Plants are exposed to the stress of the environment throughout their entire live. They therefore had to develop sophisticated mechanisms to avoid or tolerate stress. In some plants, repeated exposure to stress increases tolerance, which is known as stress memory. The aim of this study is to assess stress memory in terms of oxidative stress level. Content of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electrolyte leakage were chosen as markers of oxidative stress. Fresh weight, plant height and water content were also evaluated. The level of oxidative stress was assessed in several genotypes of Solanum tuberosum subspecies, Andigena and Tuberosum. In vitro culture did not work well for the evaluation of stress memory, ex vitro partially did. The content of MDA in 66B was significantly lower than in cv. Lada (Tuberosum) in root (in vitro) and shoot (ex vitro) in control groups as well as during water shortage. Treatment of acclimation-inducing cold before the stress-inducing cold had a variable effect on growth and electrolyte leakage according to the culture conditions. In vitro, the effect on electrolyte leakage in roots of cv. Lada was positive, in leaves of 66B (Andigena) it was negative. In ex vitro, a positive effect was found on electrolyte leakage in 66B leaves, but at the...

No description available.

Fruits and flowers house microbial communities that are unique from the rest of the plant. While a great deal is known about a handful of symbiotic microbes associated with roots and leaves, the microbial communities of fruits and flowers have received considerably less attention. Fruits are reproductive tissues that house, protect, and facilitate the dispersal of seeds, and thus they are directly tied to plant reproductive success. Fruit and flower microbial communities may, therefore, also impact plant fitness. This dissertation examines how fruit bacterial communities, as determined using the 16S rRNA gene marker, are shaped across spatial and environmental gradients and the role of pollinators in shaping floral bacterial communities among natural populations of Solanum carolinense. There have been limited studies on how spatial distance influences bacterial communities found in and on fruit tissue and the role of pollinators in shaping floral bacterial communities. The first study addresses how bacterial communities in fruit change across similar environmental conditions at fine spatial scales (2 to 450 m). Overall, no differences were found in observed richness or bacterial community composition. Next, the role that generalist pollinators might play in shaping these communities was tested using pollinator exclusion cages. Here we found that generalist pollinators do not play a large role in shaping floral bacterial communities in Solanum carolinense. Comparing bacterial community diversity between caged and uncaged flowers, via PCoA we found no significant clustering of samples. In contrast, significant clustering was detected between flowers and bee pollen baskets. Together these results suggested that environmental factors may be more important in shaping floral bacterial communities. To test this, we sampled 9 populations along a 337 km latitudinal transect and again used the 16S rRNA gene to characterize bacterial communities. We did not identify a significant correlation between distance and bacterial community composition in either the total nor endophytic community in the fruit. Results from these studies suggest that while there is some evidence for environmental effects shaping fruit and flower communities, other factors such as host selection (e.g., secondary compounds in fruit) also likely play an important role in shaping bacterial communities. / Doctor of Philosophy / Fruit and flowers are directly tied to plant reproduction, yet little is known about the bacterial communities associated with these important organs, especially compared to other plant tissues. This dissertation aims to address gaps in our knowledge regarding how spatial distance and pollinators influence fruit and floral bacterial communities. Specifically, how does bacterial community composition (what bacteria taxa are present or not and how abundant the bacterial taxa are) change based on spatial distance. Studies were conducted at both fine (under 0.5 km) and broad (337 km) scales to determine if a pattern was observed between increasing distance and how distinct the bacterial community composition is. There was no significant correlation between spatial distance and bacterial community composition at fine spatial distances, however there were high levels of dissimilarity in the bacterial communities sampled across fine spatial scales. This led to the investigation of pollinators, which directly interact with flowers and may act as a source of bacterial community transmission in the flower and fruit bacterial communities as they move around the landscape. To address the role that pollinators play in shaping bacterial communities in the fruits an exclusion cage study was used to prevent pollinators from interacting with a subset of flowers. Pollen baskets (pollen that was collected by the pollinator and is found on the legs of pollinator) were also collected from pollinators to determine what bacteria may be present on the pollinator. Pollen baskets may also represent what bacteria may have been picked up by the pollinator at the site. It was observed that caged and uncaged samples were similar to one another, which suggest that pollinators were not adding new bacteria nor changing the bacterial composition in the flowers. Yet, the pollen baskets (from the pollinator) were unique from the caged and uncaged floral samples. To further investigate what factors may be at play in shaping the fruit bacterial community the transect was expanded to 337 km to determine if there was an observable relationship between spatial distance and bacterial community composition. The relationship between spatial distance and bacterial community composition was not significant in either the endophytic (internal bacterial community) or the total fruit bacterial community (which represented external and internal bacterial communities). Similar to the fine spatial scale study, there were high levels of dissimilarity in the bacterial community that was observed across sites. Results from these studies may suggest that there are other factors that play a larger role in shaping bacterial communities in fruit and flower tissue. These could include the host plant and the production of secondary compounds, which in some cases can act as antimicrobial compounds, and enhance or inhibit the growth of specific bacterial taxa. Environmental factors such as wind and rainfall may have influenced the bacterial community composition. It is likely that environmental factors play a role in shaping floral and fruit bacterial communities. However, it is still unclear what factors shape fruit and floral bacterial communities are. This study provides the foundation for future studies to address additional factors that shape fruit and flower bacterial communities.

