Neonicotinoid insecticidal seed-treatment on corn contaminates interseeded cover crops intended as habitat for beneficial insects

Neonicotinoid seed treatments are extensively used to systemically protect corn from invertebrate herbivory. Interseeding cover crops can promote beneficial insect communities and their ecosystem services such as predation on pests, and this practice is gaining interest from farmers. In this study, cereal rye (Secale cereale) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) were planted between rows of early vegetative corn that had been seed-treated with thiamethoxam. Thiamethoxam and its insecticidal metabolite, clothianidin were quantified in cover crop leaves throughout the growing season. Thiamethoxam was present in cereal rye at concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.33 ± 0.09 ng/g of leaf tissue and was detected on six out of seven collection dates. Cereal rye leaves contained clothianidin at concentrations from 1.05 ± 0.22 to 2.61 ± 0.24 ng/g and was present on all sampling dates. Both thiamethoxam and clothianidin were detected in hairy vetch on all sampling dates at rates ranging from 0.10 ± 0.05 to 0.51 ± 0.11 ng/g and 0.56 ± 0.15 to 9.73 ± 5.04 ng/g of leaf tissue, respectively. Clothianidin was measured at a higher concentration than its precursor, thiamethoxam, in both plant species on every sampling date. Neonicotinoids entering interseeded cover crops from adjacent treated plants is a newly discovered route of exposure and potential hazard for non-target beneficial invertebrates. Future research efforts should examine the effects of systemic insecticides on biological communities in agroecosystems whose goal is to diversify plant communities using methods such as cover cropping.

Optimization of an extraction method for the simultaneous quantification of sixteen polyphenols in thirty-one pulse samples by using HPLC-MS/MS dynamic-MRM triple quadrupole

Pulses are an important source of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre, and also contain polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. A new analytical method that uses high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the quantification of sixteen polyphenols in thirty-one pulse varieties. Different extraction procedures were tested (acidic hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis and extraction without hydrolysis), and acidic hydrolysis at pH 2, extraction temperature of 20 °C and extraction time of 2 h was proven to be the best in terms of recovery percentages (99.7-107.6%). The highest polyphenol levels were found in beans, particularly black beans (459 mg kg-1) and ruviotto beans (189 mg kg-1); significant levels of polyphenols were also observed in lentils, particularly black lentils (137 mg kg-1) and quality gold lentils (132 mg kg-1). This study provides new information about legume polyphenols, offering reasons to promote legumes as part of a healthy diet.

Effect of sonication and γ-irradiation on the properties of pea (Pisum sativum) and vetch (Vicia villosa) starches: A comparative study

In present study, the physicochemical, functional and pasting properties of starch obtained from commercially used pea were compared with vetch, an underutilized pulse variety. Starch from each cultivar was subjected to sonication (33kHz for 45min) and a dual treatment in which sonication was followed by irradiation (5kGy). Apparent amylose content of the starch from two varieties varied significantly (p>0.05) from 31.08-27.58g/100g. Sonication and dual treatment decreased the amylose content of starches. Syneresis varied more or less insignificantly (p<0.05) upon sonication. However, upon dual treatment, syneresis decreased significantly (p>0.05) from 47.82-35.22g/100g (pea) and 46.36-26.98g/100g (vetch) during the storage period of 120h. A combined effect of sonication and irradiation treatment significantly (p>0.05) changed the functional properties and pasting characteristics of starches. The samples that received the sonication treatment alone varied non-significantly from native pea and vetch starch in their physicochemical, functional and pasting properties.

Effect of feeding oat and vetch forages on milk production and quality in smallholder dairy farms in Central Kenya

Despite the significant livestock contribution to households' nutrition and incomes in many African smallholder farms, milk productivity remains low. Inadequate feeding is the main reason for the underperformance. To contribute towards addressing this, an on-farm feeding trial was undertaken in Ol-joro-Orok Central Kenya. A feed basket using oat (Avena sativa) cv Conway and vetch (Vicia villosa) was compared to farmers practice. Milk production (kg) and quality parameters, including butterfat, protein, lactose, and density, were monitored, and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) undertaken. Feeding both oat and vetch increased milk production by 21% (morning) and 18%, (evening), equivalent to 1.4 kg/day. Increases (%) in quality were butter fat (18.2), solid-non-fat (16.5), lactose (16.2), and protein (16.1). Concomitantly, the CBA returned positive results, supporting the hypothesis of economic advantage in using oat and vetch in milk production in the area, and possibly in other similar areas.

