The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds and its emulsions

The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds was analysed by chromatographic and instrumental means. The oil was found to be rich in neutral lipids (86.2%), and low in polar lipids (13.8%). The neutral lipids consisted mainly of triacylglycerols (64.2%). Unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 71%, while the percentage of saturated fatty acids was only 29%. GC and GC/MS analyses revealed linoleic, oleic and lignocerotic acid to be predominant among all fatty acids in the A. pavonina oil, whereas stigmasterol was the major steroid identified within this study. Subsequently, the oil was used for preparation of submicron oil-in-water (o/w) lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions were formulated by using soybean lecithin (SL) to investigate their particle size, Zeta potential and stability at the different oil and SL ratios. The results obtained indicate possible applications of the tested oil in pharmaceutical and medical fields as drug and cosmetic active ingredient carriers.     

Antimicrobial peptides from Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds: characterization and antifungal activity

In this study, the antifungal activity of peptides extracted from Adenanthera pavonina seeds was assessed. Peptides were extracted and fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The non-retained D1 fraction efficiently inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi. This fraction was later further fractionated by reversed-phase chromatography, resulting in 23 sub-fractions. All separation processes were monitored by tricine-SDS-PAGE. Fractions H11 and H22 strongly inhibited the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Fraction H11 caused 100% death in S. cerevisiae in an antimicrobial assay. The complete amino acid sequence of the peptide in fraction P2 was determined, revealing homology to plant defensins, which was named ApDef1. Peptides from fraction H22 were also sequenced.     

Antioxidant activity and protective effect on DNA cleavage of extracts from Cistus incanus L. and Cistus monspeliensis L.

The genus Cistus includes many typical species of Mediterranean flora; Cistus species are used as antidiarrheics, as general remedies for treatment of various skin diseases in folk medicine and as anti-inflammatory agents. These species contain flavonoids that are considered to be chain-breaking antioxidants. In this work, we have investigated the effects of crude aqueous extracts from Cistus incanus and Cistus monspeliensis on DNA cleavage and their free-radical scavenging capacity. In addition, their effect on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes was evaluated. These extracts showed a protective effect on DNA cleavage and a dose-dependent free-radical scavenging capacity; Cistus monspeliensis was more active than Cistus incanus; these results were confirmed by a significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. The experimental evidence, therefore, suggests that because of their antioxidant activity these extracts may offer excellent photoprotection for skin and may be useful in the treatment of human diseases where oxidative stress plays a key role. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Isolation and properties of a lectin from the seeds ofMimosa invisa L.

A lectin has been purified from the seeds ofMimosa invisa L. by gel filtration and preparative Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified lectin was homogeneous as judged by analytical Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunodiffusion and Immunoelectrophoresis. The apparent molecular weight is 100,000; the protein is a tetramer with two types of subunits (molecular weight 35,000 and 15,000). The lectin is a glycoprotein with approximately 21% carbohydrate and interacts with Sephadex and concanavalin A-Sepharose. It agglutinates erthrocytes non-specifically, does not agglutinate leucocytes and is not mitogenic, agglutinates Mimosa-nodulatingRhizobium and is a panagglutinin; the agglutination is not inhibited by several simple sugars. It is thermo-stable and has no metal ions.     

Investigations into the exploitation of heterogeneous soils by Lupinus albus L. and L. pilosus Murr. and the effect upon plant growth

In calcareous soils, genotypes of Lupinus albus L. generally grow poorly, resulting in stunted plants that often develop lime-induced chlorosis. In contrast, some genotypes of L. pilosus Murr. occur naturally in calcareous soils without developing any visible symptoms of stress. Some genotypic variation for tolerance to calcareous soil does exist in L. albus and the tolerance mechanisms need to be determined. The adaptation through root system morphological plasticity of L. albus and L. pilosus, to heterogeneous limed soil profiles (pH 7.8) containing either patches of acid (non-limed) soil, or vertically split between acid and limed soil, was investigated. When grown in the presence of patches of acid soil, L. albus had a 52% greater shoot dry weight and visibly greener leaves compared with plants grown in the homogeneous limed soil. Total root dry matter in the acid-soil patches was greater than in the control limed-soil patches. This was due to a four-fold increase in the cluster root mass, accounting for 95% of the root dry matter in the acid-soil patch. Although these cluster roots secreted no more citric acid per unit mass than those in the limed soil did, their greater mass resulted in a higher citrate concentration in the surrounding soil. L. pilosus responded to the patches of acid soil in a manner comparable with L. albus. When grown in the homogeneous limed soil, L. pilosus had a greater maximum net CO₂ assimilation rate (P_max) than L. albus, however, the P_max of both species increased after they had accessed a patch of acid soil. Differences were apparent between the L. albus genotypes grown in soil profiles split vertically into limed and acid soil. A genotype by soil interaction occurred in the partitioning between soils of the cluster roots. The genotype La 674 was comparable with L. pilosus and produced over 11% of its cluster roots in the limed soil, whereas the other genotypes produced only 1–3% of their cluster roots in the limed soil. These results indicate L. pilosus is better adapted to the limed soil than L. albus, but that both species respond to a heterogeneous soil by producing mainly cluster roots in an acid-soil patch. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Extraction,Purification and Electrical Characterization of Gross Galactomannan and Purified Galactomannan Obtained from Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds

Aiming of self-sustainable production, the search for biodegradable and biocompatible materials has brought with it the need to know the physicochemical and dielectric characteristics of polysaccharide-based composite structures, which can be used as important and promising raw materials for biotechnology and electronic industries. Galactomannans are polysaccharides, extracted from seeds and microbiological sources, consisting of mannose and galactose. In this context, this work aimed to extract, purify and characterize by XRD, FTIR and impedance spectroscopy galactomannan obtained from seeds of Adenanthera pavonina L. The purification process was made with ethyl alcohol at concentrations of 70, 80 and 90 %. Polymeric films were prepared by solvent slow evaporation at low temperatures. XRD measurements revealed that Galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina L., after purification, has a semi-crystalline structure due to the identification of two peaks the first between 5.849° and 6.118° and the second between 20.011° and 20.247°. FTIR spectra showed the functional groups associated with monosaccharides of the galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds, as well as the typical polysaccharide bands and peaks, confirmed by literature data. The impedance results give an increment on the state-of-the-art of this biomaterial by showing the existence of dielectric relaxations, independent of the degree of purification, using the dielectric modulus formalism. The permittivity analysis reveals the presence of water in the structure of the film, whose dipoles contribute to the relatively high value of the dielectric constant. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that purified galactomannan has the potential for possible applications in the electronics industry as a green and eco-friendly dielectric material.     

The effect of desiccation on viability and phospholipid composition of Acer sacharinum L. seeds

Summary Phospholipid biosynthesis and composition in desiccation-intolerant silver maple seeds were determined with respect to the seed's germinability and electrolyte leakage during the desiccation process. An evident increase in the biosynthesis of phospholipids occurs during the period of high viability of the seeds. The electrolyte leakage level during this period is rather low. The more the seed's viability declines the lower is the biosynthesis of phospholipids and the higher the permeability of membranes to solutes. The total content of phospholipids as well as the content of particular phospholipids decreases with a simultaneous increase of phosphatidic acid. Presented data support the hypothesis that membrane destruction takes place during loss of water in desiccation-intolerant seeds. The nature of cell membrane damage is discussed.     

Adventitious shoot formation in cultures of 30-year-old Larix decidua,L. leptolepis,L. eurolepis,and L. laricina trees

Primordial shoot explants excised from buds of one Larix decidua tree, about 30 years old, produced more adventitious buds, elongating into shoots, when grown on half strength Litvay medium than when grown on other basal media. Thidiazuron and N₆-benzyladenine (BA) were equally effective in adventitious bud induction. In a comparative study of 30-year-old L. decidua, L. leptolepis, L. eurolepis, and L. laricina trees, explants from L. eurolepis and L. decidua produced a high number of cultures with adventitious buds that elongated into shoots; those from L. leptolepis were less productive, and those from L. laricina failed to form adventitious buds. The highest response was obtained with material collected in August and September, and in March and April; the lowest response occurred in explants from the October collection.     