No description available.

Thesis(Ph.D. Agriculture (Soil Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / Due to high incidents of drought in the semi-arid regions of Limpopo Province, South Africa, the potential feasibility of using treated wastewater for irrigating vegetable crops had been researched and developed under the best practices of Natuurboerdery farming system. The investigation aimed at the development of soil and plant health management strategies for crops irrigated with treated wastewater that could ameliorate the ever-increasing demand for fresh irrigation water in the Province. Seven specific objectives, reduced to three overall objectives under Natuurboedery farming system were intended to investigate (1) the chemical and biological quality of treated wastewater used in irrigation with respect to disposal points and sampling period, (2) the responses of soil physico-chemical properties, heavy metal distribution and biological-soil-health indicators to irrigation with treated wastewater under field conditions and (3) the partitioning of cations and heavy metals in root, stem and leaf tissues of onion, tomato and a selected weed plant irrigated with treated wastewater. In each objective, unless otherwise stated, treatment effects were described at the probability level of 5%. In Objective 1, relative to the borehole water, treated wastewater had lower concentration of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, HCO3 - , SO4 - , Zn, Cr and Pb, with temporal and spatial tendencies in accumulation of certain elements. In contrast, the treated wastewater had higher loads of pathogenic microbes that included bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Vibrio spp.), protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica) and two helminths (Schistosoma mansoni; Ascaris lumbricoides), with temporal and spatial tendencies. In Objective 2, Al and Cr tended to be high in deeper soil layers (60-100 cm), whereas most essential nutrient elements and essential heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Cr and Pb) were contained in the upper soil levels (0-40 cm). The upper soil levels were also characterised by having substantial attributes of root health, namely, soil organic carbon, active carbon and potentially mineralisable nitrogen. In Objective 3, root, stem and leaf tissues of horseweed (Conyza canadensis L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants had different accumulation abilities for different metals, except for As. Contrary to the expectation, the onion bulb contained less test cations and heavy metals. In conclusion, in terms of chemical component at the time of sampling, as depicted from the water and soil samples, the treated wastewater was suitable for irrigation. However, in terms of pathogenic microbes, the treated wastewater was not suitable for irrigating crops intended for human consumption due to significantly higher loads than the permissible standards. Amongst all observed challenges, the reduction of pathogenic microbes should be given priority since it contravened existing national and international standards for using treated wastewater for in irrigation of crops intended for human consumption. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Tesis por compendio / [EN] Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the vegetables with highest content in phenolic compounds, giving eggplant a high antioxidant power and other bioactive beneficial health properties. This means that there is a growing demand among consumers concerned about a healthy diet. However, despite being a crop with a great economic importance worldwide, it is one of the least-studied Solanaceae (much less than tomato, pepper and potato), so it is necessary to carry out studies that contribute to the genetic improvement of eggplant to the commercial level so that the genetic diversity is increased and that is adapted to the demands of producers and consumers. The work carried out in this Thesis aims to obtain relevant information for the breeding programmes of eggplant through the study of genetic diversity and development and use of tools for the morphological characterization as well as increasing genetic diversity in élite germplasm for the development of programs aimed at obtaining high-value hybrids. For achieving this objective, commercial eggplant (semi-larga) black type, as well as other types, origins and varieties of local material are used. In the first part of the Thesis, we rely on the study of genetic diversity in S. melongena and the application of new tools to perform accurate morphological characterization