Mapping and identification of QTL in 5601T × U99-310255 RIL population using SNP genotyping: soybean seed quality traits.

BACKGROUND: Molecular markers have played and will continue to play a major role in the genetic characterization and improvement of soybeans. They have helped identify major loci for tolerance to abiotic stressors, disease resistance, herbicide resistance, soybean seed quality traits, and yield. However, most yield quantitative trait loci (QTL) are specific to a certain population, and the genetic variation found in the specific bi-parental population is not always shared in other populations. A major objective in soybean breeding is to develop high yielding cultivars. Unfortunately, soybean seed yield, as well as protein and oil content, are complex quantitative traits to characterize from the phenotypic and genotypic perspectives. The objectives of this study are to detect soybean genomic regions that increase protein content, while maintaining oil content and seed yield and to successfully identify soybean QTL associated with these seed quality traits. METHODS AND RESULTS: To achieve these objectives, data from the 138 recombinant inbred lines grown in six environments were used to perform QTL detection analyses in search of significant genomic regions affecting soybean seed protein, oil, and yield. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 21 QTL were successfully identified for yield, protein, oil, methionine, threonine, lodging, maturity, and meal. Knowledge of their locations and flanking markers will aid in marker assisted selection for plant breeders. This will lead to a more valuable soybean for farmers, processors, and animal nutritionists.

Interactions of gene expression, alternative splicing, and DNA methylation in determining nodule identity.

Soybean nodulation is a highly controlled process that involves complex gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In the present study, we profiled gene expression changes, alternative splicing events, and DNA methylation patterns during nodule formation, development, and senescence. The transcriptome data uncovered key transcription patterns of nodule development that included 9669 core genes and 7302 stage-specific genes. Alternative splicing analysis uncovered a total of 2323 genes that undergo alternative splicing events in at least one nodule developmental stage, with activation of exon skipping and repression of intron retention being the most common splicing events in nodules compared to roots. Approximately 40% of the differentially spliced genes were also differentially expressed at the same nodule developmental stage, implying a substantial association between gene expression and alternative splicing. Genome-wide-DNA methylation analysis revealed dynamic changes in nodule methylomes that were specific to each nodule stage, occurred in a sequence-specific manner, and impacted the expression of 1864 genes. An attractive hypothesis raised by our data is that increased DNA methylation may contribute to the efficiency of alternative splicing. Together, our results provide intriguing insights into the associations between gene expression, alternative splicing, and DNA methylation that may shape transcriptome complexity and proteome specificity in developing soybean nodules.

Nodulin Intrinsic Protein 7;1 Is a Tapetal Boric Acid Channel Involved in Pollen Cell Wall Formation.

Boron is an essential plant micronutrient that plays a structural role in the rhamnogalacturonan II component of the pectic cell wall. To prevent boron deficiency under limiting conditions, its uptake, distribution, and homeostasis are mediated by boric acid transporters and channel proteins. Among the membrane channels that facilitate boric acid uptake are the type II nodulin intrinsic protein (NIP) subfamily of aquaporin-like proteins. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) possesses three NIP II genes (NIP5;1, NIP6;1, and NIP7;1) that show distinct tissue expression profiles (predominantly expressed in roots, stem nodes, and developing flowers, respectively). Orthologs of each are represented in all dicots. Here, we show that purified and reconstituted NIP7;1 is a boric acid facilitator. By using native promoter-reporter fusions, we show that NIP7;1 is expressed predominantly in anthers of young flowers in a narrow developmental window, floral stages 9 and 10, with protein accumulation solely within tapetum cells, where it is localized to the plasma membrane. Under limiting boric acid conditions, loss-of-function T-DNA mutants (nip7;1-1 and nip7;1-2) show reduced fertility, including shorter siliques and an increase in aborted seeds, compared with the wild type. Under these conditions, nip7;1 mutant pollen grains show morphological defects, increased aggregation, defective exine cell wall formation, reduced germination frequency, and decreased viability. During stages 9 and 10, the tapetum is essential for supplying materials to the pollen microspore cell wall. We propose that NIP7;1 serves as a gated boric acid channel in developing anthers that aids in the uptake of this critical micronutrient by tapetal cells.

