Two new diarylheptanoids from the pericarps of Juglans regia L.

Two new cyclic diarylheptanoids juglanin A （1） and juglanin B （2） were isolated from the pericarps of Juglans regia L. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR techniques （COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY） and HR-ESIMS.

The pentatricopeptide repeat protein EMP601 functions in maize seed development by affecting RNA editing of mitochondrial transcript ccmC

Although several pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR) proteins are involved in post-transcriptional processing of mitochondrial RNA, it is unclear which specific protein is involved in the RNA editing of ccmC in maize(Zea mays). Here we report the identification of the maize empty pericarp 601(emp601) mutant and the map-based cloning of the Emp601 gene, which encodes an E2-type PPR protein that is targeted to mitochondria. A single-nucleotide deletion in the emp601 mutant caused a frameshift and introduced a premature stop codon into the predicted EMP601. This mutation was associated with reduced accumulation of mitochondrial complex Ⅲ as well as with inhibition of growth and differentiation of basal endosperm transfer layer cells, leading to final degeneration of the embryo and endosperm. We determine that loss of EMP601 function prevents the C-to-U RNA editing of the mitochondrial transcript ccmC at position 358.EMP601 binds to the ccmC transcript and directly interacts with Multiple organellar RNA editing factor 8and may be a component of the plant mitochondrial editosome. We conclude that EMP601 functions in RNA editing of mitochondrial ccmC transcripts and influences mitochondrial function and seed development.

Physiological Changes during the Process of Pericarp Browning in the Postharvest Litchi

[Objective] Pericarp browning in the postharvest litchi significantly reduced its commercial value and limited the expanding of litchi markets. Physiological changes during the process of pericarp browning were determined in order to identify the underlying mechanisms. [Method] Matured Feizixiao fruits were stored at 25 ℃ and 70%±5% relative humidity. The physiological changes happened in pericarp during storage were tested at an 8-hour interval. [Result] The fruit of Feizixiao (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv Feizixiao) turned completely brown within 72 h after being harvested under the experimental conditions. Sharp increase of the browning index occurred from 48 to 64 hours after harvest (HAH). With the browning of pericarp,water content of the whole fruit and pericarp decreased continuingly. In contrast,there were no significant changes in the water content of pulp during the same period. MDA content,pH value and relative leakage rate of pericarp were increased during storage. Most of pigment contents including anthocyanin,flavonoid,phenols,chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll decreased. POD activity was initially increased in 32 HAH and then decreased afterwards. PPO activity was decreased continuously,while the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase exhibited the pattern of 'increasing-decreasing-increasing' as the storage time progressed. Correlation,stepwise regression and path analyses showed that water loss of pericarp was the major factor of pericarp browning. Principal and cluster analyses showed that there were two stages of pericarp browning during the course of litchi storage. [Conclusion] Water status of pericarp was the most important factor affecting pericarp browning. The pericarp browning happened by stages,which was mainly determined by the water loss of pericarp.

Variation Law of Pericarp Tenderness of Super Sweet Corn Kernel

To investigate the variation law of pericarp tenderness in growth progress of super sweet corn kernel, the values of pericarp tenderness of 10 super sweet corn inbreeds were measured during kernel growth, and the variations under differ- ent conditions were analyzed. The results showed that there existed gradient differ- ences in pericarp tenderness among the 10 materials, of which PE10 had the best pericarp tenderness, T105 took medial place, and $33205 performed worst in peri- carp tenderness. Pericarp tenderness values of these 3 inbreeds increased curvedly from 12 to 24 days after pollination, in the spring （Wuhan, Hubei） and winter （Ling- shui, Hainan） of 2014. Moreover, the average pericarp tenderness at different time points presented the same decreasing order of $33205, T105, PE10, which was not altered by enviroment. With the growth of kernel, for one material, the difference of pericarp tenderness under different environments presented a law of increment, re- duction, uniformity. As for optimum-picking time, there was four days difference be- tween the spring in Wuhan and winter in Lingshui. However, there was no obvious difference in pericarp tenderness on the optimum picking time, which indicated that growing environment could affect the variation ratio of pericarp tenderness, but it still depended on the nature of materials.