and improve the process of selection of the breeding programs. This diversity studies have been conducted in three centres of origin side in different regions (Spain, Sri Lanka and China), in local materials of eggplant with different typologies, and new phenomic tools have been used for the morphological characterization of the fruit of the eggplant. In the second part of this work, we deal with the development of plant material to increase the genetic base of eggplant cultivars and with the implementation of various programmes for genetic improvement. For this we plan and develop different breeding programs according to different objectives, including the implementation of a programme of improvement of a local variety with protected geographical indication (IGP), and increasing the diversity and new "elite" material of black type eggplant through a program of genetic improvement. In summary, our work that shows that the study of the genetic diversity and the use of phenomics tools for morphological characterization, as well as the development of new plant material, is very useful for obtaining new varieties of eggplant as well as scientific and technical information of interest to other researchers and breeders. We have also found that "public-private research" interaction allows a synergistic collaboration in obtaining plant material and information of interest for vegetables breeding. / [ES] La berenjena (Solanum melongena L.) es una de las hortalizas más ricas en compuestos fenólicos, lo cual le confiere un alto poder antioxidante y otras propiedades bioactivas beneficiosas para la salud. Ello hace que haya una demanda creciente entre consumidores preocupados por una dieta saludable. Sin embargo, a pesar de ser un cultivo con una gran importancia económica a nivel mundial, es una de las solanáceas menos estudiadas (mucho menos que tomate, pimiento y patata), por lo que es necesario realizar estudios que contribuyan a la mejora genética de la berenjena a nivel comercial de forma que amplíen la diversidad genética y que permitan adaptarse a las demandas de productores y consumidores. El trabajo realizado en esta Tesis pretende obtener información relevante para los programas de mejora genética de berenjena mediante el estudio de la diversidad genética y el desarrollo y uso de herramientas para la caracterización morfológica, así como el aumento de la diversidad genética en el germoplasma élite de los programas de desarrollo de híbridos de alto valor. Para ello se utiliza material vegetal tanto de la berenjena comercial tipo negra (semi-larga), como material de otros tipos, orígenes y variedades locales. En una primera parte de la Tesis, nos basamos en el estudio de diversidad genética en S. melongena y en la aplicación de nuevas herramientas para realizar una caracterización morfológica precisa y mejorar el proceso de selección en los programas de mejora. Para ello se han realizado estudios de diversidad en tres centros de origen secundarios de distintas regiones (España, Sri Lanka y China), en materiales locales de berenjena con distintas tipologías, y se han utilizado nuevas herramientas fenómicas para la caracterización morfológica del fruto de la berenjena. Como segunda parte de este trabajo, abordamos el desarrollo de material vegetal para el incremento de la base genética de los cultivares de berenjena e implementación de distintos programas de mejora genética. Para ello se plantean y ejecutan diferentes programas de mejora según los objetivos explícitos, incluyendo la realización de un programa de mejora para una variedad local con Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP), e incrementando la diversidad y la obtención de nuevos materiales de élite de berenjena tipo negra mediante un programa de mejora genética. En definitiva, nos encontramos con un trabajo que muestra que el estudio de la diversidad genética y el desarrollo y utilización de herramientas fenómicas para la caracterización morfológica, además de la obtención de material vegetal nuevo, es de gran utilidad para el desarrollo de nuevas variedades de berenjena, así como para obtener información científico-técnica de interés para otros investigadores y mejoradores. También hemos constatado que la interacción "investigación pública-privada" permite una colaboración sinérgica en la obtención de material vegetal e información de interés en la mejora de hortícolas. / [CA] L'albergina (Solanum melongena L.) és una de les hortalisses més riques en compostos fenòlics, el que li confereix un alt poder antioxidant i altres propietats bioactives beneficioses per a la salut. Aquest fet fa que hi haja una