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Canavalia Adans. is a genus of legumes (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae: Diocleinae) that has, after this work, about 71 species. Previously about 60 species were recorded as valid; this genus has not been completely revised in recent years. The last complete revision dates from 1960 and was made by J.D. Sauer, however, from 1960 to the present, many collections have been accumulated from places especially rich in species such as Central and Western Mexico and northern Central America, resulting in an accumulation of poorly curated specimens that undoubtedly represent some interesting extensions in the distributions, as well as the addition of new species for science. Some of the original taxa were poorly known and still others had nomenclatural and taxonomic problems, having been synonymized by Sauer and reinstated in this work. Thus, we believe that we have solved the problems associated with the types of most of the species proposed by Martens and Galeotti for Mexico and Central America. Specimens from various collections carefully accumulated for more than 30 years in the National Herbarium of Mexico (MEXU) by Mario Sousa Sánchez were reviewed, as well as material that was detected by him as possible new species through his visits to other herbaria, mainly to the Missouri Botanical Garden (MO), the University of Texas, Austin (LL) and the New York Botanical Garden (NY); the specialized literature, old and recent, was consulted, especially that referring to the publication of new taxa within the genus. In all the herbarium material reviewed, we found at least 11 species new to science, five older names synonymized by Sauer that correspond to clearly distinguishable species, and that several species present in Central and Southern Mexico extend their range to the northern part of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, and to a lesser extent El Salvador and Nicaragua). We provide keys to the four subgenera and keys for the species within each subgenus. Three of the four subgenera are present in the study area, with only the subgenus Maunaloa missing, which is endemic to Hawaii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Canavalia gladiata (Jacq) DC., is a legume and considered as a good source for protein because of presence of quality protein similar to most edible food legumes and can be used as food and feed. The seeds of C. gladiata are known for several valuable phytochemicals, useful for food and health benefits properties. Still the plant is underutilized/not consumed worldwide due to presence of some anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) such as Concavalin A, Protease inhibitor, tannins, flatulence factors, allergens and lysinoalanine phytates and L-canavine etc particularly in the seed. So, it is necessary to remove all these anti-nutritional compounds to eligible the seed of C. gladiata as food for human society to combat the nutritional deficiency. To increase the nutritional value as well to reduce anti-nutritional compounds from the seed different kind of processes such as sprouting, roasting, fermentation, de-hulling, cooking etc. have been adopted. But the above methods are not efficient enough to reduce anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, there is a need to develop plantlets with null or reduced anti-nutritional compounds. Tissue culture method is a first and necessary strategy for any kind of further research regarding the reduction of anti-nutritional factors. Whether it is by gene editing or alteration in any regeneration influencing factors during micropropagation anything can be possible by the exploration of tissue culture technique. So, in this part of work, a simple, efficient and reliable micropropagation protocol for Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC was developed by using in vivo nodal segment for the first time. The nodal segment of 3rd-6th position are found suitable for multiple shoot regeneration. The optimum shoot proliferation has been found in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with BAP 2.0 mg/L showing 100% response with 5.66 average shoots/explant of average length 3.90 cm. For upscaling purpose, the in vitro nodes used as explant from primary shoots harvested from in vivo node. Again, MS medium with BAP 2.0 mg/L found as optimum medium for these in vitro nodes having 100% response with average shoot/explant 2.00 of average length 4.96 cm. The seasonal influence on micropropagation has also studied where, Dec-Jan was observed as best season for explant collection showing 92% bud break followed by Feb-March. Half-MS supplemented with IBA 0.5 mg/L found as optimum medium (100% response) for rooting of in vitro regenerated shoots with average 4.0 roots/shoot and average root length 3.45 cm. The plantlet was acclimatized on a simple mixture of sand: soil (1: 1) and subsequently transferred to the garden under natural condition. Micropropagated plant developed through