Search

This research was carried out to examine the monthly changes in both the volatile oil content and volatile components of cherry laurel leaves by taking samples every month for 12 months in Turkey. Harvest periods significantly affected volatile oil content (P < 0.01). Depending on harvest periods, volatile oil ratios ranged from 0.19 to 0.35%. The months of August, July, and September yielded the highest volatile oil ratios. Benzaldehyde, phenol, benzoic acid, benzeneacetonitrile, pentadecanone, 1,54-dibromotetrapentacontane and, tetrapentacontane were determined as components in the volatile oil. The ratio of benzaldehyde, the main active ingredient, varied between 83.89 and 94.41%, depending on the harvest time. The cherry laurel leaf should be harvested in July, August, and September for high essential oil ratios and in May, June, and July for high benzaldehyde ratios. Due to the high concentration of benzaldehyde in its volatile oil, cherry laurel evergreen leaf can be considered a valuable source of raw materials for the fragrance and pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 50 Iranian fennel landraces from different phenological types were evaluated for their oil content and fatty acid profile. Landraces were categorized into three phenological groups: late (180 days), medium (140 days) and early maturing habits (110 days). The highest fatty acid content among the early, medium, and late maturity types were detected in Hamedan (19.5%), Marvdasht (23%), and Sari (21%), respectively. The highest yield of oil per square meter among the early, medium, and late maturing types were detected in Fasa (65.3 ml/m2), Meshkin Shahr (92.5 ml/m2), and Sari (71.4 ml/m2), respectively. The main components of fatty acid profile were petroseli nic/oleic acid (52-64%), linoleic acid (26-39%), palmitic acid (0.3-4.1 %), stearic acid (1.3-2.4%), linolenic acid (0.6-3.6%), and myristic acid (0.35-1.07%). It was observed that landraces with high petroselinic and oleic acid content originated from areas with dry and warm environments, while landraces with high linoleic acid content originate d from regions with a humid and cool climate. This pattern shows potential evolutionary adaption of biochemical pathways to the enviro -nmental condition. Our data showed that fennel oil contains a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and a higher ratio of monouns aturated to polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, our results indicated that bitter fennel, as a medicinal plant, has a high potential for oil production and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The saffron contained on an average 12.88 per cent moisture and volatile matter, 119.77 (E 1%/1cm) coloring strength, 55.85 per cent (on dry matter basis) aqueous extract, 6.56 per cent floral waste, 2.47 per cent (on dry basis) nitrogen, 4.57 per cent total ash and 0.57 per cent acid insoluble ash, 4.63 per cent crude fibre and 4.83 per cent total oil content respectively. None of the sample of saffron exceeded the extraneous matter content of 1 per cent (maximum limit under PFA), so far analyzed. The extracted material from pure saffron in 80 per cent ethanol was subjected to thin layer chromatography resolved in 3 major distinct and 3 minor yellow orange spots. While adulterated samples gave more than 6 spots with different colors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non - Conventional Seeds are being considered in the study due to their sole chemical compositions and functional properties. Black cumin seeds, frequently known as Black Seeds or Kalojeera in Bengali, are conventionally used for nutritional and medicinal purposes in Middle, Eastern and Western countries.The core objective of this analysis was to assess the foremost nutrients of Bangladeshi black cumin seeds and depiction of its oil. The proximate analysis indicated the seeds as a fibrous food containing pH 5.63 and also a good source of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid that were found subsequently in the amount of 29.18, 18.09 and 32.74 gm%. Its mineral content is also calculated to be rich where Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe) were determined at the amount of 579.33, 510.30, 218.33, 100, 91.5 and 41.80 mg/100gm, respectively. Screening for secondary metabolites showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins at the amount of 10.11, 3.78, 7.58 and 2.21 mg/100gm consequently. Primary characterization of seeds extracts oil indicated it as a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacha inchi ( Plukenetia volubilis L.) is native to the Peruvian Amazon and is recognised in other parts of the world as a sustainable crop with viable commercial applications. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing the sacha inchi plant as a novel source of oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. This review presents information on the major and minor chemical components, health effects and utilization of different parts (seeds, seed shells and leaves) of this plant. In particular, the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of sacha inchi seed oil are described. The whole sacha inchi plant has been utilized to generate nutritional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products with the goal to maximize its economic value. The sacha inchi plant may become a valuable resource for high value-added compounds used in many diverse food and non-food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Despite the importance of oilseeds to worldwide human nutrition, and more recently to the production of bio‐based diesel fuels, the detailed mechanisms regulating seed oil biosynthesis remain only partly understood, especially from a tissue‐specific perspective. Here, we investigated the spatial distributions of lipid metabolites and transcripts involved in oil biosynthesis from seeds of two low‐erucic acid genotypes of Brassica napus with high and low seed‐oil content. Integrated results from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) of lipids in situ, lipidome profiling of extracts from seed tissues, and tissue‐specific transcriptome analysis revealed complex spatial distribution patterns of lipids and transcripts. In general, it appeared that many triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine species distributed heterogeneously throughout the embryos. Tissue‐specific transcriptome analysis identified key genes involved in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastid, triacylglycerols assembly and lipid droplet packaging in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that may contribute to the high or low oil phenotype and heterogeneity of lipid distribution. Our results imply that transcriptional regulation represents an important means of impacting lipid compartmentalization in oil seeds. While much information remains to be learned about the intricacies of seed oil accumulation and distribution, these studies highlight the advances that come from evaluating lipid metabolism within a spatial context and with multiple omics level datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese deficiency in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] reduces seed yield and alters the oil profile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar Mn fertilizer on seed yield, protein and oil concentration, and the oil profile of transgenic high-oleic soybean ('Plenish') and soybean with a normal oil profile (referred to here as "conventional"). Research trials were established in 2014 and 2015 at two locations in Ohio. Treatments included soybean cultivar (four to six Plenish cultivars and two conventional cultivars) and foliar Mn fertilizer application at the R3 soybean growth stage (none, Mn--SO4, and Mn--EDTA). In 2014, the Mn--SO4 application increased soybean seed yield by 140 kg ha-1 at the Wood County location where soybean plants were deficient in Mn. Although Mn-SO4 also supplies S, no S deficiencies were detected. At the other three site-years, soybean seed yield was not affected by Mn application. Manganese application did not influence the oil or protein content of the soybean seed or alter the oil profile. The high-oleic cultivars produced similar yield to the conventional cultivars at the Wood County location both years. In 2014 and 2015 at the Clark County location, the high-oleic cultivars yielded 410 and 270 kg ha-1 less than cultivars with a conventional oil profile, respectively. Plenish soybean cultivars did not need to be managed differently from the conventional soybean cultivars tested in terms of Mn foliar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput (HT) precision phenotyping of agronomic traits is important for well-founded, rapid selection decisions in plant breeding. This applies especially to nondestructive measurement of single-seed oil content, for which an HT platform has recently become available. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the suitability of this HT platform for measuring seed mass, oil mass, and oil content in various oil crops, (ii) to determine the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements, and (iii) to discuss technical adjustments required for specific crops. Seeds of canola (Brassica napus L.), castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L), jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.), maize (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were measured repeatedly using a randomized complete block design. Additionally, the oil content of bulks of seeds from two crops was determined by wet chemistry analysis. Repeatability of all three traits recorded via the HT platform generally exceeded 98% in all seven crops. Oil content of bulks determined by wet chemistry analysis was almost perfectly correlated (R² > 99.9%) with the mean of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of single seeds from these bulks. To warrant precise results and smooth operation, yielding an average throughput of ~600 seeds h-1, technical modifications in certain modules of the HT platform are required to accommodate the size, geometry, and oil content of seeds from different crops. In conclusion, the HT platform demonstrated high repeatability and accuracy of measurements, which opens up several fields of application in plant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of plant-based foods and beverages is becoming increasingly popular because of growing consumer concerns about perceived ethical, health, and environmental issues. The current study examined the influence of oil droplet concentration on the physicochemical properties of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized with a plant-based surfactant. Emulsions were utilized as model creamers, which consisted of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) as the oil phase and quillaja saponin as a plant-based surfactant. The optical, rheological and stability properties of these model creamers were measured at varied oil content from 0 to 15%, at a constant surfactant-to-oil ratio (1:15). The model creamers had an appearance similar to that of commercial non-dairy creamers, and their whiteness increased with increasing droplet concentration due to enhanced light scattering: L* from 77 to 91 for creamer and L* from 5 to 55 for white coffee. The quillaja saponin-coated lipid droplets were stable to aggregation and gravitational separation when added to hot acidic coffee solutions (85°C, pH 4.9), which was attributed to strong steric and electrostatic repulsions. The apparent viscosity of the model creamers increased with increasing droplet concentration due to increased frictional losses associated with the presence of the droplets. This study provides valuable information into the impact of oil content on the physicochemical properties of liquid creamers using plant based surfactants, which is important for the formulation of healthier products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ceres is the property of Revista Ceres and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the biochemical response of mustard to naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Six levels of NAA such as G0 (no NAA or control), G1 (30 ppm ha-1), G2 (50 ppm ha-1), G3 (70 ppm ha-1), G4 (90 ppm ha-1) and G5 (110 ppm ha-1) were tested. The leaf chlorophyll content was recorded at 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after emergence (DAE). The NAA significantly influenced the biochemical property. The highest chlorophyll level was recorded in 70 ppm NAA ha-1 at 50 DAE. At 45 DAE, the highest nitrogen content was noted in 70 ppm NAA ha-1. The 70 ppm NAA ha-1 also showed the maximum oil content. The minimum acid value, peroxide and saponification values were found in 70 ppm NAA ha-1. The maximum iodine value was observed in 70 ppm NAA ha-1. Nonessential chemicals likes stearic, palmitic and erucic acid were augmented in the mustard with a decrease in the NAA level while necessary fatty acids were highest in 70 ppm NAA ha-1. It is suggested that 70 ppm NAA ha-1 can be used to grow quality mustard plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladophora glomerataalgal oil is extracted using modified Soxhlet extraction method. Maximum oil percentage is found to be 18 w/w% from methanol-chloroform solvent mixtures at 65°C for a time extent of 3.5 h. The parameters such as dryness of biomass, extraction time, choice of solvent, and use of co-solvent along with primary solvent are optimized in order to enhance the yield of bio oil production. The algal oil functional groups and composition are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Further, basic fuel properties were determined to characterize oil quality of the algal oil according to ASTM, AOCS, and IS/ISO standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leguminous crops suffer severely in soils poor in phosphorus. The experiment was conducted in college form college of agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to explore the effect of Bio and Nano P fertilizer (soil application of bio and nano P @65 kg ha-1and foliar application of bio Phosphorus @2 and 4ml l-1 and nano Phosphorus @1 and 2ml l-1respectively) in terms of yield and yield attributes and quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L). DAP was applied as basal dose, while bio and nano phosphorus was applied according to the treatments. Concerning the main effects, bio phosphorus proved superior or equivalent to nano phosphorus gave the greatest values for yield and yield parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid biosynthesis is a primary metabolic pathway that occurs in plastids, whereas the formation of glycerolipid molecules for the majority of cellular membrane systems and the deposition of storage lipid in seeds takes place in the cytosolic compartment. In this report, we present a study of an Arabidopsis mutant, ar21, with a novel seed fatty acid phenotype showing higher contents of eicosanoic acid (20:1) and oleic acid (18:1) and a reduced level of α-linolenic acid (18:3). A combination of map-based cloning and whole-genome sequencing identified the genetic basis underlying the fatty acid phenotype as a lesion in the plant-specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIFiso4G1. Transcriptome analysis on developing seeds revealed a reduced level of plastid-encoded genes. Specifically, decreases in both transcript and protein levels of an enzyme involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, the β-subunit of the plastidic heteromeric acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ht ACCase) encoded by accD, were evident in the mutant. Biochemical assays showed that the developing seeds of the mutant possessed a decreased ht ACCase activity in the plastid but an elevated activity of homomeric acetyl-CoA carboxylase (hm ACCase). These results suggested that the increased 20:1 was attributable at least in part to the enhanced cytosolic hm ACCase activity. We also detected a significant repression of FATTY ACID DESATURASE 3 ( FAD3) during seed development, which correlated with a decreased 18:3 level in seed oil. Together, our study on a mutant of eIFiso4G1 uncovered multifaceted interactions between the cytosolic and plastidic compartments in seed lipid biosynthesis that impact major seed oil traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, apricot seed oil (ASO) was extracted by using either cold-press (CP-ASO) or solvent extraction (SEASO) method. The effect of the extraction methods on chemical composition, antioxidant activity, oxidative stability and color of apricot seed oil was determined. Oleic acid with more than 70% ratio was the major fatty acid. The concentration of tocopherol isomers was in the order of γ>α>δ>β for both types of oils. Lag phase formation of lipid hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and rancimat induction period of SE-ASO were greater than those of CP-ASO's. Results indicated that extraction method did not influence the fatty acid composition, TAG composition, total phenolic content and color values of apricot seed oils, but it had a significant effect on tocopherol content, antioxidant activity and oxidative stability of oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levisticum officinaleKoch is one of the most important plants producing essential oil. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of drought stress on growth, total protein and essential oil content ofL. officinale.The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design using five replications. Aridity levels of field capacity irrigation (as control), −0.6 and −1.0 MPa were applied. There was a significant effect of aridity on the leaf area inL. officinale. The highest leaf area values were found in the lowest aridity (FC) level. The root weight and root length in the −0.6 MPa aridity level were more than that of the control aridity level, but shoot height and shoot weight were highest in the control treatment. The total soluble protein content under −0.6 MPa drought stress was numerically lower than that in the control treatment, but statistically there was no significant difference between protein contents in the −0.6 MPa and the control treatment. Compared to the control treatment, the total soluble protein content ofL. officinalesignificantly decreased in the −1.0 MPa drought treatment. The essential oil content ofL. officinalewas significantly increased in the −0.6 MPa drought treatment compared to the control. Compared to control treatment, a significant reduction was found in essential oil content ofL. officinalein the −1.0 MPa aridity treatment. The results suggest that in the drought levels between −0.6 and −1.0 MPa,L. officinalecould be used for arid and semi-arid lands economical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipases are known to have important functions in many physiological processes in plants. Here, we cloned a lipase gene via Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) technique from Brassica napus L., designated as BnDIL1 (B. napus Desiccation- Induced Lipase 1). The lipase enzyme activity was confirmed by estimating the lipase activity and reduced lipids content in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pep4) transformant. Two B. napus lines with different oil contents were employed to examine the transcription profiles of BnDIL1 during the processes of seed morphogenesis, maturation, dormancy, pregermination and germination. The transcription level of lipid degradation pathway was enhanced during the processes of seed maturation, dormancy, pregermination and germination, and was higher in seeds of low oil-contents line than that of high oil-contents line. However, BnDIL1 was significantly activated when seed desiccation started. Both "slow desiccation" and "fast desiccation" treatments on seedlings dramatically activated the transcription of BnDIL1, while only "slow desiccation" stress, which would induce the cell apoptosis, significantly activated the transcription of lipid degradation gene. This result demonstrated that BnDIL1 in B. napus was desiccation stress dependent gene rather than fatty acids degradation gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing interest in Camelina sativa over the last decade has been provoked by its various applications as sources of biodiesel, edible oil or fodder. Evaluation of morphological traits and productive potential of some plant genetic resources of the ex situ collection of the National gene bank of Bulgaria has been presented. Field trials of three cultivars with different origins and one local landrace in three succeeding years on two different soil types were conducted. Vegetation period of all accessions were short - up to 80 days. They had good lodging resistance, but serious shattering of pods, resulting in significant losses of grain. The poor nutrition regime was another reason for the low grain yields - up to 745 kg ha-1 variety Roye (Poland). The oil content of camelina seed reach 38.8 percent. With average seed yield of 745 kg ha-1 at 7.5% seed moisture the productive potential for oil yield of Roye is 289.2 l ha-1. The analyses of fatty acid composition of evaluated Camelina sativa accessions differ from the reported results for other researches. Highest composition is detected for MFA - oleic acid - 25.9% (the local landrace), Polland variety Sortadinskiy produces maximum 19.1% eicosenoic acid, Erucic acid varies strongly - 0.4% (Hoga) and 0.5% (Bulgarian landrace) up to 5.3% of the oil content (Polland varieties). Polyunsaturated fatty acids have a smaller percent of the total acid composition then other researchers report. Linoleic acid reached maximum 18.5% in the local landrace. The content of eicosadienoic acid is around 1.3 - 1.4% in the seeds of all camelina accessions. From the saturated fatty acids major component in camelina seed is palmitic acid - 12.5% (Sortadinskiy), followed by stearic acid - up to 4.2% (Sortadinskiy). Successful cultivation of Camelina sativa in Bulgaria could be achieved after improvement of nutrition regime by mineral or organic fertilization, optimization of practices for prevention of the shattering of seed pods and losses of great amounts of seeds by appropriate date and harvest machinery or breeding new varieties with better shattering resistance and harder pods' shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil content and fatty acid compositions of 12 oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes (G), selected from 500 G, with high linolenic acid (LIN), were grown under six ecological environments (E) in China. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The oil content ranged from 36.71 to 41.93% with a mean value of 39.37%. The genotype FX-16 (41.93%) had the highest oil content. Among all stations, Zhangbei Research Station had the highest oil content (41.32%). Zhangya 2 had the highest LIN (55.33%), which was followed by STS (51.85%) and TY-58 (51.20%). Zhangbei Research Station had the highest LIN (55.16%) followed by Yili Research Station (53.43%). The oil content was positively correlated with linoleic acid (LIO) and LIN, whereas it was negatively associated with palmitic (PAL), stearic (STE), and oleic (OLE) acid. Palmitic acid was negatively correlated with LIO and LIN. These results suggested that E factors (i.e., combinations of diurnal temperature fluctuations, sunshine duration, illumination intensity, rainfall, wind, humidity) strongly influenced the fatty acid composition of different G of oilseed flax. There is a strong G × E interaction for the fatty acid composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was envisaged to know the performance of hybrids developed and to characterize the parents for their combining ability for yield and yield components. The experiment was conducted with 90 hybrids with their 19 parents using two replications. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant female x male interaction for all the traits under study. The parents, JCS 9426, JCS 96, JCS 2012 (females) and TSES-POL 05, TSES-POL 02, TSES-POL 04, TSES-POL 06 (males) were found to be good general combiners for seed yield per plant. LGP 12-16 and JCS 1920 (females) and TSES-POL 02, TSES-POL 03 and TSES-POL 04 (males) were found to be good general combiners for oil content. The best hybrids on the basis of sca effects were JCS 2012 x TSES-POL 09 for total number of capsules per plant, LGP 12-16 x TSES-POL 02 for 1000 seed weight, JCS 96 x TSES-POL 05 for seed yield per plant, JCS 9426 x TSES-POL 02 for seed yield per plot and JCS 2012 x TSES-POL 06 for oil content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of zinc (Zn), boron (B) and sulphur (S) on the yield and quality of groundnut in a field experiment with three levels of Zn (0, 5, 10 kg Zn ha-1 as Zn-EDTA as basal), two levels of B (0 and 0.25% boric acid as foliar spray) and three levels of S (0, 25, 50 kg S ha-1as CaSO4.2H2O) in a factorial RBD were studied. Basal application of Zn @ 5 and 10 kg ha- 1 caused an increase in nut yield by 3.7% and 28.3% respectively over control, whereas, application of S @ 25 and 50 kg ha-1 increased the nut yield by 38.3% and 56.6% respectively over control. Conjoint application of Zn @ 10 kg ha-1 and S @ 50 kg ha-1 caused an increase in nut yield up to 73.4% over the control. Results, therefore, revealed that conjoint effect of S and Zn towards nut yield was more effective than that of B application. Application of Zn, S and B significantly increased their nutrient uptake in nuts. On an average, S, Zn and B uptake by groundnut ranged from 11.4 to 21.0 kg ha-1, 0.14 to 0.40 kg ha-1 and 0.12 to 0.25 kg ha-1, respectively. Integrated mode of application of Zn, B and S showed a positive interaction as yield increase with their uptake in groundnut. Oil content in nuts ranged from 45.3 to 54.4%, while iodine value ranged from 97.8 to 90.5%. Application of S and Zn significantly increased the oil content, while it significantly decreased the iodine value in groundnut. So, application of micronutrients viz. Zn and B as well as S fertilization could be a useful strategy not only to increase the yield but also the quality of groundnut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of sludge to soil for increasing crop productivity has become an alternative to chemical fertilizers in many countries. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of tannery sludge (TS) under two soil types viz coarse soil (Set A) and fine soil (Set B) on oil yield, metal uptake and antioxidant activity of Ocimum basilicum . Experimental data showed that increased biomass and oil yield were observed at 50:50 ratio of sludge and soil of both Sets. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) played a major role in metal uptake which was showed by step wise regression model. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity went down in 100% TS, however peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline activity was maximum in 100% TS. POD act as a better intrinsic defense tool to resist the heavy metals present in TS. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that soil properties should be taken into consideration for predicting heavy metal accumulation in plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study essential oil compositions from leaves, stems and immature flowers of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. from Malaysia and their cytotoxicity effects were investigated. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and the composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The cytotoxicity of the essential oils was evaluated by MTT assay. The oil yields of leaves, stems and immature flowers of the plant represented 1.40, 0.57 and 0.46 %, respectively, based on dry weight. Fifteen major compounds were identified represented 98.8, 97.5 and 99.5% of the compounds in the leaves, stems and immature flowers, respectively. Monoterpenes hydrocarbons were predominant in the three oil samples. The flower oil was the highest in oxygenated monoterpenes content (19.6%). The most abundant compounds in the three essential oils were γ-terpinene, as a principal oil component (57.4-72.5%) followed by o-cymene (14.6-26.3%) and terpinen-4-ol (6.6-16.2%). E. camaldulensis leaves essential oil demonstrated cytotoxic effects in three tested cancer cell lines; WEHI-3, HT-29 and HL-60. WEHI-3 was the most sensitive with IC50 16.1. The essential oil exhibited less cytotoxic effects in HT-29 and HL-60 cells (IC50=50.5 and 42.1, respectively). Also, it exhibited a weak cytotoxic effect in RAW 264.7 cells. The main component of the oil, y-terpinene also, showed a very weak cytotoxic effect in the tested cell lines without reaching IC50 values within the studied concentration ranges. These findings add significant information to the pharmacological effects of E. camaldulensis essential oil and to its cytotoxic properties, thus justifying and reinforcing the pharmaceutical use of this plant oil. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments have been organized in the Topolovăţ area, part of the physical and geographic unit of Banat - Crişana plain. Studying the map of the climate types on the Romanian territory, we found out that the location of the research is within the mild temperate-continental climate located at the interference of the climate province sector having oceanic influences with the climate province sector having Mediterranean influences. The experiments performed within this territory have been located on a preluvosol vertic soil type with in-depth stagnogleization. The soil reaction is mild acid between 0-25 cm (pH-5,40). The humus content is at moderate level: between 0-36 cm (2,79%). The experiments have been bi-factorial. The factors taken into consideration within this experiment have been: - A factor - seeding period; - B factor - originThe researches regarding the influence of the seeding period over the crop on 5 having Perilla ocymoides origins, have revealed that in comparison with the average crop of 980 kg/ha obtained from the culture seeded during the period 10th -15th of April, seeding during the period 20th -25th of April, the nucules crop has increased to 1242 kg/ha, i.e. 28%. The highest average crop of 1360 kg/ha has been obtained when the seeding has been performed during the period 30th of April - 5th of May when the soil temperature has been above 10-12°C. The crop increase has been of 39%, therefore obtaining a significant variation of 380 kg/ha. From the studied origins we have noticed Italy with a yield of 1479 kg/ha when the seeding has been performed during the period 30th of April - 5th of May, followed by those having origins in Turkey (1384 kg/ha) and in Italy 1 (1371 kg/ha) seeded during the same period. The average oil content measured for the 5 researched biotypes has fluctuated depending on the seeding period: 47,0% and 48,8%. The oil production has been of 600 kg/ha in case of the culture seeded during the period 30th of April - 5th of May, with 33% higher than the oil production registered for the culture seeded during the period 30th of April - 5th of May. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widening of the narrow genetic base of Jatropha curcas through germplasm collection, diversity study and evaluation is needed to bring about much needed improvement in its seed yield and oil content. This study was carried out to profile the divergence patterns of 45 Jatropha curcas from three populations (Kelantan, Selangor and Terengganu) and to evaluate their yield over a period of three years. Eleven (11) morphological traits together with ISSR markers were used in this study. The percentage of polymotphism for the ISSR markers among the three populations was very high, ranging from 90.38-100%. Shannon information index (I) and expected heterozygosity (He) were found to be highest in the Kelantan population, at 0.58 and 0.40 respectively. Genetic differentiation (Analysis of molecular variance) expressed as fixation index (0.46) revealed that variations within the population accounted for about 100% of the total variation. Interestingly, the cluster analysis based on molecular and morphological traits, as presented in the dendrogram, grouped the 45 accessions into seven and five clusters respectively. For morphological traits, variability in terms of coefficient of variation (CV) was very high, as much as 53.19 and 51 % in total number of seeds and oil yield/ha. Small differences were seen between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (≤ 10%) for the yield trait. Broad sense heritability for virtually all the yield and yield components was very high (≥ 67.8). Accessions B-01- 03, D-01-06, T-01-06, B-06-02 have been identified and recommended for further evaluation under field conditions before they are chosen for future breeding programmes for seed yield and oil improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was made to study the general and specific combining ability in sesame through 6 x 6 diallel analysis for yield and yield contributing characters viz., days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, height to first capsule, number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, length of capsule, width of capsule, number of capsules per plant, number of capsules per leaf axil, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, oil content and seed yield per plant. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that the mean squares due to GCA were higher than the corresponding mean squares due to SCA for days to 50 % flowering, plant height, height to first capsule, number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, number of capsules per leaf axil and oil content indicating the predominance of the additive type of gene action in the inheritance of these characters. Based on general combining ability, the parents G.Til-1, Borda-1, G.Til-2 and G.Til-10 were good general combiners for seed yield per plant, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, length of capsule, number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule. Borda-1 x G.Til-10, Kalyanpur-2 x Borda-1, G.Til-1 x Borda-1 and G.Til-2 x China were best specific combiners for seed yield and its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty one genotypes of soybean were evaluated to determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for 15 contributing characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant variations for all characters. The estimates of phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients of variation indicated that the values of PCV were higher than that of GCV, but the differences were closer between these two estimates for all the traits. This indicated that expression of characters under study was less influenced due to environmental factors. The high values of GCV and PCV were observed for number of clusters per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and plant height indicating presence of sufficient genetic variability for selection in these traits. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance for plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of primary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant and number of pods per plant suggested selection could be effective for these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of the volatile constituents of the aerial parts of G. collinum Stephan ex Willd. and G. transversale Vved. ex Pavlov found in Uzbekistan. Various findings regarding composition of volatile constituents are presented. Composition of essential oil in G. columbinum L. and G. lucidum L. are also analysed.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the only commercial species of the Manihot genus, cultivated for its starchy tuber roots. However, cassava seeds are known to be rich in oils and fats, there are scant reports on the content and properties of oil from cassava seeds and its wild relatives. Wild Manihot species usually produce a higher number of seeds with a large diversity in shape and weight. Seeds of 106 accessions belonging to 12 species of Manihot from the collection of Embrapa Cassava and Fruits were evaluated for oil content by NMR and fatty acids composition by gas chromatography. The oil content ranged from 17.2% (M. caerulescens) to 30.7% (M. flabellifolia) and the species clustered into eight different groups based on the oil content. Five fatty acids were found in all species with the average content of the fatty acids being: linoleic (C18:2) 61.5%; oleic (C18:1) 20.0%; palmitic (C16:0) 12.3%; stearic (C18:0) 4.5%; and linolenic (C18:3) 1.7%. The content of fatty acids varied significantly between species as well as between accessions within a species. The highest content of linoleic acid was in seeds of M. peruviana, M. pseudoglaziovii, M. cecropiaefolia, M. flabellifolia, M. glaziovii and M. carthaginensis (average of 65%); and the highest level of oleic acid was in M. caerulescens, M. esculenta, M. anomala, M. dichotoma and M. tomentosa (average of 23%). The collection of Embrapa's Manihot germplasm is a valuable source for cassava breeding programs, containing a large variability in seed size, oil content and fatty acid composition. The oil from seeds of wild Manihot species may be equally valuable for industrial uses as oil from seeds of other Euphorbiaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alkaline transesterification of Silybum marianum seed oil to biodiesel using methanol and ethanol was studied. The two methods used were conventional stirring (600rpm) and ultrasonication (40kHz). Oil was extracted from the seeds, followed by physico-chemical properties' determination and transesterification to biodiesel. The seeds contained 46% oil which had low free fatty acids (FFA) (0.68%). Linoleic acid (65.68%) was the main composition of the oil. Ultrasonication transesterification with methanol gave the highest yield (95.75%) after 20min. Yields of methyl esters were higher than respective yields of ethyl esters. Using first order reaction kinetics model, the reaction rate constants were 2.3×10−2 s−1 and 7.0×10−3 s−1 for ultrasonication using methanol and ethanol, respectively. With the exception of oxidative stability (2.1h) and iodine values (132-methyl and 133-ethyl esters), properties out of range but can easily be improved, the remaining properties including cetane number, flash point and the cold flow ones of both methyl and ethyl esters were similar and comparable to Chinese, ASTM and European Union standards. The findings of this study complement with the abundance of S. marianum oil at cultivation and silymarin industrial production as by-product indicates its potentially new non-edible feedstock for biodiesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Potential of biodiesel production from crude Moringa oleifera oil. [•] Characterization of M. oleifera biodiesel and its blend with diesel fuel. [•] Evaluation of M. oleifera biodiesel blend in a diesel engine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study evaluated the effects of salinity on thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) plants grown alone and in combination with each other. After transplanting, two-month-old plants received nutrient solutions supplemented with 0, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for 21 d. Thyme and lavender grown alone were each more tolerant to salt stress than thyme and lavender grown together. In the 100 mM NaCl treatment, all lavender plants grown with thyme died. In thyme, the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents of the roots increased. Ethylene production in thyme was stimulated by salinity only in plants that interacted with lavender. However, in lavender, ethylene production was not influenced by the presence of thyme. The production of essential oils (EOs) was increased by salinity in thyme plants, whereas the EO production of lavender plants depended on the presence of thyme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We have previously investigated the effects of different solid carriers on the survival ofBradyrhizobium japonicum. With respect to the important effects of microbial carriers for the inoculation and maintenance of microbial populations. Because to our knowledge there has been no data regarding the effects of liquid carriers including olive oil on the survival ofB. japonicum, this research work was performed. The objectives were to: 1) characterize and select the most suitable liquid carries, and 2) study the effects of oil carrier on improving the bacterial performance, and their survival rate on the inoculated seeds. Accordingly, the effects of olive oil on the survival rates ofB. japonicum, strain CB 1809 was studied using five different liquid carriers. According to the data use of olive oil may be a suitable method to improve the properties of liquid carriers for the production ofrhizobiuminoculums. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: To describe the technique of injecting Lipiodol in the submucosa of the urinary bladder wall as a novel modality to improve localization of muscle-invasive bladder tumors before image-guided radiation therapy. Technical Considerations: Eight patients underwent submucosal Lipiodol injections at transurethral bladder tumor reresection. A rigid cystoscope with a working port was used to inject Lipiodol into bladder submucosa circumferentially around the tumor bed (2-3 mm from margin of resection). Approximately 20-30 injections were used to demarcate the tumor bed for external beam radiation therapy, which was used as part of a bladder-sparing approach. All patients were diagnosed with clinically localized, high-grade, muscle-invasive carcinoma and were deemed nonsurgical candidates or were unwilling to undergo radical cystectomy. Five of the 8 patients received radiation at our institution. Lipiodol injections (95%) were visible on treatment planning computed tomographic scans and kilovoltage portal images throughout the 7-week course of image-guided radiation therapy. In 2 of 5 patients, the tumor bed based on Lipiodol extended outside a planning target volume that would have been treated with radiation therapy based on cystoscopy reports and computed tomographic scans without Lipiodol. There were no adverse events or treatment-related toxicities secondary to Lipiodol injection. Conclusion: Intravesical Lipiodol injection is an easy-to-perform technique that is safe and effective. Lipiodol serves as a fiducial marker that improves tumor bed localization for radiation therapy, thereby reducing the likelihood of missing the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Desmodium species are adapted to the environment of Griffin, Georgia, USA. The determination of flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions of 25 Desmodium accessions representing five species (D. discolor Vogel, D. incanum (G.Mey.) DC., D. intortum (Mill.) Urb., D. sandwicense E. Mey. and D. tortuosum (Sw.) DC.) would add value to the members of the genus Desmodium for possible use as livestock health supplements. In this study, the seeds of these 25 accessions were evaluated for flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions using high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography, respectively. Several accessions exhibited significantly greater values for all the traits than the controls. The Desmodium accessions produced significantly greater concentrations of quercetin and kaempferol than the best control accession (D. incanum, PI 477072). However, all the Desmodium accessions produced significantly greater concentrations of isorhamnetin and luteolin than the control accessions. All the Desmodium accessions had greater linoleic (18:2) and behenic (22:0) acid content than a couple of D. incanum control accessions in 2010 and 2011. Significant correlations were observed between several traits. The concentration of quercetin was significantly correlated with that of kaempferol (r2= 0.69***); however, the concentration of quercetin exhibited a significantly negative correlation (r2= − 0.41*) with that of isorhamnetin. Oil content was significantly correlated with palmitic acid (r2= 0.61**), stearic acid (r2= 0.81***), linolenic acid (r2= 0.58**) and lignoceric acid (r2= 0.80***) content. This information will assist breeders and other scientists in developing superior cultivars with optimum levels of flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions for many of these Desmodium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of wild and cultivated species of Luffa were studied to determine the variability in morphological (seed size, colour, seed-coat surface and 100-seed weight) and biochemical (oil and protein) characteristics. A total of 80 accessions of three cultivated species (71 accessions) and three wild species (9 accessions) of Luffa under the present investigation from diverse regions (12 states of five regions) of India showed variations in seed size, colour, seed-coat surface, 100-seed weight, and seed protein and oil contents both within the accessions of the same species and between different species. Significant variability in seed morphological traits was observed. Both seed oil and soluble seed protein contents were highest in some accessions of the cultivated species (25–27% oil and 8–10% protein, respectively, on a fresh seed weight basis). Using the 2D scatter plot diagram derived from the principal components analysis, the morphological and biochemical traits of the 80 Luffa accessions classified the wild species into one cluster (cluster I) and the cultivated species into a second major cluster (cluster II). The present investigation on the correlation between seed morphology and biochemical traits in the cultivated and wild species of Luffa can help in identifying the genotypes of Luffa species with valuable traits for further exploring the potential of this valuable crop as a source of edible oil, food and fodder in edible seed types or as a source of industrial oil/biodiesel in non-edible seed types. The protein-rich seed could be further explored to be utilized in the fortification of food products for value addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was carried out to determine the variability in oil content with the aim to identify genotypes of argan tree expressing high oil yield. The 150 argan trees were collected from five provenances in south west of Morocco over 3 years (2008–2010) and were screened from their oil content using Soxhlet method based on the 840 samples. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to study the genetic variation between and within provenances. According to the results on the mean of the 3 years, the oil content was ranged from 38.45 to 62.54 %. The genotypes from Aoulouz and Had Dra expressing high oil yield. Variance components for fruit, seed, kernel traits and oil content showed significant differences ( P < 0.01) among years, provenances, genotypes and their interaction. Principal component analysis proved that fruit, seed, kernel, weight traits are correlated with oil content and are discriminate characters between the genotypes. The results of the cluster analysis support the results of the principal component analysis, showing no correlation between oil content with geographical localization parameters. For all the promising genotypes, at least 25 % were found to be better and exceed the oil mean of the provenance for 3 years. So, 31 promising elite genotypes were preselected, and open new ways for future comparative test of them in diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Association analysis is an alternative to conventional family-based methods to detect the location of gene(s) or quantitative trait loci (QTL) and provides relatively high resolution in terms of defining the genome position of a gene or QTL. Seed protein and oil concentration are quantitative traits which are determined by the interaction among many genes with small to moderate genetic effects and their interaction with the environment. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed protein and oil concentration in 298 soybean germplasm accessions exhibiting a wide range of seed protein and oil content. Results A total of 55,159 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using various methods including Illumina Infinium and GoldenGate assays and 31,954 markers with minor allele frequency >0.10 were used to estimate linkage disequilibrium (LD) in heterochromatic and euchromatic regions. In euchromatic regions, the mean LD (r2) rapidly declined to 0.2 within 360 Kbp, whereas the mean LD declined to 0.2 at 9,600 Kbp in heterochromatic regions. The GWAS results identified 40 SNPs in 17 different genomic regions significantly associated with seed protein. Of these, the five SNPs with the highest associations and seven adjacent SNPs were located in the 27.6-30.0 Mbp region of Gm20. A major seed protein QTL has been previously mapped to the same location and potential candidate genes have recently been identified in this region. The GWAS results also detected 25 SNPs in 13 different genomic regions associated with seed oil. Of these markers, seven SNPs had a significant association with both protein and oil. Conclusions This research indicated that GWAS not only identified most of the previously reported QTL controlling seed protein and oil, but also resulted in narrower genomic regions than the regions reported as containing these QTL. The narrower GWAS-defined genome regions will allow more precise marker-assisted allele selection and will expedite positional cloning of the causal gene(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Argentina, the climatic pattern of the olive production areas is characterised by a marked water deficit during winter and spring months. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of water availability during the pre-flowering-flowering period on vegetative, reproductive and yield responses of olive trees grown in central Argentina. From the end of autumn to mid-spring, four irrigation treatments were imposed to olive trees ( Olea europaea, cv. Arbequina and Manzanilla) at 0, 25, 50 and 75% estimated crop evapotranspiration ( ETc). Also, a control treatment was kept at 100% ETc for the entire year. For the first crop year evaluated, water deficit applied at early June, approximately 4 months prior to bloom, reduced the vegetative shoot growth and delayed the flowering time, resulting in shortening of the fruit maturation period and, ultimately, decreased fructification. Trees irrigated with high (75% of ETc) and full (100% of ETc) winter-spring water supply presented significantly higher values of flower density, fruit density and final fruit yield which resulted in water productivity (kg fruits mm−1 of irrigation/ha) enhancements of about 500% (cv. Arbequina) and 330% (cv. Manzanilla) with respect to those obtained from the corresponding unirrigated treatments. Differences between treatments in oil content and composition were primarily attributed to variations in fruit maturity. Differences in fatty acid composition were stronger in cv. Arbequina where a gradual increase in oleic acid content was registered in parallel to the increase in irrigation water supply. From a practical stand point, results obtained from most of the analysed parameters were quite similar for both T75 and T100 treatments. Thus, the possible convenience of irrigation at T75% ETc should be considered since it may warrant profitable olive production while saving a considerably quantity of irrigation water in the olive production area in central Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is potential for Jatropha curcas production in South Africa especially in silvopastoral systems where the co-occurrence of oil production and grazing results in the optimal use of increasingly limited land. However, in South Africa there is a moratorium on J. curcas cultivation due to insufficient information on this species. The aim of this study was to assess the potential growth and suitability of J. curcas in silvopastoral systems. For such systems to succeed there needs to be limited competition between J. curcas and the forage component and the former must not be at risk to defoliation by livestock. The effect on the growth of 15-month old J. curcas trees by neighbouring forage species was addressed by removing planted pastures at 0, 60, 120 and 300 cm from the base of J. curcas individuals. Final height, basal diameter and percentage leaf abscission of trees with pasture removed up to 60 and 120 cm away did not differ significantly from treatments with the greatest and least amount of competition. Therefore, removing up to 60 cm will allow for growth similar to that of trees with 300 cm of pastures removal while still providing sufficient pasture for grazing. The palatability of J. curcas was determined through two two–choice and three-choice trials. Since goats spent <3.77% of their time browsing J. curcas it is a suitable candidate for silvopastoral systems provided that surrounding vegetation is removed at a recommended distance of 60 cm from the base of the tree. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2) and α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and major storage compounds in plant seed oils. Microsomal ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acid (FA) desaturases catalyze the synthesis of seed oil LA and ALA, respectively. Jatropha curcas L. seed oils contain large proportions of LA, but very little ALA. In this study, two microsomal desaturase genes, named JcFAD2 and JcFAD3, were isolated from J. curcas. Both deduced amino acid sequences possessed eight histidines shown to be essential for desaturases activity, and contained motif in the C-terminal for endoplasmic reticulum localization. Heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana confirmed that the isolated JcFAD2 and JcFAD3 proteins could catalyze LA and ALA synthesis, respectively. The results indicate that JcFAD2 and JcFAD3 are functional in controlling PUFA contents of seed oils and could be exploited in the genetic engineering of J. curcas, and potentially other plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) fruit arils contain an oil rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene and β-carotene, which can be enzymatically extracted in water. Response surface methodology was used to determine the factors influencing the enzymatic extraction of oil from gac fruit arils. A central composite design with four independent variables, namely enzyme mass per volume ratio, time, temperature and the stirring speed of the reaction, was carried out. The results show that all of these four factors have a significant effect on the oil yield recovery, with no significant interaction between these factors. Under the optimum conditions obtained (enzyme mass per volume ratio of 14.6 %, incubation time of 127 min, temperature of 58 °C and stirring speed of 162 rpm), it is estimated that the maximum oil recovery and the total carotenoid extraction per dry mass would be 79.5 % and 5.3 mg/g, respectively. There is a strong correlation between the oil recovery and total carotenoid content. The physicochemical properties of the extracted gac oil were characterised. Finally, the Schaal oven test shows that conservation time of gac oil is comparable to that of other edible oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repellency of six materials, two plant essential oil (clove and flax seed oils), two plant extracts (neem and harmal seed extracts) and two inorganic salts (silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate), toSitophilus granariusL. were evaluated. Per cent repellency (PR) was determined for each material. Repellent effects of tested materials were proportional to concentration and higher concentration has stronger effect. Neem and flax seed oils had the strongest repellence effect (100%) after 2, 4 and 6 h of treatment at concentrations of 20, 10 and 5 mL/kg grains. Repellency activity of both oils was gradually decreased with the passage of time to reach its lowest level after 12 h of treatment. Their repellency tended to class IV or stronger during the whole exposure period. Neem and harmal seed extracts had maximum repellency (98.7 and 86.5%, respectively) at highest concentration (1000 ppm), while the lowest concentration (250 ppm) had minimum repellency effects (62.9 and 71.6%, respectively). Both extracts showed potent repellent activity against the pest