Rootstock mediates transcriptional regulation of citrulline metabolism in grafted watermelon / Mediação do porta-enxerto na regulação transcricional do metabolismo da citrulina na melancia enxertada

Abstract Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, involved in key biological functions in plants and humans. Rootstocks have a major impact on citrulline accumulation in grafted watermelon. Information regarding rootstock induced changes in citrulline metabolism is elusive. To understand the regulatory mechanism, parallel changes in the expression profiles of citrulline metabolic genes and citrulline content of watermelon were monitored during the development of self-rooted watermelon and watermelon grafted onto pumpkin, wild and bottle gourd rootstocks. Results demonstrated that rootstocks regulated the expression profiles in different ways to influence the citrulline content. GAT, NAGPR, ASS3 ASS2 and Asl2 showed the negative correlation with citrulline content in pumpkin grafted watermelon. Pumpkin rootstock promoted the citrulline content by high down-regulation and synergistic effect of ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 and ASl2 genes. In wild grafted watermelon, citrulline was accumulated as a result of down regulation of GAT, NAGS and ASL2 genes, which showed an inverse correlation with citrulline. In gourd grafted watermelon, changes in citrulline content were observed to be linked with lower expressions of GAT, NAGK, ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 and ARG which were negatively correlated with citrulline content. Our study will provide the basis to understand the molecular mechanism of citrulline accumulation in various rootstocks.

Resumo A citrulina é um aminoácido não essencial, envolvida em importantes funções biológicas de plantas e seres humanos. Os porta-enxertos têm um grande impacto no acúmulo de citrulina na melancia enxertada. Informações sobre alterações induzidas por porta-enxertos no metabolismo da citrulina ainda não foram descritas. Para entender o mecanismo regulatório, foram monitoradas mudanças paralelas nos perfis de expressão dos genes metabólicos de citrulina e no teor de citrulina da melancia durante o desenvolvimento da melancia e da melancia enxertada em porta-enxertos de abóbora, silvestre e cabaça. Os resultados demonstraram que o porta-enxerto regulou os perfis de expressão de diferentes maneiras para influenciar no conteúdo de citrulina. GAT, NAGPR, ASS3, ASS2 e ASL2 apresentaram correlação negativa com o teor de citrulina em melancia enxertada de abóbora. O porta-enxerto de abóbora promoveu o conteúdo de citrulina por meio de baixa regulação e efeito sinérgico de duas famílias de genes ASS e ASL. Na melancia enxertada, a acumulação de citrulina resultou na regulação negativa de GAT, NAGS e ASL2, que mostraram uma correlação inversa com a citrulina. Na melancia enxertada, observou-se que as alterações no conteúdo de citrulina foram associadas a menores expressões de GAT, NAGK, ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 e ARG, que foram negativamente correlacionadas com o conteúdo de citrulina. Esses resultados fornecem a base para identificar o mecanismo molecular do acúmulo de citrulina em vários porta-enxertos.

The Effect of Temperature and Growth Regulators on Callus Induction in Watermelon Anthers

HIGHLIGHTS Callogenesis was induced from watermelon anthers The auxin 2,4-D at 2.0 and 5.0 μM concentrations induced callus formation. Anthers' responses to the pre-treatment at 4 °C varied according to the watermelon genotype.

Abstract Callus induction is one of the pathways required for haploid plant regeneration through anther culture. Pollen viability, as well as the effect of growth regulators and cold pretreatment on anthers of two watermelon lines (Smile and Sugar Baby) to induce callus formation were herein evaluated. Pollen viability was estimated through the staining technique using 2% acetic carmine. Male flower buds were collected and disinfested to allow removal anthers. These anthers were placed on Murashige and Skoog medium, which was supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 5.0 μM or with 6-benzylaminopurine at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 μM, in combination with 2.0 μM of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic. Anthers were pretreated at 4 °C, for two days and then placed in vitro. Both watermelon lines provided high pollen viability rates (from 93 to 98%). The 2.0 and 5.0 μM concentrations of 2,4-D stimulated higher friable callus formation. The optimal concentration of 2,4-D was estimated at 3.78 μM and 4.17 μM, which had callus induction rates of 64% and 52%, respectively. The combination of 2.0 μM of 2,4-D and 6-benzylaminopurine did not lead to increased anther response to callus induction. The pre-treatment applied to flower buds at 4 °C enabled callus induction and the anther response to callus induction was genotype-dependent.

