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This study aimed to assess the response of four red grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties to elevated temperature, drought and their combination, focusing on the concentration and profile of grape flavonoids. Fruit-bearing cuttings of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Grenache grew in greenhouses under, either ambient temperature (T) or ambient temperature + 4 °C (T+4). Plants also received either full irrigation (FI, substrate field capacity) or deficit irrigation (DI, 50 % substrate field capacity). In general, T+4 decreased the concentration of anthocyanins, but DI mitigated this effect. T+4 and DI increased the abundance of methylated anthocyanins and flavonols with additive effects. Grapes under T+4 had higher abundance of acylated anthocyanins, while DI increased the proportion of tri-hydroxylated anthocyanins and flavonols. The impact of interacting elevated temperature and drought on grape composition was genotype dependent. In terms of anthocyanin concentration and profile, Tempranillo was the most affected variety, whereas Grenache was less sensitive.

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The utilization of quinoa in food production requires comprehensive information on its processing characteristics. Twenty-five new quinoa cultivars developed by the Northern Quinoa Breeding Program, grown in three Canadian locations over two seasons, were characterized for their proximate composition, pasting properties, thermal properties, water absorption index, water solubility index, foaming capacity, foaming stability, oil holding capacity, and emulsion activity crucial for potential food applications. Results showed significant variations in the proximate composition among the cultivars, which was also influenced by the growing location and harvest year. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in the pasting properties, thermal stability, hydration properties, foaming properties, oil holding capacity, and emulsion activity. The hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses were associated with five distinct clusters of quinoa cultivars, each with unique techno-functional attributes, suggesting their potential for different food applications. These findings emphasize the need for further research to explore the performance of quinoa flours in specific food products and their impact on end-product quality.

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BACKGROUND: Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties, derived from its diverse array of secondary metabolites synthesized primarily in female flower organs. Breeding cannabis is challenging due to its dioecious nature, strict regulatory requirements, and the need for photoperiod control to trigger flowering, coupled with highly dispersible pollen that can easily contaminate nearby female flowers. This study aimed to develop a protocol for in vitro flowering in cannabis, investigate factors affecting in vitro flower production, and generate viable in vitro seeds, potentially offering a method for producing sterile cannabinoids or advancing breeding techniques. RESULTS: We show that the life cycle of cannabis can be fully completed in tissue culture; plantlets readily produce inflorescences and viable seeds in vitro. Our findings highlight the superior performance of DKW medium with 2% sucrose in a filtered vessel and emphasize the need for low light intensity during flower induction to optimize production. The improved performance in filtered vessels suggests that plants conduct photosynthesis in vitro, highlighting the need for future investigations into the effects of forced ventilation to refine this system. All tested lines readily developed inflorescences upon induction, with a 100% occurrence rate, including male flowering. We revealed the non-dehiscent trait of in vitro anthers, which is advantageous as it allows for multiple crosses to be conducted in vitro without concerns about cross-contamination. CONCLUSION: The current work developed and optimized an effective protocol for in vitro flowering and seed production in cannabis, potentially providing a platform for sterile cannabinoid production and an efficient tool for breeding programs. This system allows for the full and consistent control of plant growth conditions year-round, potentially offering the reliable production of sterile molecules suitable for pharmacological use. As a breeding strategy, this method overcomes the complex challenges of breeding cannabis, such as the need for large facilities, by enabling the production of hundreds of lines in a small facility. By offering precise control over factors such as plant growth regulators, light intensity, photoperiod, and temperature, this system also serves as a valuable tool for studying flowering aspects in cannabis.