Difference in volatile profile between pericarp tissue and locular gel in tomato fruit

Aroma, a complex mixture of volatile compounds, plays an important role in the perception and acceptability of tomato products by consumers. Numerous studies have reported volatile profiles in tomatoes based on measurement of the whole fruit or pericarp tissue, however, little is understood regarding the volatile compositions in the inner tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in volatile profile between pericarp tissue and Iocular gel in tomato fruit. Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis, totally 42 volatile compounds were detected in FL 47 and Tasti-Lee tomato fruits. Regardless of cultivars, a substantial higher concentration of total volatile compounds was observed in pericarp than that in/ocular gel, associated with higher levels of aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen compounds. Pericarp tissue possessed higher levels of cis-3-hexenal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, cymene, terpinolene, undecane, dodecane, 2-phenylethanol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 2-methylbutyl acetate, 1-nitro-pentane, and 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, while the abundances of 2-methylpropanal, butanal, 2-methylbutanal, 2-methyl-2-butenal, 2-methylpropanol, 3-methylbutanol, 2-methylbutanol, and 2-butanone were higher in Iocular gel. Principal component analysis （PCA） and cluster analysis using GC-MS and electronic nose （E-nose） data discriminated the two tissues.

Effects of seed moisture content, stratification and sowing date on the germination of Corylus avellana seeds

For Corylus avellana, pericarp permeability,seed desiccation tolerance, and the effect of warm and cold moist stratification combinations on germination and of outdoor sowing date on dormancy breaking and seedling emergence were investigated. Seeds with(intact fruit nut)and without the pericarp were subjected to an imbibition test, and water uptake was measured. After nuts had been stored for 5 months at 3–5℃, seeds and desiccated seeds were cold-stratified at 3–5 ℃(for 0, 1, 2 or 3 months),then tested for germination. Nuts were warm-stratified at 20–25℃(for 0, 1 or 2 months), then cold-stratified(for 0,1, 2 or 3 months) and tested for seed germination. The nuts were sown outdoors on three dates in the same year of their collection: 15 September(immediately after collection), 2 November, and 17 December, and emerged seedlings were counted the following spring. The pericarp was not a barrier to water uptake by the seed;however, the seeds imbibed water faster and had more mass when the pericarp was removed. Seeds tolerated desiccation;germinationpercentage was not reduced when seed moisture content was reduced to 8.71%. Germination of seeds without the pericarp(regardless of the moisture content) was the highest when the seeds were cold-stratified for 2 months.When seeds with the pericarp were tested for germination,2 months of warm stratification before a 2-month cold stratification maximized seed germination. For outdoor sowing of nuts, sowing date affected percentage of seedling emergence the following spring;early autumn sowing(immediately after collection) resulted in the best emergence.

Crepis desertorum(Asteraceae,Cichorieae),a new species from northern Xinjiang(China)based on morphological and molecular data

Crepis desertorum from the Junggar Basin of no rthern Xinjiang,northwestern China,is described as a new species.Molecular studies indicate that the species is closely related to Crepis frigida.Morphological studies indicate that it is similar to Crepis sancta subsp.bifida but differs from the latter taxon in having glandular hairs on the stem,a flat receptacle and dimorphic achenes.Chromosome features and pollen and achene ultrastructure also are described for the new species.

Construction of Near Isogenic Lines for Pericarp Color and Evaluation on Their Near isogenicity in Rice

The inheritance of purple pericarp was studied through genetic analysis using F2, BC1F1 and F3 from a cross between a purple pericarp rice variety Zixiangnuo and a white pericarp rice variety Chunjiangnuo 2. Seven pairs of near isogenic lines （NILs） for pericarp color of rice were further constructed. Genetic analysis indicated that the purple pericarp was controlled by two complementary genes （Pb and Pp）. Agronomic trait analysis and polymorphism analysis using SSR markers on these seven pairs of NILs were used in the evaluation of near-isogenicity. No significant differences in agronomic traits were found except 1000-grain weight between the NILs. The polymorphic SSR markers for the parents were only detected in target segments of the five pairs of NILs different in Pb, which revealed the ideal near isogenicity of them. However, for the two pairs of NILs different in Pp, the polymorphic markers for the two parents were detected as well as in non-targeted segments of chromosomes 11 and 12, respectively.