Efecto del zumo de sandía (citrullus lanatus) en el estrés oxidativo en espermatozoides humanos / Effect of watermelon juice (citrullus lanatus) on oxidative stress in human sperm

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las alteraciones reproductivas de causa masculina relacionadas con el estrés oxidativo son cada día más estudiadas y dan cuenta de causas de infertilidad diagnosticada como idiopáticas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del zumo de sandía sobre los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales in vitro e in vivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Cinco muestras de espermatozoides puros fueron incubados con peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2, 5mM) y 0,45% de extracto de sandía, se determinó la movilidad espermática al tiempo 0, 30 y 60 minutos. En los ensayos in vivo se incluyeron 20 individuos a los cuales se les determinaron los parámetros espermáticos convencionales, funcionales y la capacidad antioxidante del plasma seminal por microscopía, citometría y espectrofotometría en los días 0, 7 y 15 después de iniciar el consumo diario de 16 onzas de zumo de sandía. RESULTADOS: El extracto de sandía protege a los espermatozoides del efecto deletéreo del H2O2 sobre la movilidad espermática. Además, el consumo regular de jugo de sandía disminuye la lipoperoxidación de la membrana espermática, la producción intracelular de especies reactivas del oxígeno, el índice de fragmentación del ADN el día 15 y la capacidad antioxidante el día 7 y 15. CONCLUSIONES: El extracto de sandía genera un efecto protector sobre los espermatozoides humanos in vitro, protegiendo su movilidad del efecto negativo del H2O2. Además, si bien el consumo regular de zumo de sandía no mejora los parámetros seminales convencionales, si mejora algunos parámetros funcionales relacionados con el estrés oxidativo.

OBJETIVE: Male reproductive alterations related to oxidative stress are increasingly studied and account for causes of infertility diagnosed as idiopathic. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of watermelon juice on conventional and functional seminal parameters in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five samples of pure sperm were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 5mM) and 0.45% watermelon extract, sperm motility was determined at time 0, 30 and 60 minutes. In vivo assays, 20 individuals were included. Conventional and functional sperm parameters, and antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma using microscopy, cytometry and spectrophotometry were determined on days 0, 7 and 15 after starting daily consumption of 16 ounces of watermelon juice. RESULTS: Watermelon extract protects sperm cells from the deleterious effect of H2O2 on sperm motility. In addition, regular consumption of watermelon juice decreases sperm membrane lipoperoxidation, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation index on day 15 and antioxidant capacity on day 7 and 15. CONCLUSION: Watermelon extract generates a protective effect on human sperm in vitro, protecting sperm motility from the negative effect of H2O2. In addition, although regular consumption of watermelon juice does not improve conventional seminal parameters, it does improve some functional parameters related to oxidative stress.

Development and validation of a standard area diagram set to assess powdery mildew severity on watermelon leaves / Desenvolvimento e validação de uma escala diagramática para avaliar a severidade oídio em folhas de melancia do

ABSTRACT: The development and validation of a standard area diagram set (SADs) was proposed in this study to assess the severity of powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) leaves. The SADs proposed has twelve levels of severity, varying from 0.07 to 100%. The SADs were validated by 16 raters who had no previous experience in evaluating plant disease severity. Initially, the estimation of severity was performed without the use of the SADs in leaves with different levels of severity. In a second moment, the same raters estimated the disease severity using the SADs proposed. By Lin's concordance correlation analysis, there was an improvement in precision (coefficient of correlation, r = 0.878 and r = 0.959, without and with SADs, respectively) and accuracy (bias correction factor, Cb = 0.830 and 0.982, without and with SADs, respectively) using SADs when compared to the non-use of SADs. The agreement (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, ρc = 0.734 and 0.952 without and with SADs, respectively) also improved using SADs. Severity estimates inter-rater were more reliable when using SADs (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.681 without and R2 = 0.864 with SADs; Intra-class correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.759 and ρ = 0.928, without and with SADs, respectively). Therefore, SADs improved precision, accuracy and reliability of powdery mildew severity on watermelon leaves.

RESUMO: Neste estudo foi proposto o desenvolvimento e validação de uma escala diagramática (ED) para avaliar a severidade do oídio (Podosphaera xanthii) em folhas de melancia (Citrullus lanatus). A ED proposta possui 12 níveis de severidade, variando de 0,07 a 100%. A ED foi validada por 16 avaliadores inexperientes em avaliação de severidade de doenças de plantas. Inicialmente, as estimativas de severidade foram realizadas sem o uso da ED em folhas com diferentes níveis de severidade. No segundo momento, os mesmos avaliadores estimaram a severidade da doença usando a ED proposta. Pela análise da correlação concordante de Lin, houve melhoria na precisão (coeficiente de correlação, r = 0,787 e r = 0,959, sem e com o uso da ED, respectivamente) e acurácia (fator de correção do desvio, Cb = 0,830 e 0,982, sem e com o uso da ED, respectivamente) usando a ED quando comparado ao não uso da ED. O coeficiente de correlação concordante de Lin, ρc = 0,734 e 0,952 sem e com o uso da ED, respectivamente) também melhorou com o uso da ED. As estimativas de severidade tiveram melhoria na reprodutibilidade quando a ED foi usada (coeficiente de determinação, R2=0,681 e R2 = 0,864 sem e com o uso da ED, respectivamente; coeficiente de correlação intra-classe, ρ = 0,759 e ρ = 0,928, sem e com o uso da ED, respectivamente). Portanto, a ED melhorou a precisão, acurácia e reprodutibilidade das estimativas de severidade do oídio em folhas de melancia.