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BACKGROUND: The Agricultural Research Centre of Mabegondo (Xunta de Galicia, A Coruña, Spain) conserves one of the most important collections of phytogenetic resources of ecotypes and natural populations of grassland species from northwestern Spain, among them populations of ryegrass (Lolium spp.), one of the most cultivated forage grasses in the world. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diversity among commercial cultivars and natural ryegrass populations with phenotypic traits and molecular markers. RESULTS: Eleven polymorphic microsatellites loci were used to analyze 58 ecotypes and 10 cultivars (680 DNA samples in total) differentiating 673 genotypes. Two main groups were detected by the Structure analysis, one related to Lolium perenne and a second to Lolium multiflorum. The first group showed two subgroups and the second three. The cluster of L. multiflorum showed two subgroups not related with the third cluster including commercial varieties, one from the Canary Islands (with Lolium rigidum included) and a second one from northwestern Spain, which presented specific agromorphological characteristics, such as lower FES (number of days from 1 January, when three heads per plant were flowering per plot), CRE (growth in flowering, in g of dry matter), and AIN (number of inflorescences per plant). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that a large amount of data on ryegrass from the Iberian Peninsula has been analyzed, obtaining a clear genetic differentiation of the autochthonous varieties from the commercial varieties analyzed. In addition, the genetic structure found in the ecotypes was related to the phenotypic variation analyzed. Being of interest in the conservation of biodiversity and in obtaining better adapted varieties of ryegrasses, due to their specific phenotypic traits, such as a lower FES, CRE and AIN.

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Background: The bark of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), the largest afforestation tree species in the forest areas of southern China, is susceptible to injuries and bites from small animals. The population of small animals has recently increased owing to improvements in the ecological environment across various forested areas, thus increasing the incidence of injuries in the bark of Chinese fir. Following such injuries, the bark secretes light yellow or milky white secretions, the function of which remains unclear. The present study aimed to reveal the antibacterial effect of exudates of different Chinese fir cultivars on five bacterial species. Methods: The research involved three-year-old plantations of Taxus chinensis var. koraiensis and Yangkou3 and three-year-old container plantations of Taxus chinensis var. pendula, Yang 061, and Yang 020. The antibacterial effects of exudates were analyzed using the filter paper diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration for each secretion and the bacterial inhibition zone were determined. Results: The exudates of the different Chinese fir bark exhibited notable antibacterial effects on Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella paratyphi B, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, the extent of these antibacterial effects varied among the different Chinese fir cultivars, as the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the exudates against the five bacterial species varied. The mean MIC of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was lower potency, whereas that of Escherichia coli was the lowest. Notably, the antibacterial efficacy of the exudates was mainly influenced by the composition of the secretions rather than the number of secretions, with organic acid compounds and terpenoids potentially contributing to the antibacterial effects against E. coli and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the antibacterial effect of wound secretion of different Chinese fir cultivars, highlighting their varying efficacy on different bacterial species. Moreover, the antibacterial ability of the exudates of the strains was mainly determined by the composition of the wound secretions, and there was no noticeable relationship with the number of wound secretions. The results of this study offers a theoretical basis for screen Chinese fir cultivars with high-disease-resistant.

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Understanding the settling preference, feeding behavior, honeydew production, and biophysical factors, such as trichome density, related to Y. flavovittatus leafhopper infestation in sugarcane cultivation is crucial for effective pest management strategies. This study investigated these aspects across nine sugarcane cultivars. Significant variability was observed among cultivars in terms of settling behavior, with KK3 and LK92-11 showing the highest number of settled leafhopper adults. Similarly, honeydew production varied significantly among cultivars, with KK3 and LK92-11 exhibiting the highest production. Employing the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique provided insights into distinct probing behaviors across cultivars, highlighting correlations between settling preference, honeydew production, and specific EPG waveforms. Principal component analysis (PCA) categorized cultivars into four groups based on settling preference, honeydew production, feeding behavior, and biophysical factors. Strong correlations were found between settling preference, honeydew production, and various EPG waveforms, while negative correlations were observed with the number of silica cells and rows per unit area, indicating their potential role in deterring leafhopper settlement. We concluded that TPJ04-768 and K84-200 are promising for resistance against leafhoppers and, thereby, can be exploited in sugarcane breeding programs with regard to resistance against insects.

