Accumulation patterns of anthocyanin and γ-oryzanol during black rice grain development.

Pigmented rice, especially black rice, is gaining popularity as it is rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and γ-oryzanol. At present, knowledge about temporal control of biosynthesis and accumulation of antioxidants during grain development is limited. To address this, the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins and γ-oryzanol were assessed in two distinct black rice genotypes over the course of grain development, and the expression of known regulatory genes for anthocyanin biosynthesis was examined. The results indicated that total γ-oryzanol content increased continuously throughout grain development, while total anthocyanins peaked at dough stage (15 to 21 days after flowering) followed by a decline until grain maturity in both genotypes. However, the rate of decrease in anthocyanin content differed between genotypes, and a more prominent decline in cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) relative to peonidin 3-O-glucoside (P3G) was observed for both. Anthocyanin content was closely linked with the expression of key regulatory genes in the MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40) complex. This improved knowledge of the genotype-specific biosynthesis (anthocyanins only) and accumulation patterns of anthocyanins and γ-oryzanol can inform subsequent research efforts to increase concentrations of these key antioxidants in black rice grains.

From dawn 'til dusk: daytime progression regulates primary and secondary metabolism in Cannabis glandular trichomes.

Cannabis sativa L. glandular trichomes (GTs) synthesise large amounts of secondary metabolites, predominantly cannabinoids and terpenoids. The associated demand for carbon and energy makes GTs strong sink tissues with indications that their secondary metabolism is coupled to the availability of photoassimilates. Many metabolites show diurnal patterns of flux, but it is unknown whether cannabinoids and terpenoids are regulated by time of day. We quantified cannabinoids, terpenoids and the GT proteome over a 12-hour light period in flowers of Hindu Kush, a high-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cultivar. Major cannabinoids changed significantly over the course of day, resulting in an increase in total measured cannabinoids. Major terpenoids also changed, with sesquiterpenes generally decreasing with day progression. While monoterpenes generally did not decrease, the second most abundant, α-pinene, increased. The GT proteome changed the most within the first six hours of the day and analysis of differentially abundant proteins indicated upregulation of primary metabolism. Surprisingly, key cannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes decreased with daytime progression despite increases in cannabinoid content, which indicate that daytime increases of photoassimilates are the main driver of cannabinoid regulation. This first reporting of variability of cannabinoid and terpenoid biosynthesis over the course of the day has implications for Cannabis research and production.

Semi-purified Antimicrobial Proteins from Oyster Hemolymph Inhibit Pneumococcal Infection.

Pneumococcal infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly among children. The ability of S. pneumoniae to form enduring biofilms makes treatment inherently difficult, and options are further limited by emerging antibiotic resistance. The discovery of new antibiotics, particularly those with antibiofilm activity, is therefore increasingly important. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) from marine invertebrates are recognised as promising pharmacological leads. This study determined the in vitro antibacterial activity of hemolymph and unique protein fractions from an Australian oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) against multi-drug-resistant S. pneumoniae. We developed a successful method for hemolymph extraction and separation into 16 fractions by preparative HPLC. The strongest activity was observed in fraction 7: at 42 µg/mL protein, this fraction was bactericidal to S. pneumoniae and inhibited biofilm formation. Proteomic analysis showed that fraction 7 contained relatively high abundance of carbonic anhydrase, cofilin, cystatin B-like, and gelsolin-like proteins, while surrounding fractions, which showed lower or no antibacterial activity, contained these proteins in lower abundance or not at all. This work supports traditional medicinal uses of oysters and contributes to further research and development of novel hemolymph/AMP-based treatments for pneumococcal infections.

Sequential removal of cation/H+ exchangers reveals their additive role in elemental distribution, calcium depletion and anoxia tolerance.