Interaction of light quality and fertility on biomass, shoot pigmentation and xanthophyll cycle flux in Chinese kale.

BACKGROUND: Nutritionally important carotenoids in 21-day-old brassica microgreens increase following short and long-term exposure to narrow-band wavelengths from light-emitting diodes (LED). The present study aimed to measure the impact of: (1) fluorescent/incandescent light and different percentages of blue/red LED light and (2) different levels of nutrient fertility on biomass and pigment concentrations in 30-day-old 'Green Lance' Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). Kale plants were exposed to four light treatments and two fertility levels and were harvested 30 days after seeding and analyzed for nutritionally important shoot pigments. RESULTS: Kale under the fluorescent/incandescent light treatment had a significantly higher shoot fresh and dry mass. The shoot tissue concentrations of most pigment were significantly higher under blue/red LED light treatments. The higher fertility level resulted in higher concentrations for most pigments. Interestingly, the pool of xanthophyll cycle pigments and de-epoxidized xanthophylls was higher under all LED treatments. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study support previous data demonstrating the stimulation of nutritionally important shoot tissue pigment concentrations following exposure to sole source blue/red LEDs compared to traditional lighting. Xanthophyll cycle flux was impacted by LEDs and this may support the role of zeaxanthin in blue light perception in leafy specialty crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

UV-B radiation impacts shoot tissue pigment composition in Allium fistulosum L. cultigens.

Plants from the Allium genus are valued worldwide for culinary flavor and medicinal attributes. In this study, 16 cultigens of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) were grown in a glasshouse under filtered UV radiation (control) or supplemental UV-B radiation [7.0 µ mol·m(-2) · s(-2) (2.68 W · m(-2))] to determine impacts on growth, physiological parameters, and nutritional quality. Supplemental UV-B radiation influenced shoot tissue carotenoid concentrations in some, but not all, of the bunching onions. Xanthophyll carotenoid pigments lutein and ß -carotene and chlorophylls a and b in shoot tissues differed between UV-B radiation treatments and among cultigens. Cultigen "Pesoenyj" responded to supplemental UV-B radiation with increases in the ratio of zeaxanthin + antheraxanthin to zeaxanthin + antheraxanthin + violaxanthin, which may indicate a flux in the xanthophyll carotenoids towards deepoxydation, commonly found under high irradiance stress. Increases in carotenoid concentrations would be expected to increase crop nutritional values.

Variation in supplemental lighting quality influences key aroma volatiles in hydroponically grown 'Italian Large Leaf' basil.

The spectral quality of supplemental greenhouse lighting can directly influence aroma volatiles and secondary metabolic resource allocation (i.e., specific compounds and classes of compounds). Research is needed to determine species-specific secondary metabolic responses to supplemental lighting (SL) sources with an emphasis on variations in spectral quality. The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of supplemental narrowband blue (B) and red (R) LED lighting ratios and discrete wavelengths on flavor volatiles in hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Italian Large Leaf). A natural light (NL) control and different broadband lighting sources were also evaluated to establish the impact of adding discrete and broadband supplements to the ambient solar spectrum. Each SL treatment provided 8.64 mol.m-2.d-1 (100 µmol.m-2.s-1, 24 h.d-1) photon flux. The daily light integral (DLI) of the NL control averaged 11.75 mol.m-2.d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 20 mol.m-2.d-1). Basil plants were harvested 45 d after seeding. Using GC-MS, we explored, identified, and quantified several important volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with known influence on sensory perception and/or plant physiological processes of sweet basil. We found that the spectral quality from SL sources, in addition to changes in the spectra and DLI of ambient sunlight across growing seasons, directly influence basil aroma volatile concentrations. Further, we found that specific ratios of narrowband B/R wavelengths, combinations of discrete narrowband wavelengths, and broadband wavelengths directly and differentially influence the overall aroma profile as well as specific compounds. Based on the results of this study, we recommend supplemental 450 and 660 nm (± 20 nm) wavelengths at a ratio of approximately 10B/90R at 100-200 µmol.m-2.s-1, 12-24 h.d-1 for sweet basil grown under standard greenhouse conditions, with direct consideration of the natural solar spectrum and DLI provided for any given location and growing season. This experiment demonstrates the ability to use discrete narrowband wavelengths to augment the natural solar spectrum to provide an optimal light environment across variable growing seasons. Future experiments should investigate SL spectral quality for the optimization of sensory compounds in other high-value specialty crops.

