Sugars in crop plants

We review current knowledge of the most abundant sugars, sucrose, maltose, glucose and fructose, in the world's major crop plants. The sucrose-accumulating crops, sugar beet and sugar cane, are included, but the main focus of the review is potato and the major cereal crops. The production of sucrose in photosynthesis and the inter-relationships of sucrose, glucose, fructose and other metabolites in primary carbon metabolism are described, as well as the synthesis of starch, fructan and cell wall polysaccharides and the breakdown of starch to produce maltose. The importance of sugars as hormone-like signalling molecules is discussed, including the role of another sugar, trehalose, and the trehalose biosynthetic pathway. The Maillard reaction, which occurs between reducing sugars and amino acids during thermal processing, is described because of its importance for colour and flavour in cooked foods. This reaction also leads to the formation of potentially harmful compounds, such as acrylamide, and is attracting increasing attention as food producers and regulators seek to reduce the levels of acrylamide in cooked food. Genetic and environmental factors affecting sugar concentrations are described.

Manipulating resource allocation in plants

The distribution of nutrients and assimilates in different organs and tissues is in a constant state of flux throughout the growth and development of a plant. At key stages during the life cycle profound changes occur, and perhaps one of the most critical of these is during seed filling. By restricting the competition for reserves in Arabidopsis plants, the ability to manipulate seed size, seed weight, or seed content has been explored. Removal of secondary inflorescences and lateral branches resulted in a stimulation of elongation of the primary inflorescence and an increase in the distance between siliques. The pruning treatment also led to the development of longer and larger siliques that contained fewer, bigger seeds. This seems to be a consequence of a reduction in the number of ovules that develop and an increase in the fatty acid content of the seeds that mature. The data show that shoot architecture could have a substantial impact on the partitioning of reserves between vegetative and reproductive tissues and could be an important trait for selection in rapid phenotyping screens to optimize crop performance.

Olfactory selection of Plantago lanceolata by snails declines with seedling age

Background and Aims Despite recent recognition that (1) plant–herbivore interactions during the establishment phase, (2) ontogenetic shifts in resource allocation and (3) herbivore response to plant volatile release are each pivotal to a comprehensive understanding of plant defence, no study has examined how herbivore olfactory response varies during seedling ontogeny. Methods Using a Y-tube olfactometer we examined snail (Helix aspersa) olfactory response to pellets derived from macerated Plantago lanceolata plants harvested at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 weeks of age to test the hypothesis that olfactory selection of plants by a generalist herbivore varies with plant age. Plant volatiles were collected for 10 min using solid-phase microextraction technique on 1- and 8-week-old P. lanceolata pellets and analysed by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. Key Results Selection of P. lanceolata was strongly negatively correlated with increasing age; pellets derived from 1-week-old seedlings were three times more likely to be selected as those from 8-week-old plants. Comparison of plant selection experiments with plant volatile profiles from GC/MS suggests that patterns of olfactory selection may be linked to ontogenetic shifts in concentrations of green leaf volatiles and ethanol (and its hydrolysis derivatives). Conclusions Although confirmatory of predictions made by contemporary plant defence theory, this is the first study to elucidate a link between seedling age and olfactory selection by herbivores. As a consequence, this study provides a new perspective on the ontogenetic expression of seedling defence, and the role of seedling herbivores, particularly terrestrial molluscs, as selective agents in temperate plant communities.

In Vitro Propagation of Heliconia bihai (L.) L. from Zygotic Embryos

(In vitro Propagation of Heliconia bihai L. from Zygotic Embryos). The internal morphology of embryos from immature and mature fruits of Hcliconia bihai (L.) L. cv. Lobster Claw Two was examined. Embryos were inoculated into MS media (full MS and 1/2 MS) and GA(1) (0.2.5 and 5 mg L(-1)) with either sucrose or glucose. These plantlets were then replicated and transferred to MS medium (full MS or 1/2 MS) with 0 or 2.5 mg L(-1) BAP and their multiplication was evaluated 30 and 45 days after inoculation. The genetic variability of the multiplied plants was estimated using isoenzyme analyses. The internal morphology of the mature embryos revealed their tissues to be in more advanced stages of differentiation than immature embryos. In the conversion phase, 85% of the inoculated embryos developed into plants in the 1/2 MS medium with sucrose, in contrast to only 41% of the embryos that were cultivated with glucose. In the multiplication phase, plants cultivated in 1/2 MS medium with 2.5 mg L(-1) BAP demonstrated more buds. Isoenzyme analyses showed pattern changes in terms of the color intensity and the migration of some of the bands. These results may be associated with differences in the ages of the mother plants and of the plantlets obtained in vitro.