Multiple Arabidopsis H+ /Cation exchangers (CAXs) participate in high-capacity transport into the vacuole. Previous studies have analysed single and double mutants that marginally reduced transport; however, assessing phenotypes caused by transport loss has proven enigmatic. Here, we generated quadruple mutants (cax1-4: qKO) that exhibited growth inhibition, an 85% reduction in tonoplast-localised H+ /Ca transport, and enhanced tolerance to anoxic conditions compared to CAX1 mutants. Leveraging inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF), we demonstrate CAX transporters work together to regulate leaf elemental content: ICP-MS analysis showed that the elemental concentrations in leaves strongly correlated with the number of CAX mutations; SXRF imaging showed changes in element partitioning not present in single CAX mutants and qKO had a 40% reduction in calcium (Ca) abundance. Reduced endogenous Ca may promote anoxia tolerance; wild-type plants grown in Ca-limited conditions were anoxia tolerant. Sequential reduction of CAXs increased mRNA expression and protein abundance changes associated with reactive oxygen species and stress signalling pathways. Multiple CAXs participate in postanoxia recovery as their concerted removal heightened changes in postanoxia Ca signalling. This work showcases the integrated and diverse function of H+ /Cation transporters and demonstrates the ability to improve anoxia tolerance through diminishing endogenous Ca levels.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of wheat cultivars differing in their resistance to Fusarium head blight infection during grain-filling stages reveals unique defense mechanisms at play.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating fungal disease that poses a significant threat to wheat production, causing substantial yield losses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of wheat resistance to FHB is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of FHB resistance and the patterns of toxin accumulation in three wheat cultivars, Annong8455, Annong1589, and Sumai3, with different levels of resistance, ranging from low to high respectively, under natural field conditions. Samples were taken at three different grain-filling stages (5, 10, and 15 DPA) for gene expression analysis and phenotypic observation. Results found that toxin concentration was inversely correlated with varietal resistance but not correlated with disease phenotypes, indicating that toxin analysis is a more accurate measure of disease status in wheat ears and grains. Transcriptomic data showed that Sumai3 exhibited a stronger immune response during all stages of grain filling by upregulating genes involved in the active destruction of pathogens and removal of toxins. In contrast, Annong1589 showed a passive prevention of the spread of toxins into cells by the upregulation of genes involved in tyramine biosynthesis at the early stage (5 DPA), which may be involved in cell wall strengthening. Our study demonstrates the complexity of FHB resistance in wheat, with cultivars exhibiting unique and overlapping defense mechanisms, and highlights the importance of considering the temporal and spatial dynamics of gene expression in breeding programs for developing more resistant wheat cultivars.

Salinity and nitrogen source affect productivity and nutritional value of edible halophytes.

Saline agriculture may contribute to food production in the face of the declining availability of fresh water and an expanding area of salinized soils worldwide. However, there is currently little known about the biomass and nutrient/antinutrient accumulation response of many edible halophytes to increasing levels of salinity and nitrogen source. To address this, two glass house experiments were carried out. The first to study the shoot biomass, and nutrient accumulation response, measured by ICP-MS analysis, of edible halophyte species, including Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (ice plant), Salsola komarovii (Land seaweed), Enchylaena tomentosa (Ruby Saltbush), Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire), Crambe maritima (Sea Kale) and Mertensia maritima (Oyster Plant), under increasing levels of salinity (0 to 800 mM). The second experiment studied the effects of nitrogen source combined with salinity, on levels of oxalate, measured by HPLC, in ice plant and ruby saltbush. Species differences for biomass and sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation were observed across the range of salt treatments (0 to 800mM). Shoot concentrations of the anti-nutrient oxalate decreased significantly in ice plant and ruby saltbush with an increase in the proportion of N provided as NH4+ (up to 100%), while shoot oxalate concentrations in ice plant and ruby saltbush grown in the absence of NaCl were not significantly different to oxalate concentrations in plants treated with 200 mM or 400 mM NaCl. However, the lower shoot oxalate concentrations observed with the increase in NH4+ came with concurrent reductions in shoot biomass. Results suggest that there will need to be a calculated tradeoff between oxalate levels and biomass when growing these plants for commercial purposes.