Application timing and duration of LED and HPS supplements differentially influence yield, nutrient bioaccumulation, and light use efficiency of greenhouse basil across seasons.

Three primary factors that impact plant growth and development are light quantity, quality, and duration. Commercial growers can manipulate these parameters using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to optimize biomass yield and plant quality. There is significant potential to synergize supplemental lighting (SL) parameters with seasonal variation of ambient sunlight to optimize crop light use efficiency (LUE), which could increase biomass while reducing SL electricity costs. To determine the best lighting characteristics and durations for different crops, particularly for enhancing the yield and nutritional quality of high-value specialty crops produced in greenhouses during the winter, a thorough efficacy comparison of progressive incremental daily light integrals (DLIs) using LED and high-pressure sodium (HPS) sources is required. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of differential application timing and DLIs of supplemental blue (B)/red (R) narrowband wavelengths from LED lighting systems and HPS lamps on greenhouse hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. 'Genovese') production. We assessed edible biomass, nutrient bioaccumulation, and LUE. Nine light treatments included: one non-supplemented natural light (NL) control, two end-of-day (EOD) HPS treatments applied for 6 h and 12 h, five EOD 20B/80R LED treatments applied for 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 18 h, and one continuous LED treatment (24 h). Each SL treatment provided 100 µmol·m-2·s-1. The DLI of the NL control averaged 9.9 mol·m-2·d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1). SL treatments and growing seasons significantly impacted biomass and nutrient bioaccumulation; some SL treatments had lower yields than the non-supplemented NL control. January growing season produced the lowest fresh mass (FM) and dry mass (DM) values compared to November, which had the highest. Mineral analyses revealed that both growing seasons and lighting types impacted macro and micronutrient accumulation. Additionally, the efficiency of each treatment in converting electrical energy into biomass varied greatly. EOD supplements using LED and HPS lighting systems both have merits for efficiently optimizing yield and nutrient accumulation in basil; however, biomass and nutrient tissue concentrations highly depend on seasonal variation in ambient sunlight in conjunction with a supplement's spectral quality, DLI, and application schedule.

Identification of QTL Associated with Regrowth Vigor Using the Nested Association Mapping Population in Switchgrass.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm-season perennial grass species that is utilized as forage for livestock and biofuel feedstock. The stability of biomass yield and regrowth vigor under changing harvest frequency would help manage potential fluctuations in the feedstock market and would provide a continuous supply of quality forage for livestock. This study was conducted to (i) assess the genetic variation and (ii) identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with regrowth vigor after multiple cuttings in lowland switchgrass. A nested association mapping (NAM) population comprising 2000 pseudo F2 progenies was genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from exome-capture sequencing and was evaluated for regrowth vigor in 2017 and 2018. The results showed significant variation among the NAM families in terms of regrowth vigor (p < 0.05). A total of 10 QTL were detected on 6 chromosomes: 1B, 5A, 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8A, explaining the phenotypic variation by up to 4.7%. The additive genetic effects of an individual QTL ranged from -0.13 to 0.26. No single QTL showed a markedly large effect, suggesting complex genetics underlying regrowth vigor in switchgrass. The homologs of candidate genes that play a variety of roles in developmental processes, including plant hormonal signal transduction, nucleotide biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, senescence, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses, were identified in the vicinity of QTL.

Narrowband Blue and Red LED Supplements Impact Key Flavor Volatiles in Hydroponically Grown Basil Across Growing Seasons.

