Organic Supplementation of Vaccinium corymbosum Micropropagation Media.

The best Vaccinium corymbosum plant growth under in vitro conditions can be achieved by using the right composition and pH of the medium. For the initial phase of in vitro culture, a combination of cytokinins-mostly zeatin-can usually be used. Organic supplementation of the medium enables the use of a replacement for the expensive natural cytokinin used in micropropagation of highbush blueberry. This chapter describes the experiments with silicon Hydroplus™ Actisil (Si), coconut water (CW), and different pH (5.0; 5.5, and 6.0) as a stress factor. The addition of 200 mg dm-3 silicon solution and 15% coconut water strongly stimulated highbush blueberry plant growth in vitro. Moreover, silicon solution benefits the negative effects of higher pH of the medium used for micropropagation of V. corymbosum. Maximum vegetative development of blueberry explants was obtained at pH 5.

Stigmas of holoparasitic Phelipanche arenaria (Orobanchaceae) - a suitable ephemeric flower habitat for development unique microbiome.

BACKGROUND: Microbial communities have occasionally been observed in part of the ephemeric reproductive structure of floral stigmas, but their prevalence, phylogenetic diversity and ecological roles are understudied. This report describes the first study of bacterial and fungal communities in immature and mature stigma tissue of the endangered holoparasitic plant Phelipanche arenaria. Culture-dependent methods coupled with next-generation sequencing indicated that a small surface of the flower stigma was an unexpectedly rich and diverse microhabitat for colonization of microbial. We also compared the enzymatic activity of the bacterial communities between immature and mature stigmas samples. RESULTS: Using high-throughput sequencing methods, we identified and classified 39 to over 51 OTUs per sample for bacterial OTUs represented by Pantoea agglomerans and P. ananatis, comprising 50.6%, followed by Pseudomonas, Luteibacter spp., Sphingomonas spp. with 17% of total frequency. The bacterial profile of immature stigmas of P. arenaria contained unique microorganisms (21 of the most numerous OTUs) that were not confirmed in mature stigmas. However, the enzymatic activity of bacteria in mature stigmas of P. arenaria showed more activity than observed in immature stigmas. In the fungal profile, we recorded even 80 OTUs in mature stigmas, consisting of Capnodiales 45.03% of the total abundance with 28.27% of frequency was created by Alternaria eichhorniae (10.55%), Mycosphaerella tassiana (9.69%), and Aureobasidium pullulans (8.03%). Additionally, numerous putative plant growth-promoting bacteria, fungal pathogens and pathogen-antagonistic yeasts were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our study uncovered that P. arenaria stigmas host diverse bacterial and fungal communities. These microorganisms are well known and have been described as beneficial for biotechnological and environmental applications (e.g., production of different enzymes and antimicrobial compounds). This research provided valuable insight into the parasitic plant-microbe interactions.

Effectiveness of E-Beam Radiation against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Wild Yeast and Their Influence on Wine Quality.

The simplest way to eliminate microorganisms in the must/wine is through sulfuration, as it allows the introduction of pure yeast varieties into the must, which guarantees a high-quality wine. However, sulfur is an allergen, and an increasing number of people are developing allergies to it. Therefore, alternative methods for microbiological stabilization of must and wine are being sought. Consequently, the aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in eliminating microorganisms in must. The sensitivity of wine yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae var. bayanus, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and wild yeasts to ionizing radiation was com-pared. The effects of these yeasts on wine chemistry and quality were also determined. Ionizing radiation eliminates yeast in wine. A dose of 2.5 kGy reduced the amount of yeast by more than 90% without reducing the quality of the wine. However, higher doses of radiation worsened the organoleptic properties of the wine. The breed of yeast used has a very strong influence on the quality of the wine. It is justifiable to use commercial yeast breeds to obtain standard-quality wine. The use of special strains, e.g., B. bruxellensis, is also justified when aiming to obtain a unique product during vinification. This wine was reminiscent of wine produced with wild yeast.. The wine fermented with wild yeast had a very poor chemical composition, which negatively affected its taste and aroma. The high content of 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol caused the wine to have a nail polish remover smell.

Flowers and Leaves Extracts of Stachys palustris L. Exhibit Stronger Anti-Proliferative, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, and Anti-Obesity Potencies than Stems and Roots Due to More Phenolic Compounds as Revealed by UPLC-PDA-ESI-TQD-MS/MS.

