Physicochemical characterizations of five Dioscorea alata L. starches from China.

D. alata is an important edible and medicinal plant in China. Its tuber is rich in starch but the understanding of the physiochemical properties of D. alata starch is limited. In order to explore the processing and application potential of different D. alata accessions in China, five kinds of D. alata starch (LY, WC, XT, GZ, SM) were isolated and characterized. The study showed that D. alata tubers contained abundant starch, enriched in amylose and resistant starch (RS). D. alata starches showed B-type or C-type diffraction pattern, had higher RS content and gelatinization temperature (GT), lower fa and viscosity when compared to D. opposita, D. esculenta, and D. nipponica. Among D. alata starches, D. alata (SM) showing the C-type diffraction pattern, had the lowest proportion of fa with 10.18 %, the highest amylose, RS2 and RS3 content of 40.24 %, 84.17 % and 10.48 % respectively, and the highest GT and viscosity. The results indicated that D. alata tubers are potential sources for novel starch with high amylose and RS content, and provided a theoretical basis for further utilizations of D. alata starch in food processing and industry application.

[Color characterization and its correlation with quality index during ripening of Rubus chingii].

The color of Rubus chingii was characterized by digital method, and the content of water extract, alcohol extract, total flavonoids, total polysaccharides, total polyphenols, ellagic acid, linden glycoside, kaophenol-3-O-rutin were determined. Correlation regression was used to analyze the correlation between color and composition. The results showed that L~* was positively correlated with total polyphenols, kaophenol-3-O-rutin and tilide, and moderately positively correlated with total flavones, ellagic acid and aqueous extracts. The a~* value was negatively correlated with total polyphenols, kaophenol-3-O-rutin, and linden glycosides, while was moderately correlated with total flavones, aqueous extracts, and ellagic acid. The b~* value was negatively correlated with the water extract, and moderately correlated with the content of total polyphenols, total polysaccharides, alcohol extract and kaophenol-3-O-rutin, which showed that R. chingii mature color had a significant correlation with material composition in the process of dynamic change. According to the law of dynamic change in the color and quality indexes, it is determined that the appropriate harvest time is in late April to May 1, while the fruit is not turn yellow. The agronomic traits related to fruit was(12.49±0.56) mm in diameter,(14.25±1.19)mm in height,(1.20±0.14) g in weight, the chroma L~* value was 52.87±3.14,a~* value was 2.01±1.58, b~* values was 28.31±3.88. The results lay a foundation for establishing an objective quantitative evaluation model of R. chingii color from experience.

[Effects of different application amounts of potassium fulvic acid on yield and quality of Fritillaria thunbergii].

Fritillaria thunbergii is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effects of clearing heat and resolving stagnation, eliminating phlegm and relieving cough. At present, it is mostly produced by cultivation, and the cultivation process requires application of base fertilizer, winter fertilizer, seedling fertilizer and late top dressing. Now farmyard manure or organic fertilizer can be used to replace the base fertilizer and winter fertilizer, but the research on the replacement of organic fertilizer has not been completed for the late top dressing. Potassium fulvate is a kind of fulvate fertilizer, which can not only regulate the growth of crops but also supplement potassium necessary for the growth of crops. In this paper, using F. thunbergii as a model plant with mature cultivation techniques, the effect of potassium fulvate on the quality and yield of rhizome traditional Chinese medicine F. thunbergii was systematically studied for the first time. HPLC-ELSD was used to determine the contents of peimine A and peimine B, hot dip method was used to determine the content of alcohol extract, and the SPAD-502 Plus chlorophyll meter was used to detect SPAD value. The results showed that applying 1.5 to 2.25 kg·hm~(-2) of potassium fulvic acid per hectare could effectively improve the yield of F. thunbergii and there was significantly difference between potassium phosphate monobasic and potassium fulvic acid in terms of quality. After the application of range 1.5 to 2.25 kg·hm~(-2) of potassium fulvic acid per hectare, the content of alcohol soluble extract of F. thunbergii was ranged 21.61% to 22.27%, the total amount of peimine A and peimine B were ranged 0.09% to 0.10%. Applying 1.5 to 2.25 kg·hm~(-2) of potassium fulvic acid per hectare could replace the conventional pure chemical fertilizer potassium phosphate monobasic, which could be used as top dressing fertilizer for the cultivation of F. thunbergii.

