Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Vermicomposts (VCs) are the solid excreta of earthworms, known to contain plant available nutrients, large amounts of microbial life and diversity, and plant growth regulating hormones. VCs may play an integral role in the nitrogen nutrition of Lupinus angustifolius and function to reduce the reliance of legume crops on chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, the effects of the combination of VC solids and VC teas on legume growth and N nutrition, is unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of varying concentrations of chicken manure VC, with and without the additions of varying VC tea concentrations, on the substrate bacterial functional diversity, plant biomass and N nutrition of the legume, L. angustifolius. In the first experiment the plants were grown in pots under glasshouse conditions and VC was substituted into the quartz sand growth media at rates of 5%, 10% and 100%. Furthermore, rhizobia inoculated and non-inoculated groups were established within the VC treatments. The plants were harvested after 30 days and analysed for tissue nutrient concentrations and biomass production. The VC-containing substrates were assessed for wide-spectrum soil analyses, nematode diversity and microbial diversity via Biolog EcoPlates. In the second experiment the plants were grown under similar conditions for 50 days and amended with 5% VC in the growth media as well as 50ml of aerated VC teas. The teas were brewed for 24 hours in concentrations of 4%, 10% and 20% (v/v), with molasses and kelp extract added as sugar sources. The combined treatments of 5% VC and rhizobia inoculation yielded the greatest biomass response. Furthermore the addition of VC allowed for bacterial nitrogen fixation within non-rhizobia treatments. However, changes in VC concentration had no effect on bacterial guild structure but were found to effect nematode funtional diversity. The additions of VC teas to soil media containing 5% VC had no effect on biomass production but were found to influence bacterial nitrogen fixation. Lower concentration teas increased BNF while the 20% tea reduced this parameter significantly over 50 days. The 20% tea also contained significantly greater bacterial functional diversity than the 5% and 10% teas. The findings of study indicate that the combined treatment of VC solids and teas do not increase the plant biomass of L. angustifolius, but that the additions of 20% teas result in greater microbial diversity in the soil. This in turn may lead to increases in soil fertility. Furthermore, additions of high concentration vermicompost teas (20%) shift the dependence of the plant from atmospheric N sources to soil N sources. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-162).

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the activities of several of the enzymes involved in the alternative route of PEP metabolism via PEPc (EC 4.1.1.31). This reaction circumvents the adenyl ate-controlled PK (EC 2.7.1.40) reaction of the conventional glycolytic network under conditions of P stress. It was hypothesized that the synthesis of pyruvate under Pi stress would induce the PEPc alternative route and that C for pyruvate synthesis would primarily be imported via this route. This was assessed by looking at how total enzyme activities are perturbed under P stress and also by following the route of radioactive labelled 14C02 under sufficient (2 mM) and deficient P (2 JlM) conditions in either roots or nodules. The significance of the pathway under P stress, was further assessed by determining pool sizes of pyruvate that was synthesized from PEPc-derived C. The experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions, as two separate studies: one to investigate the phenomenon of Pi stress and its consequences for PEPc-derived C metabolism, and the other one to study the enzymes involved. Seeds of Lupinus angustifolius (cv. Wonga) were inoculated with Rhizobium sp. (Lupinus) bacteria and grown in hydroponic culture. Tanks were supplied with either 2 JlM P04 (LP) or 2 mM P04 (control) and air containing 360 ppm CO2. Roots experienced pronounced P stress with a greater decline in Pi, compared to nodules. LP roots synthesized more pyruvate from malate than LP nodules, indicating the engagement of the PEPc route under Pi stress. In this regard, pyruvate is considered as a key metabolite under Pi