The use of volatile compounds as an alternative method in pepper breeding (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) / O uso de compostos voláteis como método alternativo no melhoramento da pimenta (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum)

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to determine some fruit characteristics of 19 different lines hybridized by previous regular studies. These lines were examined in order to determine the differences among volatile components and reveal the differences in comparison with the parents. Plant height (cm), fruit weight (g), fruit width (mm), fruit length (mm), fruit flesh thickness (mm), pungency, immature fruit color and mature fruit color were determined of parents and F4 lines. As a result, a wide range of variations were determined between lines and parents in terms of all parameters apart from pungency. Especially in terms of volatile components, it has been found that some active substances are found only in the father and white genotype (Fenchol, spathulenol and geranyl acetate), some of them only in the mother and orange genotype (α-terpineol, dihexyl azelate and 2-hexadecanol). It was concluded that volatile compounds of the species can be used as a marker for breeding studies.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo é determinar algumas características dos frutos de 19 linhagens diferentes hibridizadas por estudos regulares anteriores. Essas linhas foram examinadas a fim de determinar as diferenças entre os componentes voláteis e revelar as diferenças em comparação com os pais. Altura da planta (cm), peso do fruto (g), largura do fruto (mm), comprimento do fruto (mm), espessura da polpa do fruto (mm), pungência, cor do fruto imaturo e cor do fruto maduro foram determinados dos pais e das linhas F4. Como resultado, uma ampla gama de variações foi determinada entre as linhas e os pais em termos de todos os parâmetros, exceto a pungência. Especialmente em termos de componentes voláteis, verificou-se que algumas substâncias ativas são encontradas apenas no genótipo pai e branco (Fenchol, espatulenol e acetato de geranila), algumas delas apenas no genótipo mãe e laranja (α-terpineol, azelato de dihexila e 2-hexadecanol). Concluiu-se que compostos voláteis da espécie podem ser usados como marcadores para estudos de melhoramento.

Selection of Optimal Operating Conditions for Extraction of Myrtus Communis L. Essential Oil by the Steam Distillation Method.

Myrtus communis L. is one of the important aromatic and medicinal species from the Mediterranean area. It is used in various fields such as culinary, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and industrial applications. Thus, a Box-Wilson experimental plan was used in this study to select the optimal operating conditions in order to obtain high volumes of essential oils. The factorial design method was applied to evaluate at an industrial scale the effect of major process variables on the essential oil extraction from Myrtus communis L. herbs by the steam distillation method. The input variables considered as significant operating conditions were: X1-boiler occupancy rate (boilers were filled to 50%, 75%, and 100%), X2-distillation duration (distillation was continued 60, 75, and 90 min), and X3-particle size (herbs were cut in sizes of 10, 20, and 30 mm via guillotine). The dependent variable selected, coded as Y, was the essential oil volume obtained (mL). The steps of the classical statistical experimental design technique were complemented with the Taguchi method to improve the extraction efficacy of essential oil from Myrtus communis L., and the optimum parameter conditions were selected: boiler occupancy rate 100%, distillation duration 75 min, and particle size 20 mm. Following the optimum parameters, the GC-MS assay revealed for the Myrtus communis L. essential oil two predominant components, α-pinene-33.14% and eucalyptol-55.09%.

Heavy metal accumulation in rosemary leaves and stems exposed to traffic-related pollution near Adana-Iskenderun Highway (Hatay, Turkey).

Pollution has become a problem on a global scale and poses a significant risk in terms of human health and natural ecosystems. Generally, the biggest sources of pollution are municipal and industrial facilities. However, traffic-related air pollution cannot be overlooked as a dangerous source either. There have been various methods of interventions to measure and reduce the risk and effects of traffic-related pollution. In the case of measuring, the use of certain plant species that can accumulate pollutants in their tissues is considered a practical solution. In this study, the aim is to find out the metals that are accumulated in rosemary leaves and stems and the rosemary leaves. In other words, the leaves and the stems are to be used as a biomonitors to reveal the rate of metal pollution along the highway. We try to identify the accumulation ability of traffic-related heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) of the Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) which is used in the refuge and slopes along the highway connecting Adana with Iskenderun (Hatay). Our findings concluded that the rosemary could have a decent capacity to accumulate Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in both leaves and stem. We therefore believe that R. officinalis is a great tool in determining the amount of traffic-related pollution in urban areas.