[Breeding and variety characteristics of a new variety of Fritillaria thunbergii "Zhebei 3"].

A new variety "Zhebei 3(Zhejiao Pharmaceutical 2018002)" was selected and bred from multi seeded Fritillaria thunbergii mutants by systematic breeding method. From 2012 to 2016, the traits assessment, disease resistance appraisal, plot ratios and regional trials of the variety were continuously carried out. The results showed that "Zhebei 3" emerged early and had late seedlings. The average growth period was about 100 days, which was 6 days and 12 days higher than the "Zhebei 1" and "Zhebei 2". The average yield was 5 095.5 kg·hm~(-2), which was 14.42% and 17.71% higher than of the control respectively. The average proliferation rate of bulbs was 261.2%, which was 37.46% and 31.58% higher than that of the control, respectively. The propagation coefficient of bulbs was about 1∶2.6, and the total amount of peimine and peiminine was 0.172 2%, which was 4.49% and 29.47% higher than the control, respectively. The identification of disease resistance showed that it was resistance to bulb stem(soft) rot, better than the control. "Zhebei 3" has stable characters, high yield, good quality, strong disease resistance, and moderate propagation coefficient which is suitable for planting in Zhejiang province.

[Correlation analysis between quality and habitat phenotype of Hovenia acerba].

The contents of dihydromyricetin and total flavonoids of Hovenia acerba seeds were detected by HPLC-DAD and UV spectrophotometer. And then the correlation between the habitat, phenotype and quality of H. acerba seeds were deeply studied. There were big differences in both appearance and quality among the H. acerba seeds from different places. It showed that the content of dihydromyricetin in H. acerba seeds was 0.41-9.81 mg•g⁻¹, and the content of total flavonoids was 5.52-21.98 mg•g⁻¹. The cluster analysis showed that the quality of H. acerba seeds was related to the habitat. The samples from Jianghan Plain Area showed relatively stable and excellent quality. According to the correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between 1 000-seeds weight, red-black seeds ratio and the content of dihydromyricetin, while the content of total flavonoids was not related to the 1 000-seeds weight and red-black seeds ratio. So the 1 000-seeds weight and red-black seeds ratio could be used as an initial judgment of the quality of H. acerba seeds. As dihydromyricetin and total flavonoids content was not related, both dihydromyricetin and total flavonoids should be taken into account when the quality of H. acerba seeds was studied.

Development of selectable marker-free transgenic potato plants expressing cry3A against the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say).

BACKGROUND: Elimination of selectable marker genes (SMGs) is important for the safe assessment and commercial use of transgenic plants. The destructive and invasive Colorado potato beetle (CPB) poses a serious threat to potato production. In response to this need, selectable marker-free transgenic potato lines expressing cry3A were developed to control the damage and spread of CPB. RESULTS: We simultaneously introduced cry3A and npt II genes harboured in different plasmids into the potato genome using the Agrobacterium-mediated cotransformation method. Four selectable marker-free transgenic potato (CT) lines expressing cry3A were developed by self-crossing segregation and molecular analyses, including Southern blot, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. CT lines were used in a resistance bioassay against CPB in the laboratory and field. In the laboratory, CT lines exhibited high resistance to CPB, and 100% mortality of first-instar larvae occurred 6 days after infestation. In the field, untransformed plant leaves were almost entirely consumed, with an average of 155 larvae present per plant 25 days after inoculation. However, CT lines showed no damage symptoms, with approximately 2.5 larvae surviving per plant. CONCLUSION: We successfully eliminated SMGs from the transgenic potato lines expressing cry3A in order to decrease CPB damage, control the spread of this pest eastwards and alleviate the concern regarding the safe assessment of regulatory requirements. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

The mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 1 gene GhmMDH1 is involved in plant and root growth under phosphorus deficiency conditions in cotton.