stress. The role of pyruvate accumulation under Pi stress, was further highlighted by the metabolism of PEP via both the PK and PEPc routes. The enhanced PK activities supported these high pyruvate levels. Under P stress, PEPc activities increased in roots but not in nodules and these changes were not related to the expression of the enzyme. Root and nodular PEPc were not regulated by expression, but possibly by posttranslational control. The novelty of our results for symbiotic roots demonstrates that using metabolically available Pi is indeed a more sensitive indicator ofP stress. These results show that under Pi stress, nodules are able to maintain their Pi and adenylate levels, possibly at the expense of the root. It is suggested that nodules do not experience P stress to the same extent as roots or alternatively function optimally under conditions of low P availability. The increase in concentration of pyruvate synthesized from malate, indeed suggest that under LP conditions there is an increase requirement for pyruvate. It is clear from this data that the operation of bypass route in nodules should be investigated further. Nevertheless, this study provided incentives for understanding the role of C pathways in Ni-fixation, in particular under conditions ofP limitation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die aktiwiteite van verskeie ensieme van die alternatiewe metaboliese roete via phosphoenolpirovaat karboksilase (pEPc, EC 4.1.1.31) te ondersoek. Dié reaksie omseil die adenilaat-beheerde pirovaatkinase (PK, EC 2.7.1.40) reaksie van die konvensionele glikolitiese weg onder toestande van fosfaat (P) stremming. Dit is gepostuleer dat die sintese van pirovaat onder toestande van Pstremming die alternatiewe roete via PEPc sou induseer en dat die koolstof (C) vir pirovaatsintese gevolglik hoofsaaklik vanaf hierdie roete sou kom. Dit is bepaal deur die veranderinge in die totale ensiemaktiwiteite wat sou plaasvind onder P-stremming te ondersoek. Daar is ook gekyk na die roete' wat radioaktiewe C C4C02) sou volg in wortles en wortelknoppies wat behandel is deur blootsteling aan eerder lae fosfaat (2 1lM) of genoegsame fosfaat (2 mM; kontrole), Die betekenis van die alternatiewe roete is ook ondersoek deur die poel-groottes van pirovaat, soos gesintetiseer via die PEPc reaksie, te bepaal. Twee eksperimente is in 'n glashuis uitgevoer. Eerstens is die verskynsel van Pstremming, asook die invloed daarvan op PEPc-afgeleide C-metabolisme, bepaal. Tweedens is die betrokke ensieme bestudeer. Sade van Lupinus angustifolius (cv. Wonga) is geïnokuleer met Rhizobium sp. (Lupinus) bakterieë en in 'n waterkultuur gekweek. Die houers is voorsien met óf2 IlM P04 (LP) óf 2 mM P04 (HP) en lug wat 360 ppm C02 bevat het. Wortels, anders as wortelknoppies, het 'n betekenisvolle afname in anorganiese P (Pi) ervaar. Onder P-stremming, het lae fosfaat wortels meer pirovaat vanaf malaat gesintetiseer as wortelknoppies, wat 'n definitiewe bydrae vanaf die PEPc roete impliseer. Hiervolgens is pirovaat 'n sleutel metaboliet onder P-stremming. Die belangrikheid van die akkumulering van pirovaat onder P-stremmende toestande is verder beklemtoon deur die toename in metabolisme van PEP via beide die PK- en die PEPcreaksies. Die toename in PK-aktiwiteite is goed gekorreleer met die verhoogde produksie van pirovaat. Onder toestande van P-stremming het die aktiwiteit van PEPc in wortels verhoog, maar nie in wortelknoppies nie. Dit was nie die gevolg van 'n verhoogde uitdrukking van die ensiem nie. Wortel- en wortelknoppie- uitdrukking van PEPc is derhalwe nie gereguleer deur die uitdrukking daarvan nie, maar eerder deur post-tranlasie kontrole. Hierdie resultate vir wortels met wortelknoppies demonstreer dat metaboliese Pi 'n beter maatstaf is om P-stres aan te dui. Hierdie resultate toon dat wortelknoppies beter daartoe instaat is om hul Pi-vlakke en adenilaatvlakke te reguleer, en dit mag ten koste van die gasheerwortel wees. Ons stel voor dat wortelknoppies nie P-stremming tot dieselfde mate ervaar as die gasheerwortel nie en dat dié knoppies optimaal funksioneer by lae Pi vlakke. Die verhoogde konsentrasie van pirovaat, wat vanaf malaat gesintetiseer is, impliseer dat daar 'n groter vereiste is vir dié metaboliet onder toestande van Pstremming. Hierdie studie het die rol van koolstofmetabolismein stikstofbindende organismes, spesifiek onder toestande van fosfaat-tekort, beklemtoon.

