Polyploidization, or whole genome duplication (WGD), has an important role in evolution and speciation, particularly in plants. One of the biggest challenges faced by a new polyploid is meiosis, particularly, discriminating between multiple related chromosomes so that only homologous recombine to ensure regular chromosome segregation and fertility. Triticeae, an economically important tribe which includes crops such as wheat, barley and rye, has been extremely successful in taking advantage of this speciation mechanism. Moreover, this huge capacity for interspecific hybridization among the Triticeae has been used by breeders to transfer interesting traits from related or wild species into crops, particularly into modern wheat. Thus, for both reasons, to study polyploidisation and to facilitate the exchange of genetic material among species, it is very important to understand the genetic relationship among these species and the meiotic behaviour of their chromosomes when they are put together in the same nucleus.

In this study, we report and describe the production of two new intergeneric hybrids formed by the genomes of species from three different genera inside the Triticeae tribe: a trihybrid between Aegilops taushii (DD), Hordeum chilense (H^chH^ch) and Secale cereale (RR) with the haploid genomic constitution DH^chR (n = 7x = 21 chromosomes); and a trihybrid between Triticum durum (AABB), H. chilense and S. cereale with the haploid genomic constitution ABH^chR (n = 7x = 28 chromosomes). We used fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to establish the chromosome composition of the new hybrids and to study their meiotic behaviour at metaphase I. Interestingly, there were multiple chromosome associations at metaphase I in both hybrids, indicating the presence of crossover formation between the different genomes. The number of associations was clearly higher in the DH^chR hybrid. This is probably due to the absence of the B genome where the Ph1 locus, responsible for controlling homologous recombination in wheat, is present. We also used immunolocalization of key meiotic proteins and observed that the level of synapsis among chromosomes was also higher in the DH^chR hybrid. Finally, we tried to duplicate both hybrids to obtain the corresponding diploid amphiploid, achieving success with the ABH^chR hybrid. Several amphiploids AABBH^chH^chRR were obtained and characterised using both FISH and immunolocalization of meiotic proteins. All the findings will be discussed in detail.

These results indicate that recombination between the genera of three economically important crops is possible. Further work is still needed to recover these recombination events.

Most soilborne Phytophthora species are invasive plant pathogens and nursery plants for transplanting are considered a primary pathway for the introduction of exotic Phytophthora species into plant diversity conservation areas and sites. As a preliminary step toward investigating this subject, we compared the diversity of Phytophthora in the protected natural area Complesso Speleologico Villasmundo S. Alfio Nature Reserve (NR) (Melilli, Siracusa) and the botanical garden (BG) of the University of Catania (Catania), in eastern Sicily (southern Italy). Sampling was carried out during the spring of 2019. Overall 29 rhizosphere soil samples were collected, 17 from different types of vegetation in NR and 12 from different plant species in BG. Phytophthora species were recovered from soil samples by leaf baiting and subsequent isolation on a selective medium. Isolates were identified by combining macro- and micro-morphological features with phylogenetic inferences from ITS-rDNA sequence analysis.

Overall 82 Phytophthora isolates, 30 from NR and 52 from BG, were characterized. Five Phytophthora species, P. pseudocryptogea, P. cryptogea, P. bilorbang, P. plurivora and P. gonapodyides, were recovered in the nature reserve, while only three species, P. nicotianae, P. multivora and P. parvispora, were found in the botanical garden. It can be concluded that the most aggressive and polyphagous species, P. nicotianae, P. multivora and P. parvispora, were recovered in the botanical garden, while Phytophthora species characterized by the ability to either survive in aquatic environments or complete their lifecycle as saprobes, such as P. bilorbang and P. gonapodyides, were only present in the nature reserve. It is noteworthy that the organic carbon content was higher in soil of the nature reserve while the nitrate content was higher in the soil of botanical garden. The role of soil properties in conditioning the ecology of diverse Phytophthora species deserves to be further investigated.

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an economically important crop. In temperate climate powdery mildew Erysiphe crucifertaum can reduce its yields dramatically. Nevertheless, cultivars resistant to this fungal disease have not been selected yet.

Glutathione plays an important role in plant resistance to oxidative stress. Reduced Glutathione (GSH) is involved in detoxification of ROS and toxic molecules, catalyzed by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) is formed during this process. Induction of the level of GSH and GST upon exposure to stress provide better protection of the plant cell. It is supposed that these mechanisms can also work during plant-fungus interactions, but they were never studied in oilseed rape, infected by E. crucifertaum.

B. napus plants, grown in the field and in the light chamber, were infected with powdery mildew. After 30 days there were severe signs of infection on most of the plants, however several individuals were less susceptible to it. Leaves of B. napus were used to measure the level of GSH, GSSG and GST by spectrophotometric assay.