Application of pesticide combinations on watermelon affects pollen viability, germination, and storage

To increase watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production, pesticides are now being used in higher quantities.Many pesticide combinations are harmful to seed production. This study was carried out to assess the effectsof pesticide combinations (i) α-cypermethrin + mancozeb (α-CpMa) and (ii) λ-cyhalothrin + acetamiprid +metalaxyl + copper oxide (λ-ChAMeC) on in vitro germination, viability, and storage of watermelon pollens.Pesticides were applied on field, on three varieties of watermelon plants (kaolack, F1-koloss, and F1-sugardragon), before and during blooming. The pollens were subjected to viability and germination tests directlyafter harvesting, or stored at +10°C or −20°C before testing. In vitro germination and viability of pollen werecarried out on modified Brewbaker and Kwack medium. Α CpMa and λ-ChAMeC inhibited pollen germinationin all the three varieties of watermelon. α-CpMa was the most harmful pesticide when applied during blooming,with up to 26.5% decrease in pollen germination. A decrease of pollen germination and viability was alsoobserved after 4 and 7 days of storage. Pollen from the variety kaolack showed a higher germination rate and,freezing at −20°C was the better storage condition. These results could help to scale up pollen sharing and seedproduction in watermelon breeding programs.

Citrullus lanatus Ethanolic Seed Extract Improved Male Sexual Behavior in Rats via Enhancement of Sexual Hormone and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Pathway.

Background: Current drugs used for sexual dysfunction have several limitations, necessitating the search for alternative medicine. Aim and Objective: The study investigated the effect of Citrullus lanatus ethanolic seed extract (CLESE) on the sexual behavior and reproductive hormones of adult male Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=6). Group 1 received saline (1 ml/kg, p.o.) and served as normal control, groups 2 and 3 were given CLESE (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Group 4 received Sildenafil Citrate (SC) (5 mg/kg, p.o.), which served as positive control drug and this was administered 4 h before sexual behavioral test only on days 7 and 14. Sexual behavioral tests were performed in a Plexiglas copulatory arena. Male sexual behavioral parameters were evaluated following one on one exposure of experimental male rats with oestrusinduced sexual seeking female rats. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed. Results: CLESE enhanced ibido by significantly (p < 0.05) increasing mounting and intromission frequencies relative to normal controls. CLESE also enhanced intromission and ejaculation latencies, but decreased mounting latency and post ejaculatory interval. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone were also significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The histological findings showed improved histoarchitechture of the testes and hypothalamic sections. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that CLESE enhanced sexual behavior via mechanism related to increased serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone and may be useful for men with sexual dysfunction.

Neuroprotective Effect Of Citrullus Lanatus Seed Extracts On Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury Induced Cognitive Impairment And Oxidative Stress

Objective: Oxidative stress appears to be an early event involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of citrullus lanatus on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Cognitive impairment and oxidative stress were induced by BCCAO for 30 min, followed by 7 d reperfusion of male wistar rats. Morris water maze and rectangular maze performance tests and locomotor activity were used to assess memory performance tasks. To study the activity, rats weighing 250-300g were pre-treated with successive extracts of n-hexane fraction (HF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), ethanol fraction (EF) and aqueous fraction (AF) of 400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, p. o of each for 10 d and the treatment was continued for another 7 d after cerebral ischemia. Various biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, Catalase, DPPH and AchE were also estimated in the brain after the treatment. Results: There was significantly increased oxidative stress and cholinesterase activity with cognitive decline in the hippocampus in rats of BCCAO group as compared to sham-operated (p<0.05). The animals treated with Donepezil, HF and EF prevented the biochemical changes significantly (p<0.001) and there was significant (p<0.001) improvement in cognitive parameters compared to BCCAO treated rats. Conclusion: Thus present study indicates the neuroprotective effect of citrulus lanatus seed extract (HF and EF) against BCCAO induced cognitive impairment and associative oxidative damage.

