The influence of crucifers and mustard oil on the emergence of larvae of the potato-root eelworm, Heterodera rostochtensis Wollenweber

Hatching experiments were carried out with cysts of the potato-root eelworm. The effect of solutions of potato-root excretion mixed with root excretions of six types of crucifer seedlings was studied. With cress, white mustard, and black mustard, the emergence of larvae in the mixed excretions was very much less than that from control cysts in potato-root excretion alone. On subsequent return to potato-root excretion alone, larval emergence was found to be unimpaired in the case of white and black mustards; in the case of cress, however, the total emergence differed significantly from control. Similar effects, of both types, were obtained with certain dilutions of ally isothiocyanate, the mustard oil of black mustard seed, in potato-root excretion.     

The hatching factor of the potato-root eelworm

1. The hatching factor of the potato-root eelworm was concentrated from potato-root leachings by adsorption on charcoal. The crude material, extracted from charcoal with acetone, was purified by partition between ethyl acetate and m-potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and ethyl acetate and a solution of potassium metabisulphite (disulphite). Neutral material was removed by extraction from phosphate buffer at pH7.8. The yield of purified material, after chromatography on silica, DEAE-cellulose and Perlon columns, was 18mug./l. of potato-root leachings, and 0.04% by weight of the acetone-soluble material extracted from charcoal; 20% of the activity of the original potato-root leachings was recovered. 2. The purified material was a colourless gum. On paper chromatograms it gave a single weakly fluorescing spot, which reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and aniline-xylose reagents. It was confirmed that the hatching factor is an acid, and it is inactivated at values above pH9. Other properties were a ready oxidation by permanganate and reaction with certain carbonyl reagents. Colour tests for alpha- and beta-unsaturated gamma-lactones were negative. The hatching factor showed no light-absorption maxima at wavelengths above 210mmu; absorption bands in the infrared region (670-4000cm.(-1)) are given. Our purified material, although a gum, gave a similar hatch to a ;crystalline' product at 640 times its concentration.     

Effect of Fatty Acids Isolated from Edible Oils Like Mustard,Linseed or Coconut on Astrocytes Maturation

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) has been previously shown to facilitate some of the vital functions of astrocytes. Since some dietary oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), which is a precursor of DHA, we examined their effect on astrocyte development. Fatty acids (FAs) were isolated from commonly used oils and their compositions were determined by GLC. FAs from three oils, viz. coconut, mustard and linseed were studied for their effect on astrocyte morphology. Parallel studies were conducted with FAs from the same oils after heating for 72 h. Unlike coconut oil, FAs from mustard and linseed, both heated and raw, caused significant morphogenesis of astrocytes in culture. ss-AR binding was also substantially increased in astrocytes treated with FAs from raw mustard and linseed oils as compared to astrocytes grown in normal medium. The expression profile of the isoforms of GFAP showed that astrocyte maturation by FAs of mustard and linseed oil was associated with appearance of acidic variants of GFAP and disappearance of some neutral isoforms similar to that observed in cultures grown in serum containing medium or in the presence of DHA. Taken together, the study highlights the contribution of specific dietary oils in facilitating astrocyte development that can have potential impact on human health.     

Physicochemical properties of cold pressed sunflower,peanut, rapeseed,mustard and olive oils grown in the Eastern Mediterranean region

Fatty acid composition and stability of vegetable oils have taken more attention as an essential source of biologically active compounds in a good balanced diet. The purpose of the study was to determine peroxide value, free fatty acids, unsaponifiable matter, total carotenoid content, iodine value and fatty acid composition of sunflower, rapeseed, mustard, peanut and olive oils. Rapeseed and peanut oils had the highest peroxide values, while sunflower oil had the lowest peroxide values. The free fatty acid value of the tested oils varied between 0.43 and 1.36% oleic. The peanut oil had the highest free acid value and the mustard oil had the lowest one. Total carotenoid contents of mustard and rape seed oil were higher than those of the other oils tested. Palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) were the common main fatty acid components of the vegetable oils tested. Followed by linoleic acid, the amount of oleic acid was the highest among other fatty acid components. Mustard oil had the highest erucic acid (C22:1) with the amount of 11.38%, indicating that it cannot be used for human consumption. Among the oils investigated, sunflower and mustard oils were more stable than rapeseed, peanut and olive oils.     