Cotton, an important commercial crop, is cultivated for its natural fibers, and requires an adequate supply of soil nutrients, including phosphorus, for its growth. Soil phosporus exists primarily in insoluble forms. We isolated a mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH) gene, designated as GhmMDH1, from Gossypium hirsutum L. to assess its effect in enhancing P availability and absorption. An enzyme kinetic assay showed that the recombinant GhmMDH1 possesses the capacity to catalyze the interconversion of oxaloacetate and malate. The malate contents in the roots, leaves and root exudates was significantly higher in GhmMDH1-overexpressing plants and lower in knockdown plants compared with the wild-type control. Knockdown of GhmMDH1 gene resulted in increased respiration rate and reduced biomass whilst overexpression of GhmMDH1 gave rise to decreased respiration rate and higher biomass in the transgenic plants. When cultured in medium containing only insoluble phosphorus, Al-phosphorus, Fe-phosphorus, or Ca-phosphorus, GhmMDH1-overexpressing plants produced significantly longer roots and had a higher biomass and P content than WT plants, however, knockdown plants showed the opposite results for these traits. Collectively, our results show that GhmMDH1 is involved in plant and root growth under phosphorus deficiency conditions in cotton, owing to its functions in leaf respiration and P acquisition.

[Study on combined effects of chemical components for different flowers blossoming degree of yellow medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium from Zhejiang].

The ingredients of five kinds of Zhejiang's yellow Chrysanthemum morifolium with different flower blossoming stages were comparatively analyzed. Polysaccharides, total flavonoids, volatile oil, alcohol extract, water extract, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, 3,5-O-dicaffeoyl quinic acid and fingerprint of the ingredient were determined as indicators. During flower blossoming stages, the ingredients of Ch. morifolium showed a big difference with a certain variation. At the early opening stage, the contents of flavonoids and volatile oil were higher, the content of chlorogenic acid, luteolin, 3,5-O-dicaffeoyl quinic acid were higher in the middle of the flowers 50% -80% fowers blossoming degree is the optimal time for harvest.

[Study on method of paeonia radix alba producing and concocting integration processing].

OBJECTIVE: To study the origin pre-treating and processing integration techniques of Paeonia Radix Alba. METHOD: Different processing integration techniques were adopted and compared with traditional processing techniques to determine drying rate, aqueous extracts and peoniflori content. RESULT: Half-dry slices baked at 100 degrees C for 20 min and steamed at 100 degrees C for 10 min had the highest peoniflori contents. Half-dry slices baked at 100 degrees C for 20 min had the highest content of aqueous extracts. Products processed with conventional method and sulfur-fumigation had the lowest content of aqueous extracts. CONCLUSION: The origin processing integration techniques of Paeonia Radix Alba lose less active ingredients than conventional processing methods.

[Study on the initial processing of Corydalis yanhusuo].

OBJECTIVE: To establish initial processing technology of Corydalis yanhusuo. METHODS: Investigated the effect of the factors such as slice method, dry method, drying temperature on the content of water-extract, ethanol-extract, effective component in Corydalis yanhusuo pieces. Compared the quality with that of the traditional initial processing samples. RESULTS: The best initial process method was: cut fresh Corydalis yanhusuo into 4 - 5 mm thick slices, dry at 70 - 80 degrees C or microwave dry. CONCLUSION: The study provides theoretical base for modifying the initial processing.

[Study on method of Corydalis yanhusuo producing and concocting integration processing].