demanda creixent entre els consumidors preocupats per una dieta saludable. No obstant això, a pesar de ser un cultiu amb una gran importància econòmica a nivell mundial, és una de les solanàcies menys estudiades (molt menys que tomaca, pimentó i creïlla) , per la qual cosa és necessari realitzar estudis que contribuïsquen a la millora genètica de l'albergina a nivell comercial de manera que amplien la diversitat genètica i que permeten adaptar-se a les demandes de productors i consumidors. El treball realitzat en esta Tesi pretén obtindre informació rellevant per als programes de millora genètica d'albergina per mitjà de l'estudi de la diversitat genètica i el desenvolupament i ús de ferramentes per a la caracterització morfològica, així com l'augment de la diversitat genètica en el germoplasma elit dels programes de desenvolupament d'híbrids d'alt valor. Per a això s'utilitza material vegetal tant de l'albergina comercial de tipus negra (semi-llarga), com material d'altres tipus, orígens i varietats locals. En una primera part de la Tesi, ens basem en l'estudi de diversitat genètica en S. melongena i en l'aplicació de noves ferramentes per a realitzar una caracterització morfològica precisa i millorar el procés de selecció en els programes de millora. Per a això s'han realitzat estudis de diversitat en tres centres d'origen secundaris de distintes regions (Espanya, Sri Lanka i Xina), en materials locals d'albergina amb distintes tipologies, i s'han utilitzat noves ferramentes fenòmiques per a la caracterització morfològica del fruit de l'albergina. Com a segona part d'este treball, abordem el desenvolupament de material vegetal per a l'increment de la base genètica dels cultivars d'albergina i implementació de distints programes de millora genètica. Per a això es plantegen i executen diferents programes de millora segons els objectius explícits, incloent la realització d'un programa de millora per a una varietat local amb Indicació Geogràfica Protegida (IGP), i incrementant la diversitat i l'obtenció de nous materials d'elit d'albergina tipus negra per mitjà d'un programa de millora genètica. En definitiva, ens trobem amb un treball que mostra que l'estudi de la diversitat genètica i el desenvolupament i utilització de ferramentes fenómiques per a la caracterització morfològica, a més de l'obtenció de material vegetal nou, és de gran utilitat per al desenvolupament de noves varietats d'albergina, així com per a obtindre informació cientificotècnica d'interés per a altres investigadors i milloradors. També hem constatat que la interacció "investigació pública-privada" permet una col·laboració sinèrgica en l'obtenció de material vegetal i informació d'interés en la millora d'hortícoles. / Hurtado Ricart, M. (2016). Mejora genética de la berenjena (S. melongena L.) [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/61386 / Compendio

Tesis por compendio / [EN] The reduction of agricultural biodiversity is a serious problem for our agriculture. Increasingly fewer species are cultivated, and these are also increasingly homogeneous. The introduction of new crops for the horticultural diversification is one of the activities that can be implemented to minimize the impact of this variability loss. In this regard, pepino (Solanum muricatum) is a crop that may be of interest to our horticulture and neighboring markets. It is a species of Andean origin, usually propagated vegetatively, and that can be grown in the Mediterranean area. The pepino is used for its juicy, sweet and aromatic fruits, which in addition presents significant amounts of beneficial compounds for health. The COMAV genebank has a collection of pepino and wild relatives accessions. At present, morphological descriptors are available for proper characterization of these materials, but it was necessary to develop phenological descriptors as the ones presented in this work. In particular, the BBCH scale developed in this thesis is a key that allow us to describe and define the various stages of phenological development in the species, displaying numerous applications. On the other hand, a correct characterization of the accessions preserved in the genebank was necessary. For this reason, and in addition to carrying out a morphological characterization, a molecular characterization using SSR markers derived from tomato was performed. In this case, the benefit of the genetic proximity between the two species allowed us to transfer the tomato markers (widely studied species) to pepino, allowing us to differentiate morphologically and molecularly the wild species from the cultivated one, and within the latter, differentiate modern