and repellency values ranged between class IV and class V. The repellency action of silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate followed nearly the same trend as shown in case of oil and extracts. High repellent activities of silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate (87.3 and 97.4%, respectively) were observed at concentration of 5 g/kg, whereas the lowest mean of repellency (56.4 and 41.0%) was recorded at concentration of 1.29 g/kg. Thus, both salts exhibited high repellency activity against the weevil and repellency values ranged between class III and class IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge) is an oil-rich seed shrub that grows well in cold, barren environments and has great potential for biodiesel production in China. However, the limited genetic data means that little information about the key genes involved in oil biosynthesis is available, which limits further improvement of this species. In this study, we describe sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly to produce the first comprehensive and integrated genomic resource for yellow horn and identify the pathways and key genes related to oil accumulation. In addition, potential molecular markers were identified and compiled. Methodology/Principal Findings: Total RNA was isolated from 30 plants from two regions, including buds, leaves, flowers and seeds. Equal quantities of RNA from these tissues were pooled to construct a cDNA library for 454 pyrosequencing. A total of 1,147,624 high-quality reads with total and average lengths of 530.6 Mb and 462 bp, respectively, were generated. These reads were assembled into 51,867 unigenes, corresponding to a total of 36.1 Mb with a mean length, N50 and median of 696, 928 and 570 bp, respectively. Of the unigenes, 17,541 (33.82%) were unmatched in any public protein databases. We identified 281 unigenes that may be involved in de novo fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis and metabolism. Furthermore, 6,707 SSRs, 16,925 SNPs and 6,201 InDels with high-confidence were also identified in this study. Conclusions: This transcriptome represents a new functional genomics resource and a foundation for further studies on the metabolic engineering of yellow horn to increase oil content and modify oil composition. The potential molecular markers identified in this study provide a basis for polymorphism analysis of Xanthoceras, and even Sapindaceae; they will also accelerate the process of breeding new varieties with better agronomic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of plant essential oils,Solanum chilenseandAster sedifoliusraw saponins, plant-derived colourants andBrassica carinataglucosinolate-containing tissues, for the control of seedborne fungiAlternaria dauci,Alternaria radicina,Colletotrichum lindemuthianumandAscochyta rabiei, was evaluated.In vitroassays indicated that oregano essential oil, bark chestnut-derived colourant andB. carinatameals, showed a large spectrum of activity against all pathogens.S. chilenseraw saponins were effective againstA. dauciandA. radicina, while those fromA. sedifoliusalso inhibited significantlyC. lindemuthianum. Screening showed the antifungal potential of natural compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Soybean is a major source of vegetable protein and oil in the world. Worldwide demand continues to be high and production has more than doubled in the past 20 years to a total of 264.2 million metric tons in 2011 (National Agricultural Statistics Service 2012). Much of this increase has been due to increased planting in Argentina and Brazil. But, there have been genetic gains as well. We now have powerful genetic tools and these will be useful in gene discovery and in developing selectable markers for those genes. But for traits that are quantitative and multigenic, marker assisted selection may not be practical. We are facing unprecedented changes in our climate which will require resourceful use of the new genetic tools along with standard plant breeding methodology to maintain soybean productivity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new peanut variety 'Ilpyeong' (Arachis hypogaea ssp. hypogaea L.) was developed at the Department of Functional Crop, NICS, in Milyang in 2009. This cultivar was developed from a cross between the high-yielding cultivar 'Palkwang', and the high quality cultivar 'Yudelaka'. 'Ilpyeong' which is Virginia plant type has 20 branch numbers per plant with long ellipse-shaped large kernel. Each pod has two grains with brown testa and 100 seed weight was 85 g in the regional yield trials (RYT). Seed quality showed 49.5% of crude oil and 27.6% of protein content. This variety also showed more resistance to late leaf spot and web blotch compared with check one. Especially it has resistance to lodging until harvesting owing to short stem and erect plant type. In the regional yield trials 'Ilpyeong' was outyielded than the check variety by 8% with 4.47 MT/ha for grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and properties of biosurfactants synthesized by Halobacillus dabanensis and Pontibacillus chungwhensi, isolated from oil-contaminated mangrove sediments of Avicennia marina, Red Sea (Egypt) have been investigated. The two strains were classified as moderate halophile and halotolerant, respectively. The produced biosurfactants were considered as metabolites associated with the growth of H. dabanensis and P. chungwhensi and were able to reduce the interfacial tension to 20 and 19 mN/m, respectively. The partially purified biosurfactants showed high emulsiflcation value (E24) against n-hexadecane (68 and 72%, respectively). Biological degradation of n-alkane mixture and linear alkyl benzene after incubation of bacteria in Buslinell-Haas medium in presence and absence of the partially purified biosurfactants has been monitored. H. dabanensis and P. chungwhensi were capable of degrading 92.3 and 94.7% of n- alkane mixture and 76.5 and 76.7% of linear alkyl benzene, respectively. The biodegradation of n-alkane, achieved in the presence of biosurfactants was better than its degradation in control. The structural analysis of the biosurfactants proved them to be lipopeptides. Biosurfactant-producing halophilic/halotolerant microorganisms may play a significant role in accelerating remediation of oil-polluted saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crambe (Crambe abssynica Hoechst) is a winter crop, with high oil content and used as a feedstock for biodiesel production. This study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 at Umuarama County, State Parana, aiming to determine the effects of doses of potassium (0, 15, 30, 60 and 90kgha−1) on grain yield, oil yield, oil content and plant population. This study used four replications of randomized blocks. The increase of K2O levels resulted in higher grain and oil yield per hectare in the first year, but seed oil content and plant population were not influenced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genetic divergence among 40 genetic stocks of vetiver ‘Veteveria zizanioides (L.) Nash’ assembled from different places of India and abroad (Indonesia, Reunion, Haiti and Thailand) were quantified by multivariate analysis for plant height, tillers, fresh, dry root, root length, oil content and oil yield. All the accessions could be grouped into six clusters. Dry root yield, oil content, plant height and oil yield were found to be the common forces of divergence at all the three inter, intra-cluster and inter-genetic levels of differentiation. Diverse agro-ecological conditions, migration of genetic material due to genetic drift, gene flow, out crossing, introduction/exchange of genetic stocks at National and International levels, introgression, mutations, coupled with natural and or artificial selection are the possible factors responsible for such a diversity in vetiver grass. Heritability estimates were over 90 percent for all the characters studied except dry root/plant (78.08%), indicating selection was possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]