The diploma thesis deals with the development of the market for protein crops. The literature research deals one hand with the distribution and morphology of legumes, and on second hand with the structure and chemical composition of seeds of selected species (pea, soybean and lupine). The literature research also covers the production of protein concentrates and their commercialization. The practical part is mainly engaged in the analysis of market developments of selected species of legumes in the Czech Republic, especially during the years 2000 - 2015, in comparison with the market development of the individual European states (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia and France). The outcome of this diploma thesis is the ordination of statistical data available in clear graphical and tabular outputs, it does not miss time series evaluation of development of individual crops in both the Czech Republic and other selected countries.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:42:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 3476957 bytes, checksum: 7b79218599a11932aefca465d11aafc6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present work reports results from the research developed at the "International consortium for the sequencing of the genome and transcriptome of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)" (Prosul/CNPq and CYTED) project conducted at Embrapa Rice and Beans (CNPAF) and the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), which is composed of two distinct subprojects: Sequencing and characterization of the BACs-ends and Identification and development of SNPs markers in common bean . The dissert were structured in two chapters, each derived from their respective subprojects, containing the objectives and the main results presented below: Chapter 1- With the intention of amplifying and deepening the understanding about the P. vulgaris genome structure and composition, the goal of this study was to generate BAC-end sequences (BESs) from one BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) library and analyze the sequences for the presence of SSRs and genomic annotation. In total, 52,270 BESs were generated and processed equaling 32 Mbp (6.5%) of the P. vulgaris genome, with 39% of GC content. A total of 3,789 BES-SSRs were found, one for every 8.36 kb. Of these, 2,000 SSRs were appropriated for the development of molecular markers, of these 194 were evaluated and 40 were characterized for genetic and operational aspects. Of the 52,270 BESs, approximately, 2% contained sequences that encode transcription factors and 3% contained transposable elements. Through the comparison with the NCBI non-redundant protein database, it was possible to identify putative functions for 24,321 BESs, accounting for 46.53% of the total sequences analyzed. According to Gene Ontology (GO) terms functional categories were assigned to 19,363 BESs involved in biological process (52%), molecular function (65%) and cellular component (22%). This study allowed us to successfully identify BES-SSRs, highly polymorphic, searching for SSRs motifs of tri- to hexanucleotides, adding appropriate genetic features and with the potential to be used in the common bean genetic breeding programs. Additionally, the generated and processed BESs were integrated into the international project of common bean genome sequencing assisting in the composition and assembly of the genome. Chapter 2- The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the informativeness of 58 SSRs (24 SSRs-di dinucleotide microsatellites and 34 BES-SSRs tri- to hexanucleotide microsatellites) and 345 SNPs, as suited tools to P. vulgaris breeding programs. A germplasm set of 88 genotypes compounded of 55 breeding material and 33 landraces was evaluated, including eight biparental combinations derived from inter and intra-gene pool crosses. The SSRs-di displayed higher average of alleles/locus (9.916) and gene diversity (72.1%), exhibiting a superior capacity to distinguish the whole group of genotypes. Fourteen SSRs, out of the 58, with a considerable number of private alleles (over 14.93/locus) and high levels of gene diversity (84%), discriminated all 88 genotypes. The polymorphic SNPs, among inter (78.2%) and intra-gene pool (17.7%) combinations, were evaluated concerning their employment in genetic mapping. The approaches utilized to infer the genetic population structure presented correspondent results among all classes of markers, differentiating the genotypes within Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. The SNPs, however, evidenced a superior (K = 2, FST = 0.895) competence to differentiate between the two gene pools. Furthermore, the SSRs-di distinguished, within Mesoamerican gene pool, the breeding material and the landraces germplasm (K = 3). Despite the high levels of linkage disequilibrium for both SSRs and SNPs, the latter yielded higher levels (84.92%). The linkage disequilibrium levels dropped when Andean and Mesoamerican genotypes were analyzed separately. The SSRs and SNPs distribution in P. vulgaris genome was abundant and random. Concerning the breeding program, SSRs and SNPs genotyping panels are now available, allowing the germplasm origin to be disclosed. In