Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and salicylic acid (SA) as seed priming in Vicia faba L. and Vicia sativa L. / Fosfato de monopotássio (KH2PO4) e ácido salicílico (SA) como primagem de sementes em Vicia faba L. e Vicia sativa L.

The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of seed priming on germination behavior and seedling establishment in Vicia faba and Vicia sativa, for that, seeds priming was done using SA (100 µM) and KH2PO4. In order to determine the optimal concentration of KH2PO4 for improving germination, different concentrations were used: 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM. The best germination behavior and seedling establishment were obtained with 25 and 50 µM KH2PO4, respectively for Vicia faba and Vicia sativa. Moreover, data showed that 100 µM of SA improved seed germination as well as the seedling establishment for both species. The second experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of seed priming for improving phosphorous (P) deficiency tolerance. To do, seedling obtained from primed and nonprimed seeds were grown in a hydroponic culture system with three different treatments: control (C, medium containing sufficient P concentration: 360 µM KH2PO4), direct phosphorus-deficient (DD, medium containing only 10 µM KH2PO4), and induced P deficiency by bicarbonate (ID, medium containing sufficient P concentration: 360 µM KH2PO4 + 0.5 g L-1 CaCO3 + 10 mM NaHCO3). Furthermore, the role of exogenous SA applied to P deficiency tolerance enhancement was explored. Seed priming or the exogenous application of SA significantly reduced the severity effect of P deficiency. In fact, the pretreated plants were observed more tolerant to P deficiency as reflected from the significant increase in plant biomass, P uptake, and an efficient antioxidant system. Overall, this paper highlights the beneficial effect of seeds priming or the exogenous application of SA in the improvement of plant tolerance to phosphorus deficiency.

A deficiência de fósforo (P) é um fator ambiental adverso comum que limita a produção agrícola em todo o mundo. Este estudo é uma avaliação do efeito benéfico da técnica de priming de sementes para tolerância à deficiência de P em Vicia faba e Vicia sativa. Para avaliar o impacto do condicionamento das sementes no comportamento germinativo de Vicia faba e Vicia sativa, suas sementes foram imersas em diferentes concentrações de KH2PO4 (25 µM, 50 µM e 100 µM) e em 100 µM de ácido salicílico (SA) por 24 h. Os resultados obtidos definiram KH2PO4 50 µM (para Vicia sativa) e KH2PO4 25 µM (para Vicia faba) como as concentrações ótimas que garantem uma melhor germinação das sementes. Além disso, os dados mostraram que a SA melhora a germinação de sementes e o estabelecimento de mudas. Posteriormente, para investigar a contribuição dessa técnica no aumento da tolerância à deficiência de P, sementes preparadas e não preparadas foram cultivadas em solução hidropônica com três tratamentos diferentes: controle (C, meio contendo concentração suficiente de P: KH2PO4 360 µM), deficiente em fósforo direto (DD, meio contendo apenas 10 µM de KH2PO4) e deficiência induzida de P por bicarbonato (ID, meio contendo concentração suficiente de P: 360 µM de KH2PO4 + 0,5 g l-1 de CaCO3 + 10 mM de NaHCO3). Além disso, o papel da SA exógeno aplicada no aumento da tolerância à deficiência de P foi explorado. A preparação das sementes ou a aplicação exógena de SA reduziu significativamente o efeito da severidade da deficiência de P. De fato, as plantas pré-tratadas foram observadas mais tolerantes à deficiência de P, refletidas no aumento significativo da biomassa da planta, na absorção de P e em um eficiente sistema antioxidante. No geral, este artigo destaca o efeito benéfico da priming de sementes ou a aplicação exógena de SA na melhoria da tolerância das plantas à deficiência de fósforo.

