良爆裂玉米杂交种,必须首先选育出膨爆特性突出的自交系,同时还要注意不同自交系的恰当组配。在6个供试自交系中,必须首先选育出膨爆特性突出的自交系,同时还要注意不同自交系的恰当组配。在6个供试自交系中,P3,P4适宜用作母本,P5则适宜作父本。     

紫山药色素的提取工艺及抗氧化性能研究

研究紫山药色素的最佳提取工艺及其抗氧化性能。在单因素试验的基础上,采用L9(34)正交试验法,以pH示差法测定花色苷得率为考察指标,优化了溶剂提取法提取紫山药色素的工艺参数。通过DPPH体系测定该色素清除自由基能力。试验结果表明:紫山药色素属于花色苷类物质,优化的紫山药色素提取条件为:提取温度60℃,提取时间80 min,料液比1∶30,提取溶剂为0.5%盐酸乙醇溶液,提取液花色苷含量可达2.075mg/鲜紫山药g。紫山药色素提取液清除DPPH自由基的IC50为98.14μg/mL。紫山药具有开发功能性色素的潜力。     

Effective Preservation Methods of the Asian Ladybird,Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), as an Application Strategy for the Biological Control of Aphids

After examining the effectiveness of preservation methods of the Asian ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, we were able to preserve the overwintering populations of ladybirds in Fabix plastic boxes or milk paper packs at 4°C and 8°C without food over 4 months with an 84% survival rate. Also, by preserving the 3rd and 4th instar larva with microwave popcorn, we were able to decrease cannibalism by reducing the contact frequency between individuals. Although the preserving efficiency somewhat decreased, it was possible to store the ladybird larva with microwave popcorn for up to 10 days without predation. After preservation with microwave popcorn in the incubator at 10°C, the feeding ability related to preservation was investigated. These results showed that there was no difference in aphid predation between the normal individuals and the preserved ones. Finally, the 3rd and 4th instar larva, which were preserved with microwave popcorn, were released in a strawberry greenhouse where the strawberry capitophorus aphid (Chaetosiphon miner) and the strawberry root aphid (Aphis forbesi) had been present. After the release, the changes of aphid population densities were investigated every week for a month.     

花青素及其生物活性的研究进展

花青素是存在于自然界中的天然的水溶性色素,它赋予水果、蔬菜和植物鲜艳的颜色,主要来源于蓝莓、樱桃、覆盆子、草 莓、紫葡萄和红酒等。它属于黄酮类化合物,其结构和化学成分使得花青素具有多种生物活性,如：抗氧化、抗炎、抗衰老、抗心血 管、抗癌等,对于人类的健康具有重要作用。花青素对于人类各种疾病的治疗以及作为一种药方都具有积极的效果,花青素通过 抗细胞增殖、诱导凋亡等多种机制来抑制肿瘤的发生;通过清除活性氧自由基等机制来发挥抗氧化作用;通过抑制各种炎症因子 的表达来发挥抗炎效应,这一系列的生物活性都给人们对抗各种疾病带来了无限的希望。本文就花青素的特点、提取及生物活性 进行了总结,重点介绍了花青素的生物活性。     

New acylated anthocyanins from purple yam and their antioxidant activity

Purple yam (Dioscorea alata L.), which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, is characterized by its color and viscosity. Previous studies have shown that purple yams contain a variety of acylated anthocyanins that exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity than the corresponding nonacylated compounds. In this study, the pigments found in purple yams from the Philippines (D. alata) were isolated and evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity. Four new acylated anthocyanins, alanins (1–4) were isolated from the MeOH extracts of purple yam, which were subsequently determined to be cyanidin (1, 2, and 4) and peonidin (3) type compounds, along with four known anthocyanins (5–8). The structures of 1–4 were determined by spectroscopic methods, including NMR and MS analyses. The antioxidant activities of anthocyanins 1–8 were investigated using oxygen radical absorbing capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays.     