The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in commercial greenhouse production is rapidly increasing because of technological advancements, increased spectral control, and improved energy efficiency. Research is needed to determine the value and efficacy of LEDs in comparison to traditional lighting systems. The objective of this study was to establish the impact of narrowband blue (B) and red (R) LED lighting ratios on flavor volatiles in hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. "Genovese") in comparison to a non-supplemented natural light (NL) control and traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting. "Genovese" basil was chosen because of its high market value and demand among professional chefs. Emphasis was placed on investigating concentrations of important flavor volatiles in response to specific ratios of narrowband B/R LED supplemental lighting (SL) and growing season. A total of eight treatments were used: one non-supplemented NL control, one HPS treatment, and six LED treatments (peaked at 447 nm/627 nm, ±20 nm) with progressive B/R ratios (10B/90R, 20B/80R, 30B/70R, 40B/60R, 50B/50R, and 60B/40R). Each SL treatment provided 8.64 mol ⋅ m-2 ⋅ d-1 (100 µmol ⋅ m-2 ⋅ s-1, 24 h ⋅ d-1). The daily light integral (DLI) of the NL control averaged 9.5 mol ⋅ m-2 ⋅ d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 18 mol ⋅ m-2 ⋅ d-1). Relative humidity averaged 50%, with day/night temperatures averaging 27.4°C/21.8°C, respectively. Basil plants were harvested 45 days after seeding, and volatile organic compound profiles were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total terpenoid concentrations were dramatically increased during winter months under LED treatments, but still showed significant impacts during seasons with sufficient DLI and spectral quality. Many key flavor volatile concentrations varied significantly among lighting treatments and growing season. However, the concentrations of some compounds, such as methyl eugenol, were three to four times higher in the control and decreased significantly for basil grown under SL treatments. Maximum concentrations for each compound varied among lighting treatments, but most monoterpenes and diterpenes evaluated were highest under 20B/80R to 50B/50R. This study shows that supplemental narrowband light treatments from LED sources may be used to manipulate secondary metabolic resource allocation. The application of narrowband LED SL has great potential for improving overall flavor quality of basil and other high-value specialty herbs.

Biofortification of Sodium Selenate Improves Dietary Mineral Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Culinary Herb Microgreens.

Selenium biofortification of plants has been suggested as a method of enhancing dietary selenium intake to prevent deficiency and chronic disease in humans, while avoiding toxic levels of intake. Popular herbs such as basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), and scallions (Allium fistulosum L.) present an opportunity for biofortification as these plants are used for added flavors to meals and are available as microgreens, young plants with increasing popularity in the consumer marketplace. In this study, basil, cilantro, and scallion microgreens were biofortified with sodium selenate under hydroponic conditions at various selenium concentrations to investigate the effects on yield, selenium content, other mineral contents (i.e., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, sulfur, and boron), total phenol content, and antioxidant capacity [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)]. The results showed that the selenium content increased significantly at all concentrations, with scallions demonstrating the largest increase. The effects on other minerals varied among herb species. Antioxidant capacity and total phenol content increased in all herbs at the highest selenium treatments, but basil and scallions demonstrated a decreased crop yield. Overall, these biofortified culinary herb microgreens are an ideal functional food for enhancing selenium, other dietary minerals, and antioxidants to benefit human health.

Storage Time and Temperature on the Sensory Properties Broccoli.

Typically, broccoli arrives at the store within 7-14 days of harvest and is kept refrigerated until purchased or considered waste. To date, information has been limited on how this time on the shelf or storage temperature affects the sensory attributes that contribute to broccoli purchase or repurchase. In this study, 100 consumers performed acceptance tests and a check-all-that-apply (CATA) section to characterize sensory changes in two cultivars of broccoli ('Diplomat' and 'Emerald Crown') stored at two temperatures (0 °C and 4 °C) over five time points: 0, 14, 21, 28, and 42 days. Due to quality degradation during storage, the overall liking of broccoli decreased regardless of holding temperature and variety. This was in accordance with a decrease in sweetness and an increase in bitterness intensity. However, there were differences between varieties in which Diplomat had more sensory changes at higher temperatures and only Emerald showed negative changes to its appearance in color. Lastly, the CATA data revealed the attributes responsible for modulating the consumer acceptance of broccoli such as tastes, colors and flavors (e.g., grassy, musty, dirt-like). This information can be used to better inform shelf-life determinations of broccoli. Additionally, these changes in taste, odor, texture, and color can inform those interested in investigating the biochemical processes related to broccoli storage.

