Control Efficacy of Jingdusha against Corynespora cassiicola (Hyphomycetales: Dematiaceae) on Cucumber

Aims: The paper aimed to clarify the effect of cucumber target leaf spot (TLS) under the Jingdusha (JDS) treatment. Study Design: We applied the method of artificial inoculation in the pot, and analyzed the changes in growth indexes and physiological characteristics. Place and Duration of Study: In 2018, these experiments were conducted in College of Bioscience and Biotechnology of Shenyang Agricultural University (Lab 240). Methodology: The seedlings in the two-leaf period were induced by the best application scheme of JDS, then inoculated Corynespora cassiicola for 24 h. Cucumber seedlings of each treatment group were randomly selected for photographing and growth index determination after inoculation for 5 d. The leaves of cucumber seedlings in each treatment group were randomly collected at 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, and 9 d after inoculation for the determination of physiological and biochemical indicators. Results: When C. cassiicola infects cucumber, JDS can effectively improve the growth and photosynthetic pigment content of cucumber, reduce the degradation of chlorophyll (Chl) under the stress of C. cassiicola, strengthen the variety of metabolic responses in the plant, repair the enzyme protection system of cucumber leaves, reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, shorten the process of membrane lipid peroxidation in blades. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that JDS can improve the resistance of cucumber seedlings to C. cassiicola by regulating growth indexes and physiological characteristics. This work will provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of JDS in cucumber defense against C. cassiicola.

A Single Centre Open Label Post Marketing Surveillance Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash

The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash in subjects with acne, facial scars, pimples, blemishes, dull skin and dry skin. Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, non-randomized post-marketing surveillance study with 120 subjects. Subjects were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria. The study included three scheduled clinical visits on days 0 (screening and baseline visit), 15 (follow-up visit), and 30 (final visit). Following an assessment of baseline data, all subjects were given Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash for 30 days. The efficacy of Roop Matra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was determined by measuring changes in parameters such as skin characteristics, skin appearance, and Global Acne Assessment (GAA) score. Product safety was assessed by determining local intolerance and adverse effects of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash. Results: The results of the study showed that applying Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash for 30 days significantly improved skin’s characteristic and appearance. Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was also found to be dermatologically well tolerated and had no negative impacts over the course of the study. Conclusion: The polyherbal Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was found to be very safe and effective in reducing acne, pimples, blemishes, and skin dryness with improved skin texture and appearance. Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash is therefore a clinically feasible and safe alternative for treating the aforementioned skin conditions.

Genetic diversity and molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) subgroup II infecting Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Pea (Pisum sativum) in Pothwar region of Pakistan / Diversidade genética e caracterização molecular do Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) subgrupo II infectando espinafre (Spinacia oleracea) e ervilha (Pisum sativum) na região de Pothwar, Paquistão

Abstract Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a tremendous threat to vegetables across the globe, including in Pakistan. The present work was conducted to investigate the genetic variability of CMV isolates infecting pea and spinach vegetables in the Pothwar region of Pakistan. Serological-based surveys during 2016-2017 revealed 31.70% overall CMV disease incidence from pea and spinach crops. Triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) revealed that all the positive isolates belong to CMV subgroup II. Two selected cDNA from ELISA-positive samples representing each pea and spinach crops were PCR-amplified (ca.1100 bp) and sequenced corresponding to the CMV CP gene which shared 93.7% nucleotide identity with each other. Both the sequences of CMV pea (AAHAP) and spinach (AARS) isolates from Pakistan were submitted to GenBank as accession nos. MH119071 and MH119073, respectively. BLAST analysis revealed 93.4% sequence identity of AAHAP isolate with SpK (KC763473) from Iran while AARS isolate shared maximum identity (94.5%) with the strain 241 (AJ585519) from Australia and clustered with some reference isolates of CMV subgroup II from UK (Z12818) and USA (AF127976) in a Neighbour-joining phylogenetic reconstruction. A total of 59 polymorphic (segregating) sites (S) with nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.06218 was evident while no INDEL event was observed in Pakistani isolates. The evolutionary distance of Pakistani CMV isolates was recorded as 0.0657 with each other and 0.0574-0.2964 with other CMV isolates reported elsewhere in the world. A frequent gene flow (Fst = 0.30478 <0.33) was observed between Pakistani and earlier reported CMV isolates. In genetic differentiation analysis, the value of three permutation-based statistical tests viz; Z (84.3011), Snn (0.82456), and Ks* (4.04042) were non-significant. The statistical analysis revealed the values 2.02535, 0.01468, and 0.71862 of Tajima's D, Fu, & Li's F* and D* respectively, demonstrating that the CMV population is under balancing selection.