Improved protease activity of Pixian broad bean paste with cocultivation of Aspergillus oryzae QM-6 and Aspergillus niger QH-3

BACKGROUND: The preparation of broad bean koji is a key process in the production of Pixian broad bean paste (PBP). Protease is essential for the degradation of proteins during PBP fermentation. To obtain broad bean koji with high protease activity using the cocultivated strains of Aspergillus oryzae QM-6 (A. oryzae QM-6) and Aspergillus niger QH-3 (A. niger QH-3), the optimization of acid and neutral protease activities was carried out using Box­Behnken design with response surface methodology (RSM). RESULTS: The optimum conditions were found to be as follows: inoculation proportion (X1), 3:1 (A. oryzae QM-6: A. niger QH-3, w/w); culture temperature (X2), 33°C; inoculum size (X3), 0.5% (w/w); incubation time (X4), 5 d. The acid and neutral protease activities were 605.2 ± 12.4 U/g and 1582.9 ± 23.7 U/g, respectively, which were in good agreement with the predicted values. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles revealed that the broad bean koji extracellular proteins in the case of cocultivation were richer compared to those in the case of A. oryzae QM-6 or A. niger QH-3 strain only. In addition, the free amino acids (FAAs) in the fermentation product were 55% higher in the cocultivation process than in that involving only A. oryzae QM-6, further confirming the diversity of proteases in the fermentation products. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal conditions of koji-making in PBP were obtained using RSM. The cocultivation of A. oryzae and A. niger increases the overall enzyme activities in the culture medium and the FAAs content, which would thus have potential application in the PBP industry.

Intestinal transcriptional profiling reveals fava bean-induced immune response in DBA/1 mice

BACKGROUND: Fava beans (FBs) have long been used as food, and their principal disadvantage is derived from their haemotoxicity. We hypothesized that FB ingestion alters the intestinal gene expression pattern, thereby inducing an immune response. RESULTS: In-depth sequence analysis identified 769 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the intestine in FB-treated DBA/1 mouse intestines. The identified genes were shown to be associated with biological processes (such as response to stimulus and immune system processes), human disease pathways (such as infectious diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and immune diseases), and organismal system pathways (such as the digestive system, endocrine system, environmental adaptation, and immune system). Moreover, plasma total immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased when the mice were treated with FBs. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that FBs affect the intestinal immune response and IgE and cytokine secretion in DBA/1 mice.

Análisis de tres extractos naturales para el control de enfermedades (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani) bajo diferentes dosis de aplicación en el cultivo de haba (Vicia faba) / Analysis of three natural extracts for the control of diseases (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani) under different application doses in the bean crop (Vicia faba)