Genetic difference in somatic embryogenesis from seeds in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Significant differences in somatic embryogenesis from melon seeds were observed among 18 cultivars; especially, cultivars Earl's Favorite and Barnett which produced a large number of somatic embryos. F₁ seeds were obtained by reciprocal crosses between cultivars. Some lines produced a large number of somatic embryos whereas others showed no or poor embryogenic response. Most of the F₁ seeds formed somatic embryos. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis decreased as compared to the parents with the highest potential. Transfer of the frequency of somatic embryogenesis from superior responding cultivars to inferior cultivars was proved. It was difficult to determine the mode of inheritance of somatic embryogenesis because there was a large variation in the range of somatic embryogenesis from F₂ seeds, and cytoplasmic effect was recognized in certain combinations.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine     

Identification of ancient Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L. seeds by DNA barcoding

The analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) provides archaeologists and anthropologists with innovative, scientific and accurate data to study and understand the past. In this work, ancient seeds, found in the "Mora Cavorso" archaeological site (Latium, Central Italy), were analyzed to increase information about Italian Neolithic populations (plant use, agriculture, diet, trades, customs and ecology). We performed morphological and genetic techniques to identify fossil botanical species. In particular, this study also suggests and emphasizes the use of DNA barcode method for ancient plant sample analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations showed seed compact structure and irregular surface but they did not permit a precise nor empirical classification: so, a molecular approach was necessary. DNA was extracted from ancient seeds and then it was used, as template, for PCR amplifications of standardized barcode genes. Although aDNA could be highly degraded by the time, successful PCR products were obtained, sequenced and compared to nucleotide sequence databases. Positive outcomes (supported by morphological comparison with modern seeds, geographical distribution and historical data) indicated that seeds could be identified as belonging to two plant species: Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L.     

The morphological background to imbibition in seeds ofPinus sylvestris L. of different provenances

An examination was made of the structure of the coats of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seeds of different provenance and the contribution of this factor to differences in imbibition. The seed coat layers derived from the integument, the sarcotesta, sclerotesta and endotesta did little to restrict imbibition, even though the sclerotesta of the northern provenance seeds was composed of a double multicellular layer and the sarcotesta contained large numbers of pigmented, phenol-bearing cells. In addition to the micropyle, the sclerotesta was found to possess structural openings at the chalazal end and at the ridge joining the two halves of the seed, but being covered by the pigmented cells of the sarcotesta, these did not allow water to enter any more than did the micropyle itself. Imbibition was chiefly regulated by the lipophilic covers surrounding the endosperm, which are mainly of nucellar origin, especially by the megaspore membranes nearest to the endosperm, the outer and inner exine. The nucellar cap covering the micropylar end of the endosperm proved to be impermeable to water, and its edge extended between the exine layers, which further enhanced the importance of the endosperm covers as regulators of imbibition.     

Antimicrobial properties of essential oil of Satureja montana L. on pathogenic and spoilage yeasts

The essential oil of Satureja montana L. had a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity against 46 species of yeasts. This high and diffused activity could be used to control potential pathogenic and spoilage yeasts. The assay of MIC toward some pathogenic and spoilage yeasts showed a range values from 0.10 to 0.25 l ml^–1. The MIC and growth rate reduction assay were effective tests for quantitative evaluation of antimicrobial activity.     

四川重楼属植物地理分布新记录

报道了四川重楼属植物1新分布种和1新分布变种,分别是平伐重楼(Paris vaniotii H.Léveillé)和白花重楼(P.polyphyllavar.alba H.Li&R.J.Mitchell)。二者均为狭域分布和间断分布类群,平伐重楼在模式标本产地濒于灭绝,四川新分布的发现具有重要意义。     

芳樟型樟树果挥发油成分研究

以优选出来的芳樟型樟树为调查对象,采其不同成熟度的樟树果进行挥发油提取,利用气相色谱法(GC)分析和测定樟树果挥发油的化学成分和相对含量。实验结果表明,樟树果的成熟程度不同,其提取率相差不大。但是樟树果的挥发油化学型有与叶油一致的也有不同的,说明樟树个体之间存在较大的变异性。     

Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor with high stability from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spinacia oleracea</Emphasis> L. seeds

The trypsin inhibitor SOTI was isolated from Spinacia oleracea L. seeds through ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sepharose 4B-trypsin affinity chromatography, and Sephadex G-75 chromatography. This typical Kunitz inhibitor showed remarkable stability to heat, pH, and denaturant. It retained 80% of its activity against trypsin after boiling for 20 min, and more than 90% activity when treated with 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. The formation of stable SOTI-trypsin complex (K _i = 2.3·10⁻⁶ M) is consistent with significant inhibitory activity of SOTI against trypsin-like proteinases present in the larval midgut of Pieris rapae. Sequences of SOTI fragments showed homology with other inhibitors. Published in Russian in Biokhimiya, 2009, Vol. 74, No. 1, pp. 131–140.     

Monosomic and double monosomic substitutions of Hordeum bulbosum L. chromosomes into H. vulgare L.