Resumo Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) é uma tremenda ameaça aos vegetais em todo o mundo, inclusive no Paquistão. O presente trabalho foi conduzido para investigar a variabilidade genética de isolados de CMV infectando vegetais de ervilha e espinafre na região de Pothwar, Paquistão. Pesquisas com base em sorologia durante 2016-2017 revelaram 31,70% da incidência geral da doença por CMV em safras de ervilha e espinafre. O ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática em sanduíche de anticorpo triplo (TAS-ELISA) revelou que todos os isolados positivos pertencem ao subgrupo II do CMV. Dois cDNA selecionados de amostras positivas para ELISA representando cada safra de ervilha e espinafre foram amplificados por PCR (ca.1100 pb) e sequenciados correspondendo ao gene CMV CP que compartilhou 93,7% de identidade de nucleotídeo um com o outro. Ambas as sequências de isolados de ervilha CMV (AAHAP) e espinafre (AARS) do Paquistão foram submetidas ao GenBank como nos de acesso. MH119071 e MH119073, respectivamente. A análise BLAST revelou 93,4% de identidade de sequência do isolado AAHAP com SpK (KC763473) do Irã, enquanto o isolado AARS compartilhou a identidade máxima (94,5%) com a cepa 241 (AJ585519) da Austrália e agrupada com alguns isolados de referência do subgrupo II de CMV do Reino Unido (Z12818) e EUA (AF127976) em uma reconstrução filogenética vizinha. Um total de 59 sítios polimórficos (segregantes) (S) com diversidade de nucleotídeos (π) de 0,06218 foi evidente, enquanto nenhum evento INDEL foi observado em isolados do Paquistão. A distância evolutiva de isolados de CMV do Paquistão foi registrada como 0,0657 entre si e 0,0574-0,2964 com outros isolados de CMV relatados em outras partes do mundo. Um fluxo gênico frequente (Fst = 0,30478 < 0,33) foi observado entre os isolados de CMV do Paquistão e relatados anteriormente. Na análise de diferenciação genética, os valores de três testes estatísticos baseados em permutação viz, Z (84,3011), Snn (0,82456) e Ks * (4,04042) não foram significativos. A análise estatística revelou os valores 2,02535, 0,01468 e 0,71862 de Tajima's D, Fu, & Li's F * e D * respectivamente, demonstrando que a população de CMV está sob seleção de balanceamento.

Genetic diversity and molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) subgroup II infecting Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Pea (Pisum sativum) in Pothwar region of Pakistan / Diversidade genética e caracterização molecular do Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) subgrupo II infectando espinafre (Spinacia oleracea) e ervilha (Pisum sativum) na região de Pothwar, Paquistão

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a tremendous threat to vegetables across the globe, including in Pakistan. The present work was conducted to investigate the genetic variability of CMV isolates infecting pea and spinach vegetables in the Pothwar region of Pakistan. Serological-based surveys during 2016-2017 revealed 31.70% overall CMV disease incidence from pea and spinach crops. Triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) revealed that all the positive isolates belong to CMV subgroup II. Two selected cDNA from ELISA-positive samples representing each pea and spinach crops were PCR-amplified (ca.1100 bp) and sequenced corresponding to the CMV CP gene which shared 93.7% nucleotide identity with each other. Both the sequences of CMV pea (AAHAP) and spinach (AARS) isolates from Pakistan were submitted to GenBank as accession nos. MH119071 and MH119073, respectively. BLAST analysis revealed 93.4% sequence identity of AAHAP isolate with SpK (KC763473) from Iran while AARS isolate shared maximum identity (94.5%) with the strain 241 (AJ585519) from Australia and clustered with some reference isolates of CMV subgroup II from UK (Z12818) and USA (AF127976) in a Neighbour joining phylogenetic reconstruction. A total of 59 polymorphic (segregating) sites (S) with nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.06218 was evident while no INDEL event was observed in Pakistani isolates. The evolutionary distance of Pakistani CMV isolates was recorded as 0.0657 with each other and 0.0574-0.2964 with other CMV isolates reported elsewhere in the world. A frequent gene flow (Fst = 0.30478 <0.33) was observed between Pakistani and earlier reported CMV isolates. In genetic differentiation analysis, the value of three permutation-based statistical tests viz; Z (84.3011), Snn (0.82456), and Ks* (4.04042) were non-significant. The statistical analysis revealed the [...].

Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) é uma tremenda ameaça aos vegetais em todo o mundo, inclusive no Paquistão. O presente trabalho foi conduzido para investigar a variabilidade genética de isolados de CMV infectando vegetais de ervilha e espinafre na região de Pothwar, Paquistão. Pesquisas com base em sorologia durante 2016-2017 revelaram 31,70% da incidência geral da doença por CMV em safras de ervilha e espinafre. O ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática em sanduíche de anticorpo triplo (TAS-ELISA) revelou que todos os isolados positivos pertencem ao subgrupo II do CMV. Dois cDNA selecionados de amostras positivas para ELISA representando cada safra de ervilha e espinafre foram amplificados por PCR (ca.1100 pb) e sequenciados correspondendo ao gene CMV CP que compartilhou 93,7% de identidade de nucleotídeo um com o outro. Ambas as sequências de isolados de ervilha CMV (AAHAP) e espinafre (AARS) do Paquistão foram submetidas ao GenBank como nos de acesso. MH119071 e MH119073, respectivamente. A análise BLAST revelou 93,4% de identidade de sequência do isolado AAHAP com SpK (KC763473) do Irã, enquanto o isolado AARS compartilhou a identidade máxima (94,5%) com a cepa 241 (AJ585519) da Austrália e agrupada com alguns isolados de referência do subgrupo II de CMV do Reino Unido (Z12818) e EUA (AF127976) em uma reconstrução filogenética vizinha. Um total de 59 sítios polimórficos (segregantes) (S) com diversidade de nucleotídeos (π) de 0,06218 foi evidente, enquanto nenhum evento INDEL foi observado em isolados do Paquistão. A distância evolutiva de isolados de CMV do Paquistão foi registrada como 0,0657 entre si e 0,0574-0,2964 com outros isolados de CMV relatados em outras partes do mundo. Um fluxo gênico frequente (Fst = 0,30478 < 0,33) foi observado entre os isolados de CMV do Paquistão e relatados anteriormente. Na análise de diferenciação genética, os valores de três testes estatísticos baseados em [...].

Genetic diversity and molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) subgroup II infecting Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Pea (Pisum sativum) in Pothwar region of Pakistan

Abstract Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a tremendous threat to vegetables across the globe, including in Pakistan. The present work was conducted to investigate the genetic variability of CMV isolates infecting pea and spinach vegetables in the Pothwar region of Pakistan. Serological-based surveys during 2016-2017 revealed 31.70% overall CMV disease incidence from pea and spinach crops. Triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) revealed that all the positive isolates belong to CMV subgroup II. Two selected cDNA from ELISA-positive samples representing each pea and spinach crops were PCR-amplified (ca.1100 bp) and sequenced corresponding to the CMV CP gene which shared 93.7% nucleotide identity with each other. Both the sequences of CMV pea (AAHAP) and spinach (AARS) isolates from Pakistan were submitted to GenBank as accession nos. MH119071 and MH119073, respectively. BLAST analysis revealed 93.4% sequence identity of AAHAP isolate with SpK (KC763473) from Iran while AARS isolate shared maximum identity (94.5%) with the strain 241 (AJ585519) from Australia and clustered with some reference isolates of CMV subgroup II from UK (Z12818) and USA (AF127976) in a Neighbour-joining phylogenetic reconstruction. A total of 59 polymorphic (segregating) sites (S) with nucleotide diversity () of 0.06218 was evident while no INDEL event was observed in Pakistani isolates. The evolutionary distance of Pakistani CMV isolates was recorded as 0.0657 with each other and 0.0574-0.2964 with other CMV isolates reported elsewhere in the world. A frequent gene flow (Fst = 0.30478 0.33) was observed between Pakistani and earlier reported CMV isolates. In genetic differentiation analysis, the value of three permutation-based statistical tests viz; Z (84.3011), Snn (0.82456), and Ks* (4.04042) were non-significant. The statistical analysis revealed the values 2.02535, 0.01468, and 0.71862 of Tajima's D, Fu, & Lis F* and D* respectively, demonstrating that the CMV population is under balancing selection.