Efficacy and safety of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil for human health-A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Leaves of the Australian tea tree plant Melaleuca alternifolia were used traditionally by First Nations Australians for treating wounds, burns, and insect bites. Tea tree oil, the essential oil steam-distilled from M. alternifolia, is well-known for its medicinal properties, the evidence for most applications however is limited. This review aimed to critically appraise evidence from clinical trials examining the therapeutic efficacy and safety of tea tree oil on outcomes. Methods: Randomized controlled trials with participants of any age, gender, or health status, comparing tea tree oil to any control were included, without limit on publication date. Electronic databases were searched on 12 August 2022 with additional records sourced from article reference sections, reviews, and industry white papers. Risk of bias was assessed by two authors independently using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 1.0 tool. Results were summarized and synthesized thematically. Results: Forty-six articles were eligible from the following medical fields (Dentistry n = 18, Dermatology n = 9, Infectious disease n = 9, Ophthalmology n = 6, Podiatry n = 3; and Other n = 1). Results indicate that oral mouthwashes with 0.2%-0.5% tea tree oil may limit accumulation of dental plaque. Gels containing 5% tea tree oil applied directly to the periodontium may aid treatment of periodontitis as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing. More evidence is needed to confirm the benefits of tea tree oil for reducing acne lesions and severity. Local anti-inflammatory effects on skin, if any, also require further elucidation. Topical tea tree oil regimens show similar efficacy to standard treatments for decolonizing the body from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, although intra-nasal use of tea tree oil may cause irritation to mucous membranes. Tea tree oil with added iodine may provide an effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum lesions in young children. More evidence on efficacy of tea tree oil-based eyelid wipes for Demodex mite control are needed. Side effects were reported in 60% of included studies and were minor, except where tea tree oil was applied topically in concentrations ≥ 25%. Discussion: Overall, the quality of research was poor to modest and higher quality trials with larger samples and better reporting are required to substantiate potential therapeutic applications of tea tree oil. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42021285168].

The vacuolar H+/Ca transporter CAX1 participates in submergence and anoxia stress responses.

A plant's oxygen supply can vary from normal (normoxia) to total depletion (anoxia). Tolerance to anoxia is relevant to wetland species, rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation, and submergence tolerance of crops. Decoding and transmitting calcium (Ca) signals may be an important component to anoxia tolerance; however, the contribution of intracellular Ca transporters to this process is poorly understood. Four functional cation/proton exchangers (CAX1-4) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) help regulate Ca homeostasis around the vacuole. Our results demonstrate that cax1 mutants are more tolerant to both anoxic conditions and submergence. Using phenotypic measurements, RNA-sequencing, and proteomic approaches, we identified cax1-mediated anoxia changes that phenocopy changes present in anoxia-tolerant crops: altered metabolic processes, diminished reactive oxygen species production post anoxia, and altered hormone signaling. Comparing wild-type and cax1 expressing genetically encoded Ca indicators demonstrated altered cytosolic Ca signals in cax1 during reoxygenation. Anoxia-induced Ca signals around the plant vacuole are involved in the control of numerous signaling events related to adaptation to low oxygen stress. This work suggests that cax1 anoxia response pathway could be engineered to circumvent the adverse effects of flooding that impair production agriculture.

Does Coffee Have Terroir and How Should It Be Assessed?

The terroir of coffee is defined as the unique sensory experience derived from a single origin roasted coffee that embodies its source. Environmental conditions such as temperature, altitude, shade cover, rainfall, and agronomy are considered the major parameters that define coffee terroir. However, many other parameters such as post-harvest processing, roasting, grinding, and brewing can combine to influence the perception of terroir. In this review, we discuss the contribution of these parameters and their influence on coffee terroir. Assessment of terroir requires defined sensory descriptors, as provided by the World Coffee Research Lexicon, and standardized roast level, grind size, and brew method. The choice of the post-harvest processing method is often environmentally dependent, suggesting that an inclusion into the coffee terroir definition is warranted. Coffee terroir is often not intentionally created but results from the contributions of the Coffea species and variety planted, environmental and agricultural parameters, and both the harvest and post-harvest method used. The unique combination of these parameters gives the consumer a unique cup of coffee, reminiscent of the place the coffee was produced.

Salt stress alters membrane lipid content and lipid biosynthesis pathways in the plasma membrane and tonoplast.