and traditional types. A limitation in the study of the genetics of pepino was the small number of DNA sequences available in the databases. For this reason, we sequenced the transcriptome of a variety of pepino (Sweet Long) as well as the species that is considered the wild ancestor of the pepino, S. caripense. The sequencing and subsequent assembly of the transcriptome has allowed an initial comparative analysis between pepino and its closely related species, tomato and potato, a phylogenetic study of cultivated Solanaceae, a comparative analysis of some genes of agronomic interest, and the massive development of molecular markers. Because of the potential nutraceutical properties of the pepino fruit, we decided to perform a characterization using the previously studied collection. We have evaluated the dry matter, protein, antioxidants, pigments and minerals contents. On the other hand, considering that polyphenols are one of the most important antioxidant compounds, we conducted a study trying to elucidate the profile of polyphenols and their antioxidant activity in four pepino and one S. caripense entries. We also measured the effect of the pepino extracts on macrophage cells subjected to oxidative stress. The results obtained revealed a significant reduction in nitric oxide production, which indicates the existence of an anti-inflammatory effect. These beneficial properties of pepino are its main strength and, together with a high organoleptic quality and good promotion can encourage the introduction and development of this crop. In summary, in this thesis we have obtained relevant information about the diversity of pepino and we have studied its phenological, morphological, molecular, genomic, nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics. / [ES] La reducción en la diversidad agrícola es un problema grave en nuestra agricultura. Cada vez se cultiva un menor número de especies distintas, y estas además son cada vez más homogéneas. Una de las actividades que se pueden llevar a cabo para minimizar el impacto de esta pérdida de variabilidad es la introducción de nuevos cultivos para la diversificación hortícola. En este sentido, el pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum) es un cultivo que puede tener interés para nuestra horticultura y para los mercados vecinos. Se trata de una especie de origen andino que normalmente se propaga vegetativamente, y que se puede cultivar en el área mediterránea. El pepino dulce se aprovecha por sus frutos jugosos, dulces y muy aromáticos, además de ello presenta cantidades relevantes de compuestos beneficiosos para la salud. El banco de germoplasma del COMAV conserva una colección de entradas de pepino dulce y de especies silvestres relacionadas. En la actualidad se disponen de descriptores morfológicos para la correcta caracterización de estos materiales, pero se hacía necesario disponer descriptores fenológicos como los desarrollados en este trabajo. En particular, la escala BBCH desarrollada es una clave que permite describir y delimitar los distintos estadios de desarrollo fenológico en la especie, presentando numerosas aplicaciones. Por otro lado era necesaria una correcta caracterización de estas entradas conservadas en el banco de germoplasma, para ello y como complemento a la realización de una caracterización morfológica, se llevó a cabo una caracterización molecular empleando marcadores SSR derivados de tomate. En este caso, se sacó beneficio de la proximidad genética entre ambas especies para transferir los marcadores de tomate (especie ampliamente estudiada) a pepino dulce, permitiendo diferenciar tanto morfológicamente, como molecularmente las especies silvestres de la cultivada, y dentro de esta los tipos modernos de los tradicionales. Una limitación en el estudio de la genética del pepino dulce era el número reducido de secuencias de ADN disponibles en las bases de datos, razón por la cual se proyectó la secuenciación del transcriptoma de una variedad de pepino dulce (Sweet Long) y de una entrada de la especie que se considera el ancestro silvestre del pepino dulce S. caripense. Esta secuenciación y posterior ensamblaje del transcriptoma ha permitido realizar un estudio inicial donde se ha realizado un análisis comparativo entre pepino dulce y sus especies cercanas tomate y patata, un estudio filogenético entre Solanáceas cultivadas, un análisis comparativo de algunos genes de interés agronómico, así como el desarrollo masivo de marcadores moleculares. Debido a las potenciales propiedades nutracéuticas de los frutos de pepino dulce, se decidió realizar una caracterización de la misma en la colección de