OBJECTIVE: To establish integration processing method for pretreating and vinegar producing Corydalis yanhusuo. METHOD: Different processing methods were contrasted with the traditional processing technology, and contents of corydalis B, water extract and ethanol extract in samples of different processing products were determined. RESULT: The content of corydalis B were best in the samples of vacuumizing C. yanhusuo chips scaked in rice vinegar for twice or soaked in rice vinegar after chip drying. The water extract was highest in the samples of chip soaked in rice vinegar after drying, followed with chip vacuumizing twice, and there were no remarkable difference between the other samples and the traditional process. The difference of ethanol extract was not remarkable in all the samples. CONCLUSION: The study provide the feasibility of C. yanhusuo producing and concocting integration processing.

[Factors influence volatile oil content in Ocimun basilicum introduced from Xinjiang province to south-east China].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the information on ecological adaptation of Ocimun basilicum introduced from Xinjiang to Hangzhou and study the effect of different harvesting times, drying methods, and different organs of Ocimun basilicum on Volatile oil content METHODS: Extraction was undertaken according to The Pharmacopoeia of China, 2010 edition. RESULTS: Sun-drying was the most efficient way to obtain Volatile oil compared with other methods. The largest biomass was harvested at 3rd, September. Furthermore, Volatile oil was found to accumulate mostly in the flowers and little in the stems. CONCLUSION: Ocimun basilicum can readily inhabit in Hangzhou and its economic value can be significant improved by growing two seasons per year. Only harvest leaves and flowers can significantly reduce the cost for transport and also increase oil extract rate of Volatile oil.

[Effect of environmental factors on growth of Huperzia serrata].

OBJECTIVE: To establish and optimize the cultivation systems for wild Huperzia serrata, through assessing the effects of environmental factors on its growth. METHOD: H. serrata was planted under natural field condition, the growth status of H. serrata under different light intensities, temperatures, relative humidity (R. H.), fertilizer levels, and so on were investigated and analyzed. RESULT: H. serrata grew nicely under following environmental conditions: temperature ranging from 18.9-26.3 degrees C, R. H. ranging from 81%-90% and 1330-3000 lx light intensity. A cultivation system, in which H. serrata was planted in the bamboo forest and did not occupy the arable land, was established through the study. CONCLUSION: Concluded that light intensity and R. H are the two factors which greatly confine the growth of H. serrata. As long as the levels of the above two factors meets the demands, H. serrata could be cultivated.

[Establishment and application of AFLP fingerprinting system in Atractylodes macrocephala germplasm].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the AFLP Fingerprinting system in the germplasm of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. METHODS: 10 wild or cultivated Atractylodes macrocephala were used for AFLP fingerprinting analysis by EcoRI and MseI restriction enzymes with silver staining. RESULTS: Using 2X CTAB buffer extraction method can obtain the best genomic DNA samples. According to the AFLP polymorphism, sixteen out of forty primer pairs were selected to be suitable for AFLP analysis. Total 3003 polymorphic bands were obtained from the 16 sets of primer. Based on the AFLP results, the 10 samples of Atractylodes macrocephala germplasm were classified into four types. CONCLUSION: The establishment of the AFLP fingerprinting system in Atractylodes macrocephala will be used in the identification of germplasms and breeding of the species.

[Study on correlation between Atractylodes macrocephala viability and germination rate].

OBJECTIVE: To screen the optimized methods for detection seed viability and germination rate determination of Atractylodes macrocephala, and determine the relationship between seed viability and germination rate. METHOD: There were four methods, which including 2,3,5-triphynel tetrazolilum chloride (TTC) staining, red ink staining, BTB staining and Nongjia method, to evaluate the 12 A. macrocephala local varieties'seed viability and measure their germination rate. RESULT: Seed viability of A. macrocephala using TTC staining ranked the first compared to that of other three methods. Seed viability was significantly related with germination rate using TTC method. Their correlation coefficient reached 0.915 and regression equation was also found out between seed viability (X) and germination rate (Y), which was Y = -0.083 4 + 0.995 4X. CONCLUSION: TTC staining was the optimal method to determine A. macrocephala seed vitality. Furthermore, seed viability was significant related with germination rate of A. macrocephala.