addition, a group of polymorphic SNPs, between several biparental populations, presents itself as an extension of such technology in the development of high-density genetic maps, with a substantial marker overlapping through crosses. This study contributes for the integration of genomic tools within breeding programs, connecting feasible and low cost techniques with efficient/wide genome sampling of the common bean. / Este trabalho apresenta resultados de pesquisas desenvolvidas no âmbito do Projeto Consórcio internacional para o sequenciamento do genoma e do transcriptoma do feijoeiro comum (Phaseolus vulgaris) (Prosul/CNPq e CYTED) conduzido na Embrapa Arroz e Feijão (CNPAF) e na Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), sendo este composto por dois subprojetos distintos: Sequenciamento e caracterização das pontas de BACs e Identificação e desenvolvimento de marcadores SNPs em feijoeiro comum . A dissertação foi estruturada em dois capítulos, cada um derivado de um subprojeto, contendo os objetivos e os principais resultados apresentados a seguir: Capítulo 1- Com o intuito de ampliar e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a estrutura e composição do genoma de P. vulgaris este estudo teve como objetivo sequenciar uma biblioteca BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) a partir de suas extremidades (BESs BAC-end sequences) e analisar as sequências quanto à presença de SSRs e a anotação genômica. Ao todo, 52.270 BESs foram geradas e processadas equivalendo a 32 Mpb (6,5%) do genoma de P. vulgaris, com conteúdo de GC estimado em 39%. Foram encontrados um total de 3.789 BES-SSRs, um a cada 8,36 kb. Destes, 2.000 foram adequados para o desenvolvimento de marcadores moleculares, dos quais 194 foram avaliados e 40 deles foram caracterizados quanto a aspectos genéticos operacionais. Das 52.270 BESs, aproximadamente 2% continham sequências que codificavam fatores de transcrição e 3% continham elementos transponíveis. Através da comparação com o banco de dados não-redundante de proteínas do NCBI, foi possível identificar funções putativas para 24.321 BESs, contabilizando 46,53% do total de sequências analisadas. Com base nos termos do Gene Ontology (GO), foram atribuídas categorias funcionais a 19.363 BESs inseridas em processos biológicos (52%), função molecular (65%) e componente celular (22%). Este estudo permitiu identificar com sucesso BES-SSRs altamente polimórficos, buscando motivos SSRs de tri- a hexanucleotídeos, agregando características genéticas adequadas e com potencial de serem utilizados no programa de melhoramento genético de feijoeiro comum. Adicionalmente, as BESs geradas e processadas foram integradas ao projeto internacional de sequenciamento do genoma de feijoeiro comum auxiliando na composição e montagem do mesmo. Capítulo 2- O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar e comparar o poder de informação genética de um grupo de 58 marcadores SSRs (24 SSRs-di microssatélites dinucleotídeo e 34 BES-SSRs microssatélites tri- a hexanucleoídeo) e 345 SNPs para aplicações no melhoramento genético de P. vulgaris. Foram avaliados 88 genótipos representativos de 55 acessos melhorados e 33 variedades tradicionais, incluindo oito combinações biparentais composta por cruzamentos inter- e intra-pool gênico. Os SSRs-di apresentaram maior média de alelos por loco gênico (9,916) e revelaram maior diversidade genética média (72,1%), sendo o grupo de marcadores com o maior poder de discriminação genética entre indivíduos. Entre os 58 SSRs, 14 com uma elevada média de alelos privativos (14,93/loco) e diversidade genética (84%) possibilitaram a discriminação individual dos 88 genótipos. Os SNPs polimórficos entre cruzamentos biparentais, intra- (17,7%) e inter-pool gênico (78,2%), foram avaliados quanto à aplicação prática no mapeamento genético. As abordagens utilizadas para inferir a estrutura genética populacional apresentaram resultados similares entre os grupos de marcadores, discriminando os genótipos nos pools gênicos Mesoamericano e Andino, com a maior diferenciação genética (K = 2, FST = 0,895) apresentada pelos SNPs. Os SSRs- di possibilitaram discriminar dentro do pool gênico Mesoamenricano o germoplasma melhorado e tradicional (K = 3). O desequilíbrio de ligação testado para todos os marcadores foi elevado, sendo maior para os SNPs (84,92%), reduzindo significativamente quando avaliado separadamente para os genótipos Andinos e Mesoamericanos. A distribuição dos SSRs e SNPs foi ampla e aleatória em todo o genoma de P. vulgaris. Em termos de resultados práticos para o programa de melhoramento, neste estudo foram derivados painéis de genotipagem operacionais baseado em SSRs e SNPs com alto e eficiente poder de discriminação do germoplasma por origem. Adicionalmente, um conjunto de SNPs polimórficos entre diversas populações biparentais representa uma aplicação adicional dessa tecnologia para geração de mapas genéticos de alta densidade compreendendo uma proporção substancial de marcadores compartilhados entre cruzamentos. Esse estudo contribui para a integração crescente da genômica nos programas de melhoramento, aliando metodologias de genotipagem acessíveis e a baixos custos que permitem amostrar de modo eficiente e/ou amplo o genoma de feijoeiro comum.