A Study on the Ultrasonic Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Lychee Pericarp Polysaccharides

The aim was to optimize ultrasonic extraction conditions and study antioxidant activities of lychee pericarp polysaccharides. The effects of extraction temperature,time,ultrasonic power,solid-liquid ratio on polysaccharides yield were investigated by single-factor experiment and orthogonal experiment to obtain optimum extraction conditions; the antioxidant activities of lychee pericarp polysaccharides were evaluated by the total antioxidant activity. Optimum extraction process was under extraction temperature of 80 ℃,extraction time of 2. 5 h,ultrasonic power of 180 W,solid-liquid ratio of 1∶ 25 g / m L; the total antioxidant activity was increased with the increasing concentration of polysaccharides. The extraction process is simple and efficient. The extraction rate of lychee pericarp polysaccharides with antioxidant activities is high.

Validation of the Red Pericarp Gene from 419 Rice Landraces in Guangxi via Genome-wide Association Studies

Rice has different colors of pericarp, such as red, white and black. Red rice pericarp is rich in proanthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties and are beneficial to human health. In the present study, we analyzed the red-pericarp gene Rc of 419 rice landraces in Guangxi by genome-wide association study （GWAS）, and validated that the Rc gene regulated the red periearp trait in flee. By analyzing the genomie DNA of 97 red-pericarp flee eultivars, we identified two new alleles in C139 and C323. Then, the exons of Rcc＇9 and Rcc were sequenced with Sanger method, and the results demonstrated that the natural mutations within Re ene resulted in the two alleles Rcc and Rcc.

Optimizing the Extraction of Anthocyanins from Pitaya(Hylocereus undatus)Pericarp

[Objectives]This study was conducted to confirm the existence of anthocyanins in pitaya(Hylocereus undatus)pericarp and optimize the extraction condition.[Methods]Single-factor tests were carried out on five factors:ethanol concentration,extraction temperature,ultrasonic power,solid-to-liquid ratio and extraction time.Based on the single-factor test results,four factors and three levels of process conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken design test.[Results]Anthocyanins exist in the pericarp of pitaya,and the optimum conditions were extraction temperature 49℃,ultrasonic power 120 W,extracted time 2 h and ethanol concentration 60%.Under these conditions,the average yield of anthocyanins was 80 mg/100g.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the extraction of anthocyanins from the pericarp of red-flesh pitaya.

Removal of Pb(Ⅱ) ions from aqueous solutions by litchi pericarp and its leachate

The adsorption capacity of Pb(Ⅱ) on litchi pericarps was investigated as a function of temperature,pH,and adsorbent dose using batch experiments.The experimental data obtained were evaluated using adsorption equilibrium isotherms and a kinetic model.Additionally,the removal of Pb(Ⅱ) in leachate of litchi pericarps was also evaluated.The results show that litchi pericarps exhibit a high adsorption capacity to Pb(Ⅱ),with the maximum removal efficiency occurring at a temperature of 25 ℃,a pH of 6.0-7.0 and an adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L.Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model can all fit the equilibrium adsorption satisfactorily,with correlation coefficients(R^2) of 0.9935,0.9918 and 1.0,respectively.An average removal efficiency of 66.65% is found for Pb(Ⅱ) in leachate of litchi pericarps.