Soil teachings and the hatching of larvae of the potato-root eelworm, Heterodera rostochiensis Wollenweber

Leachings were taken from fallow soil brought in from an outside plot at monthly intervals throughout a year, and tested for their ability to stimulate hatching of the potato-root eelworm. Some of the leachings showed stimulatory action, the results indicating a seasonal pattern of activity with a peak in August. As noted previously, this suggests that soil organisms produce substances able to stimulate hatching and that these are probably responsible for the so-called ‘spontaneous’ hatching.     

Oral irritation by mustard oil: self-desensitization and cross-desensitization with capsaicin

We investigated the temporal pattern of oral irritation elicited by sequential application of mustard oil (allyl-isothiocyanate), and whether it exhibits self-desensitization and cross-desensitization with capsaicin. Mustard oil (0.125%, 40 micro l) was sequentially applied to one side of the tongue at 1 min intervals, and subjects rated the intensity of the irritant sensation elicited by each stimulus. Ratings successively declined across trials, indicating desensitization. In contrast, sequential application of capsaicin (10 ppm) elicited irritation that increased in intensity across trials (sensitization). To test for self-desensitization by mustard oil, a 10 min hiatus was imposed following the series of unilateral mustard oil stimuli, after which mustard oil was applied to both sides of the tongue. In a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm, subjects chose which side had stronger irritation and also independently rated the irritant intensity on each side. A significant majority of subjects chose the side not previously receiving mustard oil as more intense, and assigned significantly higher intensity ratings to that side, indicating self-desensitization. In two additional sessions, the same paradigm was used to show mustard oil cross-desensitization of irritation elicited by capsaicin, and capsaicin cross-desensitization of irritation from mustard oil. In a final session, sequential application of mustard oil at faster (20 s) intervals initially evoked a sensitizing pattern followed by desensitization. The temporal patterns of oral irritation exhibited by mustard oil, and its reciprocal cross-desensitization with capsaicin, are similar to those of menthol and nicotine.     

Nano essential oils against the red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is the biggest pest of various palm species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the essential oils of purslane, mustard and castor (bulk and nano) on R. ferrugineus and to evaluate the oviposition deterrent effect to prevent new infestations. Prepared concentrations of essential oils (bulk and nano) were tested for their impact on R. ferrugineus larvae, pupae and adults. The most effective oil was purslane oil (bulk and nano), followed by mustard and the least effective was castor. The percent mortality of larvae was 75.2, 45.3 and 17.9% (bulk phase) and 92.5, 84.4 and 65.5% (nano phase) in purslane, mustard and castor, respectively, when treated with the high concentration. The percent mortality of adults was 67.2, 40.0 and 15.6% (bulk phase) and 83.5, 72.9 and 60.0% (nano phase) in purslane, mustard and castor, respectively, when treated with the high concentration. The number of eggs laid decreased with increasing concentration of the tested oils. Purslane essential oil showed good impact on R. ferrugineus larvae and adults followed by mustard and castor oils as bulk and as nano.     

Field studies of potato-root eelworm, Heterodera rostochiensis Wollenweber, 1938-40

Field studies of potato crops under different soil and fertility conditions and exposed to attack by diverse concentrations of potato-root eelworm led to the following conclusions:
In the north-western agricultural advisory province potato-root eelworm is not a major cause of failure or partial failure of potato crops on land where the viable cyst concentration is low (under 10/10 c.c. of soil). On such land increased yields can be obtained by improving conditions for plant growth, widening the rotation and increasing the fertility of the soil.
The production of satisfactory crops on land with a low eelworm population is likely to be accompanied by considerable increases in the numbers of root eelworms in the soil.
Crops free from signs of 'potato sickness' or 'potato-root eelworm disease' can be grown on land heavily infested with root eelworms (viable cyst concentration exceeding 25/10 c.c.), if no other adverse condition, such as unsuitable weather, lack of available food or incidence of fungus disease, affects the growth of the crop, but yields from heavily infested land are not likely to be more than moderate.
The treatments used against eelworms in the trials described here did not give results commensurate with their cost.
The practical difficulties of incorporating lethal substances with soil in the field are considerable, and this may have contributed to the disappointing results obtained.
The study of the influence of host variety on cyst production suggests that varietal differences in the host plants may influence the numbers of cysts formed on the crop, but the evidence is not conclusive.     