Resumo Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) é uma tremenda ameaça aos vegetais em todo o mundo, inclusive no Paquistão. O presente trabalho foi conduzido para investigar a variabilidade genética de isolados de CMV infectando vegetais de ervilha e espinafre na região de Pothwar, Paquistão. Pesquisas com base em sorologia durante 2016-2017 revelaram 31,70% da incidência geral da doença por CMV em safras de ervilha e espinafre. O ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática em sanduíche de anticorpo triplo (TAS-ELISA) revelou que todos os isolados positivos pertencem ao subgrupo II do CMV. Dois cDNA selecionados de amostras positivas para ELISA representando cada safra de ervilha e espinafre foram amplificados por PCR (ca.1100 pb) e sequenciados correspondendo ao gene CMV CP que compartilhou 93,7% de identidade de nucleotídeo um com o outro. Ambas as sequências de isolados de ervilha CMV (AAHAP) e espinafre (AARS) do Paquistão foram submetidas ao GenBank como nos de acesso. MH119071 e MH119073, respectivamente. A análise BLAST revelou 93,4% de identidade de sequência do isolado AAHAP com SpK (KC763473) do Irã, enquanto o isolado AARS compartilhou a identidade máxima (94,5%) com a cepa 241 (AJ585519) da Austrália e agrupada com alguns isolados de referência do subgrupo II de CMV do Reino Unido (Z12818) e EUA (AF127976) em uma reconstrução filogenética vizinha. Um total de 59 sítios polimórficos (segregantes) (S) com diversidade de nucleotídeos () de 0,06218 foi evidente, enquanto nenhum evento INDEL foi observado em isolados do Paquistão. A distância evolutiva de isolados de CMV do Paquistão foi registrada como 0,0657 entre si e 0,0574-0,2964 com outros isolados de CMV relatados em outras partes do mundo. Um fluxo gênico frequente (Fst = 0,30478 0,33) foi observado entre os isolados de CMV do Paquistão e relatados anteriormente. Na análise de diferenciação genética, os valores de três testes estatísticos baseados em permutação viz, Z (84,3011), Snn (0,82456) e Ks * (4,04042) não foram significativos. A análise estatística revelou os valores 2,02535, 0,01468 e 0,71862 de Tajimas D, Fu, & Lis F * e D * respectivamente, demonstrando que a população de CMV está sob seleção de balanceamento.

Screening of marine resistant strain based on PKS and NRPS genes and the activity of its metabolites / 生物工程学报

Based on polyketide syntheses gene (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases gene (NRPS), one strain with high anti-pathogenic activity was screened from 77 strains isolated from Arctic marine sediments and identified. By optimizing the composition of culture medium and fermentation conditions, the production of this strain's active metabolites was improved and the main metabolites were identified by HRMS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The antibacterial spectrum of the main metabolites and the effect of the metabolites on cucumber Fusarium wilt were also determined. The results showed that the strain was Bacillus velezensis and it showed growth promoting effect on plants. When the strain was cultured in 5 g/L maltose, 10 g/L tryptone, 10 g/L sodium chloride, at 30 ℃, 150 r/min for 60 h, the diameter of the inhibition zone increased from (16.23±0.42) to (24.42±0.57) mm. The metabolites of this strain mainly contain macrolide compound macrolactin A, which has antagonistic effect on a variety of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Cucumber seedling experiments showed that the metabolites of this strain had a protective effect on cucumber Fusarium wilt, and showed a good potential for development and application as a biocontrol agent.

Cucumber mosaic virus: Global genome comparison and beyond

Aims@#The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is categorized under the genus Cucumovirus and family Bromoviridae. This virus is known to infect over 1200 plant species from 100 families, including ornamental and horticultural plants. In this study, we pioneered a global genome comparison to decipher the unknown orchestrators behind the virulence and pathogenicity of CMV via the discovery of important single nucleotide polymorphic markers.@*Methodology and results@#As a result, the genome size was found to be a potential preliminary country-specific marker for South Korea and the GC content can be utilized to preliminarily differentiate Turkey isolates from the others. The motif analysis as well as whole genome and coat protein phylogenetic trees were unable to form country-specific clusters. However, the coat protein haplotype analysis had successfully unconcealed country-specific single nucleotide polymorphic markers for Iran, Turkey and Japan isolates. Moreover, coat protein modelling and gene ontology prediction depicted high conservation across CMV isolates from different countries.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The country-specific single nucleotide polymorphic markers unearthed in this study may provide significant data towards the profiling of varying virulence and pathogenicity of CMV across the globe in time to combat the yield loss driven by this virus thru the most efficacious biological control measures in the future.