The present work aims to assess the biological potential of polyphenolic compounds in different parts (flowers, leaves, stems, and roots) of Stachys palustris L. Towards secondary metabolites profile, 89 polyphenolic compounds (PCs) were identified by UPLC-PDA-ESI-TQD-MS/MS, with a total average content of 6089 mg/100 g of dry matter (d.m.). In terms of biological activity, antioxidant activity (radical activity, reducing power), digestive enzyme inhibitory (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, pancreatic lipase) effect, and antiproliferative activity (inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines) were explored. Leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of S. palustris L. have not been studied in this regard until now. Vescalagin and cocciferin d2, isoverbascoside (verbascoside), luteolin 6-C-glucoside, luteolin 6-C-galactoside, apigenin 6-C-glucoside, (-)-epicatechin, ellagic acid, and malvidin 3-O-diglucoside were detected as main ingredients in the studied parts. Methanolic extract of S. palustris L. leaves and flowers revealed the highest amount of PCs with the strongest antiradical (18.5 and 15.6 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g d.m., respectively) and reducing power effects (7.3 and 5.6 mmol TE/g d.m.). Leaf extracts exhibited better α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibition effects, while flower extracts exhibited better α-glucosidase inhibition effect. Regarding antiproliferative activity, extracts of the leaves and flowers significantly reduced cell viability and induced a high level of apoptosis in human lung, pancreatic, bladder, and colon cancer cell lines, as well as in human acute myeloid leukemia; whereas the extracts from stems and roots revealed the weaker effects. The results of this work showed anti-proliferative and potentially anti-diabetic, anti-obesity properties of S. palustris L., especially for flowers and leaves, which may have wide potential applications in the functional food, special food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics industries, and/or in medicine.

Fingerprinting, structure, and genetic relationships among selected accessions of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) from European collections.

Due to its value and economic importance, the genome of Lonicera caerulea L. has been widely studied in various fields of science. In this study the genetic structure and relationships between 24 accessions of L. caerulea of different origins were assessed. A total of 692, 814, and 258 loci were amplified using 43 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), 40 ISSR (intersimple sequence repeat), and 20 R-ISSR (RAPD+ISSR) primers, respectively. Among the amplified loci, 66-78% were polymorphic and 12-20% were private. Selected R-ISSR sequences were detected in Lonicera japonica transcripts. Cluster and STRUCTURE analyses performed for each of the techniques revealed the existing differences and unknown similarities between the genotypes. The r-factor values calculated in the Mantel test indicated highly significant positive correlations between the Nei distance matrices, similar to the F ST values (F ST_RAPD = 0.223, F ST_ISSR = 0.279, F ST_R-ISSR = 0.363) determined in the analysis of molecular variance. It was found that 78%, 72%, and 64% of the genetic variations were related to the differences observed within the populations, which suggest that the variations are mainly reflected in the differences among the genotypes. The principal coordinate analysis showed greater differences between the mean distances of the Lonicera genotype pair and the actual distances of the same pairs on the Nei matrix compared to multidimensional scaling. These differences were 45%, 56%, and 42% higher for RAPD, ISSR and R-ISSR, respectively.

Lignocellulosic Biomass from Grapevines as Raw Material for Particleboard Production.

The study aimed to determine the suitability of agricultural lignocellulosic biomass in the form of vine pruning waste for particleboard production. Two variants of particleboards with densities of 650 kg/m3 and 550 kg/m3 containing a varied amount of vine pruning waste (0, 25, 50 and 100%) were evaluated. The strength (MOR, MOE and IB), thickness swelling and water absorption after immersion in water for 2 and 24 h were tested. The results revealed that vine pruning waste affected the board thickening and reduced strength properties. Boards with a 50% share of waste met the minimum requirements of strength properties specified in the EN 312 standard for boards with a density of 650 kg/m3. However, boards with a density of 550 kg/m3 entirely made with vine pruning waste met the minimum requirements of strength properties of the EN 16368 standard. Moreover, the pruned material reduced axial forces during drilling, swelling and water absorption.

Correlational nutritional relationships and interactions between expansive holoparasite Orobanche laxissima and woody hosts on metal-rich soils.

