Trimethylamine N-oxide generation process was influenced by the proportion and source of macronutrients in the diet

Trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)is a risk factor of various chronic diseases,which was produced by metabolism from precursors to trimethylamine(TMA)in gut and the oxidation from TMA in liver.The TMA generation was influenced by diet,mainly due to the rich TMAO precursors in diet.However,it was still unclear that the effects of different proportion and source of macronutrients in different dietary pattern on the production process of TMAO.Here,the generation of TMA from precursors and TMAO from TMA was determined after single oral choline chloride and intraperitoneal injection TMA,respectively,in mice fed with carbohydrates,proteins and fats in different proportion and sources.The results suggested that the generation of TMAO was increased by low non-meat protein and high fat via enhancing the production of TMAO from TMA,and decreased by plant protein and refined sugar via reducing TMA production from precursors in gut and TMAO transformation from TMA in liver.The high fat and high sugar diets accelerating the development of atherosclerosis did not increase the production of TMAO,the risk factor for atherosclerosis,which indicated that the dietary compositions rather than the elevated TMAO level might be a more key risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Agronomic Practices and Macronutrients Status of Different Age Groups of Smallholder Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Plantations in Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon

Oil palm is cultivated by agro-industries and smallholders for vegetable oil production. Good farm management practices with balanced soil and plant macronutrients are needed to attain optimum yields. Smallholder oil palm farmers of Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon, suffer from low on farm yields which could emanate from the agronomic practices implemented, which also has an influence on the soil and plant macronutrient status. This study provides information on the agronomic practices, soil and plant macronutrients status in smallholder oil palm fields. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 farmers to collect data on their agronomic practices, using a stratified random sampling design. Soil and plants were sampled from plantations of different age groups (control, >0 - 4 years, >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations) in four locations of the Sub-Division (i.e. Dibombari-central, Bonamateke, Bomono and Nkapa) using a randomized complete block design. Data collected, was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 65% of farmers planted Tenera variety, with majority of them below the standards for weeding (81%), fertilizer use (100%), pruning (62%), pest/disease control (90.5%) and harvesting (96%) practices. Soil macronutrients were low across the different plantations except P which was optimal at >0 - 4 years and >4 - 8 years’ plantations but low at >8 - 15 years’ plantation. Similarly, for plant macronutrients, N and P were optimal across the different plantations, while K and Mg were optimal at >0 - 4 years’ plantation but low at >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations. Thus, agronomic practices and macronutrient status of soil and plants were below standards in smallholder oil palm plantations of Dibombari, leading to low yields of fresh fruit bunches.

Effect of Macronutrients, Cytokinins and Auxins, on <i>in Vitro</i>Organogenesis of <i>Thymus vulgaris</i>L.

The present study reports an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Thymus vulgaris L., an aromatic and medicinal plant in Morocco. Initially, we performed in vitro multiplication of Thymus vulgaris explants existing in the laboratory and obtained from micropropagation by shoot tip culture. Afterwards, we have evaluated the effect of six macronutrients. After that, seven cytokinins (Kin, BAP, 2iP, DPU, Adenine, Zeatine and TDZ) in three different concentrations (0.46, 0.93, 2.32 μM) have been evaluated to optimize cultures multiplication and elongation. Moreover, the effect of three auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA) at 0.57 μM, combined to 4 cytokinins (Kin, BAP, DPU and Ad.) at 0.46 μM, on shoot rooting has been studied. Thereby, MS medium has been proved the most favorable for plantlets growing. Also, we found that the addition of certain cytokinins, specifically 0.46 Kin, 0.46 and 0.93 BAP, 0.46 2iP, 0.46 DPU, 0.46 Ad. and 0.46 Zeat., ensures better multiplication and growth of vitroplants. In addition, multiplication and rooting of cultures were well optimized after addition 0.46 Kin + 0.57 IAA or NAA, 0.46 DPU + 0.57 IBA and 0.46 Ad. + 0.57 IBA combinations to the culture medium. Lastly, plantlets with roots were successfully acclimatized to ex-vitro conditions and these latter served as a source to establish in vitro culture again.