The level of total glutathione was 2-3 times higher in plants with increased resistant to powdery mildew than in both severely infected plants and control plants that were not subjected to the infection. The GST activity in resistant and control plants was at the same level, however in susceptible plants it was 2-3 times lower.

Therefore, oilseed rape with naturally increased glutathione content can be used in the selection of resistant cultivars. GST and GSH genes should be also considered as targets for genetic engineering and genome editing.

Research was supported by grant of President of Russian Federation MK-1146.2020.11.

Germination or seed quality of China aster is a crucial feature affecting seedling survival and establishment whilst seeded directly in the field. Moreover, freak weather events in the changing climate scenario and biotic stress have often resulted in poor seedling quality and survival of China aster. Subsequently, to scrutinize the impact of a range of priming techniques on germination, seedling survival and growth of cv. Powderpuff of China aster newly introduced in Kashmir valley was undertaken at the Plant tissue Culture laboratory. Seeds were subjected to two treatment methods (3 hydro-priming and 2 halo-priming), constituting a total of six treatment combinations (P₀-P₅) in CRD (completely randomized design) with four replications. The analysed variables were seedling survival percentage, germination percentage, seedling collar diameter, seedling fresh weight, shoot/root ratio and the number of leaves/seedling. The analysed data on the influence of priming treatments on germination percentage is depicted that different priming agents are having a significant influence on pre and post-germination attributes. Significantly maximum germination percentage (87.50 %), seedling survival percentage (81.95), seedling fresh weight (0.0031g), seedling collar diameter (0.101 cm), number of leaves seedling^-1 (7.01) and shoot-root ratio (1.044)was recorded in treatment P₅ (2 % KNO₃ 18h) and minimum (42.50) in case of control (P₀) i.e. un-primed seeds. Halo-conditioning with KNO₃ for 12h significantly improved, germination percentage, seedling survival percentage, seedling diameter, leaf number per seedling and shoot-root ratio. In conclusion, KNO₃ played a vital role in the establishment and survival of seedling in the field, under Kashmir conditions.

Purpose : The aim is to show the ideal protein quality and quantity and the dietary composition for the prevention and metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Introduction Although some reviews demonstrate the advantages of a diet with a higher protein intake, other reviews have observed that a diet high in carbohydrates, with low-glycaemic index carbohydrates and good fibre intake, is equally effective in improving insulin sensitivity.

Methods Over 2831 articles were screened, and 24 from the last 5 years were analysed and summarised for this review, using the protein, diabetes and insulin glucose metabolic keywords in Pubmed in June 2019.

Results Eleven studies demonstrate that a higher consumption of proteins has a positive effect on insulin sensitivity. A higher intake of animal protein seems to be related to an increased risk of T2DM. Four studies show that consumption of meat has a deleterious effect. Higher intake of plant protein and dairy products is associated with a modestly reduced risk.

Discussion Based on the results obtained, for the prevention of T2DM and all disorders related to metabolic syndrome, no ideal dietary composition has yet been found. The advantage of plant protein sources may be related to the foods’ low-glycaemic index due to the high fibre content. However, the right protein quality (animal and plant) and the quantity for T2DM prevention and metabolic control are unclear and need to be investigated with further long-term studies.

We report for the first time that a nonpathogenic bacterial microflora has been found in a suspension culture of Arabidopsis thaliana cells. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the isolate belonged to Rothia amarae. Identification was confirmed by microbiological, microscopic, and immunochemical methods. Growth of the isolate on blood agar preserves the morphological and immunochemical properties of the isolate from the plant cell suspension culture. Whether the isolated strain is a contaminant or a true symbiont remains an open question. It is known that Rothia bacteria live mostly in oceanic and waste water and in benthos. Members of Rothia are part of the normal microflora of the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and stomach of humans. Rothia bacteria have also been detected as endophytes in association with associated with Magellan sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum Brid.), stellate pohostemon (Dysophylla stellata (Lour.) Benth.), pointed banana (Musa acuminate Colla), and alder (Alnus). Endophytic Rothia are inhibitory against several pathogenic fungi and bacteria. In addition, some actinobacteria, including members of Rothia, are nitrogen fixers. It cannot be ruled out that the R. amarae strain isolated in this work can be endosymbiotic with a suspension culture of A. thaliana. The bacterial “inclusions” found by us in a suspension culture of A. thaliana merit further investigation to identify them more deeply and clarify their symbiotic properties.