Cucumber downy mildew and the mechanisms of host resistance: a review / 生物工程学报

The cultivation and production of cucumber are seriously affected by downy mildew caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis. Downy mildew damages leaves, stems and inflorescences, and then reduces the yield and quality of cucumber. This review summarized the research advances in cucumber downy mildew, including pathogen detection and defense pathways, regulatory factors, mining of pathogens-resistant candidate genes, proteomic and genomic analysis, and development of QTL remarks. This review may facilitate clarifying the resistance mechanisms of cucumber to downy mildew.

Feeding habits of Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) in a Mexican Pacific reef / Hábitos alimenticios de Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) en un arrecife del Pacífico Mexicano

Introduction: The importance of holothuroids in marine ecosystems is related to their feeding activities, which have been little studied in the eastern Pacific. Objective: To describe the feeding habits of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea and their bioturbation potential in La Entrega reef, México. Methods: The population size of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea was determined by means of four 20 x 4 m (320 m2) band transects, while the available sediment for the sea cucumbers and their feces were characterized in three stations (A-C) via granulometry and quantification of organic carbon and organic matter. Excretion rate was determined every 4 hr over a 24 hr period and the relationship between sea cucumber length and biomass and the excretion rate evaluated. Results: According to non-parametric permutation, ordination and percentage similarity analyses, sea cucumber feces mostly comprised a large proportion of small grains compared to the available sediment, indicating that H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea is selective on grain size. Preliminary bioturbation potential of the species may reach up to 8.71 ± 0.17 kg day of sediment in the study area. Conclusion: The spatial distribution of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea in the study area is a product of its selective feeding activity, evidencing the preliminary importance of the species in the trophic dynamics of La Entrega reef.

Introducción: La relevancia de los holoturoideos en los ecosistemas marinos está relacionada con sus actividades alimenticias, las cuales han sido escasamente estudiadas en el Pacífico oriental. Objetivo: Describir los hábitos alimenticios del pepino de mar Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea y su potencial de bioturbación en el arrecife La Entrega, México. Métodos: Se determinó el tamaño poblacional de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea mediante cuatro transectos de banda de 20 x 4 m (320 m2), mientras que la caracterización de los sedimentos disponibles y las heces de los pepinos se realizó en tres estaciones (A-C) mediante granulometría y cuantificación de carbono orgánico y materia orgánica. Se determinó la tasa de excreción cada 4 hr durante un periodo de 24 hr y se evaluó la relación entre la talla y la biomasa con la tasa de excreción. Resultados: De acuerdo con un análisis no paramétrico mediante permutaciones, ordenación y similitud, las heces de los pepinos estuvieron compuestas en su mayoría por una gran cantidad de granos pequeños en comparación con el sedimento disponible, lo que sugiere que H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea es una especie selectiva respecto al tamaño de grano. El potencial de bioturbación preliminar de la especie puede alcanzar 8.71 ± 0.17 kg día en el área de estudio. Conclusiones: La distribución espacial de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea en el área de estudio es producto de su selectividad alimenticia, evidenciando la importancia de la especie en la dinámica trófica del arrecife La Entrega.

Primer registro del género Leptopentacta (Cucumariidae: Colochirinae) en el Caribe nicaragüense

Introducción: El género Leptopentacta solo ha sido reportado previamente en Florida, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica y Surinam. Objetivo: Presentar el primer registro del género para Nicaragua. Métodos: Los caracteres morfológicos del material nicaragüense del Smithsonian Institution (USNM 1014529), fueron corroborados con la descripción original. Resultados: Los cinco especímenes recolectados en el Caribe nicaragüense coinciden con el género. Conclusiones: Leptopentacta se reporta por primera vez en el Mar Caribe de Nicaragua. Esto aumenta el número de equinodermos nicaragüenses a 194 especies.