Elevated Concentrations of Dietarily-Important Trace Elements and Macronutrients in Edible Leaves and Grain of 27 Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>L. Walp.) Genotypes: Implications for Human Nutrition and Health

Legumes are a good source of calories, protein and mineral nutrients for human nutrition and health. In this study, the edible leaves and grain of 27 field-grown cowpea genotypes were assessed for trace elements and macronutrient den-sity at Manga in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Ghana in 2005 and 2006, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The genotypes differed markedly in their accumulation of trace elements and major nutrients in edible leaves and grain. Except for P, the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, S and Na were much higher in edible cowpea leaves than grain in 2005. A similar pattern was observed for Ca, Mg, S, Na in 2006. However, more dramatic variations were found in the micronutrient concentrations between edible cowpea leaves and grain. The levels of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B were sometimes 2- to 20-fold greater in leaves than grain of cowpea. Furthermore, there were strong genotypic differences in mineral density of cowpea leaves and grain. For the major nutrients, for example, IT93K-2045-29 and IT90K-59 accumulated greater concentrations of P, K, Ca, S and Na in both edible leaves and grain in 2006, while ITH98-46, which showed the least macronutrient density, exhibited the highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B in edible leaves, as well as Fe, Cu and Mn in grain. These results have implications for cowpea breeding, as well as for human nutrition and health.

Influence of the Macronutrients N, P and K on the Agarophyte <i>Alsidium triquetrum</i>(S. G. Gmelin) Trevisan, during Experimental Culture

The knowledge of the nutritional requirements and their relation to the physiology of marine algae growth is key to incorporate new species into aquaculture, whose dynamics tend to be largely unknown. The use of Alsidium triquetrum in the pharmacological industry depends on its availability in the natural environment, occasionally scarce. As macroalgae cultivation gains momentum worldwide, it is important to know how the effects of nutrients are modulated in the thallus during cultivation. The linking of the relative growth rates (RGR) of A. triquetrum and their relation with the macronutrients N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) at the tissue level under culture conditions constitutes the main contribution of this article. P levels tend to decrease as the plant completes its development. Both the concentration of N and P are higher in the stipe for the month of July, N (25.31 ± 0.26) vs P (0.846 ± 0.02) period when the highest vegetative development is reached. The N and P modulate the patterns of the species’ development over the annual cycle, unlike K, which is not considered a limiting factor. When the temperature and lighting are not favorable for growth, the plant simply accumulates these compounds. As environmental conditions change, these stored compounds are actively used in their growth. The specimens with an initial weight of 50 g present the best accumulated biomass (RGR) throughout the annual cycle.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ecosystem macronutrients budget on reclaimed mine sites—stand trees supply and stability

The aim of this study was to determine the sources, accumulation rate and relationships between macronutrients in reclaimed mine soils (RMS) and aboveground plant biomass on external slopes of lignite mines in central Poland. The study was conducted on two different types of sites with 10-year-old Scots (Pinus sylvestris L.) pine stands located on Quaternary loamy sands (QLS) and on Tertiary acidic carboniferous sands following neutralisation (TCS). The control plot was located in the same vicinity on an external slope in a natural pine ecosystem on a Haplic Podzol in a young mixed coniferous forest habitat (NPE). The nutrient resources, apart from N, were higher in RMS than in comparable Haplic Podzols, however, N primarily accumulated in the mineral horizons. In forest soils, the main macronutrient resources were accumulated in organic horizons, which in natural soils of coniferous forest habitats constitute the main source of nutrients. The proportion of individual macronutrients accumulated in the biomass vs. pools in soil was much lower on the external slope RMS than in the natural site, which in view of the potential richness of RMS, indicated poorer sorption and utilization of macronutrients in aboveground plant biomass than in natural habitats. Other important linear correlations (p = .05) were found between the sources of nutrients in RMS and elements accumulated in biomass (most clearly in case of K, Ca and Mg), which indicates important relationships between soil and vegetation in the first stages of ecosystem development as stimulated by reclamation.

Effects of Macronutrients on Primary and Secondary Metabolism in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

[Objectives] This study was conducted to clarify the roles of macronutrients in regulating plant primary and secondary metabolism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. [Methods] The contents of chlorophyll(Chl) and soluble sugar were detected with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase(PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase(C_4H) and chalcone synthase(CHS) were determined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Secondary metabolites were detected by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). [Results] The content of chlorophyll in treatments N, P and K was increased, showing significant difference from that of the control(P<0.05). Among them, Treatment N has the highest content of chlorophyll. Soluble sugar content in treatments N, P and K(K>N>P>CK) was increased considerably and had significant difference from that of the control(P<0.05). Compared with the control, PAL and C_4H activity in treatments N, P and K were increased dramatically by 186.57%, 134.09%, 306.91% and 73.21%, 28.91%, 247.57%, respectively. CHS activity was also increased sharply in treatments N, P and K. Scutellarin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A contents in all treatments N, P and K(K>N>P) were increased, and had significant difference from that of the control(P<0.05). [Conclusions] The results showed that macronutrients can increase leaf chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, PAL activity, C_4H activity and secondary metabolites of S. baicalensis.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and Genotype on Rice Grain Macronutrients and Micronutrients

High nitrogen （N） input features China＇s intensive rice production system. To elucidate N and genotype effects on accumulation of macronutrients and micronutrients in grains of japonica rice, and to discuss its significance in rice production, a three-year field experiment involving six japonica rice varieties and seven N treatments were performed. Macronutrients （Ca, Mg, K, and Na） and micronutrients （Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn） concentrations in brown and milled rice were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For macronutrients, no consistently significant effect of N was detected in both brown and milled rice. For micronutrients, N showed significant effect, especially in lowering Zn accumulation in brown and milled rice. In addition, N tended to increase Fe concentration in milled rice. Genotype showed larger effect on distribution of minerals in milled rice than N. The high-yielding variety, Wuyunjing 7, accumulated larger proportion of Mg, K, and Zn in the milled rice as compared with the other five varieties and could be of value for rice breeding programs aiming at high nutritional quality. The results demonstrated differences in response to N between macronutrients and micronutrients, and are of significance for coping with ＇hidden hunger＇ both in humans and crops through agronomical practices.

Allocation of Macronutrients in Roots, Sheaths, and Leaves Determines Salt Tolerance in Rice

To determine useful parameters for salt tolerance in rice and selection of salt-tolerant varieties, their macronutrient contents in roots, sheaths, and leaves were evaluated under salt stress condition. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate 29 rice varieties for salt tolerance. The salt stress treatment included an artificial seawater solution (electrical conductivity of 12 dS&middot;m-1). After a 2-week period of salt stress, standard evaluation scores (SES) of visual injuries for salt stress were assessed. In addition, we measured the contents of N, P, K, Na, Mg, and Ca in roots, sheaths, and leaves. The results showed that differences in macronutrients in the different plant tissues correlated with rice tolerance to the salt stress condition. Under the control treatment, salt-tolerant varieties exhibited low K content in root. Under the salt stress treatment, the salt-tolerant varieties exhibited low SES, high N content in leaves and sheaths, low Na content in leaves and sheaths, low Mg content in leaves and sheaths, and low Ca content in sheaths. The salt-tolerant varieties also exhibited high salt stress treatment/control treatment (ST/CT) ratios for dry matter in sheaths, N content in leaves and sheaths, and K content in sheaths, and low Na/K ratios in leaves and sheaths. Therefore, these parameters might be useful to understand salt tolerance in rice.

Variation of nutrient fluxes by rainfall redistribution processes in the forest canopy of an urban larch plantation in northeast China

Atmospheric deposition(dry and wet deposition)is one of the primary sources of chemical inputs to terrestrial ecosystems and replenishes the nutrient pool in forest ecosystems.Precipitation often acts as a primary transporting agent and solvent;thus,nutrient cycles in forests are closely linked to hydrological processes.We collected precipitation data during a growing season to explore variations in nutrient cycling and nutrient balances in the rainfall redistribution process(wet deposition)in a larch plantation in northeast China.We measured nutrient(NO_(3)^(-),PO_(4)^(3−),Cl^(−),K,Ca,Na,and Mg)inputs via bulk precipitation,throughfall and stemfl ow,and used a canopy budget model to estimate nutrient fl uxes via canopy exchange.Our results suggest that the average concentrations of the base cation(K,Ca,Na,and Mg)showed the following order:stemfl ow>throughfall>bulk precipitation.Throughfall and stemfl ow chemistry dramatically fl uctuated over the growing season when net fl uxes(throughfall+stemfl ow—bulk precipitation)of NO−3,PO3−4,SO2−4,Cl−,K,Ca,Na,and Mg were−6.676 kg·ha^(-1),−1.094 kg·ha^(-1),−2.371 kg·ha^(-1),1.975 kg·ha^(-1),0.470 kg·ha^(-1),−5.202 kg·ha^(-1),−0.336 kg·ha^(-1),and 1.397 kg·ha^(-1),respectively.These results suggest that NO−3,PO3−4,SO2−4,Ca,and Na were retained,while Cl−,K,and Mg were washed off by throughfall and stemfl ow.