Biosynthesis of medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (mcl-PHAs) by Comamonas testosteroni during cultivation on vegetable oils

Comamonas testosteroni has been studied for its ability to synthesize and accumulate medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (mcl-PHAs) during cultivation on vegetable oils available in the local market. Castor seed oil, coconut oil, mustard oil, cotton seed oil, groundnut oil, olive oil and sesame oil were supplemented in the mineral medium as a sole source of carbon for growth and PHAs accumulation. The composition of PHAs was analysed by a coupled gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). PHAs contained C6 to C14 3-hydroxy acids, with a strong presence of 3-hydroxyoctanoate when coconut oil, mustard oil, cotton seed oil and groundnut oil were supplied. 3-hydroxydecanoate was incorporated at higher concentrations when castor seed oil, olive oil and sesame oil were the substrates. Purified PHAs samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and 13C NMR analysis. During cultivation on various vegetable oils, C. testosteroni accumulated PHAs up to 78.5-87.5% of the cellular dry material (CDM). The efficiency of the culture to convert oil to PHAs ranged from 53.1% to 58.3% for different vegetable oils. Further more, the composition of the PHAs formed was not found to be substrate dependent as PHAs obtained from C. testosteroni during growth on variety of vegetable oils showed similar compositions; 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid and/or 3-hydroxydecanoic acid being always predominant. The polymerizing system of C. testosteroni showed higher preference for C8 and C10 monomers as longer and smaller monomers were incorporated less efficiently.     

Inhibition of choline transport into human erythrocytes by choline mustard aziridinium ion.

Acetylcholine mustard aziridinium ion inhibited the transport of [3H]choline into human erythrocytes. Treatment of the erythrocytes with 1 X 10(-4) M tetraethylpyrophosphate prevented the inhibition of [3H]choline transport by acetylcholine mustard aziridinium ion. Hydrolyzed acetylcholine mustard aziridinium ion inhibited choline transport both in the presence and absence of 1 X 10(-4) M tetraethylpyrophosphate. The product of hydrolysis was equipotent with acetylcholine mustard in its ability to inhibit choline transport; incubation of this product with sodium thiosulfate prevented inhibition of choline transport thereby indicating the presence of an aziridinium ion. The hydrolysis product is likely to be choline mustard aziridinium ion. Results on the efflux of [3H]choline from erythrocytes in the presence of the proposed choline mustard aziridinium ion showed that the mustard moiety was transported into the red cells on the choline carrier. The rate of efflux of [3H]choline produced by choline mustard aziridinium ion was 55% of that produced by the same concentration of choline. It is concluded that acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) of red cells rapidly hydrolyzes acetylcholine mustard aziridinium ion to acetate and choline mustard aziridinium and the latter compound can act as a potent inhibitor of choline transport. This finding would indicate that the hemicholinium-like toxicity of acetylcholine mustard in the mouse is due to the formation of choline mustard aziridinium ion.     

Influence of earthworms on larval emergence in the potato-root eelworm, Heterodera rostochiensis Wollenweber

Hatching experiments were carried out with potato-root eelworm cysts ( a ) from plant pots containing different numbers of earthworms, and ( b ) from worm casts. Cysts from these sources differed from controls in the following ways: (1) more larvae emerged, per cyst; (2) the larvae emerged sooner; (3) more cysts produced larvae; (4) the number of emerging larvae, per cyst, increased with the number of earthworms.
Examination of the contents of cysts isolated from worm casts showed that, compared with controls, 145% more eggs hatched; it also indicated some of the limitations of the 'per-cyst' basis of expressing results.     

Combined Effects of Diphenyliodonium Chloride, Pine Oils, and Mustard Oil Soaps on Certain Microorganisms

Bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities of an emulsion containing 10.0% (v/v) terpineol, 0.5% (w/v) diphenyliodonium chloride, 11.0% (v/v) ethyl alcohol, and 5.62% saponified mustard oil were tested against a number of different types of organisms. The bactericidal concentration for Salmonella typhosa was 1:400. In the presence of 5.0% horse serum, it increased to 1:250. The bacteriostatic concentration varied from organism to organism; Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus required 4,000 mug/ml for complete bacteriostasis, whereas Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Salmonella paratyphi-A, and Shigella required only 2,000 mug/ml for complete inhibition. A 4.0% concentration of the emulsion killed the spores of Bacillus subtilis within 6 hr.     