Plant parasitism by other plants, combined with abiotic environmental stress, offers a unique opportunity to study correlational nutritional relationships in terms of parasite-host interactions and their functional roles in nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Our study analysed the transfer of selected mineral elements, including heavy metals, from soil to different organs in hosts (Punica granatum and Fraxinus angustifolia) and from hosts to the expansive holoparasite (Orobanche laxissima) in cinnamonic soil habitats in Georgia (Caucasus). We also identified other correlated trophic and bioactive effects in the parasite-host relationship. O. laxissima was characterized by a high accumulation tendency for micro- and macroelements, such as K and Ca, and heavy metals, such as Zn, Ni, and Cd. Parasites can reduce the concentration of heavy metals in host tissues owing to this high accumulation tendency. In total, 85 compounds were identified in the examined parasite and its hosts. Despite the distinct phytochemical content of species of the infected host, the parasite produced specific metabolites with dominant phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), with acteoside and crenatoside being the primary dominant compounds - ca. 98% of all polyphenols. Polyphenols in parasite specimens that are correlated with Cu and Zn are antagonistic to polyphenols correlated with Fe, Pb, Cr, and Ni. The profile of polyphenols in the host species was both qualitatively and quantitatively distinct from the profile of the compounds in the parasite and between hosts (only acteoside in group PhGs was common between the parasite and Fraxinus host), which indicates the existence of a unique compound biosynthesis pathway in the parasite. Our results demonstrated that the parasite, particularly in its flowers, exhibited higher polyphenol content, antioxidative effects (ABTS-+, DPPH, and FRAP), and inhibitory effects.

Distribution of Polyphenolic and Isoprenoid Compounds and Biological Activity Differences between in the Fruit Skin + Pulp, Seeds, and Leaves of New Biotypes of Elaeagnusmultiflora Thunb.

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of polyphenolic and isoprenoid compounds and organic acids in the fruit skin + pulp, seeds, and leaves of six new biotypes of Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb., as well as their in vitro biological potency. The polyphenols and isoprenoids were determined with UPLC-PDA-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry) and RRLC-MS/MS (rapid resolution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry) methods, the organic acid with HPLC-RID (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a Refractive Index Detector), and the antioxidant capacity using ABTS and FRAP assays. Enzymatic activity was established as the ability to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. Owing to such an effective technique, 88 compounds were recorded, with 17 polyphenolic compounds and 3 isoprenoids identified for the first time in the seeds and leaves of cherry silverberry. In total, 55 compounds were identified in the leaves, 36 in the seeds, and 31 in the fruit skin + pulp. The predominant polyphenol was polymeric procyanidin (66-95% of total polyphenolics), whereas the predominant isoprenoids were chlorophyll b and (all-E)-lycopene. The results of our work noted that there are significant differences in the profiles of several secondary metabolites between the analyzed parts of the plant, and depending on the need, the compounds can be used to develop different innovative food or cosmetic products.

Health-Promoting Capacities of In Vitro and Cultivated Goji (Lycium chinense Mill.) Fruit and Leaves; Polyphenols, Antimicrobial Activity, Macro- and Microelements and Heavy Metals.

There is a growing interest among the public in fruit with a positive impact on human health. Two goji berry cultivars ('No. 1' and 'New Big') were propagated in vitro, grown in an orchard and then evaluated for macro- and microelements and harmful heavy metals (i.e., Pb, Ni, and Cd). The leaves and fruit were also assessed for nutritional value, polyphenols and the antimicrobial activity of the leaves. 'New Big' was characterized by a higher content of macro elements in the leaves (in vitro and orchard) and a higher content of microelements in the fruit. The harmful substances content was below the minimum value. Furthermore, neither the fruit nor the leaves contained cadmium. This study also indicated that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols compared to the fruit. The fruits were characterized by their health-promoting capacities, while the leaves were characterized by their antibacterial activity. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, the most sensitive strain was Bacillus subtilis, and among the Gram-negative bacteria, it was Proteus vulgaris. Taking into consideration the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for minerals, goji berries can be declared to be a source of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and P.

The impact of cultivation systems on the nutritional and phytochemical content, and microbiological contamination of highbush blueberry.

