Jerusalem artichoke diversity in Türkiye: comparative analysis of clone and organ-based biochemical composition.

In this study, biochemical analyses were performed for the first time on 22 different Jerusalem artichokes clones collected from different regions of Türkiye and samples from three different organs of each clone, considering the interaction effects. As a result of the study, the interaction effect of clones and sampled organs was found significant for total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, pH, H2O2 removal capacity, total dry matter, water soluble dry matter and antioxidant capacity via FRAP. According to the correlation analysis, the highest coefficient among the parameters in the tuber was between titratable acidity and total phenolic matter (0,576). Principal component analysis was used to assess the degree to which the parameters explained the variation in the gene pool. Factors directly and indirectly affecting the amount of water-soluble dry matter in the tuber were examined by path analysis.

Selection and Molecular Characterization of Promising Plum Rootstocks (Prunus cerasifera L.) among Seedling-Origin Trees.

The plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh) has been used worldwide both as a genetic source for breeding new rootstocks and as clonal rootstock for many Prunus species. Considering situations where wild relatives of plums are endangered, in-depth characterization of rootstock traits of genetic diversity of plum germplasm of Turkey with many ecogeographical locations is crucial. In the present study, therefore, three steps were followed for the selection of rootstock candidates among the plum germplasm grown in the Middle Euphrates. This region is characterized by an extremely hot climate with extremely warm summers and very low precipitation in summers. Initially, 79 rootstock candidates were selected based on rootstocks traits, and Myrobalan 29C was also used for the control rootstock in all steps. Hardwood cuttings were taken from each rootstock candidate, and after the rooting process in rootstock candidates, 39 rootstock candidates outperforming other candidates were selected according to root characteristics. Based on rooting ability, forty rootstock candidates with the longest root length below 33.50 mm, root number below 3.00, and rooting cutting number below 30.00% were eliminated. The second step of the study focused on the dwarfing characteristics of 39 rootstock candidates, and 13 and Myrobalan 29C out of 39 rootstock candidates' dwarfing traits showed value higher compared to the other 26 rootstock candidates. Results indicated that the vigor of rootstock candidates was usually found to be strong (26), intermediate (4), and weak (9). Moreover, 13 out of 39 rootstock candidates' dwarfism trait was better than the other 26 rootstock candidates. In Step 3, some morphological, physiological, and molecular evaluations were conducted in 13 rootstock candidates and the Myrobalan 29C clone, and there were significant differences between both rootstock candidates and the parameters evaluated. PCA has also been indicated that the reference rootstock Myrobalan 29C was grouped with 63B62, 63B69, and 63B14. The highest genetic similarity was found between 63B11 and 63B16, as well as between 63B76 and 63B66, while the lowest genetic similarity was observed between 63B72 and 63B61 candidates. Overall, the findings presented here provide valuable information about the level of rootstock candidates that could potentially be superior among previously uncharacterized plum cultivars in this plum-growing region of Turkey.

Effects of Cornus mas L. and Morus rubra L. extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity: an electrophysiological and biochemical study.

Traditionally, Morus rubra L. (Moraceae) (red mulberry) and Cornus mas L. (Cornacea) (cornelian cherry) fruits are eaten fresh and are also used in marmalades, juices, jam, natural dyes in Turkey and are believed to have beneficial effects in case of multiple health issues such as antipyretic, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. However, the effects of M. rubra and C. mas on epilepsy has not been known. This study evaluates the effects of M. rubra and C. mas extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Sixty Wistar rats randomly divided into ten groups (n=6): control, sham, penicillin, penicillin+M. rubra extract (2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and penicillin+C. mas extract (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg). Epileptiform activity was induced by using penicillin (500 IU, i.c.) and electrocorticogram records (150 min) were obtained. Also, biochemical analysis in blood samples were evaluated. According to the electrocorticogram analysis, the effective dose was detected as 10 mg/kg for both C. mas and M. rubra. This dose decreased the spike frequencies of convulsions while amplitude wasn't changed by both substances. In erythrocyte studies, there were significant differences regarding nitric oxide in the control, sham and penicillin groups. There were significant differences regarding malondialdehyde in all groups. In the plasma, there were significant differences among groups regarding xanthine oxidase in the penicillin­C. mas and penicillin­M. rubra groups. There were differences regarding malondialdehyde in the penicillin-C. mas and M. rubra-C. mas groups. Both extracts reduced the frequency of epileptiform activity. After administration of the extracts malondialdehyde levels decreased also in both erythrocytes and plasma.