Actualmente la producción del cultivo de Haba (Vicia faba) en el altiplano Boliviano y en especial en el departamento de La Paz, en cada ciclo de producción sufre de diversos factores que impiden su normal desarrollo ecológico y rendimiento como son las plagas, enfermedades como la Mancha de Chocolate, manchas concéntricas, roya y pudrición radicular, además de los factores climáticos extremos. El objetivo de la presente investigación es conocer la eficiencia que podrían causar de manera favorable los extractos naturales de khoa (Satureja boliviana), saponina de la quinua (Chenopodium quinoa willd) e Itapallo (Urtica urens) en el control de las Manchas concéntricas (Alternaria alternata) y la pudrición radicular (Fusarium solani), mediante diferentes dosis de aplicación con la característica especial de que en este caso los extractos naturales son elaborados desde laboratorio, puesto que de manera artesanal ya fueron comprobados su eficiencia en otras enfermedades en diversos cultivos. Este trabajo fue realizado en la Comunidad de Tagachi que pertenece al Municipio de Puerto Acosta, Provincia Camacho del departamento de La Paz, ubicado a 197 kilómetros de la cede de Gobierno. Para este trabajo se aplicó el diseño experimental bloques al azar con arreglo factorial de dos factores, en las parcelas se evaluaron la Incidencia, Severidad, Eficiencia, Longitud de vainas, rendimiento en vainas, grano seco y su análisis económico. Antes de la evaluación en parcela experimental ya fueron evaluados los comportamiento de los patógenos frente a diversos extractos naturales en laboratorio de la facultad de ciencias puras, en donde concluyen que los extractos de Khoa, Itapallo y Saponina de la quinua mostraron mayor eficiencia frente a las enfermedades de Alternaria alternata, Botrytis fabae, Fusarium solani, Phytóphtora infestans entre otras a una dosis de aplicación similar al del systane. Para la evaluación en campo se determinó las siguientes dosis de aplicación en campo: Se tomó en cuenta las recomendaciones de Porco (2009) donde señala que también se debe tomar en cuenta la altura de las plantas para el cálculo de la dosis y el agua es así que se determina que se utilice un total de 180 g de extractos naturales de Khoa, Saponina de quinua e Itapallo respectivamente, 150% representa a 75.12 g con una frecuencia de aplicación de 3,13 g por unidad experimental, 60 g representa el 100% con una frecuencia de 2,5 g por unidad experimental y 44.88 g representa a 50% con una frecuencia de 1,87 g por unidad experimental en 8 aplicaciones durante el ciclo del cultivo de Haba en tres etapas (Prefloración, floración y Llenado de vainas).. Los extractos naturales de Khoa e Itapallo aplicados al 150% y 100%, causaron mayor eficiencia desde el punto de vista estadístico en el control de la (Alternaria alternata y Fusarium solani), es decir que la aplicación de extractos naturales en dosis elevadas lograron las mejores eficiencias en cuanto al control de la mancha concéntrica y la pudrición radicular, puesto que los resultados obtenidos lograron eficiencias superiores al resto de los tratamientos. Los resultados obtenidos nos muestran que los extractos naturales incidieron en los costos de producción, lo que significa que estos resultados afectan a los beneficios económicos que se lograron en la presente investigación. En conclusión según los resultados obtenidos en la parcela experimental indicamos que los extractos naturales de khoa e Itapallo aplicados a una dosis de 150% tubo más efectividad en el control de las manchas concéntricas y de relativa eficiencia en la enfermedad de pudrición radicular, posteriormente los mismos extractos naturales en dosis bajas también reportaron eficiencias en el control de estas enfermedades pero de menor eficiencia, por consiguiente se recomienda realizar estudios de factibilidad económica en la elaboración y aplicación de estos extractos naturales con el fin de reducir los costos de producción. (AU)

Emergência de plântulas de fava em função de posições e profundidades de semeadura / Emergence of lima bean seedlings as a function of position and depth of sowing

A fava, Phaseolus lunatus L., é cultivada em quase todo o território nacional, devido à sua importância econômica. No Nordeste do Brasil, tornou-se uma alternativa de renda e alimento para a população, pois seus grãos são consumidos maduros ou verdes. A pesquisa foi realizada em casa-de-vegetação, no Setor de Horticultura do Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas, da Universidade Federal do Piauí, situado no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, com o objetivo de verificar o efeito da posição e da profundidade de semeadura na emergência e no vigor de sementes de P. lunatus L. O delineamento utilizado foi DIC, em esquema fatorial 3X5, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes, onde os tratamentos foram 3 posições das sementes (HC, HB E HL) e 5 profundidades (1, 2, 3, 4, e 5 cm). Avaliaram-se a porcentagem de emergência, primeira contagem de emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca das plântulas. As sementes de P. lunatus devem ser semeadas com o hilo voltado para cima (HC) na profundidade de 3,3 cm.

Phaseolus lunatus L., is cultivated in almost all the national territory, due to its economic importance. In Northeastern Brazil, it has become an alternative source of income and food for native people because its grains are eaten mature or not. The research work was conducted in a net-house at the Horticulture Sector of Campus "Profa. Cinobelina Elvas", Federal University of Piaui, in Bom Jesus county, Piaui State, Brazil aiming to verify the effect of seed position and depth of sowing on seedling emergence and vigor of P. lunatus L. seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds each, and treatments were three seed positions of sowing (HB, HL and HC ) and five depths (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm). The percentage of emergence, emergence first count, emergence speed index, length and dry mass of seedlings were recorded. The P. lunatus seeds should be sown with the hilum facing up (HC) at a depth of 3.3 cm.

