Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on the Shelf Stability and Sensory Acceptability of Osmotically Dehydrated Spinach: A Mathematical Modeling Approach

This study focused on the osmotic dehydration (OD) of ready-to-eat spinach leaves combined with the pulsed electric field (PEF) pre-treatment. Untreated and PEF-treated (0.6 kV/cm, 0-200 pulses) spinach leaves were osmotically dehydrated at room temperature for up to 120 min. The application of PEF (0.6 kV/20 pulses) prior to OD (60% glycerol, 25 °C, 60 min) lowered water activity (aw = 0.891) while achieving satisfactory product acceptability (total sensory hedonic scoring of 8). During the storage of the product (at 4, 8, 12, and 20 °C for up to 30 d), a significant reduction in total microbial count evolution was observed (9.7 logCFU/g for the untreated samples vs. 5.1 logCFU/g for the PEF-OD-treated samples after 13 d of storage at 4 °C). The selection of these PEF and OD treatment conditions enabled the extension of the product shelf life by up to 33 d under chilled storage. Osmotically treated spinach could find application in ready-to-eat salad products with an extended shelf life, which is currently not possible due to the high perishability of the specific plant tissue.

Ecdysterone and Turkesterone-Compounds with Prominent Potential in Sport and Healthy Nutrition

The naturally occurring compounds ecdysterone and turkesterone, which are present in plants, including Rhaponticum carthamoides Willd. (Iljin), Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodium quinoa Willd., and Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq, are widely recognized due to their possible advantages for both general health and athletic performance. The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems. Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids. However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Root rot of spinach caused by Pythium myriotylum and P. aphanidermatum in Taiwan

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a commonly used green vegetable. During September and October in both 2022 and 2023, a vegetable nursery company located among paddy rice fields in Taichung City, Taiwan, reported significant failures in spinach seedling production in net-houses with mean outdoor temperatures of 28.7℃. Abnormal growth was observed in approximately 30% of the spinach seedlings in each batch (n = 2,000 to 3,000), with aboveground tissues showing stunting, yellowing, and wilt, and underground tissues displaying root rot. The symptoms resembled the spinach damping-off documented in Taiwan in extension articles but which lacked complete pathogen identification. A total of 110 plants from two batches were used for pathogen isolation by placing roots on water agar incubated at 25℃ or were examined for the presence of oospores in diseased roots. Eighty-one percent of these plants were associated with Pythium. Nine Pythium isolates were used in subsequent analyses. Genomic DNA from these isolates was subjected to amplification of ITS, β-tubulin gene (TUB2), and cytochrome C oxidase subunit Ⅱ (COXII) gene with primer pairs ITS1 / ITS4, BT5 / BT6, and FM58 / FM66 (Villa et al. 2006). Sequences of ITS (PP209187-PP209195), TUB2 (PP212864-PP212872), and COXII (PP212855-PP212863) were deposited in GenBank. Four isolates (sp01, sp02, sp03, and sp04) were 100% identical to the neotype strain (CBS 118.80) of Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. for the ITS (761 bp), TUB2 (583 bp), and COXII (547 bp). Five isolates (2sp, 3sp, ND2-4sp, D3-4sp, and ND3-3sp) were 99.87%, 100%, and 99% identical to the reference strain (CBS 254.70) of Pythium myriotylum Drechsler for the ITS (762 bp), TUB2 (602 bp), and COXII (556 bp), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of Pythium isolates inferred from concatenated sequences of the three genes (LéVesque and De Cock 2004; Villa et al. 2006) revealed that the same four isolates grouped with the neotype strain of P. aphanidermatum, and the five isolates clustered with the reference strain of P. myriotylum, each with a 100% bootstrap support. Morphological features of isolates ND3-3sp and sp01 were used for identification. Isolate ND3-3sp produced inflated lobulate sporangia and aplerotic and smooth oospores (16.3 to 25.1 um; n = 30) attached with three to five antheridia, consistent with identification as P. myriotylum. Isolate sp01 produced inflated lobulate sporangia and aplerotic and smooth oospores (17.0 to 24.0 um; n= 30) attached with a single intercalary antheridium, agreeing with the morphology of P. aphanidermatum (Van der Plaats-Niterink 1981). To investigate the pathogenicity of the nine Pythium isolates on spinach, 20 mycelial agar discs (4 mm in diameter) from a 2-day-old V8 culture of each isolate were used to induce sporangia and zoospores in 20 ml sterilized water at 25℃ with a 12 h light / dark regime. A 1.5 ml zoospore suspension (6 × 103 zoospores / ml) was dropped into BVB growth substrate of two spinach seedlings in 2-week-old at 25℃ with 12 h light / dark regime, resulting in symptoms resembling those observed in commercial nurseries at 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). Each Pythium isolate inoculated 20 seedlings in 10 cells of a planting tray. At 14 dpi, disease incidences were 95 to 100% for P. myriotylum isolates and 60 to 85% for P. aphanidermatum isolates, while control plants treated with water showed no symptoms. Re-isolated pathogens from the inoculated plants were morphologically identical to the inoculated isolates, completing Koch's postulates. Results of the pathogenicity assay, along with molecular and morphological identification, conclude that the root rot of spinach was caused by P. myriotylum and P. aphanidermatum. The two oomycetes were not formally documented to cause spinach diseases in Taiwan. Although P. myriotylum has been isolated from spinach (Wang et al. 2003), its pathogenicity to spinach was not documented worldwide. Root rot of spinach caused by P. aphanidermatum has been reported in the United States (Bates and Stanghellini 1984), Korea (Cho and Shin 2004), and Italy (Garibaldi et al. 2015). These pathogens thrive in humid and hot weather (Littrell and McCarter, 1970). Producing spinach in cooler weather or in a temperature-controlled environment may help prevent severe occurrence of the disease.

Aphanomyces macrosporus sp. nov. Causing Root Rot in Barley and Some Other Plants

In recent years, a new root rot disease in barley, which is caused by an Aphanomyces species, was found in field surveys in Southern Sweden and Denmark. Its symptoms occurred at the early tillering stage, around the BBCH 21 growth stage, and included the yellowing of leaves, brown coleoptiles, and the discolouration of roots. Prolonged soil wetness after rainfall favoured disease development, which sometimes advanced the yellowing patches to entire fields, resulting in lower yields. Oospores were found in the fine roots of diseased plants, and Aphanomyces isolates were obtained from these roots, as well as from the roots of barley plants grown in the greenhouse in soil samples from infected fields. Based on morphological analysis, we found that the new isolates were similar to those already obtained from barley and spinach roots in the 1990s in the same growing area. The morphological and molecular analyses performed in this study clearly separated and distinguished these barley isolates from other known Aphanomyces, and hereby Aphanomyces macrosporus sp. nov. is proposed as a new plant pathogenic species. It has larger oogonia and oospores than A. euteiches, A. cochlioides, and A. cladogamus, with one up to eight diclinous antheridia per oogonium. The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS rDNA region sequences grouped these new Aphanomyces isolates in a monophyletic clade, which was clearly distinguished from other plant pathogenic Aphanomyces species. The further pathogenicity of A. macrosporus on other plants is currently under investigation, but it is clear that it can at least infect barley, spinach, and sugar beet, indicating a wide host range for this species. The widespread presence and presumably broad host range of this new pathogenic Aphanomyces species must be considered in crop rotations.

The effect of calorie-restriction along with thylakoid membranes of spinach on the gut-brain Axis Pathway and oxidative stress biomarkers in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a Randomized, Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher intestinal mucosal permeability, leading to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage and endotoxemia. This, in turn, leads to oxidative stress (OS) and neuro-inflammation caused by the gut-brain axis, affecting the neurotrophic factors levels such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100 B) levels. In this study, it was hypothesized that the thylakoid membranes of spinach supplementation along with a hypocaloric diet may have improved the LPS levels, neurotrophic factors, and OS in PCOS patients.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and clinical trial, 48 women with obesity and diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria were randomly assigned to thylakoid (N = 21) and placebo groups (N = 23). A personalized hypocaloric diet with 500 calories less than the total energy expenditure was prescribed to all patients. The participants were daily supplemented with either a 5 g/day thylakoid-rich spinach extract or a placebo (5 g cornstarch) for 12 weeks along with a prescribed low-calorie diet. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease in the LPS levels (P < 0.001) and an increase in the BDNF levels (P < 0.001) were recorded for the participants receiving the oral thylakoid supplements and a low-calorie diet. Furthermore, significant decreases were observed in fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance, free testosterone index, and follicle-stimulating hormone / luteinizing hormone ratio in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the changes in malondialdehyde, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and S100B levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In sum, the thylakoid membranes of spinach supplemented with a hypocaloric diet reduced the LPS levels, increased the BDNF levels, and improved the glycemic profile and sex-hormone levels; however, they had no effects on the OS markers levels after 12 weeks of intervention.