this protocol can be a step forward for further research work in reducing its anti-nutritional factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), maize, and squash were described by explorers as early as 1492. The illustration of common bean recognized as the first in Europe is in Fuchs’ Di Historias Stirpium, published in 1542 and a half-century after beans were observed in the Caribbean. Besides herbals and herbarium specimens, the sources of information on the introduction of New World crops are paintings and illustrations. Two early sources of images of maize and squash are the Grandes Heures d’Anne de Bretagne and the Loggia di Amore e Psiche in the Villa Farnesina, Rome. The former was illustrated between 1507 and 1508 and has an image identified as the common bean. The Villa Farnesina Loggia was decorated in 1515–1518, with festoons containing three instances of bean pods. Our first objective was to evaluate these images to determine whether they represented depictions of common bean earlier than the illustration by Fuchs. Neither image appears to be a common bean based on a combination of botanical characters and size. Folio 194 of the Grandes Heures d’Anne de Bretagne is most likely a Vigna species in the Ceratotropis subgenus. In the Loggia, one set of pods appears to be a species in the Mimosoideae subfamily and the second and third sets of pods most closely resemble Canavalia gladiata. Neither image likely represents common beans and are probably Old-World species. Secondly, illustrations of common beans from ten early herbals were analyzed for traits that are characteristic of the centers of domestication and races of common beans. Our objective was to characterize the diversity observed among herbals and determine whether beans from both centers of domestication were present. We potentially identified both Middle American, race Mesoamerica and Andean, race Nueva Granada types. We posit that both Middle American and Andean types were in the Caribbean at the time of the Columbian exchange and that beans from both centers were informally introduced into Europe early on. This review of 16th-century manuscripts and illustrations has provided some answers to the questions of what and when common beans reached Europe and provide new hypotheses for researchers studying the origins, diversity, and distribution of this crop.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), maize, and squash were described by explorers as early as 1492. The illustration of common bean recognized as the first in Europe is in Fuchs' Di Historias Stirpium , published in 1542 and a half-century after beans were observed in the Caribbean. Besides herbals and herbarium specimens, the sources of information on the introduction of New World crops are paintings and illustrations. Two early sources of images of maize and squash are the Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne and the Loggia di Amore e Psiche in the Villa Farnesina, Rome. The former was illustrated between 1507 and 1508 and has an image identified as the common bean. The Villa Farnesina Loggia was decorated in 1515–1518, with festoons containing three instances of bean pods. Our first objective was to evaluate these images to determine whether they represented depictions of common bean earlier than the illustration by Fuchs. Neither image appears to be a common bean based on a combination of botanical characters and size. Folio 194 of the Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne is most likely a Vigna species in the Ceratotropis subgenus. In the Loggia, one set of pods appears to be a species in the Mimosoideae subfamily and the second and third sets of pods most closely resemble Canavalia gladiata. Neither image likely represents common beans and are probably Old-World species. Secondly, illustrations of common beans from ten early herbals were analyzed for traits that are characteristic of the centers of domestication and races of common beans. Our objective was to characterize the diversity observed among herbals and determine whether beans from both centers of domestication were present. We potentially identified both Middle American, race Mesoamerica and Andean, race Nueva Granada types. We posit that both Middle American and Andean types were in the Caribbean at the time of the Columbian exchange and that beans from both centers were informally introduced into Europe early on. This review of 16th-century manuscripts and illustrations has provided some answers to the questions of what and when common beans reached Europe and provide new hypotheses for researchers studying the origins, diversity, and distribution of this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sword bean (SB; Canavalia gladiata) is a perennial vine used as a food and medicinal plant in Asia. SB is rich in nutrients, such as flavonoids and urease, and has various functions, including beneficial effects on dysentery, nausea, and hemorrhoids, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Various plant parts