Effect of Storage Containers on the Microbial Load of Domestic Water from Three Sources Treated with Moringa oleifera and Citrullus lanatus Seed Powders

Aim: The effect of storage containers on the microbial load of domestic water from three sources treated with Moringa oleifera and Citrullus lanatus seed powders in Lekwesi, Abia State was assessed. Study Design: The jar test method was used for the treatments. One gram (1.0g) each of the plant seed (Moringa oleifera and water melon seeds) was weighed and was added separately into 1000 ml of water samples in the different storage containers (clay lined pots, iron/steel tanks and polypyrene plastic drums, respectively). The mixture was stirred rapidly for 3 minutes and allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 hour, after which the top water was decanted. Place and Duration of Study: Advanced Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gregory University Uturu, from May to July, 2018. Methodology: Tenfold serial dilutions was used for processing of all the water samples, after which the volume of exactly 0.5ml of the water sample was planted on the media using the spread plate method and incubated appropriately and other standard microbiological methods were employed to determine microbial loads. Results: The river water samples had the highest microbial load of 1.2x103-2.0x108cfu/ml and were reduced to 1.8x107cfu/ml and 1.8x108cfu/ml by M. oleifera and C. lanatus seed powders after an hour of storage respectively. The well water samples had the least microbial counts of 0.9 x101-1.2 x104 cfu/ml, and were reduced to 0.5x101cfu/ml and 5.9 x103cfu/ml by M. oleifera and C. lanatus seed powders respectively. The potential pathogenic bacteria (TPPB) were reduced to 3.0 x102cfu/ml by M. oleifera, while C. lanatus was unable to reduce the TPPB after an hour. The microbial load decreased constantly within 24h in the various storage containers (steel, clay and plastic), but increased steadily from 72h to the 336h of post storage. The clay-lined and iron-steel pots maintained the same microbial counts after 4h post storage, but differed significantly after 24h, while the polypyrene plastic drum had the highest microbial count. There was absence of TPPB and Total Faecal Coliform Count (TFCC) in the well water samples after the treatment with M. oleifera. Conclusion: M. oleifera was found to be a better water treatment than C. lanatus, while the clay-lined pot served as the best domestic water storage container.

Elaboração e avaliação do pH e atividade de água de frozen iogurte sabor melancia / Preparation and evaluation of the pH and water activity of frozen yogurt flavor watermelon

O frozen iogurte é um produto desenvolvido pela indústria de laticínios que vem se destacando. Desta forma, objetivou-se elaborar frozen iogurte sabor melancia e avaliar o pH e atividade de água do produto pronto para consumo. Para a formulação do frozen iogurte sabor melancia foi utilizado iogurte-70%, liga neutra-1%, emulsificante-1%, açúcar-11% e suco de melancia-17%. Foram realizadas análises de pH e atividade de água (conforme as normas do Instituto Adolfo Lutz) do frozen iogurte sabor melancia após 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 e 49 dias de estocagem a -18ºC. Os valores obtidos foram analisados pelo teste de Tukey a nível de 5% e posterior análise de regressão. Os valores de pH e atividade de água do frozen iogurte sabor melancia apresentaram discreto decréscimo em seus valores após os 49 dias de estocagem.

The Effect of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rats

Aims: This study investigated the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Citrullus lanatus (ESECL) on blood glucose level and lipid profile in Alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Study Design and Methodology: 30 male adult wistar rats were grouped randomly into six experimental groups of five rats each. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate, dissolved in normal saline, while the normal control group (group 1) was given the vehicle only. Three days after induction of diabetes, were treated further for four weeks with ESECL at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for groups 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Animals in Group 3 were treated with Glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg), while group 2 served as the negative control group. Results: Administration of ESECL caused significant decrease in blood glucose levels in groups 4, 5 and 6 compared to rats of group 2 (p=0.00125). There was also significant decrease in the levels of cholesterol (TC) , triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), with increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in Groups 4, 5 and 6, compared to Group 2 rats (p=0.00125). The results obtained from the rats of the group receiving extract were similar to that obtained from Groups 3. Conclusion: Thus, this study suggests that this extract could possibly normalize abnormalities in blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in diabetic conditions in a dose dependent manner.

Drought tolerance of four vegetable crops during germination and initial seedling growth / Tolerância de quatro espécies de hortaliças ao déficit hídrico durante a germinação e crescimento inicial das plântulas

Seeds of arugula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), carrot (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] were submitted to different osmotic potentials induced by polyethylene glycol(PEG) with the objective of evaluate the effects of drought stress on seed germination and initial seedling growth. Seeds were distributed in plastic boxes containing blotter paper, soaked with PEG solutions prepared with osmotic potentials 0.0 (control), ­0.2, ­0.4, and ­0.8 MPa and kept into a seed germinator, at 25 °C for 14 days. A completely randomized design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates of 50 seeds each was used. The results showed that by increasing of the osmotic potential level, germinated seeds number, germination rate index, root and shoot length, shoot and root dry matter, and seedling vigor indices decreased, while mean germination time and root: shoot ratio increased in all four vegetable crops. Additionally, the carrot and watermelon are more susceptible than arugula and eggplant to drought stress, with germination response declining more rapidly with the rise of osmotic potential level. Arugula and eggplant crops tolerate water stress of up to ­0.2 MPa, without reducing germination of the seeds; however, the growth of shoots and roots are inhibited. The germination process of eggplant and watermelon seeds are completely inhibited at ­0.8 MPa osmotic potential, whereas germination of carrot seeds is completely inhibited at ­0.4 MPa osmotic potential. Severe drought stress limits the process of seed germination and initial seedling growth of vegetable crops.