Improvement of Biocontrol of Damping-off and Root Rot/Wilt of Faba Bean by Salicylic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide

Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, and Macrophomina phaseolina were found to be associated with root rott and wilt symptoms of faba bean plants collected from different fieldes in New Valley governorate, Egypt. All the obtained isolates were able to attack faba bean plants (cv. Giza 40) causing damping-off and root rot/wilt diseases. R. solani isolates 2 and 5, F. solani isolate 8, F. oxysporum isolate 12 and M. phaseolina isolate 14 were the more virulent ones in the pathogenicity tests. Biocontrol agents (Trichoderma viride and Bacillus megaterium) and chemical inducers (salicylic acid [SA] and hydrogen peroxide) individually or in combination were examined for biological control of damping-off and root rot/wilt and growth promoting of faba bean plants in vitro and in vivo. Both antagonistic biocontrol agents and chemical inducers either individually or in combination inhibited growth of the tested pathogenic fungi. Biocontrol agents combined with chemical inducers recorded the highest inhibited growth especially in case SA + T. viride and SA + B. megaterium. Under green house and field conditions, all treatments significantly reduced damping-off and root rot/wilt severity and increased of survival plants. Also, these treatments increased fresh and weights of the survival plants in pots compared with control. The combination between biocontrol agents and chemical inducers were more effective than used of them individually and SA + T. viride was the best treatment in this respect. Also, under field conditions, all these treatments significantly increased growth parameters (plant height and number of branches per plant) and yield components (number of pods per plant and number of seeds per plant, weight of 100 seeds and total yield per feddan) and protein content in both seasons (2010~2011 and 2011~2012). Faba bean seeds soaked in SA + T. viride and SA + B. megaterium were recorded the highest growth parameters and yield components. Generally, the combination between biocontrol agents and chemical inducers recorded the best results for controlling damping-off and root rot/wilt diseases in greenhouse and field with addition improved plant growth and increased yield components in field.

Allelopathic effects of extracts from fibrous roots of Coptis chinensis on two leguminous species / 中国中药杂志

An experiment was carried out to study the allelopathic effects of Coptis chinensis fibrous root extracts (CRE) on the germination and seedling growth of Vicia faba and Pisum sativum in order to alleviate the allelopathic effects and increase land productivity. The seeds of both garden pea (P. sativum) and broad been (V. faba) were germinated in CRE solution of various concentrations, the germination rate, seedling growth and related physiological indexes were measured. The result indicated that there were no significant effects of CRE in low concentrations on seed germination, including both the rate and index, and seed vitality and membrane permeability. With the increment of CRE concentrations, however, the high seed membrane permeability and germination inhibition were observed. For example, the germination rates were reduced by 23.4% (P. sativum) and 9.5% (V. faba), respectively, in CRE solution with 800 mg . L-1. Simultaneously, soluble sugars and the free amino acids in the seeds were lower than those in the control (without CRE) after soaking seeds in CRE solutions. In addition, the seedling growth and nitrate reductase activity were stimulated by CRE at low concentrations in contrast to high concentrations which behaved otherwise and inhibited the nutrient utilization in endosperm. Therefore, the large amount of allelochemicals released from the roots and remains of C. chinensis in soils could inhibit the seed germination and seedling growth of legumes, which may lead to decrease even fail crop yields after growing this medical plant.