Allele Types of Rc Gene of Weedy Rice from Jiangsu Province, China

Weedy rice （Oryza sativa f. spontanea）, the predominant type of which has a red pericarp, seriously inhibits growth and yield of direct-seeded rice in Jiangsu Province, China. In this study, we randomly selected 10 weedy rice accessions from 10 plots in Jiangsu, and then sequenced the full lengths of their Rc genes （approximately 6.4 kb）. In addition, we collected 166 different full-length Rc genes in the Oryza genus from the literature and from GenBank. A collinearity sequence analysis showed that the 10 weedy rice accessions from Jiangsu all had the same wild-type allele of the Rc gene. Single nucleotide polymorphisms indicated that the nucleotide polymorphisms （π= 0.19） and the proportion of segregation sites （ew = 0.28） of the Rc genes in the 10 weedy rice accessions from Jiangsu were higher than those in 56 weedy rice accessions from USA （π = 0.09 and θw = 0.07）. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses showed that the Rc genes of weedy rice accessions from Jiangsu were not revertants of the rc gene found in Asian cultivated rice （O. sativa） varieties with white pericarp. In addition, Rc gene sequences of the rice varieties Lvdao from Lianyungang, Jiangsu and Tangdao from Anhui were more similar to those of cultivated rice than to the weedy rice from Jiangsu. These findings support the continued quarantine of weedy rice and clarify the evolutionary mechanism of the red pericarp found in the weedy rice of Jiangsu.

Morphological Characterization of Brazil Nut Tree (Bertholletia excelsa) Fruit Pericarp

This article presents the overall morphological structure of the Brazil nut tree(Bertholletia excelsa)fruit pericarp,from macro to nano scale.The acquired knowledge would be used for the development of new applications,like using the materials as fillers for biocomposites,or as a hierarchical architecture model for biomimetics.This research was performed using stereo and light microscopy and conventional and force field emission scanning electron microscopy.The pericarp presents three layers:the exocarp,a dark gray,brittle and fragile outer layer;the mesocarp,a beige,dry,rigid,impermeable and fibrous intermediate layer;and the endocarp,an inner layer with similar characteristic as the exocarp,but formed next to the seeds.Morphologically,the exocarp and the endocarp presented minor regions of sclereids,fibers and vascular cell bundles,inside major regions of parenchyma cells.The mesocarp presents a structure of fiber cells regions alternating with sclereids and vascular cells regions,arranged in a composite like arrangement,with the fibers cells bundles acting as randomly oriented disperse phases in a sclereid cells matrix.This arrangement was associated with the mesocarp relative superior proprieties,indicating a great material for using as fillers for biocomposites or in biomimetics applications.

Preliminary Study on Quality Standard of Pummelo Pericarp from Guangxi

[Objectives]This paper aimed to study the quality standard of pummelo pericarp from Guangxi.[Methods]The medicinal material was identified by microscopy and thin-layer chromatography,and the contents of moisture,total ash,acid-insoluble ash and extract in the medicinal material were determined according to the methods of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2010 edition).[Results]The content limits for moisture,total ash,acid-insoluble ash and extract were determined(moisture≤12%;total ash≤6.0%;acid-insoluble ash≤0.6%;water-soluble extract≥43.0%;naringin≥10.00 mg/g).The micro-characteristics of pummelo pericarp were identified,and a thin-layer chromatography identification and content determination method was established.[Conclusions]The established method can provide an experimental basis for the formulation of quality standard for pummelo pericarp.

Structural Features of the Leaf and Fruit of the Emerald Variety <i>Olea europaea</i>L., Growing under the Introduction Conditions of Surkhandarya

For the first time, the anatomical structure of the leaf, petiole and fruit of the emerald variety Olea europaea, which grows under the conditions of introduction in the Oltinsay district of the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, was studied. The following characteristic diagnostic features were determined: in the leaf—the dorsiventral type of leaf mesophyll;thick-walled outer walls of the epidermis;slightly sinuous outlines of the cells of the adaxial epidermis, rectilinear-abaxial;hypostomotic leaves;non-submerged stomata of the anomocytic type;thyroid silver-gray and white-fluffy star-shaped squamous-numerous on the adaxial epidermis than on the adaxial;chlorophyll-bearing palisade and spongy parenchyma;closed collateral type of conductive bundles;the most scleralized leaf due to the presence of filamentous scleroids in it (long, thin, resembling fibers);in the petiole—parenchymal-beam type of structure;the location of the angular collenchyma under the epidermis;closed collateral type of conductive bundles;the presence of thick-walled parenchymal cells and the presence of filiformscleroids;pericarp of the fetus consists of a rigid 1-layer exocarp, parenchymal mesocarp, and sclerenchymal endocarp;the presence of scleroids—stony cells and branched sclerenchymal fibers with drops of oil in the parenchymal cells. Diagnostic signs revealed by us reflect xeromorphic of this species. All the signs were compared, and we came to the conclusion that the anatomical signs of the leaf and the fetus can be useful for providing diagnostic signs for distinguishing the studied taxa, can be used in taxonomy, and can serve to identify plant materials.