A fluorescence-immunohistochemical study on phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and STAT3 in rat dorsal root ganglia following noxious stimulation of hind paw sensory neurons

A fluorescence-immunohistochemical investigation was performed in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) neurons of the rat with regard to ERK1/2-, p38- and STAT3-phosphorylation in response to nociceptor activation in the rat. The stimuli applied were perineural capsaicin treatment of the sciatic nerve, mustard oil application to the hind paw and heat or cold stimulation of the hind paw. The time points of investigations were 15 min/30 min after perineural capsaicin, 30 min/2 h/4 h for mustard oil, 10 min/4 h for cold and 30 min/2 h/8 h for the heat stimulus. All four stimuli lead to a time-dependent, significant 2-3 fold increase in the number of small and medium size DRG cells displaying cytoplasmic staining for p-ERK1/2, but to no activation of satellite cells. Phosphorylated p38 immunoreactivity was increased in the cytoplasma of DRG cells at 2 h after the mustard oil treatment of the hind paw and 30 min after the perineural capsaicin application to the sciatic nerve axons, but not following heat or cold stimuli to the hind paws. Phospho-STAT3 staining was characteristically observed as nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. It was found increased after the perineural capsaicin application to the sciatic nerve axons, however, no marked increase was found with the other 3 noxious stimuli. The present results show that sensory neurons respond with a selective long-lasting increase in p-ERK1/2 in small and medium-size DRG cells, when their axons or axon terminals are stimulated by capsaicin, mustard oil, noxious heat or noxious cold.     

Reaction of quinacrine mustard with the acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica

Amines with local anesthetic activity are typically also noncompetitive inhibitors of the agonist-induced increase in cation permeability mediated by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Quinacrine is such an agent, and we have synthesized tritiated quinacrine mustard, a derivative capable of reacting with nucleophiles. Quinacrine mustard was reacted with receptor-rich membrane from torpedo electric tissue, excess reagent was removed by partition into liposomes, and the modified receptor was extracted and reconstituted with exogenous phospholipid. After reaction of the native membrane with 10 microM quinacrine mustard for 5 min, binding of cobratoxin to the acetylcholine binding sites is inhibited 15%; in contrast, receptor-mediated 86Rb uptake in the reconstituted vesicles is inhibited 70%. When the reaction with quinacrine mustard is carried out in the presence of 10 microM carbamylcholine or 10 microM d-tubocurarine, there is no block of the acetylcholine binding sites; nevertheless, the inhibition of Rb uptake is greater than that resulting from reaction in the absence of acetylcholine binding site ligands. Conversely, when the reaction is carried out in the presence of either 100 microM quinacrine or 100 microM proadifen (also a potent noncompetitive inhibitor), either with or without carbamylcholine or d-tubocurarine, the inhibition of 86Rb uptake is about 70% smaller. Under the same conditions that we used in the functional studies, quinacrine mustard reacts with the four types of chains that constitute the receptor complex, alpha 2 beta gamma delta. The presence of the acetylcholine binding site ligands, however, results in increased reaction with the alpha and beta chains, while the presence of the noncompetitive inhibitors, with or without the acetylcholine binding site ligands, results in decreased reaction with the alpha and beta chains. We conclude that the alpha and beta chains contribute to one or more functionally significant binding sites for noncompetitively inhibiting amines.     

Soil biotransformation of thiodiglycol, the hydrolysis product of mustard gas: understanding the factors governing remediation of mustard gas contaminated soil

Thiodiglycol (TDG) is both the precursor for chemical synthesis of mustard gas and the product of mustard gas hydrolysis. TDG can also react with intermediates of mustard gas degradation to form more toxic and/or persistent aggregates, or reverse the pathway of mustard gas degradation. The persistence of TDG have been observed in soils and in the groundwater at sites contaminated by mustard gas 60 years ago. The biotransformation of TDG has been demonstrated in three soils not previously exposed to the chemical. TDG biotransformation occurred via the oxidative pathway with an optimum rate at pH 8.25. In contrast with bacteria isolated from historically contaminated soil, which could degrade TDG individually, a consortium of three bacterial strains isolated from the soil never contaminated by mustard gas was able to grow on TDG in minimal medium and in hydrolysate derived from an historical mustard gas bomb. Exposure to TDG had little impacts on the soil microbial physiology or on community structure. Therefore, the persistency of TDG in soils historically contaminated by mustard gas might be attributed to the toxicity of mustard gas to microorganisms and the impact to soil chemistry during the hydrolysis. TDG biodegradation may form part of a remediation strategy for mustard gas contaminated sites, and may be enhanced by pH adjustment and aeration.     