Sementes de rúcula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), cenoura (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), berinjela (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) e melancia [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] foram submetidas a diferentes potenciais osmóticos simulados com polietileno glicol (PEG 6000) com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do estresse hídrico na germinação e no crescimento inicial das plântulas. As sementes foram distribuídas em caixas plásticas tipo Gerbox® contendo papel mata-borrão, o qual foi umedecido com diferentes soluções de PEG preparadas com quatro níveis de potenciais osmótico [0 (controle); ­0,2; ­0,4; e ­0,8 MPa]. As caixas plásticas foram então mantidas em câmara de germinação à 25 °C por 14 dias. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes cada. Os resultados mostraram que o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico da solução reduziu a porcentagem de germinação das sementes, o índice de velocidade de germinação, o comprimentos da parte aérea e da raiz principal, a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e os índices de vigor das plântulas, enquanto que o tempo médio de germinação e a relação entre a matéria seca da raiz/parte aérea aumentou em todas as quatro espécies de hortaliças. As culturas de cenoura e melancia são mais susceptível que a rúcula e a berinjela ao estresse hídrico, com resposta de germinação declinando mais rapidamente com o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico. A rúcula e a berinjela toleram estresse hídrico de até ­0,2 MPa, sem reduzir o processo de germinação das sementes; no entanto, o crescimento da parte aérea e das raízes são inibidos. O processo de germinação das sementes de berinjela e melancia são completamente inibidos em potencial osmótico de ­0.8 MPa, ao passo que a germinação das sementes de cenoura é completamente inibida em potencial osmótico de ­0.4 MPa. O estresse hídrico severo limita o processo de germinação das sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas das quatro espécies de hortaliças.

Functional and Histomorphological Assessments of Liver and Kidney in Matured Female Albino Wistar Rats Following Ingestion of Citrullus lanatus Seed Extracts

Oil from different seeds in fruits has been exploited for nutritional and health benefits ranging from provision of essential nutrients for cellular metabolic processes to being an alternative route to the orthodox drugs in the quest for a better living. However, adverse consequences following consumption of this seed oils on both the liver and kidney are not well known. The present study was carried out to assess the integrity of the liver and kidney following the administration of different doses of Citrullus lanatus seed extracts (oil) to mature female albino Wistar rats. Twenty - four female albino Wistar rats weighing between 179 g – 257 g were randomly divided into four groups of six animals per group. Animals in group 1(control group) received normal rat chow placebo. The experimental groups 2, 3, and 4 received 932.0 mg, 1864.0 mg and 2796.0 mg seed oil extract / kg body weight in 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 ml respectively for twenty-one (21) days by oral gavaging. The effects of treatment on the integrity of the liver and kidney were assessed by measuring the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for liver and Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3 and Creatinine for kidney as well as the histomorphology of the liver and kidney for possible distortions. The results showed a dose-dependent decrease that was only significant (p<0.05) in group 4 relative to the control group for ALT, while both AST and ALP showed non-significant (p>0.05) changes. Furthermore, non-significant changes were recorded for Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3 and Creatinine. Histomorphologically, the liver and kidney integrity were not altered except for fatty infiltration of group 4 hepatocytes relative to control group and hyperchromasia of group 4 kidney relative to control. Generally, this study showed that Citrullus lanatus seed oil consumption results are of great advantage to liver and kidney tissues when consumed.

Assessment of watermelon accessions for salt tolerance using stress tolerance indices / Avaliação de acessos de melancia para tolerância ao sal utilizando índices de tolerância ao estresse

ABSTRACT Salt stress is the most significant constraint for agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions. Thus, genetically improved stress-tolerant varieties are needed for the future. The identification of salt-tolerant genotypes is the starting point for such breeding studies. This study was conducted to determine and assess the tolerance of different watermelon genotypes under saline conditions. Twenty-two watermelon genotypes and accessions were grown in pots with 3 kg of soil in four saline stress conditions (0 mmol kg-1 as the control, 25, 50 and 100 mmol kg-1 NaCl). The detrimental effects of salt stress on the plants were evident with increasing doses of NaCl. Stress indices calculated over the plant dry weights under the 100 mmol kg-1 salinity level were used to assess the salt tolerance of the genotypes. Stress intensity was calculated as 0.76. Such a value indicated that the highest dose of salt exerted severe stress on the plants. The G04, G14 and G21 genotypes were considered to be salt tolerant, since these genotypes showed the highest values of K/Na and Ca/Na ratios in the plant tissue. The losses in dry mass at severe salt stress reached 75.48%. In principal component analyses, the genotypes had positive correlations with stress tolerance indices of MP (mean productivity), GMP (geometric mean productivity) and STI (stress tolerance index). The GMP and STI indices indicated that G04 (a member of Citrullus colocynthis), G14 and G21 could be prominent sources to develop salt tolerance.