An Alternative Analysis on Nilsson-Ehle’s Hybridization Experiment in Wheat —Theory of Dual Multiple Factors and Three Normal Distributions on Quantitative Inheritance (Continuation)

In this paper, an analysis on Nilsson-Ehle’s hybridization experiment in wheat was done by means of self-fertilization method along with the pericarp inheritance. It showed that because seeds of wheat were coated with 2n tissues of mother’s body, the grain colors were determined by mother’s genotype. The color of the F1 grains in this experiment was old red. The phenotypes of the F2 grains were uniformly medium red and did not segregate. Grains in the F3 generation segregated in the ratio 6 red (varying intensities of red) to 1 white with a definite probability respectively. This is the consequence of additive effect of 3 gene pairs and belongs to discrete distribution rather than continuous distribution. Therefore, the multiple-gene hypothesis based on this experiment cannot solve the continuous variations in inheritance of quantitative characters.

Separation and Purification Process of Total Flavones from Litchi Pericarp by Macroporous Absorption Resin

[ Objective] This study aimed to optimize the conditions for purification of total flavones from litchi pericarp by macroporous absorption resin. E Method] The flavones adsorption rates and desorption rates of macroporous absorption resins （AB-8, HPD-600, D101 ） were compared, and the technological parameters of D101 during the purification process were investigated. E Result] D101 macroporous absorption resin was ap- propriate for the purification of total flavonoids from litchi pericarp. The optimal technological conditions were selected .. the pH of sample solution was 5.0; concentration of sample solution was 4 mg/ml, with a volume of 2.5BV; 80% ethanol was used as elution solution, with a volume of 2.0BV. [ Condusion] The content of total flavones achieved 83% after separation by D101 macoporous absorption resin.

Dynamic Variation and Correlation of Pericarp Tenderness and Component Contents of Super Sweet Corn(sh_(2))in Kernel Development

Data on the mechanism of how pericarp components in fresh sweet corn affect pericarp tenderness are scarce.This study explored variation and correlation of pericarp tenderness and components over time in three inbred lines of sweet corn that were selected for their differences in pericarp tenderness.The three lines presented a curvilinear increase in pericarp tenderness(puncture reading)from 12 to 24 d after pollination(DAP)across two environments,with the means at each time point always in the same order:S33205>T105>PE10.Pericarp tenderness difference at each same time point in two environments over time varied similarly in each of the three inbred lines:increasing first,then dropping after peak,and insignificant at the end.Of the main pericarp components,mean contents were in the order:hemicellulose>cellulose>lignin in both environments at each time point for the three inbred lines.As the pericarp developed,hemicellulose content increased gradually,lignin content varied along a single-peak curve,cellulose content fluctuated around 24%,and pectin and ash contents changed slightly and irregularly.The pericarp of PE10,with the most tender pericarp,accumulated hemicellulose faster than other two lines.Hemicellulose and lignin contents were significantly correlated with pericarp tenderness,and the main components affected pericarp tenderness.

Exploring Variability: New Brazilian Varieties SCS119 Rubi and SCS120 Onix for the Specialty Rices Market

“Specialty rices” is a common name for varieties that present uncommon grains with distinctive features as pericarp color, grain shape and size or aroma. Most of these rices are related to cultural traditions and ceremonies, but some have higher nutritionally value than white rice. Considering that today people are searching for foods that could help to improve and maintain health, specialty rices would also be considered in some way as functional food. As a specific market, the economic values of these grains are also higher than those of white rice. So, the new red rice variety SCS119 Rubi and the new black rice variety SCS120 Onix were developed in order to attend the specific and economically important specialty rices market, and should be consumed as a whole rice grain. Experimental tests performed with these varieties showed that they could be recommended to all rice-producing regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil.