Differential microbial assemblages associated with shikonin-producing Borage species in two distinct soil types.

Shikonin and its derivatives are the main components of traditional Chinese medicine, Zicao. The pharmacological potential of shikonin and its derivatives have been extensively studied. Yet, less is known about the microbial assemblages associated with shikonin producing Borage plants. We studied microbial profiles of two Borage species, Echium plantagineum (EP) and Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE), to identify the dynamics of microbial colonization pattern within three rhizo-compatments and two distinct soil types. Results of α and ß-diversity via PacBio sequencing revealed significantly higher microbial richness and diversity in the natural soil along with a decreasing microbial gradient across rhizosphere to endosphere. Our results displayed genotype and soil type-dependent fine-tuning of microbial profiles. The host plant was found to exert effects on the physical and chemical properties of soil, resulting in reproducibly different micro-biota. Analysis of differentially abundant microbial OTUs displayed Planctomycetes and Bacteroidetes to be specifically enriched in EP and LE rhizosphere while endosphere was mostly prevailed by Cyanobacteria. Network analysis to unfold co-existing microbial species displayed different types of positive and negative interactions within different communities. The data provided here will help to identify microbes associated with different rhizo-compartments of potential host plants. In the future, this might be helpful for manipulating the keystone microbes for ecosystem functioning.

Freezing of edible flowers: Effect on microbial and antioxidant quality during storage.

Edible flowers are a new gourmet product; however, they are not always available all years. Thus, it is essential to find out technologies to guarantee this product for a longer time. Flowers of four species (borage [Borago officinalis], heartsease [Viola tricolor], kalanchoe [Kalanchoe blossfeldiana], and dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]) were subjected to freezing (in their natural form and in ice cubes) and analyzed in terms of visual appearance, the content of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, phenolics, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power), and microbial quality after storage for 1 and 3 months. Flowers in ice cubes showed similar appearance to fresh ones during the 3 months of storage, whereas frozen flowers were only equivalent up to 1 month with the exception of kalanchoe. Even though flowers in ice cubes showed good appearance after 3 months of storage, they had the lowest values of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. On the contrary, when frozen, the content of bioactive compounds maintained or even increased up to 1 month of storage compared to fresh flowers, except for borage. Furthermore, in both freezing treatments, the microorganisms' counts decreased or maintained when compared to fresh samples, except in dandelion. In general, both treatments may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The market of edible flowers is increasing, although they are a very perishable product with short shelf-life. Edible flowers are stored in the cold (frozen or in ice cubes); however, the effect on the bioactive compounds and microbial quality that this treatment may have on borage (Borago officinalis), heartsease (Viola tricolor), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flowers is unknown. So, the present study was conducted to increase the knowledge about the changes that freezing treatments may have in different edible flowers. The results of the present study underline that each flower has different behavior at frozen and ice cubes storage. However, freezing flowers maintain/increase the contents of bioactive compounds, while ice cubes not. Both treatments are effective in protecting flowers from microorganism growth. So, suggesting that both freezing treatments can be used as a preservative method and may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times.

The causal agents of damping-off disease of buglosse from Iran.

Iran is considered a major genetic for medicinal plant in the world. Because of this significant diversity and historical background in identification and utilization to remedy human and animal diseases, export of medicinal plant can help to strengthen local as well as natural economy. Buglosse (Fig. 1) is one of the most important and common medicinal plants in Iran and exist as Echium amoneum and Borago officinalis. This work was conducted in order to identify the causal agent(s) of damping off disease in buglosse. Plant disease samples were taken from Esfahan and Tehran provinces. Symptoms on original plant including root, crown rot, dark tissue, pith and hallow root were collected in order to isolate disease agent(s). Symptomatic root and crown tissues after surface sterilization with 96% ethanol were transferred on to PDA and WA media and also on moist filter paper in petri dishes. Two fungal colonies grew from tissue segments and spore culture was subsequently purified. The fungal isolate identified as Rhizoctonia solani based on the following test. Hyphal tip was removed from colony margin placed on PDA and PSA media and incubated in dark. Colony diameter of one hundred hyphae measured and nucleus was stained according to Bandoni (1979), Kronland and Stanghellini (1988). It was observed that in each cell of hyphae there are more than two nuclei. Single spore culture were obtained from macroconidia of Fusarium isolate. After 24 hr of incubation, growing single spore were transferred to KCL medium to detect spore chains. Fungal isolates transferred to PSA and PDA media for sporulation. After 7 days colonies appeared as white cream to pinkish on top and cream to dark pink at the bottom of petri dish with abundant micro and macro conidia. Colonies were snow white, felting shape, with ample causal hyphae on PSA medium. On KCL medium, fungal growth was superficial and colonies were colorless with long macroconidia and individual sausage-shape macroconidia being thinner one side and having maximum four septa. Microconidia were long double compartment round on both side, straight to slightly curved. Base on morphology and dimension of conidia and production of chlamidospore the funguses identify as Fusarium solani.

Effectiveness of chlorine washing disinfection and effects on the appearance of artichoke and borage.

AIM: Optimal conditions for chlorine application to obtain a reasonable decrease in the microbial counts without damaging the appearance of artichoke and borage have been established. METHODS AND RESULTS: The influence of chlorine concentration (0-200 mg l(-1)), pH, addition of organic acids, contact time and presence of protective structures on the microflora and vegetal appearance were studied. When pH was not controlled the effect of chlorine depended on its concentration until the pH increase caused by addition of chlorine reached 8.8. Any further increase in chlorine concentration was nullified by the pH increase. When pH was adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid, the effectiveness increased with concentration. However, the use of citric acid to control pH caused a sharp decrease in effectiveness at concentration about 250 mg l(-1). The higher effectiveness of chlorine on homogenized plant extracts compared with the whole plant showed the impact of the vegetal structures on the resistance of the microorganisms. For artichoke, a relationship between the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection and its structures was also found. Extended washing times did not affect the total counts. However, in both vegetables, the appearance was affected by the extended contact times. CONCLUSIONS: The solutions rendering the highest microbial reduction with minimum damages were: 50 mg l(-1) free chlorine without pH control for artichoke and 100 mg l(-1) free chlorine at pH 7.0 for borage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Specific conditions for chlorine disinfection of artichoke and borage were determined to reduce the microorganisms in minimally processed artichoke and borage without damaging their appearance.