Since ancient times, indigenous plants have been used by traditional healers for treating various ailments. Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants of southern Africa. This widely distributed plant has been traditionally used to treat cancer and HIV patients; however scientific validation is still in high demand. This research aimed to phytochemically characterise the various extracts prepared and to determine if any chemotypes were present. Subsequent biological characterisation was carried out to preliminary ascertain whether this medicinal plant could have anti-cancer and/or immunemodulating properties and which compounds might be responsible for these actions. Various traditional and organic extracts were prepared. Extracts, fractions and compounds generated were analysed and chemical profiles obtained. Column chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify compounds and structure elucidation was carried out using various analytical techniques. Sulforhodamine B and cytometric bead array assays were performed to determine the biological activities of samples generated. / Life and Consumer Sciences / (M. Sc. (Life Sciences)

Permanent grassland is a complex of legumes, herbs, and grasses. They are an important plant component of the biosphere. They provide wide range of productive and non-productive functions. Climbing legumes are valuable species in grasslands. They are involved in higher quality of fresh matter and hay. The aim of this diploma thesis is to assess the influence of climbing legumes on the presence and coverage of other higher plant species in grassland, the height and productivity of vegetation in selected localities in the Prachatice district in 2017. The occurrence of legumes (climbing and non-climbing) has a significant impact on other species in the grassland community. The reason is the ability to fix aerial nitrogen and support grass species that require a good nitrogen supply. The obtained data were statistically processed.

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) é um enteropatógeno de grande preocupação para indústria de alimentos, principalmente de produtos que não podem ser submetidos a tratamento térmico, como as saladas à base de maionese, freqüentemente envolvidas em surtos de salmonelose. O uso de antimicrobianos naturais nesses produtos pode ser um método alternativo para o controle de SE. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano de óleo essencial de orégano, EDTA e nisina individualmente e a combinação de nisina com EDTA e nisina com óleo essencial de orégano no controle da multiplicação SE em salada de legumes com maionese. A atividade inibitória foi inicialmente avaliada in vitro e posteriormente em salada preparada com legumes, experimentalmente contaminados com SE, misturados à maionese, na concentração de 103 UFC/g, e armazenados em refrigeração (8°C) e em temperatura ambiente (30°C). Os resultados da avaliação in vitro indicaram que o OEO usado individualmente tem melhor efeito antimicrobiano contra SE do que quando empregado em combinação com nisina. Nem a nisina nem o EDTA, quando testados isoladamente ou combinados apresentaram efeito sobre SE. Na salada de legumes com maionese preparada artesanalmente, a presença de 0,2% de OEO resultou em redução na contagem de SE, constituindo-se em uma barreira adicional para a multiplicação do patógeno nesse produto. A análise sensorial da salada de legumes com maionese contendo 0,2% de OEO indicou que houve 95% de aceitação do aroma, 93% de aceitação do sabor e 74% de intenção de compra. A análise sensorial da maionese contendo 0,5% ou 1% de OEO indicou a inviabilidade de se aumentar a concentração do OEO na maionese como alternativa para melhorar o efeito antimicrobiano. / Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is an enteropathogen relevant for the food industry, especially in foods that do not require heat treatment before consumption such as salads prepared with mayonnaise, frequently associated to outbreaks of salmonellosis. Natural antimicrobials can be used as an alternative procedure to control SE in these foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of origanum essential oil (OEO), nisin and EDTA, used individually and in combination, on the growth of SE in mayonnaise and in mayonnaise-based legume salad. The inhibitory activity was evaluated in vitro, in home made mayonnaise and in mayonnaise-based legume salad experimentally contaminated with SE at 103 CFU/g, stored under refrigeration (8°C) and at room temperature (30°C). The results of the in vitro tests indicated that a better antimicrobial effect of OEO on SE was achieved when OEO was used individually