Changes in morphological traits, anatomical and molecular alterations caused by gamma-rays and zinc oxide nanoparticles in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plant

Spinach seeds were irradiated with gamma-rays after that soaked in zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) at 0.0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm for twenty-four hours at room temperature. Vegetative plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and proline contents were investigated. Also, anatomical studies and the polymorphism by the SCoT technique were conducted. The present results revealed that the germination percentage was at the maximum values for the treatment of 100 ppm ZnO-NPs (92%), followed by 100 ppm ZnO-NPs + 60 Gy (90%). The application of ZnO-NPs resulted in an enhancement in the plant length. The maximum of chlorophylls and carotenoids content was recorded in the treatment, 100 ppm ZnO-NPs + 60 Gy. Meanwhile, the irradiation dose level (60 Gy) with all ZnO-NPs treatments increased proline content and reached its maximum increase to 1.069 mg/g FW for the treatment 60 Gy combined with 200 ppm ZnO-NPs. Also, the anatomical studies declared that there were variations between the treatments; un-irradiated and irradiated combined with ZnO-NPs plants which reveal that the leave epidermal tissue increased with 200 ppm ZnO-NPs in both the upper and lower epidermis. While irradiated plants with 60 Gy combined with 100 ppm ZnO-NPs gave more thickness of upper epidermis. As well as SCoT molecular marker technique effectively induced molecular alterations between the treatments. Where, SCoT primers targeted many new and missing amplicons that are expected to be associated with the lowly and highly expressed genes with 18.2 and 81.8%, respectively. Also, showed that the soaking in ZnO-NPs was helped for reducing molecular alteration rate, both spontaneous and induced by gamma irradiation. This nominates ZnO-NPs as potential nano-protective agents that can reduce irradiation-induced genetic damage.

Effect of Growth Stages and Lactic Acid Fermentation on Anti-Nutrients and Nutritional Attributes of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a winter-season green, leafy vegetable grown all over the world, belonging to the family Amaranthus, sub-family Chenopodiaceae. Spinach is a low-caloric food and an enormous source of micronutrients, e.g., calcium, folates, zinc, retinol, iron, ascorbic acid and magnesium. Contrarily, it also contains a variety of anti-nutritional factors, e.g., alkaloids, phytates, saponins, oxalates, tannins and many other natural toxicants which may hinder nutrient-absorption. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of fermentation on improving the nutrient-delivering potential of spinach and mitigating its burden of antinutrients and toxicants at three growth stages: the 1st growth stage as baby leaves, the 2nd growth stage at the coarse stage, and the 3rd growth stage at maturation. The results revealed the significant (p < 0.05) effect of fermentation on increasing the protein and fiber content of spinach powder from 2.53 to 3.53% and 19.33 to 22.03%, respectively, and on reducing total carbohydrate content from 52.92 to 40.52%; the effect was consistent in all three growth stages. A significant decline in alkaloids (6.45 to 2.20 mg/100 g), oxalates (0.07 mg/100 g to 0.02 mg/100 g), phytates (1.97 to 0.43 mg/100 g) and glucosinolates (201 to 10.50 µmol/g) was observed as a result of fermentation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Fermentation had no impact on total phenolic content and the antioxidant potential of spinach, as evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. This study proposes fermentation as a safer bioprocess for improving the nutrient-delivering potential of spinach, and suggests processed powders made from spinach as a cost-effective complement to existing plant proteins.

Antioxidant Capacity of Polar and Non-Polar Extracts of Four African Green Leafy Vegetables and Correlation with Polyphenol and Carotenoid Contents

In sub-Saharan Africa, chronic malnutrition is often associated with intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. African green leafy vegetables (GLVs), commonly consumed by these populations and rich in bioactive compounds, may improve the antioxidant status. The aim of this study was to measure the antioxidant capacity using complementary assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, ORAC and NO scavenging) in polar and non-polar leaf extracts of four African GLVs, cassava (Manihot esculenta), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius), and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), with spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chosen as a reference. Their antioxidant capacity was correlated with their total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), condensed tannin, lutein, and β-carotene contents. Identification of phenolic compounds by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS revealed the presence of three main classes of compound: flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Cassava and roselle leaves presented significantly higher TPC and TFC than amaranth, jute mallow, and spinach. They also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, even higher than that of spinach, which is known for its important antioxidant effect. The antioxidant capacity was 2 to 18 times higher in polar than non-polar extracts, and was more strongly correlated with TPC and TFC (R > 0.8) than with β-carotene and lutein contents. These findings provide new data especially for cassava and roselle leaves, for which studies are scarce, suggesting an appreciable antioxidant capacity compared with other leafy vegetables.

Real-Time PCR Assays for Races of the Spinach Fusarium Wilt Pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae

Fusarium wilt of spinach, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, is a significant limitation for producers of vegetative spinach and spinach seed crops during warm temperatures and/or on acid soils. Identification of isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, and distinction of isolates of the two known races, entails time-intensive pathogenicity tests. In this study, two real-time PCR assays were developed: one for a candidate effector gene common to both races of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, and another for a candidate effector gene unique to isolates of race 2. The assays were specific to isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae (n = 44) and isolates of race 2 (n = 23), respectively. Neither assay amplified DNA from 10 avirulent isolates of F. oxysporum associated with spinach, 57 isolates of other formae speciales and Fusarium spp., or 7 isolates of other spinach pathogens. When the assays were used to detect DNA extracted from spinach plants infected with an isolate of race 1, race 2, or a 1:1 mixture of both races, the amount of target DNA detected increased with increasing severity of wilt. Plants infected with one or both isolates could be distinguished based on the ratio in copy number for each target locus. The real-time PCR assays enable rapid diagnosis of Fusarium wilt of spinach and will facilitate research on the epidemiology and management of this disease, as well as surveys on the prevalence of this understudied pathogen in regions of spinach and/or spinach seed production.

Development and evaluation of sunscreen cream containing solid lipid nanoparticles of Spinacia oleraceae

More research is needed to understand the benefits of environmentally safe and human-friendly herbal-based sunscreen agents against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Because of the toxicity of synthetic chemicals in photoprotective agents, researchers were increasingly focusing on herbal photoprotective formulations. The photoprotective agent's skin retention can be considerably improved by forming solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). The study's objective is to evaluate the photoprotective potential of sunscreen cream containing spinach (Spinacia oleracea)-loaded SLN. A solvent emulsification technique was used to develop the spinach-loaded SLN. The various characterization techniques of the developed SLN were performed. Out of all the formulations, the optimized one was fitted into cream and estimated for its photoprotective action. The images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the morphological characteristics of the prepared SLN. The sunscreen cream's viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and release rate were within acceptable limits. The formulation's in vitro and in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) was reported to be 15.9 and 14.75, respectively. The results indicated that the prepared formulation possesses good photoprotective action. The accelerated stability tests were carried out with no noticeable changes in the parameters. Our work demonstrated the possibility of using spinach-loaded SLN as a photoprotective agent in cosmetic formulations.

In vitro and in vivo toxicological evaluation of carbon quantum dots originating from Spinacia oleracea

Food-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) can relatively easily be synthesized and chemically manipulated for a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. However, their toxicity may hinder their actual use. Here, Spinacia oleracea-derived CQDs i.e., CQD-1 and CQD-2, were synthesized by means of different shredding methods and followed by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach. Subsequently, these CQDs were analyzed in vitro and in an in vivo mice model to test their biocompatibility and potential use as bioimaging agents and for activation of osteogenic differentiation. When comparing CQD-1 and CQD-2, it was found that CQD-1 exhibited 7.6 times higher photoluminescent (PL) emission intensity around 411 nm compared to CQD-2. Besides, it was found that the size distribution of CQD-1 was 2.05 ± 0.08 nm, compared with 2.14 ± 0.04 nm for CQD-2. Upon exposure to human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) in vitro, CQD-1 was endocytosed into the cytoplasm and significantly increased the differentiation of hBMSCs up to 10 μg mL^-1 after 7 and 14 days. Apparently, the presence of relatively low doses of CQD-1 showed virtually no toxic or histological effects in the major organs in vivo. In contrast, high doses of CQD-1 (1 mg mL^-1) caused cell death in vitro ranging from 35% on day 1 to 80% on day 3 post-exposure, and activated the apoptotic machinery and increased lymphocyte aggregates in the liver tissue. In conclusion, S. oleracea-derived CQDs have the potential for biomedical applications in bioimaging and activation of stem cells osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, it is postulated that CQD-1 from S. oleracea remains potential prospective material at appropriate doses and specifications.