Plant cell membranes are the sites of sensing and initiation of rapid responses to changing environmental factors including salinity stress. Understanding the mechanisms involved in membrane remodeling is important for studying salt tolerance in plants. This task remains challenging in complex tissue due to suboptimal subcellular membrane isolation techniques. Here, we capitalized on the use of a surface charge-based separation method, free flow electrophoresis, to isolate the tonoplast (TP) and plasma membrane (PM) from leaf tissue of the halophyte ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.). Results demonstrated a membrane-specific lipidomic remodeling in this plant under salt conditions, including an increased proportion of bilayer forming lipid phosphatidylcholine in the TP and an increase in nonbilayer forming and negatively charged lipids (phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine) in the PM. Quantitative proteomics showed salt-induced changes in proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis and desaturation, glycerolipid, and sterol synthesis, as well as proteins involved in lipid signaling, binding, and trafficking. These results reveal an essential plant mechanism for membrane homeostasis wherein lipidome remodeling in response to salt stress contributes to maintaining the physiological function of individual subcellular compartments.

Shotgun proteomics of Brassica rapa seed proteins identifies vicilin as a major seed storage protein in the mature seed.

Proteins make up a large percentage of the Brassica seed and are second only to the oil in economic importance with uses for both animal and human nutrition. The most abundant proteins reported in the seeds of Brassica are the seed storage proteins cruciferin and napin, belonging to the 12S globulin and 2S albumin families of proteins, respectively. To gain insight into the Brassica rapa seed proteome and to confirm the presence and relative quantity of proteins encoded by candidate seed storage genes in the mature seed, shotgun proteomics was carried out on protein extracts from seeds of B. rapa inbred line R-o-18. Following liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, a total of 34016 spectra were mapped to 323 proteins, where 233 proteins were identified in 3 out of 4 biological replicates by at least 2 unique peptides. 2S albumin like napin seed storage proteins (SSPs), 11/12S globulin like cruciferin SSPs and 7S globulin like vicilin SSPs were identified in the samples, along with other notable proteins including oil body proteins, namely ten oleosins and two oil body-associated proteins. The identification of vicilin like proteins in the mature B. rapa seed represents the first account of these proteins in the Brassicaceae and analysis indicates high conservation of sequence motifs to other 7S vicilin-like allergenic proteins as well as conservation of major allergenic epitopes in the proteins. This study enriches our existing knowledge on rapeseed seed proteins and provides a robust foundation and rational basis for plant bioengineering of seed storage proteins.

Membrane Profiling by Free Flow Electrophoresis and SWATH-MS to Characterize Subcellular Compartment Proteomes in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum.

The study of subcellular membrane structure and function facilitates investigations into how biological processes are divided within the cell. However, work in this area has been hampered by the limited techniques available to fractionate the different membranes. Free Flow Electrophoresis (FFE) allows for the fractionation of membranes based on their different surface charges, a property made up primarily of their varied lipid and protein compositions. In this study, high-resolution plant membrane fractionation by FFE, combined with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, allowed the simultaneous profiling of multiple cellular membranes from the leaf tissue of the plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Comparisons of the fractionated membranes' protein profile to that of known markers for specific cellular compartments sheds light on the functions of proteins, as well as provides new evidence for multiple subcellular localization of several proteins, including those involved in lipid metabolism.

Effect of irrigation, fertiliser type and variety on grain yield and nutritional quality of spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) grown under semi-arid conditions.

Previous studies reported higher antioxidant and mineral micronutrient concentrations in organic compared to conventional wheat flour, but the reasons are poorly understood. Here we report results from a long-term, factorial field experiment designed to assess effects of variety choice, supplementary irrigation and contrasting fertilization regimes used in organic and conventional production on the nutritional quality and yield of spelt wheat grown in a semi-arid environment. Long-straw (Oberkulmer, Rubiota, ZOR) varieties had 10-40% higher grain Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations, while the modern, short straw variety Filderstolz had 15-38% higher grain antioxidant activity. Supplementary irrigation and the use of manure instead of mineral NPK as fertilizer had no substantial effect on the nutritional composition of spelt grain, but increased grain yields by ~ 150 and ~ 18% respectively. Overall, this suggests that breeding/variety selection is the most promising approach to improve the nutritional quality of spelt grain in semi-arid production environments.

Characterization of the Cannabis sativa glandular trichome proteome.