Studies on urine and tissues of rats,guineapigs and mice exposed to sulphur mustard using mass spectrometry

Urine and tissues (brain, liver, kidney, fat and triceps muscles) from rodents (rats, guinea pigs and albino mice) treated with sulphur mustard percutaneously were examined for the presence of sulphur mustard and/or metobolites using electron impact direct inlet and GC-mass spectrometry. Sulphur mustard and thiodiglycol sulphoxide were not detected in these samples even after application of massive doses. However, thiodiglycol was identified in urine only     

Consumers and establishment limitations contribute more than competitive interactions in sustaining dominance of the exotic herb garlic mustard in a Wisconsin, USA forest

The understory is a diverse component of temperate forest ecosystems, contributing significantly to forest ecosystem services. Despite their importance, many native understories face stresses from current and past land use, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and overabundant herbivores. We established a four block, three factor experiment to evaluate the relative contribution of native plant establishment, competitive effects from the invasive herb garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and herbivory from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to better understand the mechanisms promoting low native plant richness and cover and understory dominance by the biennial exotic herb garlic mustard in a NE Wisconsin, USA forest. Four years of garlic mustard removal failed to increase native plant richness or cover in non-restored plots. However, deer access and the introduction of native plants (restoration treatment) both significantly enhanced native plant cover and richness, with restored species cover in fenced plots approximately 216 % that of open-access plots, and the majority of these species flowered at significantly higher proportions inside of fenced areas. In contrast, deer access did not significantly alter the cover, or seed production of garlic mustard. We also found no significant effect of garlic mustard presence on the cover or flowering of restored native species. We conclude that multiple factors, including limited natural establishment by native species and selective herbivory drove low native, high exotic dominance at our site, suggesting that a shift in focus from invasive plant removal to combined native plant restoration and herbivore control is needed to maximize the recovery of this degraded forest understory.     

Isolation and characterisation of a crystalline antithiamine factor from mustard seed, Brassica juncea

The isolation and characteristics of a crystalline antithiamine factor from mustard seed, Brassica juncea is described.This oil bearing seed seems to contain at least two antithiamine factors, one of these is the methyl ester of 3,5-dimethoxy 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (methyl sinapate). The chemical nature of the other is not yet known because it could not be isolated in pure form as yet.     

Light,allelopathy, and post-mortem invasive impact on native forest understory species

Extended leaf phenology (early budbreak and/or delayed leaf drop) and allelopathy are potentially key invasion mechanisms in North American deciduous forests. Because extended phenology confers increased access to light energy and allelochemical production is energetically costly, these traits may interact synergistically to determine invader impact. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) exhibits both traits, and may also exploit high light in open habitats. We manipulated seasonal light availability to examine effects of light on garlic mustard’s growth, allelochemical production, and impact on native species. Invaded and not-invaded woodland microcosms were exposed to three light treatments: shading year-round (‘extended shade’), shading when the local tree canopy was closed (‘natural shade’), and ambient light year-round (‘no-shade’). Regardless of native presence, garlic mustard biomass was highest under natural shade and, due to apparent irradiation damage, lowest under no-shade. Similarly, growth and fruit production of garlic mustard monocultures were reduced in unshaded conditions. Consistent with these results, garlic mustard reduced the growth of native woodland forbs Blephilia hirsuta and Ageratina altissima most under natural shade, suggesting that extended leaf phenology mediates impact on these herbaceous species. However, garlic mustard growth did not predict reduction of whole-community biomass: invasion reduced native community growth most under no-shade, where invader biomass was lowest but allelochemical production was highest. This result may be driven by a ‘post-mortem’ pulse of allelochemicals from decaying garlic mustard tissue. We conclude that extended leaf phenology may mediate garlic mustard’s impact on some native species, and that light and allelopathy may interact to drive invasion.