entradas estudiada anteriormente. Por un lado se ha evaluado el contenido en materia seca, proteínas, antioxidantes, pigmentos y minerales; por otro lado, teniendo en cuenta que los polifenoles son unos de los compuestos con mayor poder antioxidante, se llevó a cabo un estudio que pretendió dilucidar el perfil de polifenoles en cuatro entradas de pepino dulce y una entrada de S. caripense, así como su poder antioxidante. Como complemento a esto último se evaluó el efecto de extractos de pepino dulce sobre células de macrófagos sometidas a estrés oxidativo, observándose una reducción significativa en la producción de óxido nítrico, lo cual indica la existencia de un efecto antiinflamatorio. Estas propiedades beneficiosas del pepino dulce son su mayor virtud, y junto con una elevada calidad organoléptica y una buena promoción, pueden favorecer la introducción y desarrollo de este cultivo. En definitiva, esta tesis supone la obtención de información relevante sobre la diversidad del pepino dulce, además de un estudio en distintos aspectos, como el fenológico, morfol / [CA] La reducció en la diversitat agrícola és un problema greu en la nostra agricultura. Cada vegada es cultiva un menor nombre d'espècies diferents, i aquestes a més són cada vegada més homogènies. Una de les activitats que es poden dur a terme per a minimitzar l'impacte d'aquesta pèrdua de variabilitat és la introducció de nous cultius per a diversificació hortícola. En aquest sentit, el cogombre dolç (Solanum muricatum) és un cultiu que pot tenir interès per a la nostra horticultura i per als mercats veïns. Es tracta d'una espècie d'origen andí que normalment es propaga vegetativament, i que es pot cultivar en l'àrea mediterrània. El cogombre dolç s'aprofita pels seus fruits sucosos, dolços i molt aromàtics, a més d'això presenta quantitats rellevants de compostos beneficiosos per a la salut. El banc de germoplasma del COMAV conserva una col·lecció d'entrades de cogombre dolç i d'espècies silvestres relacionades. En l'actualitat es disposen de descriptors morfològics per a la correcta caracterització d'aquests materials, però es feia necessari disposar descriptors fenològics com els desenvolupats en aquest treball. En particular, l'escala BBCH desenvolupada és una clau que permet descriure i delimitar els diferents estadis de desenvolupament fenològic en l'espècie, presentant nombroses aplicacions. D'altra banda era necessària una correcta caracterització d'aquestes entrades conservades en el banc de germoplasma, per a això i com a complement a la realització d'una caracterització morfològica es va dur a terme una caracterització molecular emprant marcadors SSR derivats de tomaca. En aquest cas, es va traure benefici de la proximitat genètica entre ambdues espècies per a transferir els marcadors de tomaca (espècie àmpliament estudiada) a cogombre dolç, permetent diferenciar tant morfològicament, com molecularment les espècies silvestres de la cultivada, i dins d'aquesta els tipus moderns dels tradicionals. Una limitació en l'estudi de la genètica del cogombre dolç era el nombre reduït de seqüències d'ADN disponibles en les bases de dades, raó per la qual es va projectar la seqüenciació del transcriptoma d'una varietat de cogombre dolç (Sweet Long) i d'una entrada de l'espècie que es considera l'ancestre silvestre del cogombre dolç, S. caripense. Aquesta seqüenciació i posterior assemblatge del transcriptoma ha permès realitzar un estudi inicial on s'ha realitzat una anàlisi comparativa entre cogombre dolç i les seues espècies properes tomaca i creïlla, un estudi filogenètic entre solanàcies cultivades, una anàlisi comparativa d'alguns gens d'interès agronòmic, així com el desenvolupament massiu de marcadors moleculars. A causa de les potencials propietats nutracèutiques dels fruits de cogombre dolç, es va decidir realitzar una caracterització de la mateixa en la col·lecció d'entrades estudiada anteriorment. D'una banda s'ha avaluat el contingut en matèria seca, proteïnes, antioxidants, pigments i minerals; d'altra banda, tenint en compte que els polifenols són uns dels compostos amb major poder antioxidant, es va dur a terme un estudi que va pretendre dilucidar el perfil de polifenols en quatre entrades de cogombre dolç i una entrada de S. caripense, així com el seu poder antioxidant. Com a complement a això últim es va avaluar l'efecte d'extractes de cogombre dolç sobre cèl·lules de macròfags sotmeses a estrès oxidatiu, observant-se una reducció significativa en la producció d'òxid nítric, la qual cosa indica l'existència d'un efecte antiinflamatori. Aquestes propietats beneficioses del cogombre dolç són la seua major virtut, i juntament amb una elevada qualitat organolèptica i una bona promoció, poden afavorir la introducció i desenvolupament d'aquest cultiu. En definitiva, aquesta tesi suposa l'obtenció d'informació rellevant sobre la diversitat del cogombre dolç, a més d'un estudi en diferents aspectes, com el feno / Herraiz García, FJ. (2016). Desarrollo de herramientas morfológicas y genómicas para el estudio del pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum) y especies relacionadas. Caracterización de su valor nutracéutico [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/61962 / Compendio