than when used combined with nisin or EDTA. Nor nisin nor EDTA, used individually, presented any effect against SE. The presence of OEO in mayonnaise did not add any additional effect to the antimicrobial activity of the intrinsec parameters in this food. In mayonnaise-based legume salad, 0.2% of OEO caused a reduction in the counts of SE, and was an additional hurdle for the growth of the pathogen in this product. The sensorial testing of mayonnaise-based legume salad containing 0.2% OEO indicated an acceptance of 95% for the aroma and 93% for the taste and 74% of purchasing intention. The sensorial testing of mayonnaise containing 0.5% or 1% OEO indicated that the increase in the content of OEO to increase the antimicrobial activity is not feasible.

Introdução: O consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras é pouco frequente entre os adolescentes, e o possível efeito deste consumo na saúde cardiovascular durante esta faixa etária é indefinido. Objetivo: Verificar se existe associação entre o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras e indicadores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes (obesidade abdominal, hiperglicemia, hipertrigliceridemia, dislipidemia, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, e síndrome metabólica). Métodos: Registrou-se esta revisão sistemática no PROSPERO (CRD42013004818) para realizar uma revisão sistemática em seis bases de dados eletrônicas (Biomed Central, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science). Considerou-se o período desde a criação destas bases de dados até sete de Dezembro de 2015 como data mais recente para a atualização das buscas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os seguintes grupos de descritores: faixa etária; frutas, legumes e verduras; indicadores de risco cardiovascular; estudos transversais ou coorte. Os critérios de elegibilidade foram: Artigos em Inglês, Espanhol e Português? estudos originais? amostra composta de adolescentes (dez a 19 anos de idade segundo a organização mundial de saúde); descritores de acordo com os indicadores de risco cardiovascular estabelecidos para adolescentes. Artigos potencialmente elegíveis foram selecionados por dois revisores separadamente. Resultados: Foram identificados 5632 artigos. Após a leitura dos títulos e resumos, 102 artigos potencialmente relevantes permaneceram para a leitura na íntegra. Após seleção, 11 artigos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos (dez transversais, uma coorte). As principais razões para a exclusão dos estudos foram classificação da adolescência diferente da preconizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras analisado como parte de um padrão alimentar (por exemplo, juntamente com peixes, laticínios ou cereais), e os indicadores de risco cardiovascular que não foram especificados ou que diferiram das definições estabelecidas. Os artigos avaliaram a ingestão de frutas, legumes e verduras em diversas unidades de medida, utilizando-se questionários de frequência de consumo alimentar (54.5%), recordatório alimentar de 24 horas (27.3%) e registro alimentar (18.2%). Além disso, o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras foi avaliado separadamente (54.5%), em conjunto (36.4%), apenas legumes e verduras (9.1%), e um estudo incluiu suco de frutas (9.1%). Um terço dos estudos mostraram associações significativas entre o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras e a pressão arterial sistólica, obesidade abdominal, triglicérides, HDL colesterol e síndrome metabólica. Conclusão: As associações entre o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras e indicadores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes são inconsistentes. Isto se deve provavelmente à heterogeneidade nos métodos utilizados para avaliar/classificar o consumo e/ou definir o risco cardiovascular neste grupo etário. Uma vez que os benefícios deste consumo já são bem estabelecidos na saúde cardiovascular de adultos, ainda são necessários estudos adicionais que abordem alta qualidade metodológica para melhor compreender esse fenômeno nos adolescentes / Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption is infrequent among adolescents, and the possible effect of this consumption on cardiovascular health during this age group is undefined. Aim: To investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption on cardiovascular risk indicators in adolescents (abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome). Methods: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42013004818), and a systematic review searching electronic databases (Biomed Central, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) from