A Natural Bio-Stimulant Consisting of a Mixture of Fish Protein Hydrolysates and Kelp Extract Enhances the Physiological, Biochemical and Growth Responses of Spinach under Different Water Levels

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a highly nutritious, desirable green leafy vegetable, which is less tolerant to drought. This study was conducted to establish the impact of a natural bio-stimulant consisting of a mixture of fish protein hydrolysates and kelp extract (trade name, Xcell Boost) on the physiological and biochemical responses as well as vegetative growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under different water levels (100% (full irrigation), 50% (mild drought stress) and 30% (severe drought stress) water holding capacity). Bio-stimulant application at any strength (single, BX1 or double, BX2) had no effect on the photochemical reactions. The application of bio-stimulant at double strength concentration (BX2) increased the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, as well as the activities of antioxidative enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), under drought stress. Application at single strength (BX1) increased the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), stomatal conductance, accumulation of osmoprotectants (proline and total soluble sugars) and reduced electrolyte leakage under drought stress. Furthermore, bio-stimulant applications at either concentration induced remarkable increases in plant height, leaf area, stem dry weight, root length and root moisture. Under BX2, APX and stomatal conductance positively correlated with stem dry weight, while root length positively correlated with total chlorophyll content. These results show that Xcell Boost is a highly advantageous bio-stimulant for increasing the tolerance of spinach to drought stress, which can most likely benefit other crops grown in semi-arid and arid areas.

Pre-stress salicylic-acid treatment as an intervention strategy for freeze-protection in spinach: Foliar versus sub-irrigation application and duration of efficacy

Exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) to plant tissues has been shown to confer tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Recently, SA application through sub-irrigation was shown to improve plant freezing tolerance (FT). For SA treatment to be employable as an effective intervention strategy for frost protection under field conditions, it is important to study its effect on FT when applied as a foliar spray to whole plants. It is also important to determine for how long the FT-improvement by SA lasts. Present study was conducted to compare SA-induced FT of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. 'Reflect') seedlings following SA-application by foliar spray vs. sub-irrigation. Durability of FT-promotive effect of SA was evaluated using three freeze-tests over a 4-d period, i.e., at 10-d, 12-d, and 14-d after the SA application. Freezing stress was applied using a temperature-controlled freeze-thaw protocol, and FT was assessed by visual observations (leaf flaccidness vs. turgidity) as well as ion-leakage assay. Data indicated that both foliar spray and sub-irrigation methods improved FT of the seedlings against a relatively moderate (-5.5 °C) as well as severe stress (-6.5 °C). Moreover, improved FT against moderate stress was sustained over a 4-d period, whereas such benefit waned somewhat against the severe stress. SA-treated leaves' growth performance was similar to the non-treated control based on dry weight, fresh weight, leaf area, and dry weight/leaf area parameters. Our results suggest that SA application as a foliar spray can potentially be used to protect field-grown transplants against episodic frosts.

Pectin Characteristics Affect Root Growth in Spinach under Salinity

In understanding the role of root cell wall mechanisms in plant tolerance to salinity, it is important to elucidate the changes in the pectin composition and physical properties of the cell wall. Two salt-sensitive (Helan 3 and Prius β) and one salt-tolerant (R7) spinach cultivars were used to investigate the pectin polysaccharides, the characteristics of pectin, including the degree of pectin methy-lesterification, the HG:RG-I ratio, neutral side chains (galactan/arabinangalactan), and elasticity and viscosity parameters in the root elongation zone under salinity. Root growth was inhibited by salinity, whereas the root diameter was thickened in all cultivars. Salinity significantly reduced cell wall extensibility in all cultivars, and increased cell wall viscosity in Helan 3 and R7 relative to Prius β. Pectin was significantly increased under salinity stress. Cell wall viscosity was affected by pectin due to the molar proportion of uronic acid and/or pectin characteristics (HG:RG-I ratio). The molar proportion of uronic acid in pectin was reduced in Helan 3 and R7 compared with Prius β. The length and degree of pectin methy-lesterification of neutral side chains were significantly decreased in the R7 cultivar, with no significant changes in the other two cultivars. Demethylation of pectin could alter root growth and boost salt tolerance in the R7 cultivar. In this study, it is shown that cell wall pectin played important roles in regulating the root growth of Spinacia oleracea L. under salinity stress.

Shedding Light on Races of the Spinach Fusarium Wilt Pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae

Two pathogenicity groups of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of spinach (Spinacia oleracea), were described recently based on virulence of isolates on proprietary spinach inbreds. In this study, a wide range in severity of wilt was observed for 68 spinach cultivars inoculated with an isolate of each pathogenicity group, with 22 (32.4%) cultivars displaying differential responses to the isolates. In a second set of trials, seven spinach cultivars were inoculated with five isolates of each pathogenicity group. The cultivars had similar wilt responses to isolates within each group. In both sets of trials, the most severe wilt developed on cultivars inoculated with pathogenicity group 2 isolates when daylength was shorter and light intensity lower. To test whether light intensity exacerbates severity of Fusarium wilt, three spinach cultivars were inoculated with two isolates of each pathogenicity group and grown with or without shading. Shaded plants developed more severe wilt than nonshaded plants. This difference in wilt severity was greatest for plants inoculated with pathogenicity group 2 isolates. We propose naming isolates of pathogenicity groups 1 and 2 as races 1 and 2 of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, respectively, and recommend the cultivars Kiowa (susceptible to both races) and Magnetic (susceptible to race 2 and highly resistant to race 1) as differentials. Results of this study should help breeders screen spinach germplasm for resistance to both races of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae.

Cell Wall Components and Extensibility Regulate Root Growth in Suaeda salsa and Spinacia oleracea under Salinity

Understanding the role of root cell walls in the mechanism of plant tolerance to salinity requires elucidation of the changes caused by salinity in the interactions between the mechanical properties of the cell walls and root growth, and between the chemical composition of the cell walls and root growth. Here, we investigated cell wall composition and extensibility of roots by growing a halophyte (Suaeda salsa) and a glycophyte (Spinacia oleracea) species under an NaCl concentration gradient. Root growth was inhibited by increased salinity in both species. However, root growth was more strongly reduced in S. oleracea than in S. salsa. Salinity reduced cell wall extensibility in S. oleracea significantly, whereas treatment with up to 200 mM NaCl increased it in S. salsa. Meanwhile, S. salsa root cell walls exhibited relatively high cell wall stiffness under 300 mM NaCl treatment, which resist wall deformation under such stress conditions. There was no decrease in pectin content with salinity treatment in the cell walls of the elongation zone of S. salsa roots. Conversely, a decrease in pectin content was noted with increasing salinity in S. oleracea, which might be due to Na⁺ accumulation. Cellulose content and uronic acid proportions in pectin increased with salinity in both species. Our results suggest that (1) cell wall pectin plays important roles in cell wall extension in both species under salinity, and that the salt tolerance of glycophyte S. oleracea is affected by the pectin; (2) cellulose limits root elongation under saline conditions in both species, but in halophytes, a high cell wall content and the proportion of cellulose in cell walls may be a salt tolerance mechanism that protects the stability of cell structure under salt stress; and (3) the role of the cell wall in root growth under salinity is more prominent in the glycophyte than in the halophyte.

Unrevealing arsenic and lead toxicity and antioxidant response in spinach: a human health perspective

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are highly toxic and carcinogenic metal(loid)s. The present study evaluated the human exposure risk via estimating As and Pb uptake and physiological/biochemical modifications inside spinach plant grown under metal(loid)-contaminated growth medium. Plants were treated with three levels of each metal(loid) (0, 25 and 125 µM) for four weeks. The spinach plants accumulated high concentration of metal(loid)s in roots (0-18.9 ug g^-1 Pb and 0.2-22.7 ug g^-1 As) and less were translocated towards shoot (0-0.3 ug g^-1 Pb and 0.2-8.8 ug g^-1 As). Metal(loid) accumulation in plants decreased plant biomass and pigment contents and provoked oxidative stress by increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production in roots up to 65% and 22%, respectively, for As and Pb. The production of H₂O₂ in leaves was decreased up to 59% and 45%, respectively, for As and Pb than control. Moreover, the antioxidant system (superoxide, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) gets activated under metal(loid) stress. The exposure assessment indices revealed high carcinogenic (CR > 10^-4) and non-carcinogenic (HQ > 1) risks owing to the consumption of As- and Pb-contaminated spinach leaves. Results revealed As is being more toxic to plants and humans than Pb. These findings suggest possible alarming consequences of As and Pb to spinach and their assimilation within the edible tissues.