Introduction: The genus Leptopentacta has only been previously reported from Florida, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Suriname. Objective: To present the first record of the genus for Nicaragua. Methods: The morphological characters of Nicaraguan material at the Smithsonian Institution (USNM 1014529), were corroborated with the original description. Results: The five specimens collected in the Nicaraguan Caribbean match the genus. Conclusions: Leptopentacta is reported for the first time from the Nicaraguan Caribbean Sea. This increases the number of Nicaraguan echinoderms to 194 species.

Biochar addition for enhanced cucumber fruit quality under deficit irrigation / Adição de biochar para melhorar a qualidade de frutos do pepino sob irrigação em déficit

In the recent years, biochar has been used as an organic soil amendment. Therefore, this study was undertaken in April 2016 to July 2017 to examine the effect of different biochar addition (BA) rates and deficit irrigation (DI) on quality characteristics of cucumber under greenhouse conditions over two consecutive growing seasons. The BA treatments were B0 (0-ton ha-1), B1 (10-ton ha-1and B2 (20-ton ha-1), while the DI treatments were 1.0 (W1), 0.60 (W2) and 0.40 (W3) of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0). The results obtained elaborated that the combination of B2W1 gave the maximum values of fruit weight (g), fruit water content (%), fruit dry biomass (g) and pH in the both seasons. On the other hand, W2 and W3 increased significantly titratable acidity (TA %) and total soluble solid (TSS %). It was possible to conclude that BA with DI might be a novel approach to improve both crop yield and fruit quality.

Nos últimos anos, o biochar tem sido utilizado como uma alteração do solo orgânico. Desta maneira, este estudo foi realizado entre os períodos de Abril de 2016 a Julho de 2017 para investigar o efeito de diferentes taxas de alteração de biochar e irrigação por déficit (DI) nas características de qualidade do pepino em casa de vegetação durante duas safras consecutivas. Os tratamentos BA foram B0 (0 ton ha-1), B1 (10 ton ha-1 e B2 (20 ton ha-1), juntamente com três lâminas de irrigação em déficit W1, W2 e W3 correspondentes 100%, 60% e 40% da ET0, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a combinação de B2W1 forneceu os valores máximos de peso dos frutos (g), teor de água dos frutos (%), biomassa seca dos frutos (g) e pH nas duas safras. Por outro lado, W2 e W3 aumentaram significativamente a acidez titulável (TA%) e o sólido solúvel total (TSS%). Foi possível concluir que a alteração de biochar com DI pode ser uma nova abordagem para melhorar tanto a produtividade como a qualidade dos frutos.

QTL identification for downy mildew resistance in cucumber using genetic linkage map based on SSR markers

Fourteen cucumber lines were tested for genetic homozygosity and performed pairwise comparison to identify a pair with the highest DNA polymorphic level. Cucumber accessions CSL0067 and CSL0139 were selected to generate 315 F2 populations. The genetic linkage map based on 66 polymorphic SSR markers was constructed. It composed of eight linkage groups (LGs) spanning 474.4 cM. Downy mildew disease reaction was evaluated in cotyledons, first and second true leaf on 7, 10, and 14 day after inoculation. The results showed that downy mildew resistance was controlled by multiple recessive genes. The susceptible to resistant ratio of F2 progenies fit 9:7 susceptible/resistant segregation types corresponding to duplicate recessive epistasis. Fourteen QTLs were detected. The phenotypic variance ranged from 5.0 to 12.5%, while LOD values ranged from 3.538 to 9.165. Two major QTLs and two QTL hotspots were identified. Moreover, the additive effects data explained that these QTL reduced downy mildew susceptibility

Antioxidant and anti-melanogenic activities of ultrasonic extract from Stichopus japonicus

To investigate the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of an ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus, collected from Jeju Island. Methods: Antioxidant activity experiments were assessed by an electron spin resonance system and a cellular model of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) to determine its radical scavenging activity and protective effects against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress. Antimelanogenic activity of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber was also examined using the melanoma cell model B16F10 and mushroom tyrosinase. Following the induction by ?-melanocytestimulating hormone, the effects of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber on intracellular tyrosinase activity, melanin content and the melanogenic protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, and TRP-2) were examined. Results: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber significantly scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and alkyl radicals [IC50: (0.9240.035) and (0.3270.006) mg/mL, respectively], as well as showed a protective effect against oxidative stress and attenuated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on AAPHinduced HaCaT cells, with no cytotoxicity (12.5-400 ug/mL). The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber also exhibited a tyrosinase inhibitory effect [IC50: (2.7500.006) mg/mL]. On ?-melanocytestimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber (25-200 ug/mL) significantly inhibited not only melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, but also protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Conclusions: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber shows antioxidant and anti-melanogenic potential and may be a natural candidate for anti-aging as well as a whitening agent in the cosmeceuticals industry.