inception to December 7, 2015 was conducted. The search strategy used the following sets of descriptors related to: age group; fruits and vegetables; cardiovascular risk indicators; cross-sectional and cohort studies. Eligibility criteria were: Articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese; original studies; sample of adolescents (10-19 year-old according to World Health Organization); descriptors according to the cardiovascular risk indicators. Potentially eligible articles were selected by two reviewers separately. Results: A total of 5632 articles were identified. After reading the titles and abstracts, 102 potentially relevant articles remained for full reviewed. After selection, 11 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included (10 cross-sectional; 1 cohort). The main reasons for study exclusion were misclassifying adolescence, assessing fruits and vegetables as part of a food pattern (for example, together with fish, dairy, or cereal), and cardiovascular risk indicators that were not specified or that differed from the definitions established. Articles evaluated fruit and vegetable intake in diverse units, using food frequency questionnaires (54.5%), 24-hour-dietary-recalls (27.3%), and food records (18.2%). In addition, fruit and vegetable consumption were assessed separately (54.5%), together (36.4%), or only vegetables (9.1%); and 1 article included fruit juice (9.1%). A third of the studies showed significant inverse associations of fruit and vegetable intake with systolic blood pressure, abdominal obesity, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and adolescent cardiovascular risk indicators are inconsistent. Since the benefits of this consumption are well established in adult cardiovascular health, further studies are necessary, addressing high methodological quality to better understand this phenomenon in adolescents

Objetivo: Este trabalho Investigou a associação dos gastos com frutas, legumes e verduras (marcadores de dieta saudável) e com carnes e carnes processadas (marcadores de dieta não saudável) com fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e com preocupação com a saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de análise transversal que utiliza dados secundários da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar (POF) 2008-2009 do IBGE, e investiga os fatores associados aos gastos com alimentos marcadores ou não de dieta saudável por meio de um modelo Tobit de regressão múltipla, determinando-se os efeitos marginais das variáveis explicativas. Assim, foi investigada a influência da preocupação com a saúde e de variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas sobre gastos com dois grupos de alimentos: (a) frutas, legumes e verduras e (b) carnes e carnes processadas. Resultados: O presente estudo mostrou que os gastos com alimentos marcadores de dieta saudável (FLV) e com alimentos marcadores de dieta não saudável (CCP) estão associados a variáveis econômicas e sócio demográficas e à preocupação com a saúde, conforme a expectativa baseada na literatura sobre o tema. Há, no entanto, uma única exceção: o efeito dos gastos preventivos com a saúde sobre os gastos com FLV. Tal achado merece investigação adicional, em termos da constituição da variável proxy da preocupação com a saúde, adotada neste estudo. / Objective: This paper strives to identify how the expenses with fruits and vegetables (healthy diet markers), meats and processed meats (unhealthy diets markers) are influenced by the presence of health seeking behavior, socioeconomic and regional factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis study based on secondary data from \"Household Budget Survey 2008-2009,\" IBGE, using the multiple regression TOBIT model. The analysis was about how one\'s concern with health influences the expenses with two food groups: (a) fruits and vegetables and (b) meats and processed meats. Health seeking behavior and socioeconomic characteristics were included as variables. The marginal effect of each explanatory variable over the probability of expenses with the food groups studied was determined. Results: The study shows that the expenses with fruits and vegetables (healthy diet markers) and meats and processed meats (unhealthy diet markers) are related to economical, socio demographic variables and to the concern for health, just as expected based on previous studies. There is, however, one exception: the effect of preventive expenses with health over the expenses with fruits and vegetables. Such finding requires additional investigation regarding the constitution of the concern for health\'s proxy variable.