are used; however, little is known about the physiological effects of SB pods (SBP). In this study, the anti-obesity effects of SBP extract were evaluated. Methods: To investigate the anti-obesity effects of SBP extract, we confirmed the SBP extract downregulated lipogenesis-related genes and upregulated genes involved in lipolysis and brown adipocyte markers in differentiated C3H10T1/2 adipocytes in vitro. Next, we use a high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity mouse model to determine the anti-obesity effects of SBP extract. Results: Treatment with SBP extract significantly reduced adipocytes. The extract decreased the HFD-induced increases in body weight and plasma triglyceride levels in mice after 8 weeks. mRNA and protein levels of the adipogenesis and lipogenesis-related factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and their target genes Ap2, SREBP-1c, FAS, and SCD-1 were reduced by SBP extract. In contrast, AMP-activated protein kinase and sirtuin1, involved in the thermogenic catabolism of fat, were activated by SBP extract in adipocytes and white adipose tissue, increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), and uncoupling protein 1 and activating thermogenic activity. Conclusion: SBP extract exerts an anti-obesity effect by inhibiting lipogenesis-related factors and activating fat-catabolizing factors; it is, therefore, a promising functional food and natural anti-obesity agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniases, caused by Leishmania parasites, are widespread and pose significant health risks globally. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is particularly prevalent in Brazil, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional treatments, such as pentavalent antimonials, have limitations due to toxicity and resistance. Therefore, exploring new compounds like lectins is crucial. Concanavalin A (ConA) has shown promise in inhibiting Leishmania growth. This study aimed to evaluate its leishmanicidal effect on L. infantum promastigotes and understand its mechanism of action. In vitro tests demonstrated inhibition of promastigote growth when treated with ConA, with IC 50 values ranging from 3 to 5 μM over 24-72 h. This study suggests that ConA interacts with L. infantum glycans. Additionally, ConA caused damage to the membrane integrity of parasites and induced ROS production, contributing to parasite death. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed morphological alterations in treated promastigotes. ConA combined with the amphotericin B (AmB) showed synergistic effects, reducing the required dose of AmB, and potentially mitigating its toxicity. ConA demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on macrophages, instead stimulating their proliferation. These findings reinforce that lectin exhibits promising leishmanicidal activity against L. infantum promastigotes, making ConA a potential candidate for leishmaniasis treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background. Nutrient supply is a decisive component of agricultural systems, but in Cuba only 25 % of cultivated areas can be fertilized, influencing their productivity negatively. From the benefits of the use of mycorrhizal inoculants and green manures and the mycorrhizal dependence of Canavalia ensiformis, the hypothesis of integrating both was evaluated. Objective. To establish nutrient supply schemes that guarantee high yields with lower amounts of fertilizers, as well as new routes for mycorrhizal inoculation of crops. Methodology. The canavalia response to the inoculation of three generalist AMF strains was evaluated in eight edaphic conditions, as well as eight integration experiments of the green fertilizers inoculated with the efficient strain in the nutrient supply schemes of cassava, banana, corn, tobacco, mulberry and king-grass. Results. Canavalia responded positively to inoculation, with average increases in biomass and NPK contents of 50 and 70 % respectively, as well as mycorrhizal propagules. The effectiveness of the applied strains depended on the edaphic conditions and presumably the soil pH. The canavalia inoculated with the efficient AMF strain and used as the preceding and/or intercropped green manure was successfully integrated into the nutrient supply systems of the different crops, guaranteeing high yields, effective mycorrhizal function and decreasing between 25 and 75 % the amounts of fertilizers applied to them. Implications. The benefits and feasibility of the joint management of green manures and mycorrhizal inoculants in agricultural production are demonstrated, as well as being a successful way to achieve effective mycorrhization in crops whose direct inoculation is prohibitive due to the high amounts of biofertilizer or laboriousness. Conclusion. The integration of AMF inoculants and green manure increased the benefits of both practices and it is a promising way of managing the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in sustainable crop production.