Asociación Thysanoptera (Insecta)-Vicia faba (Fabaceae) en la Prepuna y Puna de Jujuy, Argentina / Thysanoptera (Insecta)-Vicia faba (Fabaceae) association in Prepuna and Puna in Jujuy, Argentina

Thysanoptera (Insecta)-Vicia faba (Fabaceae) association in Prepuna and Puna in Jujuy, Argentina. The different phenological stages of Vicia faba provide food resources and substrates for the development of a significant diversity of insects. This study aimed to identify the complex of anthophyllous thrips, analyze the species population fluctuations, to obtain some bioecological aspects and the role they play in this association. The study and sampling was conducted during the flowering-fruiting bean crop stages in two phytogeographical regions of Jujuy: Prepuna (2 479m asl) on a weekly basis, from October-December 1995-1996 and Puna (3 367m asl) every two weeks, from December 2007-March 2008. Each sample consisted of 25 flowers taken at random; only at Prepuna a complementary sampling of three hits per plant (n=10 plants) was conducted. Observations were made on oviposition sites, admission to the flower, pupation sites, feeding behavior and injuries caused. In Prepuna, the Thysanoptera complex consisted of Frankliniella australis, F. occidentalis, F. gemina, F. schultzei and Thrips tabaci; in Puna, the specific diversity was restricted to F. australis and F. gemina. Although the planting-harvest period in both areas did not match, the fluctuations in populations showed the same pattern: as flowering progressed, the number of thrips coincided with the availability of food resources. In both areas, F. australis was the dominant species and maintained successive populations; it layed eggs in flower buds, and larvae hatched when flowers opened; feeding larvae and adults brought about silvery stains with black spots. In Prepuna, F. australis went through the mobile immature stages on flowers, while quiescent stages were on the ground; in the Puna, all development stages took place within the flowers. Thrips tabaci, F. shultzei, F. occidentalis and F. gemina were temporary and opportunistic in Prepuna, while the presence of F. gemina was ...

Los distintos estados fenológicos de Vicia faba ofrecen recursos alimenticios y sustratos para el desarrollo de una importante diversidad de insectos. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: identificar el complejo de tisanópteros antófilos, analizar las fluctuaciones de las poblaciones, conocer aspectos bioecológicos y determinar el rol que cumplen en esta asociación. El estudio se realizó durante el período floración-fructificación del cultivo de haba, en dos etapas y regiones fitogeográficas de Jujuy: Prepuna (2 479msnm), semanalmente desde octubre-diciembre de 1995-1996 y Puna (3 367msnm), quincenalmente desde diciembre 2007-marzo 2008. Cada muestra consistió de 25 flores tomadas al azar; sólo en Prepuna se realizó un muestreo complementario de tres golpes/planta (n=10 plantas). Se realizaron observaciones sobre sitios de oviposición, ingreso a la flor, lugares de pupación, comportamiento alimenticio y lesiones producidas. En Prepuna, el complejo de tisanópteros está formado por Frankliniella australis, F. occidentalis, F. gemina, F. schultzei y Thrips tabaci; en Puna la diversidad específica está restringida a F. australis y F. gemina. A pesar de que el período siembra-cosecha no coincide en ambas áreas, las fluctuaciones de las poblaciones presentan un mismo patrón: a medida que avanza la floración aumenta el número de tisanópteros, que coincide con la disponibilidad del recurso alimenticio. En ambas áreas, F. australis es la especie dominante y mantiene poblaciones sucesivas en el cultivo; deposita los huevos en los botones florales y las larvas eclosionan cuando se produce la apertura de las flores; la alimentación de larvas y adultos ocasiona manchas plateadas con puntuaciones negras. En la Prepuna, F. australis atraviesa los estados inmaduros móviles en las flores y los quiescentes en el suelo; en la Puna, todos los estados de desarrollo transcurren dentro de las flores. Thrips tabaci, F. gemina, F. shultzei y F. occidentalis ...