RESUMO O estresse salino é a restrição mais importante para a produção agrícola em regiões áridas e semi-áridas. Portanto, há necessidade de plantas geneticamente tolerantes ao estresse salino no futuro. Identificação de genótipos tolerantes ao sal é o ponto de partida de estudos de melhoramento. O presente estudo foi conduzido para determinar e avaliar a tolerância de diferentes genótipos de melancia sob condições salinas. Um total de 22 genótipos e acessos de melancia foram cultivados em vasos de 3 kg de solo com quatro condições de estresse salino diferentes (0 mmol kg-1 como controle, 25, 50 e 100 mmol kg-1 de NaCl). Dependendo do aumento da dose de NaCl, os efeitos prejudiciais do estresse salino nas plantas também aumentaram. Os índices de estresse calculados sobre os pesos secos das plantas com um nível de salinidade de 100 mmol kg-1 foram utilizados para avaliar a tolerância ao sal dos genótipos. A intensidade de tensão foi calculada como 0.76. Indicando que a maior dose de sal exerce um estresse salino grave nas plantas. Os genótipos G04, G14 e G21 foram considerados tolerantes, uma vez que apresentaram os maiores valores nas relações K/Na e Ca/Na. As perdas em pesos secos com estresse salino grave atingiram 75.48%. Na análise de componentes principais, os genótipos tiveram correlações positivas com os índices de tolerância ao estresse de PM (produtividade média), GMP (produtividade média geométrica) e STI (índice de tolerância ao estresse).Os índices GMP e STI indicaram G04 (um membro de C. colocynthis), G14 e G21 como materiais proeminentes para a tolerância ao sal.

Susceptibility assessment of watermelon and pumpkin cultivars to potyvirus in Tocantins / Avaliação da susceptibilidade de cultivares de melancia e abóbora a potyvirus obtidos do estado de Tocantins

Cucurbits cultivation has great importance in the food industry. However, in the main producing regions of curcubits, the increase of cultivation areas has been limited by viral infections. Among the most prevalent viruses there is the Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV), Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV-W) and Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reaction of watermelon genotypes (Crimson sweet and Charleston Gray) and pumpkin (Jacarezinho and Caserta) to isolate watermelon strains in the following cities: Palmas (PYP-12), Gurupi (PYG-14 and PYG-19), Formoso do Araguaia (PYF-6), and Porto Nacional (PyPn-36 and PyPn-39). The experiment was performed in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with 5 testing plants for each repetition to measure the response of these strains to cucurbit genotypes. The inoculated strains were obtained from leaves of watermelon cv Crinson sweet with symptoms The plants were rated by severity of viral symptoms in intervals of four days during 32 days. It was verified that the cucurbit genotypes showed different susceptibility to the viral strains. However, Caserta and Charleston gray were the ones which had greater sensitivity due to their high severity variation among the tested strains. Thus, it can be observed that the reaction among strains depends on the host and this reaction can be antagonistic or synergistic, depending on the mixed infection. Charleston gray watermelon was the most susceptible to most of the viral strains. Thus, this cultivar should be avoided in these regions.

O cultivo de cucurbitáceas tem grande importância no que diz respeito à alimentação, mas o aumento das áreas de plantio tem sido limitado por infecções virais nos principais pólos produtores de cucurbitáceas. Entre os mais prevalentes destacam-se o vírus do mosaico da melancia (WMV), o vírus da mancha anelar do mamoeiro estirpe melancia (PRSV-W) e o vírus do mosaico amarelo da abobora (ZYMV). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a reação dos genótipos de cucurbitácea Melancia Crimson sweet e Charleston gray; Abóbora: Jacarezinho e Caserta, para isolar variedades de safra de melancia nas cidades de Palmas (PYP-12), Gurupi (PYG-14 e PYG-19), Formoso do Araguaia (PYF-6) e Porto Nacional (PyPn-36 e PyPn-39). O experimento delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), foi conduzido em estufa e foram utilizadas 5 plantas de teste para cada repetição para medir a resposta dessas cepas aos genótipos de cucurbitáceas. A inoculação dos vírus em plantas realizada a partir de folhas com a infecção de melancia Crimson sweet. As plantas inoculadas foram avaliadas por graus de severidade em quatro dias de intervalo durante 32 dias após a inoculação. Verificou-se que os genótipos de cucurbitaceas analisadas apresentaram susceptibilidade diferente às cepas virais testadas. No entanto, o genótipo de abóbora de Caserta e Charleston gray foram as que apresentou maior sensibilidade, devido à sua alta variação de severidade entre as cepas. Assim, podemos ver que a reação entre as estirpes depende do hospedeiro e a reação pode ser antagonista ou sinérgica dependendo da infecção mista. A melancia Charleston gray foi o mais suscetível à maioria das cepas virais. Assim, esta cultivar deve ser evitada nessas regiões.