Waterlogging Causes Early Modification in the Physiological Performance, Carotenoids, Chlorophylls, Proline, and Soluble Sugars of Cucumber Plants.

Waterlogging occurs because of poor soil drainage and/or excessive rainfall and is a serious abiotic stress affecting plant growth because of declining oxygen supplied to submerged tissues. Although cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is sensitive to waterlogging, its ability to generate adventitious roots facilitates gas diffusion and increases plant survival when oxygen concentrations are low. To understand the physiological responses to waterlogging, a 10-day waterlogging experiment was conducted. The objective of this study was to measure the photosynthetic and key metabolites of cucumber plants under waterlogging conditions for 10 days. Plants were also harvested at the end of 10 days and analyzed for plant height (ht), leaf number and area, fresh mass (FM), dry mass (DM), chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid (CAR), proline, and soluble sugars. Results indicated that cucumber plants subjected to the 10-day waterlogging stress conditions were stunted, had fewer leaves, and decreased leaf area, FM, and DM. There were differences in physiological performance, Chl, CAR, proline, and soluble sugars. Overall, waterlogging stress decreased net photosynthesis (A), having a negative effect on biomass accumulation. However, these decreases were also dependent on other factors, such as plant size, morphology, and water use efficiency (WUE) that played a role in the overall metabolism of the plant.

Influence of nitrogen and sulfur on biomass production and carotenoid and glucosinolate concentrations in watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.).

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is a perennial herb rich in the secondary metabolites of glucosinolates and carotenoids. 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate, the predominate isothiocyanate hydrolysis product in watercress, can reduce carcinogen activation through inhibition of phase I enzymes and induction of phase II enzymes. Sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) have been shown to influence concentrations of both glucosinolates and carotenoids in a variety of vegetable crops. Our research objectives were to determine how several levels of N and S fertility interact to affect watercress plant tissue biomass production, tissue C/N ratios, concentrations of plant pigments, and glucosinolate concentrations. Watercress was grown using nutrient solution culture under a three by three factorial arrangement, with three S (8, 16, and 32 mg/L) and three N (6, 56, and 106 mg/L) fertility concentrations. Watercress shoot tissue biomass, tissue %N, and tissue C/N ratios were influenced by N but were unaffected by changes in S concentrations or by the interaction of NxS. Tissue pigment concentrations of beta-carotene, lutein, 5,6-epoxylutein, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and the chlorophyll pigments responded to changes in N treatment concentrations but were unaffected by S concentrations or through N x S interactions. Watercress tissue concentrations of aromatic, indole, and total glucosinolate concentrations responded to changes in N treatments; whereas aliphatic, aromatic, and total glucosinolates responded to changes in S treatment concentrations. Individual glucosinolates of glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and gluconasturriin responded to N fertility treatments, while gluconapin, glucobrassicin, and gluconasturiin responded to changes in S fertility concentrations. Increases in carotenoid and glucosinolate concentrations through fertility management would be expected to influence the nutritional value of watercress in human diets.