Summary One of the aims of the interspecific crossing programme between Hordeum vulgare L. and H. bulbosum L. has been to introgress desirable genes into barley from the wild species. However, despite their close taxonomic relationship there have been few reports of achieving this objective using amphidiploid hybrids. In order to broaden the range of available hybrids, partially fertile triploids between H. vulgare (2n = 2x = 14) and H. bulbosum (2n = 4x = 28) were developed and crossed with H. vulgare as female parent. From 580 progeny which were screened, eight putative single monosomic chromosome substitution lines and one double monosomic substitution were identified by cytological analysis. These involved the substitution of H. vulgare chromosome 1 (two lines), 6 (four lines), 6L (one line), 7 (one line) and 1 + 4 (one line) by their respective H. bulbosum homoeologues. The H. bulbosum chromosome was frequently eliminated during plant development, but it was observed regularly in pollen mother cells of two lines. However, pairing between the H. bulbosum chromosome and its H. vulgare homoeologue was low. Several of the lines were more resistant than their H. vulgare parents to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis DC. f.sp. hordei Em. Marchai), net blotch (Drechslera teres Sacc.) and scald (Rhynchosporium secalis (Oudem.) Davis). Apart from their use in studying genome relationships, their value to plant breeders will depend on the ease of inducing translocations between the parental chromosomes.     

Essential oil composition of Hypericum L. species from Southeastern Serbia and their chemotaxonomy

The essential oils of the aerial parts of nine species of Hypericum (Hypericum barbatum, Hypericum hirsutum, Hypericum linarioides, Hypericum maculatum, Hypericum olympicum, Hypericum perforatum, Hypericum richeri, Hypericum rumeliacum and Hypericum tetrapterum), collected from different locations in Southeast Serbia, were obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by GC and GC–MS. The essential oils investigated were characterized by a high content of non-terpene compounds and a low content of monoterpenes. The contents of non-terpenes, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in oils of the species H. barbatum, H. richeri and H. rumeliacum (section Drosocaprium) were similar and these oils were characterized by high contents of fatty acids. The oils of H. hirsutum and H. linarioides (section Taeniocarpium) contained a high percentage of n-nonane. There were similarities in contents of non-terpenes and sesquiterpenes in oils of species that belong to the section Hypericum (H. maculatum, H. perforatum and H. tetrapterum). The oil of H. olympicum differed from others by higher terpene content. A comparison was also carried out of the chemical composition of the essential oils from flower, leaf and stem of H. perforatum and it revealed that the highest concentration of non-terpene compounds was found in the flower and stem oil, while a high concentration of sesquiterpenes was characteristic for leaf oil. There were significant differences in the concentrations of the same compounds in the essential oils of H. maculatum, H. olympicum and H. perforatum, collected in different years from the same location which could be explained by seasonal differences. All data were statistically processed with principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The main conclusion from the above data is that genetic and environmental factors both play a role in determining the composition of essential oils of the Hypericum species studied.     

The role of fish in distribution and germination of seeds of the submerged macrophytes Najas marina L. and Ruppia maritima L.

Summary The effects of three species of fish (tilapia, grass carp and common carp) on the seeds of Najas marina L. and of Ruppia maritima L. were investigated. Practically all the seeds that were injested by the common carp were digested. The two other fish were less affective: they digested seeds with soft seed-coats but excreted a good portion of the hard ones. Germination of the excreted seeds was improved. Seeds have been retained in the digestion tracts of the fish for up to 65 h. It is thus suggested that tilapias and grass-carps play a role in the distribution and the improvement of reproduction of Najas and Ruppia.     

Fatty acids from seeds of Pinus pinea L.: composition and population profiling

Pinus pinea L. is widely disseminated all over the Mediterranean Basin. Qualitatively, P. pinea fatty acid seed composition is identical and typical of the genus Pinus. This composition is made of unsaturated oil with several unusual polymethylene-interrupted unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid is the major fatty acid followed by oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. Quantitatively, for all Mediterranean populations, total amounts of fatty acids seem to be fairly constant and independent from their origin. When applying principal component analysis, it seems that there is not a distinct geographical variability. Tunisian populations appear to be integral part of the Mediterranean populations without any particular structuring. Taking into account this research and the data reported in the literature, we can confirm that P. pinea expresses no significant variability. This low genetic diversity revealed by fatty acid composition can be explained by anthropogenetic diffusion of genetically homogeneous reproductive material as early as the first explorations.