Mapping QTLs for popping ability in a popcorn × flint corn cross

Popping expansion volume (PEV) in popcorn (Zea mays L.) is a distinct heritable character and defined as the ratio of the volume after popping to the volume before popping. PEV is quantitatively inherited and 3–4 genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been implicated. In the present study, we have dissected the quantitative PEV into two component traits, viz., flake volume (FV) and percent unpopped kernels (UPK), and mapped QTLs using SSR markers for all three traits with 194 F₃ families derived from a popcorn (A-1-6) × flint corn (V273) cross. Heritability (broad sense) estimates for PEV, FV and UPK based on F₃ mean bases were 0.72, 0.54 and 0.68, respectively. The QTL analyses for the three traits based on combined environment data were performed by composite interval mapping using QTL cartographer. Four QTLs were identified for PEV on chromosomes 1, 3, 8 and 10, which together explained 62% of the phenotypic variance (σ²p). Four QTLs were found on chromosomes 1, 5, 9 and 10 for FV (explaining 44% of σ²p) and five QTLs for UPK on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 9 (explaining 57% of σ²p). The relative efficiency estimates of marker-based selection in comparison to phenotypic selection for PEV (1.10), FV (1.22) and UPK (1.11) indicated that marker-based selection could be relatively more efficient. The QTL on chromosome 1S for PEV was found to be most significant, where QTLs for hard endosperm starch concentration had been detected earlier. A. Kumar and H.S. Rao contributed equally to this research work.     

Nitric oxide acts as a signal molecule in microwave pretreatment induced cadmium tolerance in wheat seedlings

The microwave has been widely used in the field of biology with the development of microwave technology. Previous studies suggest that suitable doses of microwave irradiation improved plant metabolism and enzymatic activities under cadmium stress and enhanced cadmium tolerance in wheat seedlings. The objective of this study was to test whether nitric oxide is involved in microwave pretreatment induced cadmium tolerance in wheat seedlings due to its nature as a second messenger in stress responses. Plant were treated with 10 s microwave pretreatment, microwave pretreatment in combination with NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4, 4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) and their effects on the lipid peroxidation, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, the concentration of antioxidant compounds and wheat seedlings growth and development were compared. The results showed that 10 s microwave pretreatment dramatically alleviated growth suppression induced by cadmium stress, reflected by decreased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical production. Furthermore, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and the concentration of antioxidant metabolites (ascorbate, reduced glutathione, carotenoids and nitric oxide) were increased in wheat seedlings pretreated with microwave under cadmium stress. Nevertheless, the promotive effect of microwave pretreatment induced cadmium tolerance in wheat seedlings was effectively reversed by the addition of 0.5 % (w/v) cPTIO (NO scavenger), suggesting that NO was involved in microwave pretreatment induced cadmium tolerance in wheat seedlings.     

Urinary excretion of cyanidin glycosides

Anthocyanins, which are natural plant pigments from the flavonoid family, represent substantial constituents of the human diet. Several fruits (blackcurrant, blue berries, red grape and elderberry) are rich sources of these efficient antioxidant compounds. The present study was designed to determine the potential bioavailability in humans of the anthocyanins of elderberry, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside, and the influence of the simultaneous ingestion of sucrose on the absorption of anthocyanins. Urinary samples from 16 healthy volunteers--8 women and 8 men--were collected before and over a period of 6 h with intervals of 1 h after the ingestion of 11 g elderberry concentrate (containing 1.9 g of anthocyanins equivalent to 235 ml of fresh juice) 1 day diluted with water, the other day with 30 g sucrose. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, it was possible to quantify the two main anthocyanins of elderberry excreted unchanged in the urine (0.003-0.012% of the oral dose). The ingestion of sucrose led to a reduced excretion of anthocyanins.     

Strawberry polyphenols attenuate ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats by activation of antioxidant enzymes and attenuation of MDA increase

Background and Aim

Free radicals are implicated in the aetiology of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcer, colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Strawberries are common and important fruit due to their high content of essential nutrient and beneficial phytochemicals which seem to have relevant biological activity on human health. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant and protective effects of three strawberry extracts against ethanol-induced gastric mucosa damage in an experimental in vivo model and to test whether strawberry extracts affect antioxidant enzyme activities in gastric mucosa.

Methods/Principal Findings

Strawberry extracts were obtained from Adria, Sveva and Alba cultivars. Total antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging capacity were performed by TEAC, ORAC and electron paramagnetic resonance assays. Identification and quantification of anthocyanins was carried out by HPLC-DAD-MS analyses. Different groups of animals received 40 mg/day/kg body weight of strawberry crude extracts for 10 days. Gastric damage was induced by ethanol. The ulcer index was calculated together with the determination of catalase and SOD activities and MDA contents. Strawberry extracts are rich in anthocyanins and present important antioxidant capacity. Ethanol caused severe gastric damage and strawberry consumption protected against its deleterious role. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly after strawberry extract intake and a concomitantly decrease in gastric lipid peroxidation was found. A significant correlation between total anthocyanin content and percent of inhibition of ulcer index was also found.