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The current experiment was designed to evaluate the ramifications of simulated acid rain (SAR) on two pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars, Kashi Samridhi (Samridhi) and Kashi Nandini (Nandini), to decipher the intraspecific variations in defence mechanism considering the current scenario of rapid anthropogenic activities leading to increase in rain acidity. The pea cultivars were subjected to SAR of pH 7 (Control), 5.6, 5.0, and 4.5 under field conditions. SAR increased active oxygen species and malondialdehyde content due to increased lipid peroxidation in both cultivars; however, the increment intensity was more remarkable in Samridhi at the later growth stage. Ascorbic acid, thiol, and flavonoids were significantly increased in cultivar Nandini, along with increased peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Total phenolics, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities were enhanced considerably in Samridhi than in Nandini under SAR treatments. Higher stomatal density and stomatal size in Samridhi prompted greater acidic particles influx which further damaged the chloroplast and mitochondria. The present study concludes that cultivar Nandini is more proficient in inducing defence responses by elevating non-enzymatic antioxidants than Samridhi. Non-enzymatic linked defence mechanisms are more metabolically expensive, leading to less biomass accumulation in Nandini. The study depicted that innate defence responses, particularly the role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, governed the sensitivity level of cultivars towards SAR stress. Further, findings also contribute to bridging the knowledge gap regarding the responses of tropical and subtropical crops to acid rain. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01494-x.

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Phyllosphere microbes play a crucial role in plant health and productivity. However, the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on these communities is poorly understood. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to investigate the microbiome variations across eight grape cultivars and three distinct leaf ages. The diversity and richness of phyllosphere microbiomes were significantly affected by cultivars and leaf age. Young leaves of most grape cultivars had a higher diversity. Beta-diversity analyses revealed notable differences in microbial communities across leaf ages, with bacterial communities varying substantially between cultivars. The main bacterial genera included Staphylococcus, Exiguobacterium, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, and Erwinia; the principal fungal genera were Cladosporium, Moesziomyces, Alternaria, Didymella, and Coprinellus across all samples. LEfSe analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial and fungal biomarkers at different leaf ages, with no biomarkers identified among different cultivars. Fungal biomarkers were more abundant than bacterial at three leaf ages, and older leaves had more fungal biomarkers. Notably, beneficial microbial taxa with biocontrol potential were present on the phyllosphere at 45 d, whereas certain fungal groups associated with increased disease risk were first detected at 100 d. The bacterial network was more complex than the fungal network, and young leaves had a more complex network in most cultivars. Our study elucidated the dynamics of early grape phyllosphere microbes, providing valuable insights for early detection and prediction of grape diseases and a foundation for leveraging the grape leaf microbiome for agricultural purposes.

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Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Fusarium wilt fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) are one of the most predominant pathogens responsible for substantial agricultural yield reduction of tomato. The current study planned to assess the effects of M. incognita (Mi) and F. oxysporum (Fo) and their co-infection on two tomato cultivars, Zhongza 09 (ZZ09) and Gailing Maofen 802 (GLM802). The present study examined the effects of co-infection on leaf morphology, chlorophyll content, leaf area, and histopathology. The present study used metabolomics to evaluate plant-pathogen interactions. The outcomes of the current study revealed that chlorophyll content and leaf area decreased more in GLM802 during co-infection. In co-infection (Fo + Mi), the chlorophyll content reduction in ZZ09 was 11%, while in GLM802 the reduction reached up to 31% as compared to control. Moreover, the reduction in leaf are in ZZ09 was 31%, however, in the GLM802 reduction was observed 54% as compared to control plants. Similarly, GLM802 stems exhibited larger brown patches on their vascular bundles than ZZ09 stems. The rate of browning of GLM802 stems was 247% more than ZZ09, during co-infection. Moreover, GLM802 roots exhibited a higher abundance of hyphae and larger galls than ZZ09 roots. In metabolic studies, glutathione, succinic acid, and 2-isopropylmalic acid decreased, whereas spermine and fumaric acid increased in GLM802 co-infected stems. It indicates that GLM802 is weakly resistant; therefore, F. oxysporum and other pathogens readily damage tissue. In the co-infected stem of ZZ09, L-asparagine and shikimic acid increased, but pipecolic acid, L-saccharine, and 2-isopropylmalic acid declined. L-asparagine was crucial in preserving the stability of nitrogen metabolism, chlorophyll synthesis, and leaf growth in ZZ09. Shikimic acid's substantial accumulation could explain the limited extent of browning observed in the vascular bundles of ZZ09. Thus, the present study provides insight into M. incognita and F. oxysporum co-infection in two tomato cultivars, which may aid breeding efforts to generate commercially viable resistant cultivars. However, further research on the relationship between M. incognita and F. oxysporum in different host plants is required in the future.