Tomato is an important food crop and a model for fleshy fruit development. The process of fruit ripening involves changes in chemical composition and in particular the accumulation of sugars, organic, amino acids and carotenes. The research described in this thesis aimed to identify key regulatory aspects associated with the accumulation of the major acids in tomato fruit by analysis of introgression lines resulting from a cross between a cultivated variety, Solanum lycopersicum, and a wild progenitor species, Solanum pennellii. Line 2-5 showed increases in citrate, malate, aspartate and glutamate in fruit grown under greenhouse conditions. The genetic differences between line 2-5, its overlapping lines, sub-introgression lines and the recurrent parent were used to link the metabolite phenotypes to smaller chromosomal regions. This analysis suggested multiple epistatic loci control fruit metabolite accumulation. Investigation of the biochemical differences between line 2-5 and the recurrent parent revealed that organic and amino acid accumulation did not dependent upon increased TCA cycle capacity. Regulation at the metabolic level was identified for citrate accumulation with changes in cytosolic aconitase in line 2-5. As these metabolites accumulate in the vacuole, tonoplast transport was investigated. Correlation of ATPase-dependent malate influx with altered malate content suggested malate tonoplast transport plays a role in malate accumulation and highlights the importance of vacuolar storage and transport in the regulation of organic and amino acid accumulation.

No description available.

The main purpose of the master thesis project is to investigate the influence of selected serine protease inhibitors (SPI) on the catalytic action of the serine proteases chymotrypsin and trypsin, in a conjugated and non-conjugated state. The inhibitors included for this study were extracted from Solanum tuberosum, i.e.common potato. The purification method included in this study consist of crude extraction by mixer, followed by a salt-out procedure with ammonium sulphate. Further purification steps were cation exchange chromatography and, finally, gel filtration to obtain SPI of high purity. The purified sample was then characterized by SDS-page and kinetic activity measurement of trypsin and chymotrypsin action on synthetic substrate derivate, N-Benzoyl-DL-arginine-4-nitroanilide hydrochloride (BAPA) and N-Succinyl-L-phenylalanine-p-nitroaniline (SFpNA) respectively. The characterization showed inhibitory inactivation of both pancreatic proteases. This would indicate successful extraction of SPI. To investigate inhibitory action in a conjugated state, either enzyme or inhibitor was immobilized onto aluminium oxide membranes. Then two different experimental setups were tested, called experiment 1 and 2. In experiment 1, the inhibitor was immobilized and the interaction was monitored from a retention shift of enzyme flow-through compared to a blank column, using detection at 280 nm of the enzyme. In experiment 2 the enzyme was instead immobilized and a mixture of inhibitor and substrate was circulated with monitoring of the catalytic activity. The main goal was thus to measure the effects on the kinetics in the conjugated state compared to enzyme and inhibitor in the free state. The result from both experiment 1 and 2 did not yield consistent and reliable result so the discussed method should be regarded as preliminary results. The study also includes investigation of inhibitor-enzyme interaction as revealed by molecular mass data to determine complex formation. This part was conducted with static light scattering analysis to determine the stoichiometry for the interaction between pancreas proteases and the inhibitor. Results from light scattering showed promising indication of many-to-one interaction between enzyme and inhibitor, which have been seen by previous studies. It should be considered a preliminary result as complex formation does not exclude aggregation of enzymes or inhibitor in the solution.