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Two Recalcitrant Genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L.

An improved protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of recalcitrant cotton cultivars. High callus frequencies and embryogenic tissue were developed in MSB medium supplemented with gradient concentrations of KT and 2,4-D, their concentration decreasing from 0.1 to 0.01 mg·L^-1. Somatic embryos were successfully incubated in 1/2 macronutrient MSB suspension supplemented with 0.5 g· L^-1 glutamine and 0.5 g·L^-1 asparagine. Decrease in macronutrient concentration of MSB significantly alleviated browning and was beneficial to suspension cells. Transformation of somatic embryos into plants was induced in MSB medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.5 g·L^-1 glutamine, 0.5 g·L^-1 asparagine, and 6.0 g·L^-1 agar. The effect of sucrose as carbohydrate was better than that of glucose for plant germination. Using this protocol, regenerated plantlets from the CCRI521 and Zhongzhi86-6 reached to as much as 19.6 and 18.5% somatic embryos, respectively.

Role of the diet as a link between oxidative stress and liver diseases

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen(free radicals) and the body's ability(antioxidant capacity) to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or easily repair the resulting damage. An adequate diet, characterized by daily intake of foods associated with improvementsin the total antioxidant capacity of individuals and reduced incidence of diseases related to oxidation, can modulate the degree of oxidative stress. In fact, dietderived micronutrients may be direct antioxidants, or are components of antioxidant enzymes, leading to improvement of some indicators of hepatic function. However, although their increased dietary intake might be beneficial, literature data are still controversial. This review summarizes what is known about the effects of diet nutrients on oxidative stress, inflammation and liver function. Moreover, we have analyzed:(1) the main nutritional components involved in the production and/or removal of free radicals; and(2) the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of several hepatic diseases and related comorbidities.

Micropropagation of the Moroccan Endemic Plant <i>Thymus broussonetii</i>Boiss. with Aromatic-Medicinal Value and Conservation Concern

Micropropagation from shoot tips and nodal segments was carried out for the conservation and domestication of spontaneous Moroccan thyme, Thymus broussonetii Boiss. subsp. broussonetii (endemic threatened). The mineral composition of the culture medium, as well as the succession of different growth regulators, influenced the in vitro growth of this species. Sterilized achenes of T. broussonetii were able to germinate on an agar medium containing Gautheret macronutrients with a rate of 25% and a degree of contamination of less than 4%. Shoot apices of 15-day seedlings (two cotyledon leaves) were cultivated on SD + 0.46 μM Kin medium and the explants obtained were transplanted every month. Six macronutrients (MS, B5, SH, SD, MSm and N30K) were tested and N30K was chosen for the following experiments. Seven cytokinins (Kin, BAP, 2iP, DPU, adenine, Zeat and TDZ) at 0.46, 0.93 and 2.32 μM/l were evaluated and the addition of 0.93 μM adenine to N30K medium favored significantly the induction of buds and the elongation of explants. Three polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) at 2, 5, 10 and 20 μM/l were tested. A better multiplication of buds, shoots and roots was noted for N30K + 10 μM spermine. Cytokinin-auxin combinations led to better root multiplication and an increase in the number of buds and the length of explants, particularly for 0.46 μM Kin + 2.85 μM IAA. Acclimatization was successfully carried out using vitroplants developing a good root system. One month after the start of acclimatization, 97% of T. broussonetii plantlets were healthy. Three months later, they were transplanted into larger pots. 100% of the acclimatized plants developed flowers in the 2nd year between June and August. Re-initiation of the in vitro culture was carried out from sterilized twig segments collected from the acclimatized plants of T. broussonetii with 1 - 2 nodes on the medium N30K + 0.46 μM Kin, and 52.1% of the explants healthily proliferated. Finally, two micropropagation prototypes were developed: shoot tip culture from seedlings obtained after germination of achenes and node culture from acclimatized plants.