Inledning: Baljväxter har flera miljö- och näringsmässiga fördelar och spås att bli framtidens föda. I Sverige finns det en värdefull kulturskatt som består av svenska baljväxter från förr som har samlats in av Programmet för odlad mångfald, POM. För att nå ut till konsumenter kan en sensorisk beskrivning vara en framkomlig väg som samtidigt ger ett mervärde för produkten och befrämjar en ökad konsumtion av baljväxter. Syfte: Syftet med detta examensarbete, inom ämnet mat och måltidskunskap, är att ta fram sensoriskt beskrivande ord för sex svenska baljväxter från förr. Examensarbetet ska sedan beskriva de utvalda svenska baljväxterna med hjälp av de framtagna sensoriskt beskrivande orden för att kunna presentera eventuella sensoriska skillnader. Material och metod: Sex olika sorters baljväxter ingick i undersökningen som bestod av en kvalitativ gruppdiskussion där sensoriskt beskrivande ord togs fram och ett andra steg en kvantitativ intensitetsbedömning av de olika sorterna. Båda undersökningarna gjordes av en expertpanel utvalda för sin kunskap om baljväxter. Resultat: De sensoriska ord som beskriver baljväxter är sötma, syrliga, beska, kastanj, nötig, smörig, frisk och fyllig smak samt med en varierande eftersmak. Munkänslan beskrivs med orden mjölig, krispig, fast och len. Intensitetsbedömningarna visade på små smakskillnader mellan baljväxterna men trots detta fanns särskiljande attribut för de sex olika baljväxtsorterna. Slutsats: De beskrivande sensoriska ord som detta examensarbete har utmynnat i kommer att hjälpa konsumenten att hitta rätt och öka mervärdet på produkterna. Samtidigt bevaras den svenska kulturskatten och konsumenten kan utveckla sin kulturella identitet tillsammans med alla de fördelaktiga egenskaper baljväxter besitter. / Introduction: Legumes have many favourable health and environmental benefits and are predicted to be the diet of the future. Sweden sits on a cultural treasure when it comes to legumes from the past that have been collected by The programme of cultivated diversity, POM. A sensory description would be a valuable tool to reach the consumer and a way to increase the consumption and value of the product. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to identify and bring forward sensory descriptive words for six Swedish legumes from the past. This thesis will also describe the Swedish legumes using the sensory descriptive words to evaluate whether there are sensory differences. Method: Six different types of legumes were used in the two surveys. The first survey consisted of a qualitative group discussion and the goal was to bring forward sensory descriptive words for the legumes. The second survey consisted of a quantitative intensity evaluation of the legumes. Both surveys were made by a panel of experts, chosen for their knowledge of legumes. Result: The sensory words which best describes the legumes are sweet, sour/acidic, bitter, chestnut, nutty, buttery, fresh, rich taste and with variations in aftertaste. The mouthfeel can be described as mealy, crisp, solid and tender. The evaluation of intensity proved the legumes to have few taste varieties, but despite the sensory descriptions each of the six legumes were possible to distinguish. Conclusion: The sensory descriptive words that this thesis have lead to can help the consumer to chose the right product, increase the value of the product an at the same time preserve a cultural treasure of Sweden. It is also possible for the consumer to create a cultural identity with all the good benefits that the legumes possess.