RNA:protein ratio of the unicellular organism as a characteristic of phosphorous and nitrogen stoichiometry and of the cellular requirement of ribosomes for protein synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Mean phosphorous:nitrogen (P:N) ratios and relationships of P:N ratios with the growth rate of organisms indicate a surprising similarity among and within microbial species, plants, and insect herbivores. To reveal the cellular mechanisms underling this similarity, the macromolecular composition of seven microorganisms and the effect of specific growth rate (SGR) on RNA:protein ratio, the number of ribosomes, and peptide elongation rate (PER) were analyzed under different conditions of exponential growth. RESULTS: It was found that P:N ratios calculated from RNA and protein contents in these particular organisms were in the same range as the mean ratios reported for diverse organisms and had similar positive relationships with growth rate, consistent with the growth-rate hypothesis. The efficiency of protein synthesis in microorganisms is estimated as the number of active ribosomes required for the incorporation of one amino acid into the synthesized protein. This parameter is calculated as the SGR:PER ratio. Experimental and theoretical evidence indicated that the requirement of ribosomes for protein synthesis is proportional to the RNA:protein ratio. The constant of proportionality had the same values for all organisms, and was derived mechanistically from the characteristics of the protein-synthesis machinery of the cell (the number of nucleotides per ribosome, the average masses of nucleotides and amino acids, the fraction of ribosomal RNA in the total RNA, and the fraction of active ribosomes). Impairment of the growth conditions decreased the RNA:protein ratio and increased the overall efficiency of protein synthesis in the microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the decrease in RNA:protein and estimated P:N ratios with decrease in the growth rate of the microorganism is a consequence of an increased overall efficiency of protein synthesis in the cell resulting from activation of the general stress response and increased transcription of cellular maintenance genes at the expense of growth related genes. The strong link between P:N stoichiometry, RNA:protein ratio, ribosomal requirement for protein synthesis, and growth rate of microorganisms indicated by the study could be used to characterize the N and P economy of complex ecosystems such as soils and the oceans.

Correlations of oil and protein with isoflavone concentration in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.].

Twelve isoflavones were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography in seeds of 17 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivars grown at three locations. 6' '-O-Malonyldaidzin and 6' '-O-malonylgenistin together constituted 71-81% of total isoflavones, which ranged in concentration from 2038 to 9514 microg/g and averaged 5644 microg/g across locations and cultivars. The total as well as several individual isoflavones had a moderate negative correlation with oil across locations and cultivars. Six cultivars had a moderate or strong negative correlation of total isoflavones with oil. Five cultivars had a moderate or strong positive correlation of total isoflavones with protein. These results suggest that judicious selection of germplasm for soybean breeding may facilitate development of soybean lines with desirable isoflavone concentrations.

Physicochemical properties and bioactivity of fungal chitin and chitosan.

Chitinous material was extracted from mycelia of Aspergillus niger and Mucor rouxii grown in yeast peptone dextrose broth for 15 and 21 days, respectively. The extracted material was characterized for purity, degree of acetylation, and crystallinity and tested for antibacterial and eliciting properties. The maximum glucosamine level determined in the mycelium of A. niger was 11.10% dw and in the mycelium of M. rouxii was 20.13% dw. On the basis of the stepwise extraction of freeze-dried mycelia, it appeared that M. rouxii mycelia contained both chitin and chitosan, whereas A. niger contained only chitin. The yields of crude chitin from A. niger and M. rouxii were 24.01 and 13.25%, respectively, and the yield of chitosan from M. rouxii was 12.49%. Significant amounts (7.42-39.81%) of glucan were associated with chitinous compounds from both species and could not be eliminated by the extraction method used. The degrees of acetylation were determined to be 76.53 and 50.07% for chitin from A. niger and M. rouxii, respectively, and 19.5% for M. rouxii chitosan. The crystallinity of fungal chitin and chitosan was estimated to be less intense than in corresponding materials from shrimp shells. The extracted chitin and chitosan in a concentration of 0.1% reduced Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 2576 counts by 0.5-1.5 logs during a 4 day incubation in tryptic soy broth at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, all tested chitinous materials from fungal sources significantly reduced lesions caused by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum in harvested apples.

Chitin and chitosan--value-added products from mushroom waste.

Accumulation of chitinous material in Agaricus bisporus stalks was determined during postharvest storage at 4 and 25 degrees C. The chitinous material was extracted after alkali treatment and acid reflux of alkali insoluble material and analyzed for yield, purity, degree of acetylation (DA), and crystallinity. The total glucosamine content in mushroom stalks increased from 7.14% dry weight (DW) at harvest (day 0) to 11.00% DW and 19.02% DW after 15 days of storage at 4 degrees C and 5 days of storage at 25 degrees C, respectively. The yield of crude chitin isolated from stalks stored at 25 degrees C for 5 days was 27.00% DW and consisted of 46.08% glucosamine and 20.94% neutral polysaccharides. The DA of fungal chitin was from 75.8 to 87.6%, which is similar to commercially available crustacean chitin. The yield of crude fungal chitin of 0.65-1.15% on a fresh basis indicates the potential for the utilization of these mushroom byproducts.