Bibliography: leaves 141-162. / xvii, 162 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Lupin seed (L. angustifolius) is widely used in Australia as supplementary feed for ruminants. However, it does not perform as well on fine-textured and/or alkaline soils, unlike wild lupins. Field trials investigated the effect of domestication of L. angustifolius on seed structure and chemical composition for use as a benchmark for the breeding and selection of wild types L. atlanticus and L. pilasus. The effects of environemental factors on yield and chemical composition were also investigated. Investigation into the feed value of wild lupins indicated their potential as feed supplement for ruminants either by direct grazing or seed supplement. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 1999

Bibliography: leaves 141-162. Lupin seed (L. angustifolius) is widely used in Australia as supplementary feed for ruminants. However, it does not perform as well on fine-textured and/or alkaline soils, unlike wild lupins. Field trials investigated the effect of domestication of L. angustifolius on seed structure and chemical composition for use as a benchmark for the breeding and selection of wild types L. atlanticus and L. pilasus. The effects of environemental factors on yield and chemical composition were also investigated. Investigation into the feed value of wild lupins indicated their potential as feed supplement for ruminants either by direct grazing or seed supplement.

Bibliography: leaves 141-162. / xvii, 162 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Lupin seed (L. angustifolius) is widely used in Australia as supplementary feed for ruminants. However, it does not perform as well on fine-textured and/or alkaline soils, unlike wild lupins. Field trials investigated the effect of domestication of L. angustifolius on seed structure and chemical composition for use as a benchmark for the breeding and selection of wild types L. atlanticus and L. pilasus. The effects of environemental factors on yield and chemical composition were also investigated. Investigation into the feed value of wild lupins indicated their potential as feed supplement for ruminants either by direct grazing or seed supplement. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 1999

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2007.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This paper describes the development of methodology for capillary electrophoresis with UV detection for the determination of 14 polyphenolic antioxidants in extracts of Connarus perrottetii var. angustifolius Radlk, a native plant of the Amazon forest. The method using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) allows simultaneous determination of 3-acetyilcoumarine, resveratrol, 6-hydroxycoumarin, catechin, rutin, ferulic acid, quercitrin, kaempferol, fisetin, myricetin, quercetin, caffeic acid, gallic acid and 4 hydroxicinnamic acid in the optimized conditions: borate buffer 20 mmol L-1 (pH 9.2) as work electrolyte containing 15% methanol (v /v), -20 kV potential separation, temperature 25 °C; hydrodynamic injection gravity 20 cm for 60 s. The method was validated on parameters of linearity, limit of detection, quantification limit, precision and accuracy, and was used in the analysis of aqueous infusion and ethanol, butanol and ethyl acetate plant fractions. The method was capable of identifying the antioxidants present in samples with high selectivity and sensitivity. In infusion and in ethanol and butanol fractions was found the presence of catechin and rutin as major compounds, which makes up about 0.5% of the total mass of medicinal plant. The obtained dry extracts (ethanol and butanol) allowed the concentration of rutin and catechin around 20 times compared to the dry plant. In addition, tests were performed to measure the antioxidant activity of the extracts against DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl and peroxyl. A sample of aqueous infusion of 10% showed the highest activity against most free radicals. It corroborates the results of characterization by capillary electrophoresis, where catechin and rutin were determined in relatively high concentrations in the aqueous infusion. But all treatments of the samples showed good antiradicalar behavior with the methodologies applied. Against DPPH, for example, the ethyl acetate fraction showed a potential of 94,43%. Against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, the butanol fraction showed the best performance: 64,23% and 74,97%, respectively. / Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de metodologia em eletroforese capilar com detecção UV para a determinação de 14 antioxidantes polifenólicos em extratos de Connarus perrottetii var. angustifolius Radlk, planta nativa da Amazônia brasileira. O método empregando eletroforese capilar de zona (CZE) permite a determinação simultânea de 3-acetilcumarina, resveratrol, 6-hidroxicumarina, catequina, rutina, ácido ferúlico, quercitrina, canferol, fisetina, miricetina, quercetina, ácido cafeico, ácido gálico