Cardioprotective potential of Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

CONTEXT

Spinacia oleracea is rich in antioxidant phyto-constituents, termed as the natural antioxidant mixture (NAO).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the cardioprotective effect of an antioxidant-rich extract of Spinacia oleracea (NAOE) and its phytoconstituent rutin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

METHODS

Rats were treated with NAOE (400 and 800 mg/kg), rutin (50 mg/kg) and the reference drug gemfibrozil (50 mg/kg) daily for 30 days and were administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the last 2 days.

RESULTS

NAOE treatment attenuated the ISO-elevated levels of serum marker enzymes (AST, LDH and CPK), troponin I, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and malondialdehyde. It also restored the ISO-skewed ECG and systolic blood pressure, and the ISO-depleted marker enzymes and endogenous antioxidants in all treated rats.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that NAOE treatment to ISO-challenged rats exhibited significant cardioprotective effect probably due to the potent antioxidant activity of its NAO.

Production of Genistein in Amaranthus tricolor var. tristis and Spinacia oleracea by Expression of Glycine max Isoflavone Synthase

Isoflavonoids, the diverse group of secondary metabolites derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, are distributed predominantly in leguminous plants. It has received considerable attention in recent days due to its health promoting benefits and is known to prevent certain diseases in humans. These isoflavonoids are synthesized from flavonoid intermediates of phenylpropanoid pathway by the enzyme isoflavone synthase. Metabolic engineering of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in non-legume crop plants could offer the health benefits of these compounds in diverse plant species further contributing for crop improvement. The transient expression of heterologous genes in the host is considered as an alternative to stable expression, that can provide a rapid way of studying the pathway engineering for metabolite production and could also act as a production platform for nutraceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. In this study, isoflavone genistein was produced in Amaranthus tricolor var. tristis and Spinacia oleracea by transiently expressing Glycine max isoflavone synthase (GmIFS). The GmIFS gene was cloned in plant expression vector pEarleyGate 102 HA and pEAQ-HT-DEST 3 and transformed into plants by agroinfiltration. The presence of transgene in the agroinfiltrated leaves was confirmed by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The flavonoid substrate naringenin and isoflavonoid genistein were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography in both wild-type and infiltrated leaf samples of both the plants. The naringenin content varied in the range of 65.5-338.5 nM/g fresh weight, while the accumulation of genistein was observed with varying concentrations from 113 to 182.6 nM/g fresh weight in the agroinfiltrated leaf samples of both A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea. These results indicate that the transient expression of GmIFS gene has led to the synthesis of isoflavonoid genistein in A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea providing an insight that stable expression of this gene could enrich the nutraceutical content in the crop plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on transient expression of GmIFS gene for the production of genistein in A. tricolor var. tristis and S. oleracea.

Transepithelial Anti-Neuroblastoma Response to Kale among Four Vegetable Juices Using In Vitro Model Co-Culture System

Juicing vegetables is thought to be an anticancer treatment. Support exists for a rank order of anticancer greens (kale > dandelion > lettuce > spinach) based on degrees of bioavailability of different phytochemicals, also offset by some noxious molecules (i.e., calcium-oxalate). We developed a new in vitro transepithelial anti-neuroblastoma model system. The juices were diluted as predicted once in the small intestine. They were applied to apical Caco-2Bbe1 cells atop dividing SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell growth were considered with juice spectroscopies. Studied first in monoculture, kale and dandelion were the most cytostatic juices on SH-SY5Ys, lettuce showed no effect, and high (4.2%) spinach was cytotoxic. In co-culture, high (4.2%) kale was quickest (three days) to inhibit neuroblastoma growth. By five days, dandelion and kale were equally robust. Lettuce showed small anti-proliferative effects at five days and spinach remained cytotoxic. Spinach’s cytotoxicity corresponded with major infrared bands indicative of oxalate. Kale juice uniquely induced reactive oxygen species and S-phase cell cycle arrest in SH-SY5Y. The superiority of kale and dandelion was also apparent on the epithelium, because raising TEER levels is considered healthy. Kale’s unique features corresponded with a major fluorescent peak that co-eluted with kaempferol during high performance liquid chromatography. Because the anticancer rank order was upheld, the model appears validated for screening anticancer juices.

Putative Effector Genes Distinguish Two Pathogenicity Groups of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae

Fusarium wilt of spinach, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, is an important disease during warm conditions in production regions with acid soils, yet little is known about what confers pathogenicity to spinach in F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae genetically. To identify candidate fungal genes that contribute to spinach Fusarium wilt, each of 69 geographically diverse F. oxysporum isolates was tested for pathogenicity on each of three spinach inbreds. Thirty-nine isolates identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae caused quantitative differences in disease severity among the inbreds that revealed two distinct pathogenicity groups of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae. Putative effector gene profiles, predicted from whole-genome sequences generated for nine F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae isolates and five nonpathogenic, spinach-associated F. oxysporum (NPS) isolates, distinguished the F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae isolates from the NPS isolates, and separated the F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae isolates into two groups. Five of the putative effector genes appeared to be unique to F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, as they were not found in 222 other publicly available genome assemblies of F. oxysporum, implicating potential involvement of these genes in pathogenicity to spinach. In addition, two combinations of the 14 known Secreted in Xylem (SIX) genes that have been affiliated with host pathogenicity in other formae speciales of F. oxysporum were identified in genome assemblies of the nine F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae isolates, either SIX8 and SIX9 or SIX4, SIX8, and SIX14. Characterization of these putative effector genes should aid in understanding mechanisms of pathogenicity in F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, developing molecular tools for rapid detection and quantification of F. oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, and breeding for resistance to Fusarium wilt in spinach.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Germination and Growth of Spinach under Potassium Deficiency and Irrigation with High-Salinity Water

Information is scarce on the interaction of mineral deficiency and salinity. We evaluated two salt-tolerant spinach cultivars under potassium (K) doses (0.07, 0.15, 0.3, and 3.0 mmol_c L^-1) and saline irrigation (5, 30, 60, 120, and 160 mmol_c L^-1 NaCl) during germination and growth. There was no interaction between salinity and K. Salinity decreased germination percent (GP), not always significantly, and drastically reduced seedling biomass. 'Raccoon' significantly increased GP at 60 mmol_c L^-1 while 'Gazelle' maintained GP up to 60 or 120 mmol_c L^-1. After 50 days under saline irrigation, shoot biomass increased significantly at 30 and 60 mmol_c L^-1 at the lowest K dose but, in general, neither salinity nor K dose affected shoot biomass, suggesting that salinity supported plant growth at the most K-deficient dose. Salinity did not affect shoot N, P, or K but significantly reduced Ca, Mg, and S, although plants had no symptoms of salt toxicity or mineral deficiency. Although spinach seedlings are more sensitive to salt stress, plants adjusted to salinity with time. Potassium requirement for spinach growth was less than the current crop recommendation, allowing its cultivation with waters of moderate to high salinity without considerable reduction in yield, appearance, or mineral composition.

Risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s via Spinacia oleracea ingestion after sewage water irrigation practices in Vehari District

The use of sewage water as an irrigation source can be beneficial in agricultural practices, however, it may result in human health risks due to the consumption of heavy metal(loid)-contaminated food. This study evaluated the suitability of using sewage water (SW), freshwater (FW), and groundwater (GW) for vegetable irrigation in District Vehari. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) plants were grown in pots irrigated with FW, GW, and SW in different proportions and combinations. The results indicated the substantial lesser buildup of heavy metal(loid)s (As (- 0.8%), Cd (- 38%), Cr (- 6.2%), Cu (- 20%), Fe (- 9.2%), Mn (- 13%), Ni (- 16%), Pb (- 19%), and Zn (-15%)) in soil after S. oleracea cultivation compared to unirrigated soil possibly due to high metal(loid) uptake by S. oleracea. Irrigation with all types of waters resulted in metal(loid) accumulation in S. oleracea predominantly in roots. The combinations of FW, GW, and SW resulted in high metal(loid) accumulation (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the edible S. oleracea leaves than their alone application. Owing to high metal(loid) buildup, plants showed a linear trend in physiological imbalance in terms of reduced pigment content, induction of peroxidation, and oxidation of lipids. The severe oxidative stress was observed in S. oleracea plants under FW and GW irrigation due to high metal(loid) accumulation. The risk indices showed possible carcinogenic risk (CR > 0.0001) and non-carcinogenic risk (HI > 1) from the consumption of metal(loid)-contaminated S. oleracea leaves. Results revealed unsuitability of all waters and their combinations for S. oleracea irrigation. Moreover, this study does not encourage the use of mixed water for vegetable irrigation in Vehari District. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to monitor the quality of irrigation waters to ensure food safety and prevent chronic health risks to the exposed population.