The aim of this study is to review the quality of flaxseed which are obtained from different geographical location. The review is based on the previous studies which confirm that climatic conditions provide the impact on the plant growth and their quality as well. Geographic investigations of plant molecular variety can give substantial data of plant growth and upgrade plant germplasm, medicinal values, and the uses, yet such examinations are deficient in cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Flax is that the third biggest fibre harvest naturally and one among the five significant oil crops on the earth. Flax is often utilized as a model plant for the best plants on account of its little size and self-fertilization characters. Flaxseed yields shifted incredibly due to climate and soil type yet demonstrated next with no impact of plant thickness. There is a higher variety of generative plant parts seen by cultivated flax and more vegetative pieces of the plant were seen in pale flax fluctuates. Scope of variety, hereditarily based variety, heritability, and connection of a few characters are thought of, particularly concerning the impact of domestication. Higher developing season temperatures in different locations can impact the efficacy of agricultural, income of farm and food security. Postponement in planting prompted an expansion in natural temperature during conceptive development of harvest bringing about lower seed quality. The outcomes demonstrated that planting climate influence the development characters, yield, and its segment as well as the yield of oil. These findings are remarkable for understanding flax domestication and they are also helpful in grouping intraspecific variety of cultivated flax, setting up a centre subset of the flax assortment, and investigating new wellsprings of qualities for flax improvement.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) belongs to Asteraceae family and is a widely grown and a popularly consumed vegetable worldwide cause leafy vegetables are common items in a well-balanced diet. Lettuce is low in calories, fat and sodium. It is a good source of fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C and various bioactive compounds. Lettuce is consumed in salad mixes and, as its consumption is increasing, is becoming one of most 'healthy' food. Moreover, since lettuce is generally eaten raw, more nutrients and bioactive compounds are retained compared to other vegetables that are cooked or processed, avoiding in this way the degradation of the thermolabile phytochemicals with potential nutraceutical interest.

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities attributed to the bioactive compounds in lettuce. The healthy properties are attributed to a large supply of antioxidant compounds mainly polyphenols. As they act as free radical scavengers, both these secondary plant metabolites are fundamental to counter oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, diabetes, age-related neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. Further, various studies have investigated the effects of the polyphenolic compounds present in green lettuce, in reducing oxidative and anti-inflammatory stresses.

This work aims to assess polyphenolic content, as well as related antioxidant capacity of 16 lettuce types, belonging to butterhead (var. capitata) and crisphead (var. crispa) varieties, in order to know their potential correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Results have shown lattuce an interesting and cheap source of antioxidant phenolics useful to functionalise various products.

Citrus×myrtifolia Rafanesque fruits are commonly used to produce the popular Italian beverage “Chinotto”. The C. myrtifolia plant comes from Asia, as most of Citrus spp., but nowadays is spread in Mediterranean countries and in Italy especially in Liguria and Sicily.

Attention of the citrus industry for chinotto and other drinks production increases studies on its biochemical characterization for the development of new Chinotto-based products.

The fresh juice obtained by squeezing ripe fruits of Chinotto was investigated with the aim of improving the knowledge on its bioactive properties. Juice extract was found to be rich in flavonoids, eriocitrin, neoeriocitrin, hesperidin, and naringin. The latter is the main flavonoid in the juice.

The chemical composition of chinotto juice was analysed in terms of juice yield, soluble solids, organic acids, tritable acidity, sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg), and as free amino-acids.

Results show that C. myrtifolia fruits and related beverages are good sources of phytochemicals. Moreover, this approach could enhance product quality, or otherwise detect adulteration with substances, sophistication or fraud in juices.

Orchids and its mycorrhiza have a symbiotic relationship particularly during seed germination and can continue into the adult stage. Studies have shown that compatible orchid mycorrhiza may enhance plant growth when associating symbiotically in the roots of orchids such as the Malaysian endemic orchid, Paphiopedilum barbatum. Thus, study aims to identify the mycorrhizal fungi that form a symbiosis with the terrestrial tropical orchid, Paphiopedilum barbatum and determine root mycorrhization and growth in several in vitro Paphiopedilum plantlets. Mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from the roots of P. barbatum collected from five different locations in Peninsular Malaysia. Isolation of fungi was carried out according to the Currah method for initial morphological identification and then through molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA of the isolates. The identified mycorrhiza was then inoculated on in vitro selected Paphiopedilum plantletson a double slanting media to observe mycorrhization and the occurrence of enhancement of plant growth. Isolation of mycorrhizal fungi from the roots of P. barbatum in this study identified only one mycorrhiza; namely Tulasnella calospora (anamorph: Rhizoctonia repens) which is a ubiquitous orchid mycorrhiza. In vitro inoculation of T. calospora on seedlings from the Paphiopedilum genus after incubation for 24 weeks showed a significant 1.1% increase in fresh weight in P. rothschildianum with 68% root mycorrhization. However, no significant growth was observed in the seedlings of P. sanderianum, P. gigantifolium x P. rothschildianum and P. esquirolei x P. rothschildianum when inoculated with T. calospora after incubation for 24 weeks even though each had 32%, 24% and 13% root mycorrhization. This preliminary finding present an insight into the orchid mycorrhiza of the Paphiopedilum but a more extensive study is needed to further explore this symbiotic relationship and furthermore contribute in developing a beneficial application whether commercially or for the conservation of this genus.