e ácido 4-hidroxicinâmco nas condições otimizadas: eletrólito de trabalho tampão borato 20 mmol L-1 (pH 9,2) contendo metanol 15% (v/v), potencial de separação -20 Kv, temperatura 25 °C; injeção hidrodinâmica por gravidade em 20 cm durante 60 s. O método foi validado nos parâmetros de linearidade, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação, precisão e exatidão e foi aplicado na análise da infusão aquosa e frações etanólica, butanólica e acetato de etila da planta. O método foi capaz de identificar os antioxidantes presentes nas amostras com alta seletividade e sensibilidade. Na infusão e nas frações etanólica e butanólica foi encontrada a presença de catequina e rutina como compostos majoritários, os quais compõe cerca de 0,5% da massa total de planta medicinal. Os extratos secos obtidos (etanólico e butanólico) possibilitaram a concentração de rutina e catequina em torno de 20 vezes em relação à planta seca. Além disso, foram realizados testes para mensurar a atividade antioxidante dos extratos frente aos radicais DPPH, ânion radical superóxido, hidroxila e peroxila. A amostra de infusão aquosa a 10% foi a que apresentou maior atividade frente à maioria dos radicais livres. Esse resultado corrobora os resultados de caracterização por eletroforese capilar, onde catequina e rutina foram determinadas em concentrações relativamente altas na infusão aquosa. Porém, todos os tratamentos das amostras apresentaram bom comportamento anti-radicalar com as metodologias aplicadas. Frente ao radical DPPH, por exemplo, a fração acetato de etila demonstrou um potencial de 94,43%. Frente aos radicais superóxido e hidroxila, a fração butanólica apresentou o melhor desempenho: 64,23% e 74,97%, respectivamente.

[Truncated abstract] Narrow-leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) was first recorded as having been introduced into Germany during the mid-19th century for use as green manuring and as fodder crops. However, it was not until post World-War I that there was any serious attempt to domesticate the species. Since that time several key domestication genes have been incorporated to enable the species to be grown as a crop over a range of climates, harvested as a bulk commodity and, the seed used for both animal and human consumption. However, the recent domestication of this species has seen a rather limited use of wild germplasm largely as a result of the difficulty in retaining these key domestication genes. To make the task of retaining these genes manageable, it was decided to resort to molecular technology. A mapping population of F8 derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) has previously been established by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, from a cross between a domesticated breeding line 83A:476 and a wild type P27255 in narrow-leaf lupin. The parents together with 89 RILs (of a population of 115) were subjected to DNA fingerprinting using microsatelliteanchored fragment length polymorphism (MFLP) to rapidly generate DNA markers for construction of a linkage map. Five hundred and twenty two unique markers of which 21% were co-dominant, were generated and mapped. Phenotypic data for the domestication traits: mollis (soft seeds), leucospermus (white flower and seed colour); Lentus (reduced pod-shattering), iucundis (low alkaloid), Ku (early flowering) and moustache pattern on seed coats; were included. Three to 7 molecular markers were identified within 5 cM of each of these domestication genes. The anthracnose resistance gene Lanr1 was also mapped. Linkage groups were constructed using MapManager version QTXb20, resulting in 21 linkage groups consisting of 8 or more markers. ... Five pairs of QTLs were found to be involved in epistasis, 2 of these having an effect on early vigour and another 3 influencing the time to opening of the first florets. Variation explained for each trait ranged from 28% for seed size, to 88% for days to flowering. We showed that it was possible to use this data to predict genotypes of superior progeny for these traits under Mediterranean conditions. QTL regions were compared on a second published linkage map and regions of conserved synteny with the model legume Medicago truncatula high-lighted. The work presented in this thesis demonstrates the importance of tight linkage between markers and genes of interest. It is especially important when dealing with genetically diverse material as found in the wild. One of the main problems faced by molecular scientists is the phenomenon known as linkage disequilibrium in marker populations caused by either small population size or 4 insufficient opportunity for recombination. This frequently results in the development of markers with little or no application outside of the population in which it was developed. Although the relatively small size of the population used in this study exposes it to such constraints, in this case excellent and valuable results were achieved in developing useful markers to at least 3 of the domestication traits within a relatively short time period of less then 4 years.