[Mutagenic effects of gamma-rays on Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mutagenic effect of gamma-rays on Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen. METHOD: Physiological and mutagenic effects of gamma-rays on C. lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen dormant seeds were studied. The germination percentage, seeding survival, seeding height and root length of M1 plants and the frequency of chlorophyll mutation in M2 generation were selected as criteria. RESULT: The gamma-rays showed obvious inhibitory action to the seedling growth, and a strong ability in inducing the chlorophyll mutation. CONCLUSION: The gamma-rays is one kind of C. lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen effective mutagen. The appropriate dose of gamma-rays is 450 Gy for C. lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen dormant seeds.

[GC-MS analysis of essential oil from anthodiums of Chrysanthemum morifolium processed by microwave-airflow and steam calefaction].

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the constituents of the essential oil extracted from the flowers of the Chrysanthemum morifolium processed by the microwave-airflow and the calefaction after steam process from the State Chrysanthemum GAP bases in Zhejiang Province and to provide scientific basis for quality control. METHOD: The essential oil was extracted by water-steam distillation and separated by GC capillary column chromatography. The components were quantitatively determined with normalization method, and identified by GC-MS. RESULT: From the microwave-airflow dried sample and the calefactively dried sample after steam process, 119 and 175 components were detected, among them fifty and fifty-five components were identified, which were composed of 67.89% and 63.64% of the total essential oil, respectively. CONCLUSION: The yield of the essential oil extracted from the microwave-airflow dried sample was 0.40%, and that from the calefactively dried sample after steam process was 0. 19%. The former is 2.1 times higher than the latter. The components of the essential oil are similar and there are differences between the content of corresponding compounds in the two samples. The results showed that application of microwave-airflow combined drying technology remained original and essential constituents. The production benefit was improved greatly. The grade and quality of C. morifolium enhanced, and it's market selling price was increased compared to the traditional drying calefaction after steam process.

[Study on growth characteristics of Curcuma wenyujin].

OBJECTIVE: To study on growth characteristics of Curcuma wenyujin, and provide theoretical basis for the development of high-quality and high-yield medical material. METHOD: The morphological change of the plant was observed periodically, the content of volatile oil and dry matter in leaves, rhizome, root tuber was determine. RESULT: The growth of C. wenyujin could be divided into 5 stages, i. e. seed germination, seedling, leaf growth, rhizome expansion, accumulation of dry matter, respectively. Before the stage of rhizome expansion, over 70% dry matter was accumulated in the aerial part of the plant, and during the stage of leaf growth, the maximum increase rate of dry matter in aerial part was 3.90 g/p/d. During the stage of rhizome expansion, the ratio of dry matter of rhizome increased quickly and reached above 33% , and the increase rate of dry matter of rhizome rise up to 3.83 g/p/d, in the end of the stage, the content of volatile oil in the rhizome also rose up to 1.20 mL x 100 g(-1). CONCLUSION: During the whole growth stage, there are two growth centers, when the two curves of dry matter increase of aerial part and rhizome intersect, it is regarded as a signal that the growth transformed form the aerial part to rhizome. When the rate of dry matter from rhizome rise, the content of volatile oil in rhizome rises quickly with the increase of dry matter in rhizome. The optimal harvest time is in mid-December.

[Study on cutting propagation of Tripterygium wilfordii].

The experiment of cutting propagation of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. was carried out. It showed a better result when stems were instantly planted after being moistened or soaked by 500 - 1000 ppm IBA or NAA. A remarkably higher survival rate was achieved while plasticfilm and shade were accompanied. September and October or rainy June are prime moments for operation. It' s recommendable to choose those newly corking twigs for cuttage.