Cannabis sativa has been cultivated since antiquity as a source of fibre, food and medicine. The recent resurgence of C. sativa as a cash crop is mainly driven by the medicinal and therapeutic properties of its resin, which contains compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. Compared to other medicinal crops of similar value, however, little is known about the biology of C. sativa. Glandular trichomes are small hair-like projections made up of stalk and head tissue and are responsible for the production of the resin in C. sativa. Trichome productivity, as determined by C. sativa resin yield and composition, is only beginning to be understood at the molecular level. In this study the proteomes of glandular trichome stalks and heads, were investigated and compared to the proteome of the whole flower tissue, to help further elucidate C. sativa glandular trichome biochemistry. The data suggested that the floral tissue acts as a major source of carbon and energy to the glandular trichome head sink tissue, supplying sugars which drive secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The trichome stalk seems to play only a limited role in secondary metabolism and acts as both source and sink.

Effect of Organic and Conventional Production Methods on Fruit Yield and Nutritional Quality Parameters in Three Traditional Cretan Grape Varieties: Results from a Farm Survey.

The antioxidants found in grapes and wine have been linked to health benefits in humans, but may be affected by agronomic parameters, grape type/variety, and processing. Here, we report results of a farm survey which investigated the effects of production system (organic vs. conventional) and grape variety on fruit yield, total antioxidant activity/capacity (TAA, assessed by the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays), and total concentrations of total phenolics (TPC) and anthocyanins (TAC) in grapes of one red (Kotsifali) and two white (Villana and/or Vidiano) traditional Cretan grape varieties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that grape variety choice had a more substantial effect on TPC, TAA, and TAC than primary production protocols, and significant interactions were identified between production system and grape variety choice for TAATEAC. Specifically, TAATEAC was significantly (57%) higher in organic than conventional Vidiano grapes, while there was no significant effect of production system on TAATEAC in Kotsifali and Villana grapes. As expected from previous studies, the TAC was substantially higher in red Kotsifali grapes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified grape variety as the only strong explanatory variable/driver for yield, TPC, TAA, and TAC of table grapes, and positive associations were detected between the variety Vidiano and both TPC and TAATEAC. All other explanatory variables included in the RDA (including supplementary irrigation, orchard orientation, production system, soil type, vineyard age, plant density, and fertiliser inputs) explained only a small proportion of the additional variation.

Development of Selection Indices for Improvement of Seed Yield and Lipid Composition in Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.).

The underutilised grain legume bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has the potential to contribute significantly to nutritional security. However, the lack of commercial cultivars has hindered its wider adoption and utilisation as a food source. The development of competitive cultivars is impeded by (1) lack of systematic data describing variation in nutritional composition within the gene pool, and (2) a poor understanding of how concentrations of different nutritional components interact. In this study, we analysed seed lipid and protein concentration and lipid composition within a collection of 100 lines representing the global gene pool. Seed protein and lipid varied over twofold with a normal distribution, but no significant statistical correlation was detected between the two components. Seed lipid concentration (4.2-8.8 g/100 g) is primarily determined by the proportion of oleic acid (r2 = 0.45). Yield and composition data for a subset of 40 lines were then used to test selection parameters for high yielding, high lipid breeding lines. From five selection indices tested using 15 scenarios, an index based on the seed number, seed weight, and oleic acid yielded a >50% expected increase in each of the mean values of seed number, pod dry weight, seed dry weight, and seed size, as well as an expected 7% increase in seed lipid concentration.

Effects of Production Region, Production Systems and Grape Type/Variety on Nutritional Quality Parameters of Table Grapes; Results from a UK Retail Survey.

Grapes contain high concentrations of secondary metabolites and antioxidants that have been linked to a reduction of several chronic diseases. Here, we report results of a UK retail survey, which investigated the effect of the production region (Mediterranean vs. South Africa), grape type (white vs. red vs. black) and variety, and production system (organic vs. conventional) on antioxidant activity and concentrations of phenolic compounds in table grapes. Black grapes had ~180% total antioxidant activity (TAA), ~60% higher total phenolic content (TPC) and ~40 times higher anthocyanin concentrations (TAC) than white grapes, while red grapes had intermediate levels of TAA, TPC and TAC. The effects of season and production system and differences between varieties of the same grape type were substantially smaller. Grapes imported from Mediterranean countries in summer had a 14% higher TPC and ~20% higher TAA than grapes imported from South Africa in winter, and organic grapes had a 16% higher TPC and 22% higher TAA, but ~30% lower TAC than conventional grapes. Significant differences in TPC, TAA and/or TAC between organic and conventional grapes could only be detected for specific grape types, varieties and/or sampling years.

