Biosynthesis, distribution, nutritional and organoleptic properties of bitter compounds in fruit and vegetables

Molecular characterization, genetic divergence, expression of encapsidiation and synergism by a bipartite begomovirus; Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) infecting bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

The Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) is a bipartite begomovirus that poses a substantial risk to agriculture by infecting a variety of crops, including cucurbitaceous group. This study examines the manifestation of encapsidation and synergism by ToLCPMV in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and focuses on its epidemiological approaches and implications of managing this virus in tomatoes growing areas. Through the utilization of molecular and biological techniques, we have successfully ascertained the epidemiology of this highly destructive virus, highlighting the vital roles played by its two genetic components. An analysis was conducted to identify the mechanism by which the virus clusters its DNA into virions, known as the encapsidation process. Additionally, the impact of synergism with other viral or environmental factors over the degree of infection was examined. The evolutionary rate differences among sites were modeled deploying a discrete Gamma distribution with 5 categories and a [+G] parameter. The results of this study provide important and unique information about synergism, encapsidiation and host-virus interactions. Sequencing study revealed that the bipartite ToLCPMV is linked to the occurrence of leaf curl disease in bitter gourd. The DNA-A and DNA-B of the ToLCPMV isolates infecting bitter gourd (SP1-4) showed 89 %, 93 %, 95 %, and 98 % similarity respectively. Mean evolutionary rates in these categories were 0.19, 0.47, 0.79, 1.24, 2.31 substitutions per site. Unexpectedly, the DNA-A sequences of ToLCPMV that infect this particular host seemed to be an amalgamation of sequences that are closely associated with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Additionally, reiterate cropping of tomatoes with vegetables expanded the virus's host geographic region. This understanding will create some specific ways to regulate the dissemination of ToLCPMV and minimize its adverse impacts in tomato growing regions. Through the implementation of these strategies, the ability of crops to withstand and recover from adverse conditions can be enhanced, so encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming practices in affected regions.

Intercropping Systems to Modify Bioactive Compounds and Nutrient Profiles in Plants: Do We Have Enough Information to Take This as a Strategy to Improve Food Quality? A Review

Various environmental, food security and population health problems have been correlated with the use of intensive agriculture production systems around the world. This type of system leads to the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, high usage rates of agrochemicals and natural resources, and affects soil composition, human health, and nutritional plant quality in rural areas. Agroecological intercropping systems that respect agrobiodiversity, on the other hand, can significantly benefit ecosystems, human health, and food security by modifying the nutritional profile and content of some health-promoting bioactive compounds in the species cultivated in this system. However, research on intercropping strategies focuses more on the benefits they can offer to ecosystems, and less on plant nutrient composition, and the existing information is scattered. The topic merits further study, given the critical impact that it could have on human nutrition. The aim of this review is therefore to collect viable details on the status of research into the profile of nutrients and bioactive compounds in intercropping systems in different regions of the world with unique mixed crops using plant species, along with the criteria for combining them, as well as the nutrients and bioactive compounds analyzed, to exemplify the possible contributions of intercropping systems to food availability and quality.

Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals the potential mechanism of fruit flavor formation in wild hawthorn (Crataegus chungtienensis)

Hawthorns are important medicinal and edible plants with a long history of health protection in China. Besides cultivated hawthorn, other wild hawthorns may also have excellent medicinal and edible value, such as Crataeguschungtienensis, an endemic species distributed in the Southwest of China. In this study, by integrating the flavor-related metabolome and transcriptome data of the ripening fruit of C. chungtienensis, we have developed an understanding of the formation of hawthorn fruit quality. The results show that a total of 849 metabolites were detected in the young and mature fruit of C. chungtienensis, of which flavonoids were the most detected metabolites. Among the differentially accumulated metabolites, stachyose, maltotetraose and cis-aconitic acid were significantly increased during fruit ripening, and these may be important metabolites affecting fruit flavor change. Moreover, several flavonoids and terpenoids were reduced after fruit ripening compared with young fruit. Therefore, using the unripe fruit of C. chungtienensis may allow us to obtain more medicinal active ingredients such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Furthermore, we screened out some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to fruit quality formation, which had important relationships with differentially accumulated sugars, acids, flavonoids and terpenoids. Our study provides new insights into flavor formation in wild hawthorn during fruit development and ripening, and at the same time this study lays the foundation for the improvement of hawthorn fruit flavor.

Dietary sinensetin and polymethoxyflavonoids: Bioavailability and potential metabolic syndrome-related bioactivity

Sinensetin is among the most ubiquitous polyphenols in citrus fruit and recently has been extensively studied for its ability to prevent or treat diseases. The current literature on the bioavailability of sinensetin and its derivatives was reviewed and the potential ameliorative effects of metabolic syndrome in humans were evaluated. Sinensetin and its derivatives mainly aggregated in the large intestine and extensively metabolized through gut microbiota (GM) and the liver. So intestinal microorganisms had a significant influence on the absorption and metabolism of sinensetin. Interestingly, not only GM acted on sinensetin to metabolize them, but sinensetin also regulated the composition of GM. Thus, sinensetin was metabolized as methyl, glucuronide and sulfate metabolites in the blood and urine. Furthermore, sinensetin was reported to have the beneficial effect of ameliorating metabolic syndromes, including disorders of lipid metabolism (obesity, NAFLD, atherosclerosis), glucose metabolism disorder (insulin resistant) and inflammation, in terms of improving the composition of intestinal flora and modulating metabolic pathway factors in relevant tissues. The present work strongly elucidated the potential mechanism of sinensetin in improving metabolic disorders and supported the contribution of sinensetin to health benefits, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by sinensetin in human health.