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional and use value of berries grown in organic and conventional systems. The polyphenol content, fruit colour and firmness, and yeast, mould, and mycotoxin contents were assessed in blueberry fruit freshly harvested and stored for 8 weeks in controlled conditions (CA: CO2-12%; O2-1.5%, temperature 1.5 °C). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was comparable in both systems and was lower for mould in organic fruit than in conventional fruit. Mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone) were found only in organic fruits. The optimal mineral content and pH of the soil allowed the cultivation of blueberry in accordance with organic standards. The storage of highbush blueberry fruit in CA cold storage for 8 weeks resulted in a slight deterioration in fruit quality and polyphenol content. The lower nutritional value of these fruits is compensated by the lack of pesticides and artificial fertilizers residues. The use of fungicides in conventional cultivation reduces the population of sensitive fungi and therefore reduces the contamination of fruits with mycotoxins.

Profile and Content of Phenolic Compounds in Leaves, Flowers, Roots, and Stalks of Sanguisorba officinalis L. Determined with the LC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Analysis and Their In Vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antiproliferative Potency.

The aim of this study was to accurately determine the profile of polyphenols using the highly sensitive LC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS technique and to determine in vitro antioxidant activity, the ability of inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucoamylase, and pancreatic lipase activity, and antiproliferative activity in leaves, flowers, roots, and stalks of medical plant Sanguisorba officinalis L. The results of the analysis of the morphological parts indicated the presence of 130 polyphenols, including 62 that were detected in S. officinalis L. for the first time. The prevailing group was tannins, with contents ranging from 66.4% of total polyphenols in the flowers to 43.3% in the stalks. The highest content of polyphenols was identified in the flowers and reached 14,444.97 mg/100 g d.b., while the lowest was noted in the stalks and reached 4606.33 mg/100 g d.b. In turn, the highest values of the antiradical and reducing capacities were determined in the leaves and reached 6.63 and 0.30 mmol TE/g d.b, respectively. In turn, a high ability to inhibit activities of α-amylase and α-glucoamylase was noted in the flowers, while a high ability to inhibit the activity of pancreatic lipase was demonstrated in the leaves of S. officinalis L. In addition, the leaves and the flowers showed the most effective antiproliferative properties in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, and T-cell leukemia cells, whereas the weakest activity was noted in the stalks. Thus, the best dietetic material to be used when composing functional foods were the leaves and the flowers of S. officinalis L., while the roots and the stalks were equally valuable plant materials.

Phytochemical parasite-host relations and interactions: A Cistanche armena case study.

The holoparasitic genus Cistanche (Orobanchaceae) has been the most widely used and well known genus in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. This is the first study that reports the phytochemical profile of Cistanche armena - an endemic species from Armenia and evaluates the composition and biological activity in relation to specific organs of the parasite (flowers vs stem with tuber) and its interaction with two host species: Alhagi maurorum (Fabaceae) and Salsola dendroides (Chenopodiaceae). We identified polyphenolic compounds using the UPLC-PDA-MS/MS method and quantified the antioxidative effects; inhibitory activities; polyphenol, nitrate III and nitrate V contents; ABTS+, DPPH, and FRAP activities; and colour parameters. A total of 28 polyphenolic compounds were tentatively identified. In C. armena, 9 compounds belonged to the phenylethanoid glycosides, mainly acteoside, B-hydroxyverbascoside and echinacoside, and in its hosts, 19 compounds belonged mainly to hydroxycinnamic acid and the flavanols. The profile of polyphenols in the host species was qualitatively and quantitatively different than the profile of the compounds in the parasite; this indicates the existence of a unique pathway of compound biosynthesis in the parasite. The colour and the amount and bioactivity of the polyphenolic compounds found in Cistanche were very diverse and depended on both the host plant and their location (organs) in the parasite. The stem and tuber of Cistanche hosted by Salsola had the highest polyphenol content, which was approximately 4 times higher than that in the stem and flowers of Cistanche individuals that parasitized A. maurorum. In addition, the stem and tuber of Cistanche that parasitized S. dendroides was characterized by the highest antioxidant activity (ABTS+, DPPH and FRAP) and high inhibitory activities. Conversely, the amount of polyphenols in the host Alhagi was 12 times higher than that in S. dendroides. These results highlight the importance of C. armena as a promising source of functional and bioactive ingredients (harvested from potential cultivation, not from natural endangered localities) and also draws the attention of future researchers to an important aspect regarding the parasite organ and the host's influence on the harvested material of various parasitic herbs.