Molybdenum ions (Mo) can improve plants’ nutritional value primarily by enhancing nitrogenous metabolism. In this study, the comparative effects of seed priming using Mo were evaluated among sproutings of Canavalia species/cultivars, including Canavalia ensiformis var. gladiata (CA1), Canavalia ensiformis var. truncata Ricker (CA2), and Canavalia gladiata var. alba Hisauc (CA3). Mo impacts on growth, metabolism (e.g., nitrogen and phenolic metabolism, pigment and total nutrient profiles), and biological activities were assayed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to correlate Mo-mediated impacts. The results showed that Mo induced photosynthetic pigments that resulted in an improvement in growth and increased biomass. The N content was increased 0.3-fold in CA3 and 0.2-fold in CA1 and CA2. Enhanced nitrogen metabolism by Mo provided the precursors for amino acids, protein, and lipid biosynthesis. At the secondary metabolic level, phenolic metabolism-related precursors and enzyme activities were also differentially increased in Canavalia species/cultivars. The observed increase in metabolism resulted in the enhancement of the antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and antidiabetic potential (Glycemic index (GI) and inhibition activity of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) of species. The antioxidant activity increased 20% in CA3, 14% in CA1, and 8% in CA2. Furthermore, PCA showed significant variations not only between Mo-treated and untreated samples but also among Canavalia species. Overall, this study indicated that the sprouts of Canavalia species have tremendous potential for commercial usage due to their high nutritive value, which can be enhanced further with Mo treatment to accomplish the demand for nutritious feed.

Canavalia gladiata is a member of genus Canavalia, which includes 60 species around world. And the species in genus of Canavalia have similar character so we use complete chloroplast genome to identify C. gladiata and other species. Here, we assembled and analyzed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. gladiata. The cp genome of C. gladiata is 157,923 bp, with a total GC content of 34.6%. The complete cp genome has a typical quadripartite structure, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 77,660 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,945 bp and two inverted repeat (IRS) regions of 30,659 bp. The complete cp genome contains 136 genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, 37tRNA and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis result showed that C. gladiata is closely related to C. rosea.

Backyard crops of creole bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and canavalia (Canavalia ensiformis L.) were monitored in the town of Cerro Gordo, municipality of Emiliano Zapata, State of Veracruz, from September 2015 to July 2016. Symptoms of hyperplasia were found in stems and pods, caused by a complex of borers from the Tortricidae family. The morphological identification of the adult specimens by characteristics of genitalia and chaetotaxy of the larvae, as well as molecular biology identification, showed that the specimens found in beans belong to two species, Cydia deshaisiana (Lucas) and Ecdytolopha fabivora (Meyrick). Those found in canavalia belonged to C. deshaisiana and Cydia pomonella (L.), being the first report of C. pomonella in C. ensiformis. The sequences were published in the GenBank, under accession codes KX357712 (E. fabivora) and MN972449 (C. deshaisiana), presenting a coincidence of 96% at genus level, due to the lack of sequences of this species in the data base. Sequence obtained from C. pomonella specimens were published with accession code MN972450, and presented a 92% similarity with the mentioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectins are proteins that can bind specifically and reversibly to carbohydrates. This capacity gives lectins multiple biological roles and biotechnological applications. Although lectins can be found in all organisms, plant lectins, especially legume lectins, are undoubtedly the most thoroughly studied. Among legume lectins, the lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (ConA) and Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr), both from Diocleinae subtribe, are two of the most well-known lectins. It has been 100 years since the first report of ConA and 40 years since the first report of ConBr, making 2019 an important year for lectinology. Structural data of these lectins in combination with biological activity tests clearly indicate that even a small shift in amino acid sequence can affect the tertiary and quaternary structures, consequently affecting the biological activity of these proteins. It is in this context that the present paper aims to review the structural data of ConA and ConBr, focusing on the primary structure, crystallography, tertiary and quaternary structures of these lectins, as well as their binding sites. This paper also expands the structural data by