Germinação, vigor e sanidade de sementes de fava d'anta (Dimorphandra mollis Benth. ) obtidas de frutos coletados no solo e na planta / Germination, vigor and sanity of "fava d'anta" (Dimorphandra mollis Benth. ) seeds obtained from fruits collected both in the soil and in the plant

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes obtidas a partir de frutos maduros coletados no solo e nas plantas de fava d'anta, espécie medicinal nativa do Cerrado, ameaçada de extinção, cujos frutos são ricos em rutina. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 10 repetições. Cada repetição foi constituída de uma caixa gerbox contendo 15 sementes cada. A qualidade fisiológica foi determinada por meio de testes de germinação e vigor, avaliando-se a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e a massa seca das raízes primárias. A qualidade sanitária foi determinada pela identificação dos microorganismos patogênicos associados às sementes, bem como pela porcentagem de ocorrência destes em cada parcela. Os fungos identificados nas sementes pertencem aos gêneros Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Colletrotrichum, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Penicillum, Phoma e Phomopsis. Sementes oriundas de frutos coletados no solo foram mais contaminadas por agentes patogênicos e apresentaram germinação (56,67 por cento), vigor e sanidade inferiores às sementes obtidas de frutos coletados na planta.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of seeds obtained from mature fruits collected in the soil and in "fava d'anta" plants. Dimorphandra mollis constitutes an endangered medicinal species native to cerrado and presents fruits rich in rutin. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 10 replicates. Each replicate consisted of a gerbox containing 15 seeds each. Physiological quality was assessed through germination and vigor tests by evaluating germination percentage, germination velocity index (GVI), and primary root dry matter. Sanitary quality was evaluated by identifying pathogenic microorganisms associated with the seeds, as well as their occurrence percentage in each plot. The identified fungi belonged to the genera Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Penicillium, Phoma and Phomopsis. Seeds from fruits collected in the soil were more contaminated by pathogenic agents and presented lower germination (56.67 percent), vigor and health than seeds from fruits collected in the plant.

Isolation of chitinase gene induced during infection of vicia faba by botrytis fabae

The moderately resistant [Giza 716] and the susceptible [Giza 429] faba bean cultivars were used to identify some pathogenesis related proteins [PRs] associated with infection by chocolate spot disease. One isolate of Botrytis fabae purified from a plant sample taken from Nubaria location [Behera governorate, Egypt] was used in the artificial infection experiment. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out on all protein banding patterns of the healthy and the infected faba bean leaves harvested at 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation. Data revealed that a 26 kDa protein band was more intensive 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation in cultivar Giza 716,. In addition, a 29 kDa protein band appeared after 24 and 48 hr. Furthermore, in cultivar Giza 429, 54 kDa protein bands appeared after 8, 24 and 48 hr post inoculation and 28 and 20 kDa appeared after 24 hr post inoculation.Reverse-Transcription [RT-PCR] showed that chitinase gene is expressed at very early stages in infected faba bean leaves. DNA fragment at molecular weight 900 bp appeared at 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation and disappeared in the healthy plants. The amplified products were cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector. Four clones named [PNAM1, PNAM2, PNAM3 and PNAM4] were selected for validation. The recombinant plasmids PNAM1, PNAM2 were verified for the presence of the Chitinase gene coding sequences by using both specific and universal primers in PCR. BNAM1-Chit-EG gene sequence showed 58.15% similarity when aligned with other Chitinase genes published in the gene bank

Joint effects of microwave and chromium trioxide on root tip cells of Vicia faba / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The mutagenic effects of microwave and chromium trioxide (CrO(3)) on Vicia faba root tip were studied. Micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration assay were used to determine the mitotic index, the micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency of Vicia faba root tip cells induced by microwave and CrO(3). The results showed that the micronucleus frequency decreased, and that the mitotic index and chromosomal aberration frequency showed linear dose responses to CrO(3), in treatment of microwave for 5 s. In microwave of 25 s, the mitotic index decreased, the micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency increased with increase of CrO(3) concentration. We concluded that microwave and CrO(3) had antagonistic effect on the mitotic index of Vicia faba root tip cells, but had synergetic effect on micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency of Vicia faba root tip cells.