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Plants thrive in diverse environments, where root-microbe interactions play a pivotal role. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), with its genetic diversity and resilience, is an ideal model for studying microbial adaptation to different genotypes and stresses. This study aimed to analyze the bacterial and fungal communities associated with traditional date palm cultivars and the widely cultivated "Deglet Nour" were explored using metabarcoding approaches. The microbial diversity analysis identified a rich community with 13,189 bacterial and 6442 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota dominated bacterial communities, while Ascomycota dominated fungal communities. Analysis of the microbial community revealed the emergence of two distinct clusters correlating with specific date palm cultivars, but fungal communities showed higher sensitivity to date palm genotype variations compared to bacterial communities. The commercial cultivar "Deglet Nour" exhibited a unique microbial composition enriched in pathogenic fungal taxa, which was correlated with its genetic distance. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between date palm genotypes and soil microbiota, highlighting the genotype role in microbial community structure, particularly among fungi. These findings suggest correlations between date palm genotype, stress tolerance, and microbial assembly, with implications for plant health and resilience. Further research is needed to elucidate genotype-specific microbial interactions and their role in enhancing plant resilience to environmental stresses.

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The bacterial blight of wheat is an important global disease causing a significant decline in crop yield. Nanotechnology offers a potential solution for managing plant diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in controlling bacterial blight in 27 locally grown wheat cultivars. The study examined the impact of AgNPs at three distinct time points: 1, 3, and 5 days after the onset of the disease. Biochemical assay revealed that one day after applying the disease stress, the Inia cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein (55.60 µg.g-1FW) content in the treatment without AgNPs. The Azadi cultivar, without AgNPs treatment, had the lowest amount of soluble protein content (15.71 µg.g-1FW). The Tabasi cultivar had the highest activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) (61.62 mM.g-1FW) with the combination treatment of AgNPs. On the other hand, the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (0.6 mM.g-1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. Furthermore, three days after the application of stress, the Mahdavi cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein content (54.16 µg.g-1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. The Niknejad cultivar had the highest activity of the SOD (74.15 mM.g-1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease without AgNPs. The Kavir cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (1.95 mM.g-1FW) and the lowest peroxidase (POX) activity (0.241 mM g-1FW min-1) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Five days after exposure to stress, the Mahooti cultivar had the highest SOD activity (88.12 mM.g-1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease with AgNPs, and the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (2.39 mM.g-1FW) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Further, the results indicated that exposure to AgNPs could improve the antioxidant properties of wheat seeds in blight-infected and disease-free conditions in some cultivars.