employing molecular dynamics to evaluate carbohydrate-binding properties and structural stability. It is anticipated that these data will increase knowledge about the structure-function relationships of these proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of leaf functional traits to the shift in environmental variables can raise plant adaptiveness in a wide variety of habitats and subsequently broaden their ecological niche. This study aims to determine the differences in leaf functional traits between simple and compound leaves of Canavalia maritime to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the ecological strategy of plant species with different leaf forms. Single-leaf wet weight of compound leaves of C. maritime was significantly lower than that of simple leaves of C. maritime. Thus, compound leaves of C. maritime possess higher resource capture ability as well as higher relative growth rate than simple leaves of C. maritime. The petiole length of compound leaves of C. maritime was significantly higher than that of simple leaves of C. maritime. Thus, the biomass allocation to petiole for compound leaves of C. maritime was significantly higher than that of simple leaves of C. maritime. Meanwhile, the higher range of phenotypic plasticity of SLA of compound leaves of C. maritima may enhance the advantage in resource (especially sunlight) capture and use efficiency by shifting the material investment per unit area and per lamina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the phytoremediation potential in two remineralized soils contaminated with sulfentrazone. Two soil types were evaluated: Oxisol (clayey) and Inceptisol (sandy loam), in pots, with and without the incorporation of the rock powder, at rates of 0, 4, and 8 t ha -1 . Following this, sulfentrazone was applied at rates of 200, 400, 600, and 800 g a. i. ha -1 , in addition to the control treatment without herbicide application, followed by the sowing of Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean). Injury level (IL) was assessed at 42 days after emergence (DAE), and biometric evaluations of the phytoremediating species were conducted at 70 and 120 DAE in the Oxisol and Inceptisol, respectively, for the following variables: height (HT), diameter (DM), trifoliate leaf number (TN), leaf area (LA), above-ground dry biomass (DB), and root dry biomass (RDB). At the end of the phytoremediation experiment, the soils were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and with Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) as a bioindicator to verify the residue of sulfentrazone. IL and DB assessments of the bioindicator species were conducted at 21 DAE. In both soils, higher herbicide rates (600 and 800 g a. i. ha -1 ) resulted in greater IL and reduced HT, LA, DB, and RDB of the phytoremediating species. C. ensiformis reduced the sulfentrazone residues in the soils. Although it did not directly influence phytoremediation, the rock powder improved soil fertility. In conclusion, C. ensiformis has the potential for effective phytoremediation of soils contaminated with sulfentrazone, providing safety for cultivating sensitive crops and benefiting the environment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Kassio Ferreira Mendes reports was provided by Triunfo Mineração do Brasil LTDA. Grazielle Rodrigues Araujo reports was provided by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two variants of the sword bean (Canavalia gladiata), namely the white sword bean (WSB) and the red sword bean (RSB), are known. The MgCl2 concentration-dependent canavalin solubility showed different behavior among the extracts from distinct beans prepared by distinct pretreatments. Pretreatment and bean selection are important factors for use in food chemical and biochemical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canavalia llanorum (subgenus Wenderothia) from the northwestern Llanos region of Colombia and Venezuela (Orinoquia) is described and illustrated, and its morphological relationship with an allied species is discussed. The new species is morphologically related to C. bicarinata, but it differs mainly by its legumes having only one extra medium rib (vs. two ribs in C. bicarinata), and by its leaflets elliptic-ovate or obovate (vs. ovate). We also discuss the phylogenetic position of C. llanorum and present geographical and ecological information about the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the chemical and biological profile of lectin isolated from Japanese red sword beans (Canavalia gladiata; RSBs). RSB lectin was purified using maltamyl‐Sepharose 4B and subjected to amino acid composition and partial amino acid sequencing analyses, and evaluated for blood and carbohydrate specificity, mitogenic activity, splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity, and its effect on B16 melanoma cell proliferation, compared with Concanavalin A (Con A). The amino acid composition and sequences of RSB lectin were similar to those of Con A. RSB lectin showed specificity to