A putative gnetalean gymnosperm Cariria orbiculiconiformis gen. nov et spec. nov from the Early Cretaceous of northern Gondwana

Cariria orbiculiconiformis gen. nov. et spec. nov., a gymnosperm with gnetoid characters is described from the upper Aptian Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin in northeastern Brazil. Gross-morphology and anatomical details have been studied and characters have been discussed in respect to various seed plants. Several of these characters fit best with those of Gnetales and their putative fossil allies. However, the fossil plant cannot be assigned to any known extinct or extant group of seed plants in their current circumscription. Stem gross-morphology, xylotomical characters and epidermal features indicate a gnetophytic relationship, whereas characters of the reproductive organs are rather distinct from those found in extant taxa. The reproductive unit of the new taxon represents a triple organ consisting of two dichasial ovulate structures and one median pollen-producing structure containing smooth, monosulcate, boat-shaped pollen in-situ. Each ovulate structure consists of two distinct pairs of bracts, a sterile one at the base and a fertile one forming a terminal orbicular capsule. Stiff processes found in the apex of the ovulate structure may represent micropylar tubes of seeds, as seen in the Bennettitales-Erdtmanithecales-Gnetales group. C orbiculiconiformis gen. nov. et spec. nov. was ans herbaceous or semi-shrub-like plant that may have been adapted to the r-strategy in a stressful environment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Curvas de crescimento do fruto de cafeeiro cv. Obatã IAC 1669-20 em diferentes alinhamentos de plantio

The growth of the coffee fruit is highly dependent on physiological and environmental factors. Environmental factors that most influence the yield of coffee during the critical growth stages are the minimum and maximum temperatures of air, which are affected by solar radiation and depend on the apparent path of the sun. This research work correlated dry mass versus fresh mass, and, fresh and dry mass as function of days after flowering of fruit coffee cv. Obata IAC 1669-20 planted in three different alignments based on the apparent trajectory of the sun, in Jaboticabal, SP. The planting was aligned according to the apparent path of the sun. There were three treatments with four replications, a total of twelve plots, each plot with one hundred plants of coffee, each treatment corresponded to an alignment of planting. The three alignments used showed no differences with respect the average fresh and dry mass. The growth rate of fruit, in fresh weight, was higher in the exponential phase, and in dry mass was higher in the linear stage. The dry weight (DW) can be estimated from the fresh weight (FW) using the model: DW = A1*exp(FW/t1). The sigmoidal model that represents the fruit growth in of coffee plants in fresh and/or dry mass in terms of days after flowering (DAF) was: FW(DW) = A2+[(A1-A2)/(1+exp(DAF-x0)/dx)].

Avaliação de resíduo do herbicida imazethapyr e da interferência de plantas daninhas na cultura da alfafa

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos de campo em área experimental do Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagens da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, com o objetivo de observar resíduos do herbicida imazethapyr na forragem da alfafa e analisar a interferência de plantas daninhas monocotiledôneas e dicotiledôneas. No primeiro experimento, o herbicida foi aplicado nas doses de 0,5 e 1,0 l do p.c./ha, nos estádios de desenvolvimento: início de brotação das gemas basais, estádio vegetativo, ou seja, antes da cobertura total do solo e início do florescimento da alfafa. Foi observado que o herbicida não deixou resíduo nas plantas da alfafa, podendo estas serem consumidas pelos animais, logo após seu tratamento. No segundo experimento, foi estabelecido com base no manejo de cortes da área experimental e na presença de plantas daninhas, quatro tratamentos: 1)corte no verão de 1996, sem a presença de invasoras, 2)corte no inverno de 1996, sem a presença de invasoras, 3)corte no verão de 1997, com predominância de espécies monocotiledôneas, 4)corte no verão de 1997, com predominância de espécies dicotiledôneas. A presença de plantas daninhas reduziu a produção de matéria seca da alfafa. Quanto aos valores de parede celular, observou menores de Hem (5,7) e Lig (5,1) e maior de PB (26,1%) nas plantas colhidas no inverno, devido à maior proporção de folhas.

Influence of the substrate in germination of lychee seeds

A lichia é considerada em todo o mundo como a rainha das frutas, por sua aparência e sabor delicado. Atualmente, a cultura vem despertando interesse, principalmente no Estado de São Paulo, onde, em virtude dos problemas enfrentados pelos agricultores, destacando-se os de laranja e cana-de-açúcar, a procura por alternativas agrícolas vem se intensificando ainda mais. A propagação através de sementes não é recomendada comercialmente, pois as plantas de pé-franco são geneticamente muito desuniformes e apresentam período juvenil muito longo, demorando até 10 anos para entrar em produção; no entanto, a semente pode ser utilizada para a obtenção de porta-enxertos. Observou-se que a germinação de sementes de lichia ocorre rapidamente, reforçando a importância do uso de um substrato adequado. Pela análise dos resultados obtidos, verifica-se que o substrato que aparentemente permitiu as melhores combinações de água e disponibilidade de oxigênio para as sementes - casca de arroz carbonizada e areia lavada, foi o que proporcionou valores de germinação mais rápidos e mais altos.

Enxertia em plantas de pimentão no controle da murcha de fitóftora em ambiente protegido

Avaliou-se a viabilidade de utilização da enxertia em plantas de pimentão (Capsicum annuum, L.), visando o controle da murcha de fitóftora. A pesquisa foi conduzida de setembro de 2000 a julho de 2001, na UNESP, Botucatu, em ambiente protegido. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições e 5 plantas por parcela. Foram utilizados dois porta-enxertos resistentes a Phytophthora capsici, híbridos F1 de Capsicum annuum, e três híbridos comerciais suscetíveis (Elisa, Margarita e Magali-R). A enxertia foi realizada quando porta-enxertos e enxertos apresentavam respectivamente sete e três folhas verdadeiras, pelo método de garfagem fenda simples. Aos 14 dias após o transplante das mudas foi feita a inoculação do fungo, utilizando sementes de trigo infestadas pelo patógeno, depositadas ao redor do colo da planta. Quatro dias após a inoculação, e a partir daí a cada 15 dias, foram feitas avaliações que confirmaram a resistência dos porta-enxertos e a suscetibilidade das plantas não enxertadas. Observou-se bom nível de compatibilidade de enxertia em todas as combinações, precocidade de florescimento das plantas não enxertadas, manutenção de resistência à doença pelas plantas enxertadas durante todo o período e variações na altura das plantas em algumas combinações. Com relação à produção, verificou-se que os frutos mantiveram as características fenotípicas de cada híbrido, revelando que não houve interferência dos porta-enxertos neste aspecto. Concluiu-se haver viabilidade técnica de utilização da enxertia no controle da murcha de fitóftora em ambiente protegido.

Assessment of DNA damage induced by extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of Davilla nitida and Davilla elliptica (Dilleniaceae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Mutagenicity of Mouriri pusa Gardner and Mouriri elliptica Martius

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Manejo de água em arroz de terras altas no sitema de plantio direto, usando o tanque classe A

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito do manejo de água em cultivares de arroz de terras altas no sistema de plantio direto, usando o tanque Classe A. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinação de três manejos (sequeiro e duas lâminas) e duas cultivares (Confiança e Maravilha), com quatro repetições. A irrigação proporcionou aumento na altura de plantas, massa de 100 grãos, massa hectolítrica, produtividade de grãos, rendimento de benefício e redução do número de dias para o florescimento e ciclo total da cultura. Os valores adotados de coeficientes de cultura não influenciam nas características fenológicas e produtivas da cultura. A produtividade de grãos não diferiu entre as cultivares Confiança e Maravilha.

Comparative genomics analyses of citrus-associated bacteria

Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c (XF-9a5c) and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (XAC) are bacteria that infect citrus plants. Sequencing of the genomes of these strains is complete and comparative analyses are now under way with the genomes of other bacteria of the same genera. In this review, we present an overview of this comparative genomic work. We also present a detailed genomic comparison between XF-9a5a and XAC. Based on this analysis, genes and operons were identified that might be relevant for adaptation to citrus. XAC has two copies of a type II secretion system, a large number of cell wall-degrading enzymes and sugar transporters, a complete energy metabolism, a whole set of avirulence genes associated with a type III secretion system, and a complete flagellar and chemotatic system. By contrast, XF-9a5c possesses more genes involved with type IV pili biosynthesis than does XAC, contains genes encoding for production of colicins, and has 4 copies of Type I restriction/modification system while XAC has only one.

Ação conjunta de citocinina, giberelina e auxina em pimentão enxertado e não enxertado sob cultivo protegido

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da utilização do bioestimulante Stimulate® em plantas de pimentão enxertadas e não enxertadas, em ambiente protegido, no aumento de produção. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 2 x 6, referente a plantas enxertadas e pé-franco e seis doses do Stimulate® (0; 75; 100; 125; 150 e 175 mL p.c. 100 L H2O-1), com quatro repetições. Realizaram-se sete aplicações foliares, quinzenais, do bioestimulante a partir do início do florescimento das plantas e avaliou-se o número total de frutos comerciais produzidos, comprimento, calibre, espessura de parede, massa média e produtividade final, totalizando treze colheitas. As plantas enxertadas foram mais produtivas em relação às plantas pé-franco, produzindo frutos de características agronômicas superiores. No geral, 100 e 125-150 mL p.c. 100 L H2O-1 de Stimulate® promovem incremento na produção de pimentão enxertado e pé-franco, respectivamente.

Mechanisms of the Gastric Antiulcerogenic Activity of Anacardium humile St. Hil on Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)