A systematic review of highland barley:Ingredients,health functions and applications

Due to its high nutritional and dietotherapy values,highland barley has attracted the attention and favor of people all over the world in recent years.It has been demonstrated that the nutritional components of highland barley are comprehensive and unique,with the characteristics of high protein,high fiber,high vitamin,lowfat,low sugar and variety of bioactive components.As the most important component in highland barley,highland barley starch not only has low digestibility,but also has good freeze-thaw stability,high solubility,good emulsion stability and superior film forming performance,which makes it have great application value in food,medicine and industrial production.The content of highland barley protein,which is rich in 18 kinds of amino acids,is higher than that of most grains,and its derivatives play an important role in medical treatment.Unfortunately,highland barley protein cannot form gluten network structure,which limits the application in daily staple food to a certain extent.Highland barley also contains a large amount of dietary fiber,especiallyβ-glucan.Long-term consumption could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes such as heart disease and diabetes.However,the research on the application of highland barley is still in the laboratory stage,which failed to achieve large-scale application in the actual production.The value of highland barley has not been brought into full play,which leads to the waste of its resources and the reduction of its added value.This paper reviewed themacronutrients,health functions and applications of highland barley,aiming to provide some reference for the development of highland barley in food and health industry.

The ultra-sonication of minerals in swine feed

A sample preparation method based on ultrasound assisted-extraction （UAE） of Ca, Mg and P from swine feed has been described. The experiment was performed to cover the variables influencing the sonication process and, the method validation using standard reference material. Final solutions obtained upon sonication were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry （for Ca and Mg） and by UV-vis spectrophotometry （for P）. The best conditions for metal extraction were as follows： sample mass： 100 mg in 20 mL 0.10 mol/L HCI, a particle size： 〈60 lam, sonication time： 5 cycles of 10 s and ultrasound power： 102 W. The UAE method was applied in digestibility assays in different piglet feeds and their results showed that it is highly comparable （P 〉 0.05） to the other methods used for such purposes, as block digestion, and offered a Ca, Mg and P method of quantification limit of 10.6, 12.4 and 14 mg/kg, respectively. The major advantages of the UAE method compared to other methods are the high treatment rate, low reagent usage in the extracts and, it does not generate toxic residues that might negatively affect human health and the environment, accompanied by good precision and accuracy.

Relationship between alcohol intake and dietary pattern:Findings from NHANES Ⅲ

AIM:To examine the association between macronutrient dietary patterns and alcohol consumption using the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey METHODS:A total of 9877 subjects(5144 males) constituted the study cohort.Dietary interviews were conducted with all examinees by a trained dietary interviewer in a mobile examination center(MEC).Subjects reported all foods and beverages consumed except plain drinking water for the previous 24-h time period.Physical examination and history of alcohol consumption were obtained.Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the association of the levels of alcohol consumption and the percentage of energy derived from macronutrients.Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed accounting for the study sampling weight to further explore the relationships between alcohol consumption and calories derived from each macronutrient.RESULTS:Subjects who drank were younger than nondrinker controls in both genders(P < 0.01).Alcohol intake was inversely associated with body mass index and body weight in women.Of all macronutrients,carbohydrate intake was the first to decrease with increasing alcohol consumption.In the multivariate analyses,the level of alcohol consumption was found to be an independent predictor associated with lower intake of other macronutrients.CONCLUSION:Our results show that there is an alteration in the daily dietary pattern with increasing alcohol consumption and that energy derived from alcoholic beverages substitutes that from other macronutrients such as carbohydrate,protein,and fat.

Kudzu Forage Quality Evaluation as an Animal Feed Source

The nutritional value of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was evaluated as a potential animal feed. Randomly selected samples from natural habitats with Jacksonville area (Alabama, USA) were utilized in the study. Kudzu leaves showed significantly higher dry matter and crude protein content than the stems;whereas, ADF fiber was significantly lower in the leaves. However, NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were similar in the leaves and the stems. The leaf part of kudzu was especially rich in CP (24.46%) and met the requirements and recommendations for most ruminants. The TDN value for kudzu stem is 55.99%, which falls below but within the recommended range. Macronutrients concentration between the stem and leaf of kudzu, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium showed a significantly higher in the leaf than the stem. However, phosphorous was similar in concentration in the stem and the leaf, and potassium was higher in the stem. In regard to the micronutrients, the only significant difference between the leaf and the stem was iron. However, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper were all above the recommended concentrations by the National Research Council. In general, kudzu can be considered a good source for animal feed, especially the leaf, which shows a higher value in most of the determined criteria in comparison to what was recommended by the National Research Council. This should provide a new outlook to kudzu, which has been considered a noxious weed and help in the utilization of kudzu in a positive way in the southern region of the US.