mannose, glucose, maltose, methyl‐D‐mannoside, and thyroglobulin, but not rhamnose, using mouse, sheep, and rabbit erythrocytes. Compared with Con A, RSB lectin showed low resistance to proteases and to temperatures greater than 70 °C, but high mitogenic activity for mouse splenic cells. Notably, while treatment with RSB lectin and Con A (0.01 and 0.1 μg/mL) promoted similar levels of splenic NK cell activity, which were higher than that observed in the control (0 μg/mL) and interleukin 2 (IL‐2) (25 U)‐treated populations, RBS lectin exerted a significantly stronger anti‐proliferative effect than Con A at a concentration of 125.0 μg per well. Overall, our results show that RSB lectin might exert immunological effects on mouse splenic cells and could thus be used as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent. Practical Application: Japanese red sword bean (RSB) is a tropical perennial legume consumed in many Asian countries. RSB lectin shows specificity to mannose, glucose, maltose, methyl‐ d‐mannoside, and thyroglobulin, but not to rhamnose, using mouse, sheep, and rabbit erythrocytes. RSB lectin exhibits similarities to Concanavalin A in amino acid composition and sequence, shows mitogenic activity for mouse splenic cells and strong anti‐proliferative activity for B16 melanoma cells, and also enhances the activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells against YAC‐1 cells. Thus, RSB lectin has the potential to be used as a bioactive protein in medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) seeds have the potential to be utilized in the manufacturing of processed foods owing to their high protein and carbohydrate content. Our previous reports explored the use of the sword bean as a source of food materials by preparing extracts in distilled water. In the present study, we found that one such extract can be gelated by cooling. The gelling substances were extracted by boiling and simultaneously stirring a suspension containing ground beans. Few proteins were present in the gelated extract. We also examined the conditions under which gelation occurred and the gel melting temperature. The extract gelated at temperatures below 10 °C, and the resulting gel melted at those above 65 °C. This is the first report that gelling substances can be extracted from sword beans in large quantities. We expect that this gelling agent can be used for the production of processed foods. A crude sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) extract is gelated by cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

CaBo is a mannose/glucose-specific lectin purified from seeds of Canavalia bonariensis . In the present work, we report the CaBo crystal structure determined to atomic resolution in the presence of X-man, a specific ligand. Similar to the structural characteristics of other legume lectins, CaBo presented the jellyroll motif, a metal binding site occupied by calcium and manganese ions close to the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). In vitro test of CaBo cytotoxicity against glioma cells demonstrated its ability to decrease the cellular viability and migration by induction of autophagy and cell death. Molecular docking simulations corroborate previous data indicating that the lectin’s biological activities occur mostly through interactions with glycoproteins since the lectin interacted favorably with several N -glycans, especially those of the high-mannose type. Together, these results suggest that CaBo interacts with glycosylated cell targets and elicits a remarkable antiglioma activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With important carbohydrate binding properties, lectins are proteins able to decipher the glycocode, and as such, they can be used in bioassays involving cell–cell communication, protein targeting, inflammation, and hypernociception, among others. In this study, a new glucose/mannose-specific lectin from Canavalia villosa seeds (Cvill) was isolated by a single affinity chromatography step in a Sephadex ® G-50 column, with a purification yield of 19.35 mg of lectin per gram of powdered seed. Analysis of intact protein by mass spectrometry showed the lectin is composed of three polypeptide chains, including a 25.6 kDa α chain, 12.9 KDa β, and 12.6 KDa γ fragments, similar to the profile of ConA-like glucose/mannose-specific lectins. Partial sequence of the protein was obtained by MS-MALDI TOF/TOF covering 41.7% of its primary structure. Cvill presented sugar specificity to d -glucose, α-methyl- d -mannoside, d -mannose, and glycoproteins fetuin and ovoalbumin. The lectin characterization showed that Cvill presents high stability within a broad range of pH and temperature, also showing average toxicity against Artemia nauplii . The proinflammatory effect of Cvill was observed by induction of paw edema and hypernociception in mice, with the participation of the carbohydrate binding site, showing its potential to be used as tool in inflammation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two cultivated Canavalia (Adanson, 1763) species, Canavalia gladiata (N. J. von Jacquin, 1788) A. P. de Candolle, 1825 and Canavalia ensiformis (Linnaeus, 1753) A. P. de Candolle, 1825 are closely related based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. However, the similarities and differences in genome organization between them have not been evaluated at molecular cytogenetic level. Here, detailed karyotypes of both species were constructed using combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining, rDNA-FISH and self-genomic in situ hybridization (sGISH). For further comparison, comparative genomic in situ hybridization (cGISH) and sequence analysis of 5S rDNA were applied. Their chromosomes were accurately identified by sGISH and rDNA-FISH signals. Both species had the karyotype formula 2n = 22 = 18m + 4m-SAT, but the karyotype of C. ensiformis was shorter and more asymmetric than that of C. gladiata. They displayed similar CPD bands at all 45S rDNA sites and centromeres. C. gladiata had ten centromeric 5S rDNA loci and two SC (secondary constriction)-associated 45S rDNA loci. C. ensiformis had nine centromeric and one interstitial 5S loci, two SC-associated and one proximal 45S loci. Their sGISH signal patterns displayed both basic similarities and distinct differences. Reciprocal cGISH generated prominent signals in all pericentromeric regions and 45S sites. There was lower level of sequence identity of the non-transcribed spacer between their 5S rDNA repeats. These data confirmed the evolutionary closeness between C. gladiata and C. ensiformis and demonstrated obvious differentiation between their genomes, and supported the opinion that C. ensiformis is more advanced in evolution than C. gladiata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral nectar can affect the fitness of insect-pollinated plants, through both attraction and manipulation of pollinators. Self-incompatible insect-pollinated plants receive more insect visits than their self-compatible relatives, and the nectar of such species might face increased risk of infestation by pathogens carried by pollinators than self-compatible plants. Proteins in nectar (nectarins) play an important role in protecting the nectar, but little is known regarding nectarins in self-incompatible species., The nectarins from a self-incompatible and insect-pollinated leguminous crop, Canavalia gladiata, were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis and analysed using mass spectrometry. The predominant nectarin gene was cloned and the gene expression pattern investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. Chitinolytic activity in the nectar was tested with different substrates., The C. gladiata nectar proteome only has one predominant nectarin, an acidic class III chitinase (CaChi3). The full-length CaChi3 gene was cloned, coding for a protein of 298 amino acids with a predicted signal peptide. CaChi3 is very similar to members of the class III chitinase family, whose evolution is dominated by purifying selection. CaChi3 was expressed in both nectary and leaves. CaChi3 has thermostable chitinolytic activity according to glycol-chitin zymography or a fluorogenic substratem but has no lysozyme activity., Chitinase might be a critical protein component in nectar. The extremely simple nectar proteome in C. gladiata disproves the hypothesis that self-incompatible species always have more complex nectar proteomes. Accessibility of nectar might be a significant determinant of the evolutionary pressure to develop nectar defence mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing amount of plastic waste causes significant environmental pollution. In this study, screening of Arctic microorganisms which are able to degrade bioplastics was performed. In total, 313 microorganisms were isolated from 52 soil samples from the Arctic region (Spitsbergen). Among the isolated microorganisms, 121 (38.66%) showed biodegradation activity. The ability of clear zone formation on emulsified poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) was observed for 116 microorganisms (95.87%), on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) for 73 microorganisms (60.33%), and on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) for 102 microorganisms (84.3%). Moreover, the growth of microorganisms on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) agar plates was observed for 56 microorganisms (46.28%). Based on the 16S rRNA sequence, 10 bacterial strains which showed the highest ability for biodegradation were identified as species belonging to Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp. The isolated fungal strains were tested for polycaprolactone films and commercial corn and potato starch bags degradation under laboratory conditions. Strains 16G (based on the analysis of a partial 18S rRNA sequence, identified as Clonostachys rosea) and 16H (identified as Trichoderma sp.) showed the highest capability for biodegradation. A particularly high capability for biodegradation was observed for the strain Clonostachys