Evaluación Genotoxicológica de suelos expuestos a plaguicidas por el test de micronúcleos / Evaluation genotoxicológica de suelos expuestos to pesticides by the test of micronucleuses

En el presente estudio se evaluó la composición físicaquímica y la capacidad genotoxica de suelos contaminados de la comunidad de Huaraco, Dpto. deLa Paz por el test de Micronúcleos en Vicia faba. Los resultados muestran que el suelo de Huaraco expuesto hace 20 años a pesticidas no es genotóxico, mientras que el suelo expuesto recientemente muestra un incremento en su capacidad genotóxica.

[Prevalence of G6PD deficiency among primary school students in Amol]

G6PD [glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase] deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in human beings. Using fava beans, some drugs and oxidant agents cause life-threatening hemolysis in children and other ages. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its relation to age and family history. This cross sectional, descriptive and analytical study was performed on 732 persons. Students aged between 7-11 years old were randomly chosen by cluster sampling method. Data were analyzed by SPSS. For comparing enzyme deficiency between two sexes and the effect of family history, chi square test was used. From 732 students, 295 were male and 437 were female. 11.2% of males and 1.4% of females were G6PD deficient that this difference was considered significant [p<0.0001]. Children who have G6PD deficiency, history of G6PD deficiency among their family members was significantly more [p<0.0001]. Due to high prevalence of G6PD deficiency as a threatening factor for public health in north of Iran, it is suggested cord blood G6PD screening be considered at birth especially in male neonates and the quality of primary health care and public information be increased by teaching

Performance of seed germination and growth of Vicia faba L. in fly ash amended soil.

The performance of Vicia faba L. in soil amended by different concentrations of fly ash has been studied. The parameters considered are seed germination, growth behaviour and nodulation frequency of the plant. Results revealed that while fly-ash amendment to the soil improved the growth performance at initial stages with application of lower concentrations, it was inhibitory at higher exposure concentrations. Although there was no difference in survival rates, but the seedling growth was reduced in comparison to control plants. Fly ash delayed the nodulation as lesser number of nodules was recorded at higher amendments. Results suggested feasibility of growing V. faba in fly ash contaminated area.

Nutritional evaluation of extruded faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a protein supplement in cereals based diet in rats.

The quality of extruded faba bean (EFB) (Vicia faba L.) as a protein supplement in cereals diet was evaluated. Growth rate and protein efficiency ratio was better in 20% EFB blended dietary group of rats than those fed either on cereals alone or at 40% EFB supplementation. Subsequent studies on digestibility co-efficient, biological value, net protein utilization and net protein ratio also confirmed biological utilization of EFB proteins in a better way at low level (20%).

Leaf Exudates of Vicia faba and their Effects on Botrytis fabae and Some Associated Fungi

Analysis of leaf exudates of Vicia faba using paper chromatography to identify individual amino acids and sugars qualitatively was investigated. The results revealed that the number of identified amino acids detected in the leaf exudates of the susceptible plants was more than those of resistant plants. The results also showed an increase in the number of amino acids exuded by infected leaves, but no marked difference in sugars of infected and non infected plants. Lithium chloride application led to decrease in amino acid and sugar contents. The number of amino acids and sugars was also decreased with leaf age. Botrytis fabae and the selected fungal species (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger) were used to show the effect of individual amino acid and sugar on their spore germination. It was observed that all amino acids stimulated the fungal spore germination except serine which inhibited its spore germination. In case of A. alternata, spore germination was stimulated by all amino acids except serine, alanine, glutamic acid, arginine and methionine which caused the inhibition. In case of F. oxysporum, aspartic and glutamic acids inhibited spore germination but the other amino acids stimulated its spore germination. Aspartic acid and phenyl alanine inhibited the spore germination of A. niger. All the identified sugars (galactose, glucose, fructose and rhamnose) stimulated spore germination of all tested fungi.