Micropropagation and Acclimatization of Common Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. Subsp. vulgare) by Shoot Tip Culture

Origanum vulgare L. is a commercially valued species with remarkable biological properties. It is subject to over-exploitation practices that seriously threaten its sustainability for future generations. Thus, micropropagation serves as a tool for the protection and domestication of this species. In this study, we established an in vitro vegetative propagation protocol for Origanum vulgare. This is done through the axillary bud technique by carrying out various tests. Six culture media (MS, MSm, N30K, SD, SH and B5) were tested. Therefore, SD was chosen for the following experiments. Seven cytokinins (adenine (Ad), N6-(2-isopentenyl) (2ip), zeatin (Zeat), kinetin (Kin), benzyladenine (BAP), 1,3-diphenylurea (DPU) and thidiazuron (TDZ) at 5 concentrations (0.44, 1.33, 2.22, 3.11 and 4.44 μM/L) were evaluated. Thus, Kin at 3.11 μM allowed high regeneration of vitroplants, optimal elongation, total rooting of explants, maximum bud multiplication, and absence of hyperhydric explants. In fact, the integration of auxins (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)) into the culture medium and their combinations with 3.11 μM Kinetin contributed to the optimization of the root part. Thus, it was improved in particular in the case of 3.11 μM Kin and 6.27 μM IBA. Three polyamines (Putrescine, Spermidine and Spermine) at different concentrations (1.134, 3.402, 5.67, 7.938 and 11.34 μM/L) combined at 3.11 μM Kin and 6.27 μM IBA were tested. In fact, 1.304 μM putrescine was considered to be the most suitable for in vitro culture of explants, since it allowed optimal propagation of buds and roots, also a high rate of regeneration and rhizogenesis. GA3 at 1.15 μM combined with 3.11 μM Kin and 6.27 μM IBA permitted maximum bud multiplication. The acclimatization was carried out successfully using vitroplants showing good foliar and root development. Thus, three months after acclimatization, the seedlings were transferred into large pots under natural light and temperature conditions. Almost all acclimatized plants developed flowers in the first year between May and July.

Use of Fluorescence and Reflectance Spectra for Predicting Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>) Yield and Macronutrient Contents of Leaves

In-field proximal sensing of most major crops nutrients still remains an economical and technical challenge. For this purpose, the use of effective multi-excitation fluorescence and reflectance wavelengths is explored in this work on Okra plant. Visible-near infrared (400 - 1000 nm) reflectance and multi-fluorescence data were collected at leaf scale in a chemically fertilized field by using an USB spectrometer mounted with an Arduino-based LED driver clip. N, P, K and Ca content of samples leaves were measured using reference methods. Average pods yield and leaves macronutrients content were calibrated using IRIV-PLS regression after spectra pretreatments. Single informative wavelengths bands in reflectance, red and far-red fluorescences were selected for building yield and macronutrient content models. We showed that flowering stage was more suitable for yield prediction. Moderately useful macronutrient models were found in Ca content (RPDval = 1.93, rP = 0.818) and potassium content with RPDval = 1.8, rP = 0.88. P and N yielding prediction performance of RPDval = 1.61 (rP = 0.718 ) and RPDval = 1.46 (rP = 0.56) respectively were less accurate. This study demonstrates potentiality of fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy for accurate estimation of leaf macronutrient content and crop yield. High selectivity obtained from resulted spectral bands could lead to the development of reliable, rapid and cost-effective devices for nutrient diagnosis.

Morphological and chemical aspects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa,Dunaliella tertiolecta,Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis gracilis microalgae

This study evaluates the growth and chemical composition of the following marine microalgae: Dunaliella tertiolecta, Isochrysis galbana, and Tetraselmis gracilis and the chemical composition of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Microalgae can produce a number of compounds of high commercial value for the industry, mainly for the food industry. The growth kinetics, cell volume, pigments, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fatty acid and amino acid composition were evaluated. I. galbana had the largest number of cells per mL-1 (107), concentration of carotenoids (6.33 μg·mL-1), and carbohydrates (34.32%). D. tertiolecta and T. gracilis had the highest cell volume (560.6 and 592.7 μm3, respectively), the highest amount of total dry biomass. D. tertiolecta had the highest chlorophyll concentration (9.05 μg·mL-1), and C. pyrenoidosa had the highest protein (48.16%) and lipid (14.30%) content. The marine species D. Tertiolecta, I. galbana, and T. gracilis had high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 n9), and C. pyrenoidosa was high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2 n6 and C18:3 n3), indicating the present high nutritional value fatty acids. The microalgae studies showed a composition of amino acids that meet the nutritional requirements recommended by the FAO g·100 g-1 (FAO/WHO/UN, 1985) for adults and children (2 - 5 years), indicating that these proteins can be used in foods.