In Silico, Molecular Docking and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Major Rapeseed Seed Storage Proteins.

BACKGROUND: In addition to their use as an edible oil and condiment crop, mustard and rapeseed (Brassica napus L., B. juncea (L.) Czern., B. nigra (L.) W.D.J.Koch, B. rapa L. and Sinapis alba L.) have been commonly used in traditional medicine for relieving pain, coughs and treating infections. The seeds contain high amounts of oil, while the remaining by-product meal after oil extraction, about 40% of seed dry weight, has a low value despite its high protein-content (~85%). The seed storage proteins (SSP) 2S albumin-type napin and 12S globulin-type cruciferin are the two predominant proteins in the seeds and show potential for value adding to the waste stream; however, information on their biological activities is scarce. In this study, purified napin and cruciferin were tested using in silico, molecular docking, and in vitro approaches for their bioactivity as antimicrobial peptides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3D-structure of 2S albumin and 12S globulin storage proteins from B. napus were investigated to predict antimicrobial activity employing an antimicrobial peptide database survey. To gain deeper insights into the potential antimicrobial activity of these SSP, in silico molecular docking was performed. The purified B. napus cruciferin and napin were then tested against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for in vitro antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion and microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: In silico analysis demonstrated both SSP share similar 3D-structure with other well studied antimicrobial proteins. Molecular docking revealed that the proteins exhibited high binding energy to bacterial enzymes. Cruciferin and napin proteins appeared as a double triplet and a single doublet, respectively, following SDS-PAGE. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting also confirmed the purity of the protein samples used for assessment of antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing provided strong evidence for antimicrobial activity for the purified napin protein; however, cruciferin showed no antimicrobial activity, even at the highest dose applied. DISCUSSION: In silico and molecular docking results presented evidence for the potential antimicrobial activity of rapeseed cruciferin and napin SSP. However, only the in vitro antimicrobial activity of napin was confirmed. These findings warrant further investigation of this SSP protein as a potential new agent against infectious disease.

Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour; results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany - 1. Mycotoxin content.

Wheat is one of the main dietary sources for mycotoxins that can cause adverse health effects in humans. Here we report results of a 3-year survey which compared the effects of flour type (whole-grain vs white), wheat species (common vs spelt), and farming system (organic vs conventional) on mycotoxin concentrations in UK and German wheat flour brands. Wholegrain, conventional and organic flour contained 124, 31 and 9% higher concentrations of T-2/HT-2, DON and ZEA respectively, but concentrations of the three Fusarium mycotoxins assessed were ~10 times lower than the EC-maximum contamination levels (MCL). Thirty one percent of flour samples had Ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations above the MCL (3 µg/kg), but OTA levels were no affected by wheat species, farming system and flour type. Results suggest that both organic and conventional primary production methods and postharvest quality assurance systems are effective for maintaining Fusarium mycotoxins, but not OTA concentrations, below the MCL.

Impact of imidacloprid on the nutritional quality of adult black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon).

Neonicotinoid insecticides, including imidacloprid, are increasingly being used to control insect pests in agricultural and urban areas, and are often detected in aquatic environments. The effects of neonicotinoids on non-target insects have been investigated with respect to behavioural, biochemical, physiological and population-level responses, but information of their effects on crustaceans is limited. This study investigated the adverse effects of both acute and chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid on the nutritional quality of adult Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Shrimp were continually exposed to imidacloprid in water (5 µg L-1 and 30 µg L-1), or through their food (12.5 µg g-1 and 75 µg g-1), for the entire exposure period. Imidacloprid concentrations in water and residues in tissues were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after solid-phase extraction and QuEChER extraction respectively. Within 4 days, shrimp accumulated imidacloprid at up to 0.350 µg imidacloprid per g body weight from water and food exposure. Chronic exposure resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and total lipid content. Fatty acid composition in exposed shrimp was modified relative to controls. Overall, these results demonstrate that neonicotinoid exposure could lead to nutritional deficiency, which has implications for the productivity and food quality of shrimp.