Predicting heavy metals uptake by spinach (Spinacia oleracea) grown in integrated industrial wastewater irrigated soils of Haridwar, India

This investigation aimed to assess the impacts of integrated industrial wastewater (IIW) irrigation on soil properties in the rural area of Haridwar, India, under cultivation of a leafy vegetable, i.e., spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Based on the field data of two cropping years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018), soil characteristics-based prediction models were developed to evaluate heavy metals (HM) uptake by spinach tissues (roots and leaves) using the multivariate regression method. The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the growth and productivity of spinach plants in IIW irrigated soils as compared to normal borewell water irrigation. For the prediction models, soil parameters including pH, organic matter (%), and HM (mg/Kg) availability showed a significant effect on the HM absorption process by spinach tissues. Besides this, the models were tested using ANOVA (P < 0.001), Student's t test, model efficiency (> 0.50), and coefficient of determination (R² > 0.81) tools. Furthermore, the prediction models were also verified for their applicability in the 2018-2019 cropping year which gave satisfactory outcomes. The findings of this investigation are important in terms of predicting hazardous HM accumulation in the vegetable crops being grown in wastewater irrigated soils.

Growth and metal uptake of spinach with application of co-compost of cat manure and spent coffee ground

Cat manure (CM) possesses high level of nutrients for growing food crop. However, animal manure may contain toxic elements that may contaminate food crop. Spent coffee ground (SCG) may be used to reduce mobility of heavy metals and reduce crop uptake. In this study, SCG was composted with CM for 31 days to produce a co-compost (SCG-CM) for growing spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The growth rate of spinach was assessed until its maturity, and the metal uptake of spinach shoot was determined thereafter using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of soil treatment with SCG-CM on the height and elemental composition of spinach were compared with that of chicken manure compost (CMC). The prepared composts were primarily organic matter (72.9–81.4 % w/w) with the rest are ash (13.3–23.4 % w/w) and moisture (1.2–2.6 % w/w). Zinc content in SCG-CM (1261 ± 0.1 mg/kg) is significantly higher than that of soil and CMC (p < 0.05) and has exceeded the maximum permissible limit set by European Union Standard (2002) and the Malaysian Compost Quality Standard and Guidelines (2000). Matured spinach reached maximum plant height after 33 days. The amendment of SCG-CM significantly increased the height of spinach (32 ± 6 cm) compared to that of CMC (13 ± 1 cm) (p < 0.05). However, contents of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were not increased for spinach grown in the SCG-CM-amended soil, and the level of those elements are below permissible limit set by the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985. This study shows that SCG-CM is effective in improving yield without causing accumulation of toxic trace elements in spinach.

Comparative study of the insecticidal activity of a high green plant (Spinacia oleracea) and a chlorophytae algae (Ulva lactuca) extracts against Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly

OBJECTIVES

Currently, the global interests tend to take advantage of the plant world as a renewable source of a natural and effective molecule, to find an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and less toxic alternative to the current synthetic pesticide. In this context, the present research was carried out in an attempt to study the insecticidal activity of extracts and pigments derived from the green plant Spinacia oleracea and the green alga Ulva lactuca against the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as an alternative to chemical insecticide.

METHODS

The toxicity of the aqueous, acetonic and ethanolic extracts as well as of the purified pigments (Chlorophylls and carotenoids) was determined by complementary in vivo tests (application by spraying oranges, toxicity by ingestion and repellent activity). Interestingly, each one of these methods corresponds to a specific mode of exposure.

RESULTS

Results showed that acetone extracts, which are rich in green pigments, present the best insecticidal activities. On the other hand, the purified chlorophyllian pigments exhibited an interesting activity only by spraying method. Regarding the repellent activity, the aqueous extract of spinach displayed higher effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests the potential of tested plant and algal extracts, as well as of chlorophyllian pigments, to provide a safer alternative way to the use of synthetic pesticides.

Fabrication and characterization of Spinacia oleracea extract incorporated alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose microporous scaffold for bone tissue engineering

In recent years, plant based scaffold due to its inherent properties such as mechanical stability, renewability, easy mass production, inexpensiveness, biocompatibility and biodegradability with low toxic effects have received much attention in the field of bone tissue engineering. Design of good tissue compatible plant based polymer scaffold plays a vital role in biomedicine, nanomedicine and in various tissue engineering applications. The present study focused on the fabrication of a novel herbal scaffold using the medicinal plants Spinacia oleracea (SO) and Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extracts incorporated with Alginate (Alg), Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) by lyophilization method. The structural nature and the properties of prepared scaffold were analyzed by XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, EDAX, TGA, swelling ratio, porosity, in-vitro degradation and cell viability studies. The biocompatible nature of the plant based polymer scaffold was assessed using MG-63 Human Osteosarcoma cell line. The investigation of biocompatibility study showed that Alg/CMC/SO scaffold expressed higher cell viability than Alg/CMC/SO-CQ scaffold, which possess better cellular biocompatibility. The results of the present study suggested that plant based Alg/CMC/SO scaffold serve as a potential biopolymer scaffold which could be further exploited for bone tissue applications.

Quantification of metal uptake in Spinacia oleracea irrigated with water containing a mixture of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles

An extensive application and potential release of nanoparticles (NPs) through wastewater treatment plants to agricultural lands have created an urgent necessity to evaluate food safety. The study here grew Spinacia oleracea until maturity in the soil and irrigated with CuO and ZnO NPs (as single and as a binary mixture). The plants were grown in soil containing pots and were exposed to NPs (CuO and ZnO) and ions (Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) (concentration = 1.2 × 10^-4, 1.2 × 10^-3, 1.2 × 10^-2 mol/Kg of soil); a binary mixture (CuO + ZnO and Cu²⁺+Zn²⁺) concentration = 1.2 × 10^-4+1.2 × 10^-4 mol/Kg of soil, respectively. At maturity, plant fresh weight, root length, and elemental content (Cu and Zn) were quantified. Results showed significant adverse effects on plant biomass exposed at 1.2 × 10^-2 mol/Kg of soil (percentage reduction = 36%, 26% and 45% for CuO, ZnO, and CuO + ZnO NPs, respectively). The interaction of toxicity between two NPs and ions on reduction in fresh weight was observed to be additive. Desorption studies were performed for determining root-surface adsorbed CuO and ZnO NPs using three different concentrations of Na₄EDTA. The estimated internal uptake of Cu and Zn was found to be 0.4 mg Cu/g dry weight and 0.7 mg Zn/g dry weight in the shoot portion of the plant and 3.06 mg Cu/g dry weight and 3.4 mg Zn/g dry weight in the root portion of the plant, respectively. (at 1.2 × 10-2 mol/Kg of soil). Exposure of metal ions has shown a higher reduction in biomass and higher uptake in plants as compared to NPs. The projected hazard quotient values for the intake of NPs by children was found to be greater than 1 indicating risks to children. Given the importance of food safety, determination of the potential risk of consuming contaminated plants, irrigated using nanoparticles containing wastewater is advised.

The presence of the low molecular mass carbonic anhydrase in photosystem II of C3 higher plants

The carrier of carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity was detected in gel among low molecular mass proteins from pea, spinach and Arabidopsis, after nondenaturing electrophoresis in PAAG of the dodecyl-β-d-maltoside treated PSII membranes (the fragments of thylakoid membrane containing PSII complexes). The elimination of Mn-stabilizing protein PsbO by treatment of PSII membranes with salts, did not lead to a decrease in CA activity observed in the gel although it reduced the amount of this protein down to 25% compared to the original sample. The isolated protein PsbO did not demonstrated CA activity. The distinguished features of CA activity of PSII membranes were as follows: 1) resistance to heating, 2) high sensitivity to ethoxyzolamide, the specific inhibitor of CA, and 3) stimulation of this activity by acetazolamide, another specific inhibitor of CA at low concentration of the latter. CA activity was not stimulated by acetazolamide in the PSII membranes samples from Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with knocked out gene At4g20990 encoding αCA4 (according to the nomenclature by Fabre et al., 2007). Taking into account the above data and our previous findings that the energy-dependent part of nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence is highly suppressed in that mutant, we suppose that thylakoid membranes of higher plants contain in the vicinity of PSII complex a true CA belonging to the α family of CAs.