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This study explores the potential of olive leaves, long integral to Mediterranean traditional medicine, as a rich source of valuable compounds. The challenge lies in their considerable water content, hindering these compounds' full valorization. Four drying methods (air-drying, oven-drying, freeze-drying and solar-drying) were investigated for their impact on nutrient and bioactive compound content in the leaves of four olive varieties ("Arbequina", "Koroneiki", "Menara" and "Picholine Marocaine") cultivated in Morocco. In their fresh state, "Picholine Marocaine" exhibited the highest protein levels (6.11%), "Arbequina" had the highest phenolic content (20.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight (FW)), and "Koroneiki" and "Menara" were highest in flavonoids (3.28 mg quercetin equivalents/g FW). Specific drying methods proved optimal for different varieties. Oven-drying at 60 °C and 70 °C effectively preserved protein, while phenolic content varied with drying conditions. Air-drying and freeze-drying demonstrated effectiveness for flavonoids. In addition, an analytical approach using high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied to investigate the effects of the different drying methods on the bioactive fraction of the analyzed samples. The results showed qualitative and quantitative differences depending on both the variety and the drying method used. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with oleuropein being the most abundant in all the samples analyzed. The freeze-dried samples showed the highest content of oleuropein in the varieties "Arbequina" and "Picholine Marocaine" compared to the other methods analyzed. In contrast, "Koroneiki" and "Menara" had higher oleuropein content when air dried. Overall, the obtained results highlight the importance of tailored drying techniques for the preservation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in olive leaves.

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Introduction: Olive oil is a widely recognized and appreciated food commodity, its quality and health benefits can be compromised when the oil goes through oxidative processes that may occur during production and storage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the olive genotype on polar phenolic content after seven months of storage. Methods: Oil produced from eight different olive cultivars (Leccino, Leccio del Corno, Moraiolo, Frantoio, Bianchera, Pendolino, Maurino, and Caninese) grown in southern Tuscany, Italy, were subjected to chemical analysis such as free fatty acids, peroxide value, K232 and K268, phenolics and UPLC-DAD at the beginning of the trial (Control) and seven months later (Stored). Results and Conclusions: Free fatty acids, peroxide values, K232 and K268, significantly increased, suggesting heightened hydrolysis and oxidation after storage. A cultivar effect was observed, with Leccino, Moraiolo, and Pendolino showing less susceptibility to oxidation (low differences between Control and Stored). In contrast, others (Bianchera and Caninese) are more affected (higher differences between Control and Stored). Phenolics analysis supports this observation, revealing that samples with higher resistance to oxidation exhibit elevated levels of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Principal Component Analysis highlights that Bianchera and Caninese cultivars correlate with rutin, tyrosol, and pinoresinol. As this research delves into the intricate relationship between genotype diversity, phenolic composition, and oxidative stability, a nuanced understanding emerges, shedding light on how different cultivars may present varying compositions and concentrations of phenols, ultimately influencing the oil's resistance to the oxidation that occurred during storage.

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The most effective strategy for managing wheat bacterial blight caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is believed to be the use of resistant cultivars. Researching the correlation between molecular markers and stress resistance can expedite the plant breeding process. The current study aims to evaluate the response of 27 bread wheat cultivars to bacterial blight disease in order to identify resistant and susceptible cultivars and to pinpoint ISSR molecular markers associated with bacterial blight resistance genes. ISSR markers are recommended for assessing a plant's disease resistance. This experiment is focused on identifying ISSR molecular markers linked to bacterial blight resistance. After applying the bacterial solution to the leaves, we performed sampling to determine the infection percentage in the leaves at different intervals (7, 14, and 18 days after spraying). In most cultivars, the average leaf infection percentage decreased 18 days after spraying on young leaves. However, in some cultivars such as Niknegad, Darab2, and Zarin, leaf infection increased in older leaves and reached up to 100% necrosis. In our study, 12 ISSR primers generated a total of 170 bands, with 156 being polymorphic. The primers F10 and F5 showed the highest polymorphism, while the F7 primer exhibited the lowest polymorphism. Cluster analysis grouped these cultivars into four categories. The resistant group included Qods, Omid, and Atrak cultivars, while the semi-resistant and susceptible groups comprised the rest of the cultivars. Through binary logistic analysis, we identified three Super oxide dismutase-related genes that contribute to plant resistance to bacterial blight. These genes were linked to the F3, F5, and F12 primers in regions I (1500 bp), T (1000 bp), and G (850 bp), respectively. We also identified seven susceptibility-associated genes. Atrak, Omid, and Qods cultivars exhibited resistance against bacterial blight, and three genes associated with this resistance were linked to the F3, F5, and F12 primers. These markers can be used for screening or transferring tolerance to other wheat cultivars in breeding programs.