Anti-Microbiological, Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Obesity Potency of Natural Antioxidants in Fruit Fractions of Saskatoon Berry.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate for content of phytochemicals (monophosphate nucleotides, free amino acids, polyphenols), and for anti-microbiological, anti-diabetic (ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase), and antioxidant activities in seven selected fruit and fruit fractions of Amelanchier alnifolia. Most of the fruit and fruit fractions analyzed in this study have not been examined in this respect until now. The content of monophosphate nucleotides and free amino acids were tested by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS). The distribution of the examined compounds and biological activity differed significantly depending on the tested fruit and parts of the fruit. Cultivars "Smoky" and "Thiessen" had a high content of essential free amino acids, monophosphate nucleotides, and the highest antioxidant activity. They were also accountable for the high ability to inhibit Enterococcus hirae (anti-bacterial activity), of activity toward α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. Moreover, the fruit peel was abundant in polyphenolic compounds and showed the highest antioxidative activity, which were strongly correlated with each other. In addition, the peel was characterized by a high concentration of monophosphate nucleotides, free amino acids, and were responsible above all for the strong ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase enzymes contributing to the development of obesity. The seeds were rich in uridine 5'-monophosphate, and total essential and non-essential free amino acids, whose contents correlated with the inhibitory activity toward α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The fruit flesh showed a high content of total free amino acids (hydroxy-L-proline, O-phosphoethanolamine, L-citruline). There was a positive correlation between antioxidant capacity and the content of polyphenolic compounds, nucleotide, and ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, and between anti-hyperglycemic and free amino acids in fruits and fruit fractions. Therefore, the tested fruit of A. alnifolia and their fractions could be essential ingredients of new functional products and/or probiotic food.

E-Beam Irradiation and Ozonation as an Alternative to the Sulphuric Method of Wine Preservation.

Potassium metabisulphite is usually used for microbial stabilization in the process of vinification and wine preservation, but it is considered to be allergenic. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficiency of ozonation and ionizing radiation as alternatives to wine sulphurization. The efficiency of yeast removal and the retention of the chemical quality of wine were evaluated. Wine was subjected to 60 min of ozonation, and radiation doses were set at 1-10 kGy. Moreover, a combination of ozonation and ionizing radiation treatment was used. The ozonation of wine did not produce the expected results. That is, it did not limit the number of yeast cells. From the sixth minute, a significant deterioration in the taste and the color of the wine was found. Ionizing radiation at a dose of 1 kGy reduced the yeast count by 95.5%, and a reduction of 99.9% was seen after the application of 2.5 kGy. Moreover, these doses did not have a significant effect on the organoleptic properties or the chemical composition of wine. The total amount of polyphenols reduced from the maximum of 1127.15 to 1023.73 mg at the dose of 5 kGy. Radiation is widely used to preserve food products. Its use for finished wine preservation may be an alternative to sulphurization.

Impact of Cluster Zone Leaf Removal on Grapes cv. Regent Polyphenol Content by the UPLC-PDA/MS Method.

Leaf removal is known to enhance light exposure of clusters and therefore may affect grape composition. Owing to the risk of decreasing grape quality or sunburn as a consequence of improper sun exposure, it is crucial to determine the optimum leaf removal techniques adequate for the particular climate conditions of a vineyard area. Defoliation experiments on vine cv. Regent were conducted in two consecutive years (2014 and 2015). The effect of leaf removal treatment on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the polyphenol compounds in the grapes, with reference to the basic weather conditions of the vineyard area, located in Szczecin in the North-Western part of Poland, was assessed. Defoliation was performed manually in the cluster zone at three phenological plant stages: pre-flowering, berry-set and véraison. Leaf removal, especially early defoliation (pre-flowering), enhanced total polyphenol content, including the amount of anthocyanins, flavonols and flavan-3-ols and furthermore, it increased the amount of soluble solids, decreasing the titratable acidity in grapes. On the other hand, the treatments had a reducing impact on the phenolic acids in berries. Defoliation at earlier stages of cluster development appears to be an efficient strategy for improving berry quality in cool climate areas, however, additionally further weather data control is required to determine the effects on berry components.