Assessment of Trace Metal and Metalloid Accumulation and Human Health Risk from Vegetables Consumption through Spinach and Coriander Specimens Irrigated with Wastewater

This study focused on evaluating the metal and metalloid contamination and associated risks in the two vegetables crops, coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) treated with three water regimes, canal water, groundwater and municipal wastewater. These vegetables are widely consumed by people and are also used in traditional medicine for treating various disorders. Metal and metalloid accumulation (Zn, Pb, Se, Cu, As, Mo, Fe, Ni) was found higher in vegetables treated with wastewater. Wastewater treated soil had high pollution load index. Fe, Zn, As and Pb had higher values in water, soil and vegetables as compared to other studied metals. Overall, metal correlation for soil and vegetables was significant and positive except for Fe and Cu in spinach. The highest value for daily metal intake was estimated for Fe while Se had the lowest value for the same index. It was thus concluded that trace metal and metalloid accumulation was a major health concern for the public consuming these vegetables.

Nitrate Accumulation and Expression Patterns of Genes Involved in Nitrate Transport and Assimilation in Spinach

Excessive accumulation of nitrate in spinach is not only harmful to human beings, but also limits the efficiency of nitrogen usage. However, the underlying mechanism of nitrate accumulation in plants remains unclear. This study analyzed the physiological and molecular characteristics of nitrate uptake and assimilation in the spinach varieties with high or low nitrate accumulation. Our results showed that the variety of spinach with a high nitrate content (So18) had higher nitrate uptake compared to the variety with a low nitrate content (So10). However, the nitrate reductase activities of both varieties were similar, which suggests that the differential capacity to uptake and transport nitrate may account for the differences in nitrate accumulation. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that there was a higher level of expression of spinach nitrate transporter (SoNRT) genes in So18 compared to those in So10. Based on the function of Arabidopsis homologs AtNRTs, the role of spinach SoNRTs in nitrate accumulation is discussed. It is concluded that further work focusing on the expression of SoNRTs (especially for SoNRT1.4, SoNRT1.5 and SoNRT1.3) may help us to elucidate the molecular mechanism of nitrate accumulation in spinach.

Folate Biofortification in Hydroponically Cultivated Spinach by the Addition of Phenylalanine

Folate is an important vitamin mainly ingested from vegetables, and folate deficiency causes various health problems. Recently, several studies demonstrated folate biofortification in plants or food crops by metabolic engineering through genetic modifications. However, the production and sales of genetically modified foods are under strict regulation. Here, we developed a new approach to achieve folate biofortification in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) without genetic modification. We hydroponically cultivated spinach with the addition of three candidate compounds expected to fortify folate. As a result of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we found that the addition of phenylalanine increased the folate content up to 2.0-fold (306 μg in 100 g of fresh spinach), representing 76.5% of the recommended daily allowance for adults. By measuring the intermediates of folate biosynthesis, we revealed that phenylalanine activated folate biosynthesis in spinach by increasing the levels of pteridine and p-aminobenzoic acid. Our approach is a promising and practical approach to cultivate nutrient-enriched vegetables.

Light-induced formation of dimeric LHCII

It emerges from numerous experiments that LHCII, the major photosynthetic antenna complex of plants, can appear not only in the trimeric or monomeric states but also as a dimer. We address the problem whether the dimeric form of the complex is just a simple intermediate element of the trimer-monomer transformation or if it can also be a physiologically relevant molecular organization form? Dimers of LHCII were analyzed with application of native electrophoresis, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The results reveal the appearance of two types of LHCII dimers: one formed by the dissociation of one monomer from the trimeric structure and the other formed by association of monomers into a distinctively different molecular organizational form, characterized by a high rate of chlorophyll excitation quenching. The hypothetical structure of such an energy quencher is proposed. The high light-induced LHCII dimerization is discussed as a potential element of the photoprotective response in plants.

Verrucarin A and roridin E produced on spinach by Myrothecium verrucaria under different temperatures and CO2 levels

The behavior of Myrothecium verrucaria, artificially inoculated on spinach, was studied under seven different temperature conditions (from 5 to 35 °C) and under eight different combinations of temperature and CO₂ concentration (14-30 °C and 775-870 or 1550-1650 mg/m³). The isolate used for this study was growing well on spinach, and the mycotoxins verrucarin A and roridin E were produced under all tested temperature and CO₂ conditions. The maximum levels of verrucarin A (18.59 ng/g) and roridin E (49.62 ng/g) were found at a temperature of 26-30 °C and a CO₂ level of 1550-1650 mg/m³. Rises in temperature as well as in temperature and CO₂ concentrations had a significant effect by increasing Myrothecium leaf spots on spinach. The biosynthesis of verrucarin A was significantly increased at the highest temperature (35 °C), while roridin E was influenced by the CO₂ concentration. These results show that a positive correlation between climate condition and macrocyclic trichothecene production is possible. However, because of the ability of M. verrucaria to produce mycotoxins, an increase in temperature could induce the spread of M. verrucaria in temperate regions; this pathogen may gain importance in the future.

Changes in rubisco, cysteine-rich proteins and antioxidant system of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) due to sulphur deficiency, cadmium stress and their combination

Sulphur (S) deficiency, cadmium (Cd) toxicity and their combinations are of wide occurrence throughout agricultural lands. We assessed the impact of short-term (2 days) and long-term (4 days) applications of cadmium (40 μg/g soil) on spinach plants grown on sulphur-sufficient (300 μM SO₄^2-) and sulphur-deficient (30 μM SO₄^2-) soils. Compared with the control (+S and -Cd), oxidative stress was increased by S deficiency (-S and -Cd), cadmium (+S and +Cd) and their combination stress (-S and +Cd) in the order of (S deficiency) < (Cd stress) < (S deficiency and +Cd stress). SDS-PAGE profile of leaf proteins showed a high vulnerability of rubisco large subunit (RbcL) to S deficiency. Rubisco small subunit (RbcS) was particularly sensitive to Cd as well as dual stress (+Cd and -S) but increased with Cd in the presence of S. Cysteine content in low molecular weight proteins/peptide was also affected, showing a significant increase under cadmium treatment. Components of ascorbate-glutathione antioxidant system altered their levels, showing the maximum decline in ascorbate (ASA), dehydroascorbate (DHA), total ascorbate (ASA + DHA, hereafter TA), glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (GSH + GSSG, hereafter TG) under S deficiency. However, total ascorbate and total glutathione increased, besides a marginal increase in their reduced and oxidized forms, when Cd was applied in the presence of sufficient S. Sulphur supply also helped in increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) under Cd stress. However, their activity suffered by S deficiency and by Cd stress during S deficiency. Each stress declined the contents of soluble protein and photosynthetic pigments; the highest decline in contents of protein and pigments occurred under S deficiency and dual stress respectively. The fresh and dry weights, although affected adversely by every stress, declined most under dual stress. It may be concluded that an optimal level of S is required during Cd stress for better response of SOD, APX, GR and CAT activity, as well as synthesis of cysteine. RbcS is as highly sensitive to S deficiency as RbcL is to Cd stress.

Appetite suppressing effect of Spinacia oleracea in rats: Involvement of the short term satiety signal cholecystokinin

Spinacia oleracea (spinach) is a green leafy vegetable rich in antioxidant phyto-constituents such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and vitamins. Fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids are known to prevent weight gain by inducing satiety. The present study evaluates the appetite suppressing effect of a flavonoid rich extract of the spinach leaf (SOE) in rats. HPTLC of SOE was performed for detecting flavonoids. Rats were administered SOE (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p. o) and fluoxetine (6 mg/kg i. p) as a pre-meal for 14 days. Food intake and weight gain was observed daily during the treatment period. Serum levels of the short term satiety signals cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucose were measured on the 7th and 14thdays at different time points after start of meal to study the satiety inducing effect of SOE. HPTLC showed the presence of 14 flavonoids in SOE. SOE and fluoxetine treated rats showed a significant reduction in food intake and weight gain when compared with the normal control rats. On the 7th day of treatment, peak CCK levels were reached in 30 min after start of meal in fluoxetine treated rats and in 60 min in the remaining rats. On the 14th day, CCK peaking was observed in 30 min after start of meal in the fluoxetine as well as SOE 400 mg/kg treated rats. Peak glucose levels in all treatment groups were obtained in 60 min after start of feeding on both days of the study. It maybe concluded that SOE exhibited a promising appetite suppressing effect by inducing a quicker than normal release of CCK, thus eliciting an early onset of satiety in rats. This effect may be due to its high flavonoid content.