Les légumineuses sont une source riche pour l’alimentation humaine comme celle du bétail mais elles sont aussi nécessaires à une agriculture durable. Cependant, les fractions majeures des protéines de réserve dans la graine sont pauvres en acides aminés soufrés et peuvent être accompagné de facteurs antinutritionnels, ce qui affecte leur valeur nutritive. Dans ce cadre, Medicago truncatula est une espèce modèle pour l’étude du développement de la graine des légumineuses, et en particulier concernant la phase d’accumulation des protéines de réserve. Vu la complexité des graines de légumineuses, une connaissance approfondie de leur morphogenèse ainsi que la caractérisation des mécanismes sous-jacents au développement de l’embryon et au remplissage de la graine sont essentielles. Une étude de mutagenèse a permis d’identifier le facteur de transcription DOF1147 (DNA-binding with One Finger) appartenant à la famille Zn-finger, qui s’exprime dans l’albumen pendant la transition entre les phases d’embryogenèse et de remplissage de la graine. Lors de mon travail de thèse, il a été possible de générer plusieurs constructions pour l’analyse de l’expression de DOF1147 ainsi que de la protéine DOF1147. Un protocole efficace pour la transformation génétique stable de M. truncatula a été établi et des études de localisation subcellulaire ont montré que DOF1147 est une protéine nucléaire. Un arbre phylogénétique a révélé différents groupes de facteurs de transcription DOF avec des domaines conservés dans leur séquence protéique. L’analyse du promoteur in silico chez plusieurs gènes-cible potentiels de DOF1147 a identifié les éléments cis-régulateurs de divers facteurs de transcription ainsi que des éléments répondant aux auxines (AuxREs), ce qui suggère un rôle possible de l’auxine pendant le développement de la graine. Une étude in vitro du développement de la graine avec divers régimes hormonaux, a montré l’effet positif de l’auxine sur la cinétique du développement de la graine, que ce soit en terme de gain de masse ou de taille, plus fort avec l’ANA que l’AIB. Grâce à une approche cytomique de ces graines en développement nous avons, en plus, démontré l’effet de l’auxine sur la mise en place de l’endoreduplication. En effet, celle-ci est l’empreinte cytogénétique de la transition entre les phases de division cellulaire et d’accumulation de substances de réserve lors du développement de la graine. Dans son ensemble, ce travail a démontré que l’auxine module la transition entre le cycle mitotique et les endocycles chez les graines en développement de M. truncatula en favorisant la continuité des divisions cellulaires tout en prolongeant simultanément l’endoreduplication. / Legumes are not only indispensible for sustainable agriculture but are also a rich source of protein in food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. However, major proteins stored in legume seeds are poor in sulfur-containing amino acids, and may be accompanied by anti-nutritional factors causing low protein digestibility problems. In this regard, Medicago truncatula serves as a model legume to study legume seed development especially the phase of seed storage protein accumulation. As developing legume seeds are complex structures, a thorough knowledge of the morphogenesis of the seed and the characterization of regulatory mechanisms underlying the embryo development and seed filling of legumes is essential. Mutant studies have identified a DOF1147 (DNA-binding with One Finger) transcription factor belonging to the Zn-Finger family which was expressed in the endosperm at the transition period between embryogenesis and seed filling phase. During my PhD work, a number of transgene constructs were successfully generated for expression analysis of DOF1147 gene as well as the DOF1147 protein. A successful transformation protocol was also established for stable genetic transformation of M. truncatula. Subcellular localization studies have demonstrated that DOF1147 is a nuclear protein. A phylogenetic tree revealed different groups of DOF transcription factors with conserved domains in their protein sequence. In silico promoter analysis of putative target genes of DOF1147 identified cis-regulatory elements of various transcription factors along with auxin responsive elements (AuxREs) suggesting a possible role of auxin during seed development. A study of in vitro seed development under different hormone regimes has demonstrated the positive effect of auxin on kinetics of seed development in terms of gain in seed fresh weight and size, with NAA having a stronger effect than IBA. Using the cytomic approach, we further demonstrated the effect of auxin on the onset of endoreduplication in such seeds, which is the cytogenetic imprint of the transition between the cell division phase and the accumulation of storage products phase during seed development. As a whole, this work highlighted that the auxin treatments modulate the transition between mitotic cycles and endocycles in M. truncatula developing seeds by favouring sustained cell divisions while simultaneously prolonging endoreduplication.

Pine rocklands are endangered ecosystems unique to south Florida, the Bahamas and Cuba. As a result of their karstic calcium carbonate­rich soil, these systems are limited in phosphorus and nitrogen, making symbiotic associations critical to plant growth. Four leguminous species (Cajanus cajan, Chamaecrista fasciculata, Tephrosia angustissima, and Abrus precatorious) were used to determine the relationship between rhizobial partners and plant performance, and the symbiosis related gene nifH was amplified to characterize the diversity of rhizobial symbionts. Plants were grown in soils from four different south Florida pine rocklands, and a salinity treatment was added to determine how storm surge and sea level rise could affect this symbiotic relationship. While plant performance and nodulation were highly impacted by soil type, salinity did not represent a significant effect. Phylogenetic analysis determined that all four plant species were found to associate with Bradyrhizobium spp. and no rhizobial shift between salinity treatment and soil type was found.