Kale carotenoids remain stable while flavor compounds respond to changes in sulfur fertility.

Dietary intake of certain carotenoids has been associated with a reduced risk of disease. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. Acephala Group) has the highest levels of carotenoids lutein and beta-carotene, and is an excellent source of minerals among the green leafy vegetable crops. However, Brassica vegetables contain glucosinolate (GS) and S-methylcysteine sulfoxide (MCSO). While these sulfur compounds have medicinal value, they are also responsible for the bitter, acrid flavors that are often regarded as objectionable by consumers. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of increased S fertility levels on (1) elemental accumulation, (2) GS and MCSO production, and (3) the accumulation patterns of carotenoid pigments in the leaves of three kale cultivars. Winterbor, Redbor, and Toscano kale were greenhouse-grown using nutrient solution culture with S treatment concentrations of 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg of S/L. Decreasing S fertility decreased S leaf content, but increased the levels of Mg and Ca accumulation, two important minerals for human health. Levels of GS and MSCO decreased in response to a decreasing S level in nutrient solution. However, accumulation of lutein and beta-carotene was unaffected by S treatment. Lowering the S fertility in the production of kale should decrease the levels of negative flavors associated with high levels of GS and MCSO without affecting carotenoid pigment levels. Understanding the combined impact of fertility on flavor compounds and carotenoid pigments may help improve consumer acceptance of phytonutritionally enhanced vegetable crops.

Osmotic dehydration of apple slices with CaCl2 and sucrose limits decay caused by Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Botrytis cinerea and does not promote Listeria monocytogenes or total aerobic population growth.

The interaction of Penicillium expansum Link, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. with Listeria monocytogenes on osmotically dehydrated apple slices was evaluated. In mineral analyses of the slices, the calcium content of the peel and flesh tissues increased by 4- and 11-fold, respectively, when processed in 2% CaCl2. These slices also exhibited less decay by P. expansum, C. acutatum, and B. cinerea. Inoculation of slices with P. expansum resulted in a decrease in the pH of the flesh tissue at the infection site, while the pHs of slices infected with C. acutatum and B. cinerea increased and remained stable, respectively. Total mold population increased in wounds inoculated with P. expansum or C. acutatum. The presence of L. monocytogenes in the wounds did not significantly affect mold growth. The association of P. expansum and L. monocytogenes on apple slices resulted in a decrease in the bacterial population, whereas L. monocytogenes survived when slices were inoculated with C. acutatum. When associated with B. cinerea, there was a fourfold decrease in the L. monocytogenes population when slices were treated with 2% CaCl2. The total aerobic population was not significantly affected by the type of microorganism added to the wounds or by the osmotic treatment. These data show that osmotic dehydration with 2% CaCl2 combined with 20% sucrose limits decay of apple slices and does not promote bacterial or total aerobic population growth.

Impact of Glucosinolate Content in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea (Italica Group)) on Growth of Pseudomonas marginalis, a Causal Agent of Bacterial Soft Rot.

Glucosinolate degradation products are known to suppress microbes. Brassica species produce glucosinolates. Previous investigations determined that susceptibility to bacterial soft rot of broccoli (Brassica oleracea (Italica group)) varied significantly by cultivar. To evaluate the impact of glucosinolates on Pseudomonas marginalis, a causal agent of bacterial soft rot, glucosinolates were measured in lyophilized florets from broccoli 'Arcadia', 'Emperor', 'Green Comet', 'Green Valiant', 'Marathon', 'Packman', 'Premium Crop', and 'Shogun'. Total glucosinolate content was highest in 'Shogun' (29.8 µmol/g) and lowest in 'Emperor' (0.5 µmol/g). In an in vitro assay, simple linear regression analysis showed that 48% of differences in suppression of P. marginalis growth could be explained by differences in total glucosinolate content (P ≤ 0.01). Plant breeding efforts should include glucosinolate levels as a factor in selecting for disease resistance.