Corrigendum: Increased Permeability of the Aquaporin SoPIP2;1 by Mercury and Mutations in Loop A

[This corrects the article on p. 1249 in vol. 7, PMID: 27625657.].

Impact of Irrigation Using Water Containing CuO and ZnO Nanoparticles on Spinach oleracea Grown in Soil Media

Wastewater reuse is an important adaptation option for mitigating water stress in rapidly growing urban centers. Reuse potential of nanoparticles (NPs) contaminated wastewater for irrigation of Spinacia oleracea grown in soil media were assessed in this study. Irrigation of plant were done with water containing CuO and ZnO NPs as single compound and in binary mixture (10, 100, 1000 mg/L) till 11 weeks. At 1000 mg/L, reduction in root length: 16 %, 12 % and 18 %, shoot length: 22 %, 16 % and 27 %, total weight 37 %, 27 % and 45 %, chlorophyll: 18 %, 7 % and 29 % and carotenoids: 46 %, 33 % and 54 % were found for CuO NPs, ZnO NPs and binary mixture of NPs respectively. Uptake values were found to be 5.65 ± 0.8 Zn(2+) and 3.48 ± 0.75 Cu(2+) mg/g for the case of ZnO and CuO NPs respectively (at 1000 mg/L). For mixture of NPs, uptake of 3.18 ± 1.05 mg/g of Cu(2+) and 3.18 ± 1.05 mg/g of Zn(2+) ions were found. The results shows that water containing low concentration of NPs (10 mg/L) can be used for irrigating spinach grown in soil media as no significant toxic effect on growth and uptake of metal ion were found as compared to control. The results of this study evaluated the suitability of reusing water contaminated with NPs in agriculture. Further studies are however required to understand the toxic mode of action of mixture of NPs on growth and uptake mechanisms.

Comparison of Spinach Sex Chromosomes with Sugar Beet Autosomes Reveals Extensive Synteny and Low Recombination at the Male-Determining Locus

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea, 2n = 12) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris, 2n = 18) are important crop members of the family Chenopodiaceae ss Sugar beet has a basic chromosome number of 9 and a cosexual breeding system, as do most members of the Chenopodiaceae ss. family. By contrast, spinach has a basic chromosome number of 6 and, although certain cultivars and genotypes produce monoecious plants, is considered to be a dioecious species. The loci determining male and monoecious sexual expression were mapped to different loci on the spinach sex chromosomes. In this study, a linkage map with 46 mapped protein-coding sequences was constructed for the spinach sex chromosomes. Comparison of the linkage map with a reference genome sequence of sugar beet revealed that the spinach sex chromosomes exhibited extensive synteny with sugar beet chromosomes 4 and 9. Tightly linked protein-coding genes linked to the male-determining locus in spinach corresponded to genes located in or around the putative pericentromeric and centromeric regions of sugar beet chromosomes 4 and 9, supporting the observation that recombination rates were low in the vicinity of the male-determining locus. The locus for monoecism was confined to a chromosomal segment corresponding to a region of approximately 1.7Mb on sugar beet chromosome 9, which may facilitate future positional cloning of the locus.

Hydrogen Sulfide-Mediated Polyamines and Sugar Changes Are Involved in Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Drought Tolerance in Spinacia oleracea Seedlings

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a newly appreciated participant in physiological and biochemical regulation in plants. However, whether H2S is involved in the regulation of plant responses to drought stress remains unclear. Here, the role of H2S in the regulation of drought stress response in Spinacia oleracea seedlings is reported. First, drought stress dramatically decreased the relative water content (RWC) of leaves, photosynthesis, and the efficiency of PSII. Moreover, drought caused the accumulation of ROS and increased the MDA content. However, the application of NaHS counteracted the drought-induced changes in these parameters. Second, NaHS application increased the water and osmotic potential of leaves. Additionally, osmoprotectants such as proline and glycinebetaine (GB) content were altered by NaHS application under drought conditions, suggesting that osmoprotectant contributes to H2S-induced drought resistance. Third, the levels of soluble sugars and polyamines (PAs) were increased differentially by NaHS application in S. oleracea seedlings. Moreover, several genes related to PA and soluble sugar biosynthesis, as well as betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (SoBADH), choline monooxygenase (SoCMO), and aquaporin (SoPIP1;2), were up-regulated by H2S under drought stress. These results suggest that H2S contributes to drought tolerance in S. oleracea through its effect on the biosynthesis of PAs and soluble sugars. Additionally, GB and trehalose also play key roles in enhancing S. oleracea drought resistance.

Review of Neuro-nutrition Used as Anti-Alzheimer Plant, Spinach, Spinacia oleracea

Neuro-nutrition is the nutrition needed to achieve health brain and neurocognitive function. Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds will help suppress the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Spinacia oleracea (Family: Amaranthaceae) commonly known as spinach or Buai Leng (in Thai), one of the traditional medicinal plants with high in those mention nutrients. The micronutrients in spinach include a range of vitamins and minerals, which can prevent deficiency diseases and are essential for normal physiological function. Its phytochemicals are carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which can prevent chronic health problems, as well as other diseases associated with aging. The objective of this article was to conduct a review on various ethnomedicinal uses of the spinach and its influences on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease based on a literature review.

Genetic diversity and association analysis of leafminer (Liriomyza langei) resistance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Leafminer (Liriomyza langei) is a major insect pest of many important agricultural crops, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Use of genetic resistance is an efficient, economic, and environment-friendly method to control this pest. The objective of this research was to conduct association analysis and identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with leafminer resistance in spinach germplasm. A total of 300 USDA spinach germplasm accessions were used for the association analysis of leafminer resistance. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used for genotyping and 783 SNPs from GBS were used for association analysis. The leafminer resistance showed a near normal distribution with a wide range from 1.1 to 11.7 stings per square centimeter leaf area, suggesting that the leafminer resistance in spinach is a complex trait controlled by multiple genes with minor effect in this spinach panel. Association analysis indicated that five SNP markers, AYZV02040968_7171, AYZV02076752_412, AYZV02098618_4615, AYZV02147304_383, and AYZV02271373_398, were associated with the leafminer resistance with LOD 2.5 or higher. The SNP markers may be useful for breeders to select plants and lines for leafminer resistance in spinach breeding programs through marker-assisted selection.

Increased Permeability of the Aquaporin SoPIP2;1 by Mercury and Mutations in Loop A

Aquaporins (AQPs) also referred to as Major intrinsic proteins, regulate permeability of biological membranes for water and other uncharged small polar molecules. Plants encode more AQPs than other organisms and just one of the four AQP subfamilies in Arabidopsis thaliana, the water specific plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), has 13 isoforms, the same number as the total AQPs encoded by the entire human genome. The PIPs are more conserved than other plant AQPs and here we demonstrate that a cysteine residue, in loop A of SoPIP2;1 from Spinacia oleracea, is forming disulfide bridges. This is in agreement with studies on maize PIPs, but in contrast we also show an increased permeability of mutants with a substitution at this position. In accordance with earlier findings, we confirm that mercury increases water permeability of both wild type and mutant proteins. We report on the slow kinetics and reversibility of the activation, and on quenching of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence as a potential reporter of conformational changes associated with activation. Hence, previous studies in plants based on the assumption of mercury as a general AQP blocker have to be reevaluated, whereas mercury and fluorescence studies of isolated PIPs provide new means to follow structural changes dynamically.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) modulates its proteome differentially in response to salinity, cadmium and their combination stress

Cadmium (Cd) contamination and salinity are common stressors in agricultural soils all over the globe. Sensitivity and modulation of plant proteome lead to proper signal execution and adaptation to abiotic stress via molecular responses, which strengthen plant defence system. A comparative proteomic study, employing 2DE-MALDI TOF/TOF MS, of Spinacia oleracea plants exposed to cadmium (50 μg CdCl2 g(-1) soil), salinity (10 mg NaCl g(-1) soil) and their combination (NaCl + Cd) was conducted to understand the minimum common adaptation to multiple stress. Analysis of 2D gel maps showed significant increase and decrease in relative abundance of 14 and 39 proteins by Cd; 11 and 46 by salinity and 22 and 37 by combined stress of Cd and salinity, respectively. Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) helped in the identification of maturase K and PPD4 with increased relative abundance under all stresses; whereas salinity stress and combination stress silenced the presence of one protein (polycomb protein EZ2) and two proteins (cellulose synthase-like protein and ubiquitin conjugation factor E4), respectively. The identified proteins were functionally associated with signal transduction (15%), protein synthesis (16%), stress response and defence (33%), photosynthesis (13%), plant growth/cell division (9%), energy generation (4%), transport (4%), secondary metabolism (3%), and cell death (3%); clearly indicating the importance and necessity of keeping a higher ratio of defence and disease-responsive proteins. The results suggest that plant may increase the abundance of defence proteins and may also lower the abundance of catabolic proteins. Proteins with altered ratios of abundance belonged to different functional categories, suggesting that plants have differential mechanisms to respond to Cd, salinity, and their combined stress, but with unique sets of proteins.