Advances in Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transgenic cucumber / 生物工程学报

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an important vegetable crop in the world. Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic technology is an important way to study plant gene functions and improve varieties. In order to further accelerate the transgenic research and breeding process of cucumber, we described the progress and problems of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transgenic cucumber, from the influencing factors of cucumber regeneration ability, genetic transformation conditions and various additives in the process. We prospected for improving the genetic transformation efficiency and safety selection markers of cucumber, and hoped to provide reference for the research of cucumber resistance breeding and quality improvement.

Screening of Pathogenic Bacteria From Sea Cucumber Acaudina molpadioides In Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

@#Introduction: The outbreaks of foodborne diseases have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood. This research aims to screen the bacteria from the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides collected from Pulau Langkawi. Methods: A total of 22 sea cucumber samples were collected randomly from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. The samples were isolated and identified for the presence of bacteria using the conventional culture-based method. Presumptive bacteria colonies were subjected to various biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: There were no bacterial growth in Hektoen Enteric (HE) agar and Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile Salt (TCBS) agar. Positive samples were isolated from MacConkey (MAC) agar with 6 samples were Staphylococcus spp. (27.27%), 14 samples were Proteus spp. (63.63%) and 2 samples were Bacillus spp. (9.01%). Among these isolates, highest resistance was found against Ampicillin (45%) followed by Tetracycline (40%). Conclusion: The results indicate that the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides were contaminated with potential bacteria. There is a need for adequate consumer protection measures.

Antioxidant and anti-melanogenic activities of ultrasonic extract from Stichopus japonicus

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of an ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus, collected from Jeju Island. Methods: Antioxidant activity experiments were assessed by an electron spin resonance system and a cellular model of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) to determine its radical scavenging activity and protective effects against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress. Anti-melanogenic activity of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber was also examined using the melanoma cell model B16F10 and mushroom tyrosinase. Following the induction by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the effects of the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber on intracellular tyrosinase activity, melanin content and the melanogenic protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, and TRP-2) were examined. Results: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber significantly scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and alkyl radicals [IC50:(0.924±0.035) and (0.327±0.006) mg/mL, respectively], as well as showed a protective effect against oxidative stress and attenuated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on AAPH-induced HaCaT cells, with no cytotoxicity (12.5-400 μg/mL). The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber also exhibited a tyrosinase inhibitory effect [IC50: (2.750±0.006) mg/mL]. On α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, the ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber (25-200 μg/mL) significantly inhibited not only melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, but also protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Conclusions: The ultrasonic extract of red sea cucumber shows antioxidant and anti-melanogenic potential and may be a natural candidate for anti-aging as well as a whitening agent in the cosmeceuticals industry.

Intergeneric grafting for enhanced growth, yield and nutrient acquisition in greenhouse cucumber during winter

Aim: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance (based on growth, yield, quality, and nutrient acquisition) of commercial greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grafted onto different locally available species as rootstocks during winter. Methodology: The performance of cucumber cv. Infinity as scion was tested onto selected genotypes of three species of genus Cucurbita (pumpkin, squash and figleaf gourd), one each of Lagenaria (bottle gourd) and Cucumis (muskmelon) used as rootstocks. Plant growth, fruit yield and quality characteristics, and nutrient acquisition efficiency of rootstocks studied under prevailing sub-optimal temperatures during winter inside unheated greenhouse. Results: The highest fruit yield was obtained in intergeneric cucumber grafting onto figleaf gourd followed by bottle gourd rootstocks, with increase in total yield of 30 and 10%, respectively over non-grafted cucumber. Fruit dry matter content in muskmelon grafted plants and titratable acidity in figleaf gourd and muskmelon grafted plants were also increased. Interpretation: The improved performance of cucumber onto the cucurbit rootstocks, especially figleaf gourd was related to the increased root dry mass, root/shoot ratio and rootstock-stem thickness. This was also associated with the enhanced leaf nutrient status provided by vigorous root system of figleaf gourd rootstock under prevailing sub-optimal temperature.

Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Cucumber Seedlings

Aims: The aim of the paper was to study the effect and specific mechanism of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) improving cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings growth. Study Design: 14-day-old cucumber seedlings were treated with different saturation hydrogen-rich water in root for three times every three days. After one day of the last treatment, growth parameters were determined and plants tissues were sampled for test photosynthetic characteristics. Place and Duration of Study: In 2017, cucumber (C. sativus ‘JinYan4’) were germinated in College of Bioscience and Biotechnology of Shenyang Agricultural University (Lab ChuangXin). Methodology: 20 cucumbers and 3 replicates were determined for growth parameters. The determination of total soluble sugar and soluble protein content are the methods of Anthrone colorimetry and Coomassic Brilliant Blue. Chlorophyll content was tested by using ethanol immersion extraction method. Gas exchange parameters were measured with LI-6400XT portable photosynthesis system. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of leaves were measured by a Handy PEA Fluorometer. Results: Our results showed that 50% saturation HRW significantly enhanced the growth and development of cucumber seedlings, including the improvement of fresh weight, plant height, stem diameter and leaf area. These responses were consistent with a significant increase of leaf water content, total soluble sugar content and soluble protein content, which was further confirmed by the determination of photosynthetic related parameters. Also, research results illustrated that HRW up-regulated chlorophyll content and changed chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of leaves. The increase of chlorophyll content promoted the absorption of light and enhanced plant photosynthesis. Furthermore, HRW changed the leaf stomata conductance and decreased transpiration so as to improve the photosynthetic rate. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that the effect of HRW on cucumber seedling was associated with plant photosynthesis. Therefore, the application of HRW may be a promising strategy to improve cucumber growth.

Effects of Diets Containing Different Concentration of Saccharina japonica Algae on Growth and Interleukin (IL)-10 Gene Expression of Juvenile Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

The effects of diets containing different concentration of Saccharina japonica algae (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) on growth and Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expression of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were studied. At first, 08 weeks feeding trail was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of sea cucumbers fed with one of the six experimental diets. Result showed that sea cucumbers fed 15% Saccharina japonica algae diet had higher specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion efficiency (FCE) than the other experimental diets (P<0.05). Secondly, Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expression was determined where mice splenocytes were treated with different experimental diets fed sea cucumber extracts for two hours. The highest Interleukin (IL)-10 gene expressions was found in 15% Saccharina japonica algae diets fed sea cucumbers extract compared to other diets except 10% Saccharina japonica algae diet. Results of this experiment suggest that 15% Saccharina japonica containing diet perform better growth and could elevate IL-10 gene expression. This information might be useful in the further development of more appropriate diets for the culture of sea cucumbers.

Comparative Quality Analysis of Cucumber Grown Under Polyhouse and in Open Condition

Cucumber is one of the important cucurbitaceous vegetable grown in Assam and its neighbouring states. Although a large number of F1varieties are available in the market, their comparative quality assessment has not been made for their suitability to be grown under polyhouse. So, the present experiment involves cultivation of six different F1 hybrids namely Malini, Don, NS 404, Noori, Alisha and Sedona under polyhouse and in open condition having a wide variation in terms of quality characters. During the experiment, various quality parameters or characters were investigated for each of the genotypes. All the genotypes had a wide range of variation for most of the characters under investigation. The highest moisture content per fruit under polyhouse condition was observed in genotype Malini (96.75%) while in open condition Noori recorded the highest moisture content. Highly significant differences were also observed with respect to ascorbic acid, TSS, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar for the conditions of cultivation. The highest TSS content (4.06ºB), highest total sugar 3.46% and reducing sugar 0.58 % was observed in Malini under polyhouse. However, Sedona was found to have highest maximum TSS content (4.22ºB), total sugar 3.51% and reducing sugar 0.61% in open condition. The ascorbic acid content (6.38 and 6.25) and SOD activity (28.47 and 26.94) expressed as mg 100 g-1and ? mg-1protein were observed highestin Alisha under both polyhouse and in open condition, respectively. The result revealed that cucumber cultivated under polyhouse condition significantly differ in various quality aspects than the ones cultivated in open condition and are found to be superior in terms of quality. Thus we may say that growing environment is an important factor that could reflect on the quality characters of the cucumber.