Conclusions

Strawberry extracts prevented exogenous ethanol-induced damage to rats'' gastric mucosa. These effects seem to be associated with the antioxidant activity and phenolic content in the extract as well as with the capacity of promoting the action of antioxidant enzymes. A diet rich in strawberries might exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of gastric diseases related to generation of reactive oxygen species.     

Anthocyanin-rich extract decreases indices of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in vitamin E-depleted rats.

Anthocyanins are secondary plant metabolites responsible for the blue, purple, and red color of many plant tissues. The phenolic structure of anthocyanins conveys marked antioxidant activity in model systems via donation of electrons or hydrogen atoms from hydroxyl moieties to free radicals. Dietary intakes of anthocyanins may exceed 200 mg/day, however, little is known about their antioxidant potency in vivo. Consequently, the aim of this study was to establish whether anthocyanins could act as putative antioxidant micronutrients. Rats were maintained on vitamin E-deficient diets for 12 weeks in order to enhance susceptibility to oxidative damage and then repleted with rations containing a highly purified anthocyanin-rich extract at a concentration of 1 g/kg diet. The extract consisted of the 3-glucopyranoside forms of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin. Consumption of the anthocyanin-repleted diet significantly improved (p <.01) plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased (p <.001) the vitamin E deficiency-enhanced hydroperoxides and 8-Oxo-deoxyguanosine concentrations in liver. These compounds are indices of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, respectively. Dietary consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods may contribute to overall antioxidant status, particularly in areas of habitually low vitamin E intake.     

Genetic progress in the UNB-2U population of popcorn under recurrent selection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

As part of the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense recurrent selection program of popcorn, we evaluated full-sib families of the sixth cycle of recurrent selection and estimated genetic progress for grain yield and expansion capacity. We assessed 200 full-sib families for 10 agronomic traits, in a randomized block design, with two replications within sets in two environments: Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There were significant differences for families/"sets" for all traits, indicating genetic variability that could be exploited in future cycles. In the selection of superior progenies, the Mulamba and Mock index gave the best gains for popping expansion (PE) and grain yield (GY), with values of 10.97 and 15.30%, respectively, using random economic weights. By comparing the evolution of the means obtained for PE and GY in the cycles C(0), C(1), C(2), C(3), C(4), C(5), and predicted for C(6), a steady increase was observed for both PE and GY, with the addition of 1.71 mL/g (R(2) = 0.93) and 192.87 kg/ha (R(2) = 0.88), respectively, in each cycle. Given the good performance of this popcorn population in successive cycles of intrapopulation recurrent selection, we expect that a productive variety with high expansion capacity will soon be available for producers in the north and northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.     

The compositional characterisation and antioxidant activity of fresh juices from sicilian sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) varieties

Epidemiological evidence has suggested that consumption of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of both cancer and cardiovascular diseases, potentially through the biological actions of components such as vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids. Citrus species are extremely rich sources in vitamin C and flavanones, a class of compounds which belongs to the flavonoids family. A comparison of the phenolic compositions, the ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant activities of fresh Sicilian orange juices from pigmented (Moro, Tarocco and Sanguinello) and non-pigmented (Ovale, Valencia and Navel) varieties of orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), was undertaken. The simultaneous characterisation and quantification of the major flavanone, anthocyanin and hydroxycinnamate components were attained by HPLC with diode array detection. Differences between varieties in terms of the flavanone glycoside content, particularly hesperidin, were observed, with the Tarocco juices reporting the highest content. Furthermore, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-(6"-malonyl)-glucoside were predominant in all the pigmented varieties, but their concentration was higher in the juices of the Moro variety. Quantitatively, the major antioxidant component of all juices was ascorbic acid and its concentration was significantly correlated (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) with the total antioxidant activity of the juices, determined in vitro using the ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Similarly, hydroxycinnamates (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) and anthocyanins (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) content showed a good correlation with the determined antioxidant capacity. Therefore orange juices, particularly those rich in anthocyanins, may represent a significant dietary source of flavonoids.