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Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are economically valuable crops belonging to the Solanaceae family and are popular worldwide because of their unique spiciness and flavor. In this study, differences in the metabolomes of landrace (Subicho) and disease-resistant pepper cultivars (Bulkala and Kaltanbaksa) widely grown in Korea are investigated using a 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach. Specific metabolites were abundant in the pericarp (GABA, fructose, and glutamine) and placenta (glucose, asparagine, arginine, and capsaicin), highlighting the distinct physiological and functional roles of these components. Both the pericarp and placenta of disease-resistant pepper cultivars contained higher levels of sucrose and hexoses and lower levels of alanine, proline, and threonine than the traditional landrace cultivar. These metabolic differences are linked to enhanced stress tolerance and the activation of defense pathways, imbuing these cultivars with improved resistance characteristics. The present study provides fundamental insights into the metabolic basis of disease resistance in chili peppers, emphasizing the importance of multi-resistant varieties to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security. These resistant varieties ensure a stable supply of high-quality peppers, contributing to safer and more sustainable food production systems.

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The aim of this study was to assess the nutraceutical qualities of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) samples obtained from three Sicilian olive cultivars: Nocellara, Biancolilla, and Cerasuola. We also evidenced the relationship among biophenols, base parameters and panel test scores, and evaluated the stability of the biophenols in EVOO. The assessment also took into consideration variations in olive harvesting periods and the influence of four different milling methods. A statistical analysis of the collected data revealed that the cultivar and harvesting period were the primary factors influencing the bio-phenol content, while the milling methods employed did not significantly affect the levels of biophenols in the oils. The panel test results were also illuminating as they were strongly related to the cultivar and polyphenol content. Following the criteria outlined in EC Regulation 432/2012, we selected three samples, each representing one of the cultivars, which exhibited the highest bio-phenol content to evaluate the biophenol stability during a time span of 16 months.

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In Slovenia there is only one species of common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis L.) that occurs in all four of its phytogeographical regions. Slovenia is located in the center of the distribution of this species. At some sites the subpopulations of snowdrop are common and abundant, but at other sites they may consist of only a few individuals within small populations. Galanthus nivalis occurs in a diversity of habitats and individual plants within stands are extremely variable in many of their characteristics. The purpose of this research is to determine the diversity within the species and to identify new stable variants that are interesting for horticultural purposes and use. We examined plants in populations that were the most diverse and isolated individual characteristics from them, which we then cultivated for several years and determined their stability. We found two new varieties that have a very distinctive smell, and one of the new varieties retains its outer perigone leaves completely closed at the end of flowering. The new varieties belong to three different groups: the Skirt group, the Imperial group and the Green group.