rosea, which showed 100% degradation of starch films and 52.91% degradation of PCL films in a 30-day shake flask experiment. The main advantage of the microorganisms isolated from Arctic environment is the ability to grow at low temperature and efficient biodegradation under this condition. The data suggest that C. rosea can be used in natural and laboratory conditions for degradations of bioplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the successful fabrication of a novel gold surface coated with a thiol-lectin multilayer that showed specific interaction towards D-mannose sugars. Firstly, the gold surface was spontaneously modified with gliotoxin (gtx), a sulfur containing diketopiperazine isolated from marine-derived fungus, and fully characterized by electrochemical, EIS, SPR and SERS techniques. The results indicated the sulfur bridge of gtx is broken upon adsorption and the molecules are flat lying on gold with surface coverage of 2.3 × 10 −10 mol cm −2 and reductive desorption potential of −0.87 V vs Ag/AgCl, i.e. strongly chemisorbed on gold. The real-time monitoring of the immobilization of Concanavalin Br (ConBr) lectin (6.9 × 10 −12 mol cm −2 ) on the gold surface modified with gliotoxin (Au/gtx) was performed by SPR which was also used to prove the recognition capability of ConBr towards D-mannose remains active on Au/gtx. Comparative studies using 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and cysteine on gold show the interaction between the thiol layer with ConBr involves a network of hydrogen bonds and that the SAM formed with gliotoxin is the most robust monolayer. Impedimetric measurements in solution containing [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3−/4− redox probe and D-mannose sugar at different concentrations indicate hydrogen bonds are the major intermolecular contributions connecting the sugar molecules to the sugar recognition sites of ConBr where Ca 2+ and Mn 2+ ions are inserted.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.) also called Jack bean or beach bean, originates from India and China. The crop has been completely unknown in Poland and other Central European countries. Two Chinese cultivars: early and late ones, were produced in Western Poland. During the vegetation period, additional watering, staking and chemical control against aphids and bean weevils were applied. In the field, plant emergence rates, blooming period, number of seeds per pod and total seed yield were evaluated. In the laboratory, 1000 seed weight, seed germination, vigour and water absorbing capacity were evaluated. Both cultivars had good emergence rates in the field - over 60%. Only the early cultivar produced germinating seeds when grown in Poland, whereas the late one produced soft and immature seeds of the size of the wheat grain. On average, one pod had 7.3 seeds. The early cultivar gave good seed yield - 2,067.00 kg ha-1. The germination capacity of the produced seeds was over 90%. The mean germination time was shorter at 25 °C than at 15 °C. Water absorption capacity curves, although different for the 1 hour time point, were basically the same for both Chinese and Polish seeds. The total proteins content for both cultivars was almost 25%. In the climatic conditions of Western Poland in the field, it was possible to produce high amounts of seeds with high germination capacity of the early sword bean cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) is an underutilized legume that has the potential to become an important food source owing to its wide range of nutritional and medicinal properties. In May 2023, symptoms induced by a possible virus infection such as mosaic, mottling and vein banding were observed on the leaves of about 20% of the Sword bean plants growing at the experimental research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pune, Maharashtra, India., Methods and Results: Symptomatic and asymptomatic samples were screened by ELISA for the presence of Potyvirus, Cucumber mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus. All symptomatic samples tested positive for Potyvirus in ELISA as well as in RT-PCR assay using the universal potyvirus primer pair (CPUP /P9502) which amplify c. 700 bp of the partial coat protein region and 3'UTR. Asymptomatic samples tested negative for all tested viruses in both serological and molecular assays. BLASTn sequence analysis of the amplicons revealed that the sequence shares more than 98% identity with an Indian isolate of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). Sequence analysis enabled the identification of the Potyvirus as BCMV. Furthermore, the present Sword bean isolate clustered with other BCMV isolates in the phylogenetic analysis., Conclusion: In the present study, BCMV was found to be naturally infecting Sword bean for the first time in the world. This is of epidemiological importance, as BCMV is known to cause significant yield losses in legumes and could severely hamper Sword bean production., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)