Assessment of genetic diversity and population differentiation of Achyranthes bidentata (Amaranthaceae) in Dao Di and its surrounding region based on microsatellite markers

Historical migration and taxonomic entity of Korean endemic shrub Lespedeza maritima (Fabaceae) based on microsatellite loci

Various plant species are endemic to the Korean Peninsula, but their evolutionary divergence and establishment are poorly understood. One of these, Lespedeza maritima, has been proposed as either a hybrid (L. cyrtobotrya × L. maximowiczii) or a synonym of L. thunbergii. A distinct taxon, L. uekii, has been proposed for inland populations. We investigated genetic diversity and structure in L. maritima and related taxa to resolve this. Genotypes of L. maritima (n = 244, including L. uekii) were determined using 12 microsatellite loci, then compared with those of related species. Genetic diversity within L. maritima was estimated, and Bayesian clustering analysis was used to represent its genetic structure and that of related taxa. Its distribution during the last glacial maximum (LGM) was predicted using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Neighbour-joining (NJ) analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were used to investigate relationships among species. Bayesian tree based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS) was also reconstructed to show relationships and divergence time among species. Morphological features were examined using flower characteristics. In result, expected heterozygosity (H _E) and allelic richness (A _R) within L. maritima were higher in southern than northern populations. Bayesian clustering analysis largely assigned populations to two clusters (K = 2) (south vs. north). The ENM showed that L. maritima occurred around the East China Sea and Korean Strait land bridge during the LGM. Compared with other Lespedeza species, L. maritima was assigned to an independent cluster (K = 2-5), supported by the NJ, PCoA, Bayesian tree and morphological examination results. Lespedeza maritima and L. uekii were clustered to one clade on Bayesian tree. Given results, current L. maritima populations derive from post-LGM colonization away from southern refugia. The type L. uekii, which grows inland, is thought synonym of L. maritima. In addition, L. maritima is considered a distinct species, compared with related taxa.

Traceability in food processing: problems, methods, and performance evaluations-a review

Processed food has become an indispensable part of the human food chain. It provides rich nutrition for human health and satisfies various other requirements for food consumption. However, establishing traceability systems for processed food faces a different set of challenges compared to primary agro-food, because of the variety of raw materials, batch mixing, and resource transformation. In this paper, progress in the traceability of processed food is reviewed. Based on an analysis of the food supply chain and processing stage, the problem of traceability in food processing results from the transformations that the resources go through. Methods to implement traceability in food processing, including physical separation in different lots, defining and associating batches, isotope analysis and DNA tracking, statistical data models, internal traceability system development, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain-based approaches are summarized. Traceability is evaluated based on recall effects, TRUs (traceable resource units), and comprehensive granularity. Different methods have different advantages and disadvantages. The combined application of different methods should consider the specific application scenarios in food processing to improve granularity. On the other hand, novel technologies, including batch mixing optimization with AI, quality forecasting with big data, and credible traceability with blockchain, are presented in the context of improving traceability performance in food processing.

Elucidation of Characteristic Sulfur-Fumigated Markers and Chemical Transformation Mechanism for Quality Control of Achyranthes bidentate Blume Using Metabolome and Sulfur Dioxide Residue Analysis

Achyranthes bidentata Blume (AB) is a health food and a sulfur-free herbal medicine that is one of the most heavily sulfur-fumigated herbs in the marketplace. In this work, a comprehensive approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight-MS (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and multivariate statistical analysis was developed to identify characteristic sulfur-fumigation markers, elucidate chemical transformation mechanisms and characterize the degree of sulfur-fumigation of AB. Non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated AB samples were compared by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Three triterpene saponins (Betavulgarosides II-IV) and two amides (Feruloyl-4-O-methyldopamine and Moupinamide) were identified as characteristic markers, which were positively correlated with two active AB components, namely oleanic acid and ferulic acid, respectively. Moreover, the extent of the sulfur-fumigation under different weight ratios of sulfur to herbal materials (1:20, 1:40, and 1:80) was analyzed based on chemical transformations and sulfur dioxide residues. Further verification showed that the ratio of 1:40 within 1 h was reasonable and efficient for herb quality preservation and assurance. This study provides a reliable sulfur-fumigation protocol for the quality control of AB and other herbs.