Rootstock mediates transcriptional regulation of citrulline metabolism in grafted watermelon

Abstract Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, involved in key biological functions in plants and humans. Rootstocks have a major impact on citrulline accumulation in grafted watermelon. Information regarding rootstock induced changes in citrulline metabolism is elusive. To understand the regulatory mechanism, parallel changes in the expression profiles of citrulline metabolic genes and citrulline content of watermelon were monitored during the development of self-rooted watermelon and watermelon grafted onto pumpkin, wild and bottle gourd rootstocks. Results demonstrated that rootstocks regulated the expression profiles in different ways to influence the citrulline content. GAT, NAGPR, ASS3 ASS2 and Asl2 showed the negative correlation with citrulline content in pumpkin grafted watermelon. Pumpkin rootstock promoted the citrulline content by high down-regulation and synergistic effect of ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 and ASl2 genes. In wild grafted watermelon, citrulline was accumulated as a result of down regulation of GAT, NAGS and ASL2 genes, which showed an inverse correlation with citrulline. In gourd grafted watermelon, changes in citrulline content were observed to be linked with lower expressions of GAT, NAGK, ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 and ARG which were negatively correlated with citrulline content. Our study will provide the basis to understand the molecular mechanism of citrulline accumulation in various rootstocks.

Resumo A citrulina é um aminoácido não essencial, envolvida em importantes funções biológicas de plantas e seres humanos. Os porta-enxertos têm um grande impacto no acúmulo de citrulina na melancia enxertada. Informações sobre alterações induzidas por porta-enxertos no metabolismo da citrulina ainda não foram descritas. Para entender o mecanismo regulatório, foram monitoradas mudanças paralelas nos perfis de expressão dos genes metabólicos de citrulina e no teor de citrulina da melancia durante o desenvolvimento da melancia e da melancia enxertada em porta-enxertos de abóbora, silvestre e cabaça. Os resultados demonstraram que o porta-enxerto regulou os perfis de expressão de diferentes maneiras para influenciar no conteúdo de citrulina. GAT, NAGPR, ASS3, ASS2 e ASL2 apresentaram correlação negativa com o teor de citrulina em melancia enxertada de abóbora. O porta-enxerto de abóbora promoveu o conteúdo de citrulina por meio de baixa regulação e efeito sinérgico de duas famílias de genes ASS e ASL. Na melancia enxertada, a acumulação de citrulina resultou na regulação negativa de GAT, NAGS e ASL2, que mostraram uma correlação inversa com a citrulina. Na melancia enxertada, observou-se que as alterações no conteúdo de citrulina foram associadas a menores expressões de GAT, NAGK, ASS2, ASS3, ASL1 e ARG, que foram negativamente correlacionadas com o conteúdo de citrulina. Esses resultados fornecem a base para identificar o mecanismo molecular do acúmulo de citrulina em vários porta-enxertos.

Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanism on the Adjuvant Arthritis Mouse Model of Petroleum Ether Extract from Citrullus lanatus Vine / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the pharmacological function of the petroleum ether extract from Citrullus lanatus vine (PEECLV) in treating adjuvant arthritis(AA) and explore the mechanism. METHODS: AA in mice was made to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of PEECLV. Arthritis index was calculated by 5 grades evaluation. Thymus and spleen index were measured. The content of RF, PGE2, COX-1, COX-2 in serum were measured. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β in serum were measured. RESULTS: PEECLV can suppress the foot swelling degree in model mice. It can increase thymus index, reduce spleen index and AI of AA in mice. High-dose group can significantly reduce serum PGE2, IL-1β, COX-2 and COX-1 levels in AA in mice. All groups can reduce TNF-α and RF levels. CONCLUSION: PEECLV has a certain degree therapeutic effect on AA, and the possible mechanism is to affect the production of inflammatory mediators and antioxidant.

Control of gummy stem blight in watermelon through different management systems / Controle da podridão gomosa em melancia através de diferentes sistemas de manejo

Gummy stem blight, caused by Didymella bryoniae (Auersw.) Rehn, is a disease that affects the productivity of watermelon leading to losses exceeding 40%. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of different production systems in the control of watermelon gummy stem blight in order to establish effective methods to combat the disease. The following treatments were applied: conventional management, integrated management and organic production. Mineral fertilizer was applied to conventional and integrated management, whereas in organic production was used the cattle manure. There was application of fungicides and insecticides in commercial doses in conventional and integrated management, and the application was according to monitoring in integrated management. No fungicide or insecticide was applied to organic production. The disease severity was assessed by rating scale. The experimental design was randomized blocks. The severity of gummy stem blight increased substantially during fruit formation. Watermelon plants grown with integrated management showed lower levels of disease severity, while plants in organic production exhibited higher severity levels. We conclude that the management based on judicious monitoring in field is the best way to attain appropriate phytosanitary quality for the watermelon crop in Tocantins State, Brazil.