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The grapevine was one of the earliest domesticated fruit crops and has been cultivated since ancient times. It is considered one of the most important fruit crops worldwide for wine and table grape production. The current grape varieties are the outcome of prolonged selection initiated during the domestication process of their wild relative. Recent genetic studies have shed light on the origins of the modern domestic grapevine in western Europe, suggesting that its origin stems from the introgression between eastern domestic grapes and western wild grapes. However, the origin of ancient grapevines remains largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted an extensive analysis of 2228 well-preserved waterlogged archaeological grape pips from two sites in Sardinia (Italy), dated to the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1300-1100 BC) and the Iron Age (4th and 3rd centuries BC). Using morphometrics and linear discriminant analyses, we compared the archaeological grape pips with modern reference collections to differentiate between wild and domestic grape types and to investigate similarities with 330 modern cultivars. Grape pips from the Late Bronze Age displayed a high percentage of similarity with domesticated grapevines, with a small percentage assigned to wild ones, while the majority of grape pips from the Iron Age were classified as domestic. Discriminant analyses revealed that both white and red grape varieties were cultivated during the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, suggesting a high level of diversification in grape cultivation. Furthermore, a high percentage of archaeological grape pips from both periods showed strong similarities with modern cultivars from the Caucasus and Balkans. This suggests that the great diversity of grapevines present in Sardinia could result from interbreeding between western Asian cultivars and local grapevines that began in the Late Bronze Age. Additionally, a substantial proportion of archaeological grape pips exhibited similar morphometric characteristics to two important Mediterranean grape cultivars: "Muscat à petits grains blancs" and "Garnacha".

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Introduction: Olive cultivation, like other evergreen fruit crops worldwide, is limited by the occurrence of frost episodes in different times of the year, mainly in winter or early spring. Some contradictory results are reported about cultivars' response to frost, which depends on the physiological stage of the tissues (acclimated or not acclimated) when the cold or frost episode occurs. This work aimed to implement a user-friendly and reliable lab method for discerning frost tolerance. Methods: Our methodology considered both detached leaves and potted plantlets. The optimal temperature at which damage differentiated between cultivars was evaluated, as well as the time of exposure to cold and the recovery time for the correct evaluation of the symptoms. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of damage on both young and mature leaves was conducted. To validate the efficacy of the methodology, assessments were conducted on the cultivars 'Arbequina' (tolerant), 'Picual' (moderately tolerant), and 'Frantoio' (susceptible) under acclimated and non-acclimated conditions. Results and discussion: The results indicated that, when detached leaves were used for frost evaluation, a temperature of -10°C ± 1°C for 30 min and a recovery time at 26°C for 24-48 h after exposure to cold are enough to induce damages on the leaves and discriminate between cultivar susceptibility. Under these conditions, a precise assessment of symptoms can be made, facilitating the categorization of frost tolerance level in various olive cultivars. Notably, no significant differences were observed between young and mature leaves during the evaluation process. On the other hand, the critical temperature to assess damages on potted plantlets was determined to be -7°C ± 1°C. In addition, it was observed that acclimated plants exhibited fewer symptoms compared to non-acclimated ones, with 'Frantoio' being the most affected alongside 'Picual' and 'Arbequina'. Conclusion: The implemented methodology will allow the assessment of frost tolerance in several olive cultivars within a short timeframe, and it is proven to be user-friendly and reliable.

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Background and purpose: N-acetyl-ρ-aminophen (APAP) is a widely used medication with analgesic and antipyretic characteristics. High paracetamol doses can damage the liver. Thai-pigmented rice may treat numerous liver disorders due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutathione-restoring capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic components in three Thai rice bran extracts and their antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in an animal model. Experimental approach: Fifty male mice were randomly assigned to the control and APAP studies. Each study was divided into 5 groups (n = 5) treated with distilled water, Hom Mali, Hang-Ngok, and Hom Nil (HN) rice compared with N-acetylcysteine with/without 60 mg/kg/day of APAP orally once a day for two weeks. Blood and liver sampling were collected for analysis. Findings/Results: HN rice bran exhibited higher contents of total phenolic, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin, ferric-reducing antioxidant, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities than Hom Mali and Hang-Ngok. Anthocyanin was merely detected in HN. Following APAP administration, mice exhibited significant increases in hepatic enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)), and malondialdehyde (MDA), but lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione profiles. Amongst the three cultivars, HN rice was the only compound that decreased MDA, ALT, AST, TNF-α, and IL-6 while increasing antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that was very close to that of N-acetylcysteine groups. Conclusion and implications: Given the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, HN has the potential to be used as a health supplement.