Solution NMR and molecular dynamics reveal a persistent alpha helix within the dynamic region of PsbQ from photosystem II of higher plants

The extrinsic proteins of photosystem II of higher plants and green algae PsbO, PsbP, PsbQ, and PsbR are essential for stable oxygen production in the oxygen evolving center. In the available X-ray crystallographic structure of higher plant PsbQ residues S14-Y33 are missing. Building on the backbone NMR assignment of PsbQ, which includes this "missing link", we report the extended resonance assignment including side chain atoms. Based on nuclear Overhauser effect spectra a high resolution solution structure of PsbQ with a backbone RMSD of 0.81 Å was obtained from torsion angle dynamics. Within the N-terminal residues 1-45 the solution structure deviates significantly from the X-ray crystallographic one, while the four-helix bundle core found previously is confirmed. A short α-helix is observed in the solution structure at the location where a β-strand had been proposed in the earlier crystallographic study. NMR relaxation data and unrestrained molecular dynamics simulations corroborate that the N-terminal region behaves as a flexible tail with a persistent short local helical secondary structure, while no indications of forming a β-strand are found.

Biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) hinged trays keep quality of fresh-cut and cooked spinach

This work examines the effects of packaging using two different polymeric trays with hinged lids, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA), on fresh-cut and cooked spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Samples were stored in a cold room for 16 days at 4 °C. Chemical (total pigments, total polyphenols, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity), physical (water activity), technological (colour evaluation), sensorial (aroma, visual appearance and water accumulation) and microbial (total aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts) parameters were tested. Both polymeric trays maintained the overall quality of fresh spinach for 6 days but spinach stored in PLA trays maintained its flavour longer. A significant increase in total polyphenols, antiradical activity, total carotenoids as well as a decrease in ascorbic acid in fresh spinach was observed in the first 3 days of storage in both samples. Unfortunately, the PLA package accumulated condensed water. The total microbial load of fresh-cut spinach reached about 6.3-7.3 log CFU g(-1) within 8 days. Cooked spinach packed in PLA and PET polymeric hinged trays showed the same behaviour as fresh spinach in terms of quality and shelf life. In conclusion, PLA plastic hinged trays can be used for packaging fresh-cut and cooked cut spinach, but the problem of condensed water must be solved.

Bioavailability and bioaccumulation characterization of essential and heavy metals contents in R. acetosa, S. oleracea and U. dioica from copper polluted and referent areas

BACKGROUND

Bioavailability of metals occurring in soil is the basic source of its accumulation in vegetables and herbs. The impact of soil pollution (due to urban and mining areas) on the food chain presents a challenge for many investigations. Availability of metals in a potentially polluted soil and their possible transfer and bioaccumulation in sorrel (Rumex acetosa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and common nettle (Urtica dioica), were examined.

METHODS

Microwave digestion was applied for total digestion of the plant tissues, while on the soil samples open wet digestion with a mixture of acids was applied. Three extraction methods were implemented for the bioavailable metals in the soil. Atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma was used for determination of the total contents of 21 elements.

RESULTS

Significant enrichments in agricultural soil for As, Pb and Zn (in urban area), Cd, Cu and Ni (in a copper mine area), compared with the respective values from European standards were detected. On the basis of three different extraction methods, higher availability was assumed for both lithogenic and anthropogenic elements. Translocation values >1 were obtained for As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Higher bioconcentrating value was obtained only for Cd, while the bioaccumulation values vary from 0.17 for Cd to 0.82 for Zn.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential availability of hazardous metals in urban and mining soils is examined using DTPA-TEA-CaCl2 (urban) and HCl (Cu-mines areas). Our results suggested that S. oleracea and R. acetosa have a phytostabilization potential for Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb, while U. dioica only for Cu. R. acetosa has a potential for phytoextraction of Cd in urban and copper polluted areas.

Population analysis of the genera buildup on some commercially important vegetable crops grown in Kashmir Valley

In order to list the genera buildup on Brassica oleracea (Cauliflower), Capsicum frustscens (Chillies), Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) and Phaseolus vulgaris (Farash bean) a general survey was carried in the summer season of 2013. On examining the soil samples as well as root samples of Cauliflower Boleodorus, Psilenchus, Helicotylenchus, Merlinius, Aglenchus and Filenchus were encountered with their absolute density of 18, 31, 34.5, 35, 35 and 31.5 %. On Chillies, Tylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Psilenchus, Pratylenchus and Hirschmaniella with their absolute frequency of 86, 96.6, 100, 100 and 96.6 % respectively were collected. Among these five genera recorded on Chillies the Relative prominence value of 16 % is lowest for Psilenchus and 26.7 % for Helicotylenchus. Merlinius, Psilenchus, Aglenchus, and Boleodorus were encountered on examining the soil and root samples of Spinach during the period of study. Boleodorus was met with the highest percentage of frequency of 90 % as well as highest proportion of absolute density of 37 % and lowest value of 24 % in case of Merlinius and Psilenchus. Soil samples as well as root samples of Farash bean, Aglenchus, Tylenchus, Hirschmaniella, Helicotylenchus and Psilenchus were encountered with their absolute density of 27, 19.5, 33, 33 and 35.4 %. The absolute frequency of 100 % was found in Tylenchus with the lowest frequency of 70 % in Helicotylenchus. Among the genera recorded on Farash bean relative prominence value happened to be highest in Hirschmaniella with the value as 23.6 % and lowest on Tylenchus with the value of 14.2 %.

Isolation and kinetic characterisation of hydrophobically distinct populations of form I Rubisco

BACKGROUND

Rubisco (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is a Calvin Cycle enzyme involved in CO2 assimilation. It is thought to be a major cause of photosynthetic inefficiency, suffering from both a slow catalytic rate and lack of specificity due to a competing reaction with oxygen. Revealing and understanding the engineering rules that dictate Rubisco's activity could have a significant impact on photosynthetic efficiency and crop yield.

RESULTS

This paper describes the purification and characterisation of a number of hydrophobically distinct populations of Rubisco from both Spinacia oleracea and Brassica oleracea extracts. The populations were obtained using a novel and rapid purification protocol that employs hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) as a form I Rubisco enrichment procedure, resulting in distinct Rubisco populations of expected enzymatic activities, high purities and integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate here that HIC can be employed to isolate form I Rubisco with purities and activities comparable to those obtained via ion exchange chromatography (IEC). Interestingly, and in contrast to other published purification methods, HIC resulted in the isolation of a number of hydrophobically distinct Rubisco populations. Our findings reveal a so far unaccounted diversity in the hydrophobic properties within form 1 Rubisco. By employing HIC to isolate and characterise Spinacia oleracea and Brassica oleracea, we show that the presence of these distinct Rubisco populations is not species specific, and we report for the first time the kinetic properties of Rubisco from Brassica oleracea extracts. These observations may aid future studies concerning Rubisco's structural and functional properties.

Molecular characterization of two glutathione peroxidase genes of Panax ginseng and their expression analysis against environmental stresses

Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs) are a group of enzymes that protect cells against oxidative damage generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). GPX catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or organic hydroperoxides to water or alcohols by reduced glutathione. The presence of GPXs in plants has been reported by several groups, but the roles of individual members of this family in a single plant species have not been studied. Two GPX cDNAs were isolated and characterized from the embryogenic callus of Panax ginseng. The two cDNAs had an open reading frame (ORF) of 723 and 681bp with a deduced amino acid sequence of 240 and 226 residues, respectively. The calculated molecular mass of the matured proteins are approximately 26.4kDa or 25.7kDa with a predicated isoelectric point of 9.16 or 6.11, respectively. The two PgGPXs were elevated strongly by salt stress and chilling stress in a ginseng seedling. In addition, the two PgGPXs showed different responses against biotic stress. The positive responses of PgGPX to the environmental stimuli suggested that ginseng GPX may help to protect against environmental stresses.