A podridão gomosa (Didymella bryoniae) é uma doença que afeta a produtividade da melancia levando a perdas superiores a 40%. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de diferentes sistemas de produção no controle da podridão gomosa em melancia visando estabelecer métodos eficientes de combate à doença. Aplicou-se os seguintes tratamentos: manejo convencional, manejo integrado e cultivo orgânico. A adubação mineral foi aplicada em manejo convencional e no manejo integrado, enquanto que no cultivo orgânico foi utilizado o esterco bovino. Houve aplicação de fungicidas e inseticidas em doses comerciais no manejo convencional e manejo integrado, sendo que no manejo integrado a aplicação foi conforme monitoramento. A severidade da doença foi avaliada por escala de notas. O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso. A severidade da podridão gomosa aumentou substancialmente na fase de formação dos frutos. Plantas de melancia cultivadas com o manejo integrado apresentaram menores níveis de severidade da doença, enquanto as plantas em cultivo orgânico exibiram maiores níveis de severidade. Conclui-se que o manejo baseado em acompanhamentos criteriosos em campo representa a melhor maneira de atingir o aspecto fitossanitário adequado para o cultivo de melancia no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil.

Thrips collected in watermelon crops in the semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Tripes coletados na cultura da melancia no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The aim of this research was to report the occurrence of two species of thrips in watermelon crops in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. From August to September 2011, we performed weekly sampling of thrips in a commercial watermelon production area with 10,000m2, using 20 Moericke traps. We captured a total of 431 thrips, belonging to Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thripidae) and Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin) (Phlaeothripidae). This is the first report of H. gowdeyi in watermelon crops in Brazil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de duas espécies de tripes na cultura da melancia na região do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Durante os meses de agosto e setembro de 2011 foram realizadas coletas de tripes semanalmente, em uma área de produção comercial de melancia de 10.000m2, utilizando-se 20 armadilhas Moericke. Foram capturados um total de 431 tripes, pertencente às espécies Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thripidae) e Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin) (Phlaeothripidae). Este é o primeiro relato de ocorrência destas espécies no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte e o primeiro registro de H. gowdeyi na cultura da melancia no Brasil.

Serological Identification of Virus in Watermelon Production Fields in the Tocantins State

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivated in almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, has its largest output in China, and then, according to FAO data, Turkey, Iran and Brazil, being one of the main crops cultivated in State of Tocantins, Brazil. In this work was investigated the occurrence and distribution of the watermelon viruses, totaling 752 samples taken in a stratified experimental design in four representative regions of production: Gurupi (150), Lagoa da Confusao (232), Formoso do Araguaia (265) and Porto Nacional (105). The sampling and collecting the leaves of plants with the presence of symptoms were performed once a week during the entire cultivation cycle. As a result, were observed by Dot-ELISA method, different types of viruses, such as Papaya ringspot W (PRSV-W), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) (potyvirus), Cucumber mosaic virus ( CMV) (Cucumovirus) and Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV) (Tospovirus). Of these, PRSV-W was predominant (22%), followed by WMV (15%), ZLCV (11%), CMV (5%) and ZYMV (4%). Mixed infections with PRSV-W + WMV and PRSV-W + ZLCV were also observed around 20% frequency (expressed with symptoms differently from a single infection). The results provide important support for the program management viruses.

Phytochemical screening and antidiabetic effect of extracts of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus in alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice.

Diabetes mellitus is a major and current epidemic disease of the human race implicated with numerous clinical manifestations. A number of protein-rich seeds such as that of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) are commonly used in traditional medicine with increasing acclaimed efficacy against diabetes mellitus. In this study the effects of petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus on blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetes in mice have been investigated. Hyperglycemia was induced by the injection of 150 mg/kg (i.p.) of alloxan monohydrate freshly dissolved in physiological saline. Doses (150, 200 and 250 mg/kg) per os, of the extracts were separately administered to a group of five diabetic mice in the study. The activity was compared with reference standard glibenclamide (2 mg/kg, p.o.) and negative control of physiological saline. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic mice with the crude extracts of C. lanatus seeds brought down the raised blood glucose levels significantly (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The ethanol extract was found to have more antidiabetic effect than the petroleum ether extract. Phytochemical screening of the seed extracts of Citrullus lanatus indicated the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins in both the ethanol and petroleum ether extracts. In addition, anthraquinones, tannins and reducing sugar were detected in the ethanol extract.