Immobilization of Lead Migrating from Contaminated Soil in Rhizosphere Soil of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) Using Hydroxyapatite

This study conducted plant growth tests using a rhizobox system to quantitatively determine the distance of immobilization lead migrating from contaminated soil into uncontaminated rhizosphere soil, and to assess the lead phases accumulated in rhizosphere soil by sequential extraction. Without the hydroxyapatite, exchangeable lead fractions increased as the rhizosphere soil got closer to the contaminated soil. Exchangeable lead fractions were higher even in the rhizosphere soil that shares a boundary with the root surface than in the soil before being planted. Thus, plant growth of hairy vetch was lower in the soil without the hydroxyapatite than in the soil with the hydroxyapatite. The presence of hydroxyapatite may immobilize the majority of lead migrating from contaminated soil into the rhizosphere soil within 1 mm from the contaminated soil. The dominant lead fraction in the rhizosphere soil with the hydroxyapatite was residual. Thus, plant growth was not suppressed and the lead concentration of the plant shoot remained at the background level. These results indicate that the presence of hydroxyapatite in the rhizosphere soil at 5% wt may immobilize most of the lead migrating into the rhizosphere soil within 1 mm from the contaminated soil, resulting in the prevention of lead migration toward the root surface.

Content of Zinc and Copper in Selected Plants Growing Along a Motorway

In 2011 a study was carried out analyzing the effects of road traffic on bioaccumulation of zinc and copper in selected species of dicotyledonous plants growing on adjacent grasslands. To do the research the plants were sampled from the 9-km-long Siedlce bypass, a part of the international route E-30. They were collected during the flowering stage, at following distances from the road: 1, 5, 10, 15 m. The content of zinc and copper was determined with the AAS method, with dry mineralisation done before. The highest concentration of the elements, regardless of the distance from the road, was found in Taraxacum spec. Among the tested plants, the lowest zinc content was in Vicia cracca, and the lowest copper content in Rumex acetosa. The limit for copper content was exceeded in Taraxacum spec. and, slightly, in Achillea millefolium growing at the roadside, closest to the roadway.

Stability of Lead Immobilized by Apatite in Lead-Containing Rhizosphere Soil of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa)

This study conducted plant growth experiments using a rhizobox system to understand the growth of buckwheat and hairy vetch as well as the stability of lead immobilized by hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the lead-containing rhizosphere soil. The shoot dry weight of buckwheat did not significantly differ between the lead-containing rhizosphere soil with and without HAP, whereas that of hairy vetch with rhizosphere soil without HAP was reduced. Lead was not accumulated from the rhizosphere soil to the shoots of either plant when HAP was added. The percentage of each lead fraction in sequential extraction was approximately the same through the 3 mm of rhizosphere soils from the root surface and non-planted soil, with and without the addition of HAP. For hairy vetch, the amount of water-soluble lead in the HAP-added rhizosphere soil within 3 mm thickness from the root surface did not increase. However, for buckwheat, the amount of water-soluble lead in the HAP-added rhizosphere soil 1 mm from the root surface increased to the same level as that in the non-planted soil without HAP. Our results suggest that when applying phytostabilization combined with apatite to lead-contaminated soil, the plant that cannot re-mobilize lead should be selected.

Inhibitional effects of metal Zn²⁺ on the reproduction of Aphis medicaginis and its predation by Harmonia axyridis

BACKGROUND

Contamination, including metals, can disturb the reproductive processes of many organisms, including both prey and predatory insects. However, there is virtually no information on the effects of high level Zinc (Zn) pollution on aphids and ladybirds. The high concentrations of Zn²⁺ or Zn pollution inhibit reproduction in the phytophagous aphid, Aphis medicaginis, and the predatory ladybird Harmonia axyridis could provide important information.

RESULTS

It was observed in this study that Zn concentrations in Vicia faba (broad bean) seeds and seedlings in all Zn²⁺ treatments were significantly higher than that in the control group, and increased with increasing Zn²⁺ concentrations in the solution. The rate of reproduction in A. medicaginis declined significantly (p<0.05) over time in the five groups fed on broad bean seedlings treated with different concentrations of Zn²⁺ solution compared with the control group. These results showed that higher concentrations of Zn²⁺ significantly inhibited the reproductive capacity of A. medicaginis. We also cloned and identified a gene encoding vitellogenin (Vg) from A. medicaginis, which has an important role in vitellogenesis, and therefore, reproduction was affected by exposure to Zn²⁺. Expression of AmVg was reduced with increasing exposure to Zn²⁺ and also in the F1-F3 generations of aphids exposed to different Zn²⁺ concentrations. Predation by H. axyridis was also reduced in aphids exposed to high-levels of Zn²⁺. Similarly, ovipositioning by H. axyridis was also reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Zn²⁺ can significantly affect the reproductive capacity of both A. medicaginis and its predator H. axyridis, the former through effects on the expression of AmVg and the latter through avoidance of aphids containing high levels of Zn²⁺.

Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for Peptide analysis: target-based approaches and proteomics/peptidomics strategies

In this chapter, the potential of capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) for peptide analysis is demonstrated by the presentation of two different strategies typically followed in analysis of these biomolecules by CE-MS. The first one is a target-based approach and it is used to detect a toxic oligopeptide in a complex matrix. Namely, CE-MS using an ion trap MS analyzer is applied to detect and quantify γ-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine (GEC) bioactive dipeptide in a legume plant. The second one is a shotgun-like methodology used for proteomic analysis. Particularly, CE-MS using a time-of-flight MS analyzer is employed to investigate the substantial equivalence between a genetically modified (GM) variety of soybean and its conventional isogenic counterpart. These generic methods have broad applications for the analysis of peptides in a large variety of matrices, including applications in the area of proteomics and peptidomics.

Cyanamide mode of action during inhibition of onion (Allium cepa L.) root growth involves disturbances in cell division and cytoskeleton formation

Cyanamide is an allelochemical produced by hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.). Its phyotoxic effect on plant growth was examined on roots of onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs. Water solution of cyanamide (2-10 mM) restricted growth of onion roots in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of onion roots with cyanamide resulted in a decrease in root growth rate accompanied by a decrease in accumulation of fresh and dry weight. The inhibitory effect of cyanamide was reversed by its removal from the environment, but full recovery was observed only for tissue treated with this chemical at low concentration (2-6 mM). Cytological observations of root tip cells suggest that disturbances in cell division may explain the strong cyanamide allelopathic activity. Moreover, in cyanamide-treated onion the following changes were detected: reduction of mitotic cells, inhibition of proliferation of meristematic cells and cell cycle, and modifications of cytoskeleton arrangement.

[Effect of post-treatment with dry extract from vicia truncatula on NADPH-GSH dependent system of rat liver during chronic alcohol intoxication]

Experiments on white female rats showed that chronic ethanol consumption leads to activation of the NADPH - GSH dependent system of the liver, which provides protection against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Post-treatment administration of dry extract from Vicia truncatula Fish ex Bieb. (300 mg/kg body weight) on the background of 40% ethanol increased this adaptive reaction without depletion in the system, in contrast to what was observed in rats treated with carsil. These results suggest a significant hepatoprotective effect of the dry extract during the chronic alcohol-induced injury of the liver.

Degradation of PVC/HC blends. II. Terrestrial plant growth test

The behavior at degradation by soil burial of some plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based blends with a variable content of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) has been followed.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The modifications induced in the environment by the polymer systems (pH variation, physiologic state of the plants, assimilatory pigments) were studied. Using the growth test of the terrestrial plants, we followed the development of Triticum (wheat), Helianthus annus minimus (little sunflower), Pisum sativum (pea), and Vicia X hybrida hort, during a vegetation cycle. After the harvest, for each plant, the quantities of chlorophyll and carotenoidic pigments and of trace- and macroelements were determined.

RESULTS

It was proved that, in the presence of polymer blends, the plants do not suffer morphological and physiological modifications, the products released in the culture soil being not toxic for the plants growth.

[Evaluation of soil lead contamination by biomarkers in leaves of Vicia faba L. seedlings]

Stress proteins (HSP70 and HSP60) and other related biological parameters were investigated in leaves of Vicia faba L. seedlings subjected to soil lead stress. The seedlings were cultivated outdoors in pots for five weeks. Results showed that total lead content, superoxide radical (O2*-) and lipid peroxidation productions in the leaves increased with the increase of extraneous lead in soils. Significant correlation was found between the O2*- and lipid peroxidation productions (r = 0.973, p < 0.01). Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were activated. Moreover, HSP70 and HSP60 increased more sensitively than the other parameters in response to lead stress. This indicates lead might cause lipid peroxidation in the leaves by mediation of O2*-. The activated antioxidative enzymes alleviated the stress and damage of reactive oxygen species. HSP70 and HSP60 are potential biomarkers for early warning of lead-contaminated soils. Additionally, concentrations of soil lead and related biological parameters should be combined.

A field-grown transgenic tomato line expressing higher levels of polyamines reveals legume cover crop mulch-specific perturbations in fruit phenotype at the levels of metabolite profiles, gene expression, and agronomic characteristics

Genetic modification of crop plants to introduce desirable traits such as nutritional enhancement, disease and pest resistance, and enhanced crop productivity is increasingly seen as a promising technology for sustainable agriculture and boosting food production in the world. Independently, cultural practices that utilize alternative agriculture strategies including organic cultivation subscribe to sustainable agriculture by limiting chemical usage and reduced tillage. How the two together affect fruit metabolism or plant growth in the field or whether they are compatible has not yet been tested. Fruit-specific yeast S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (ySAMdc) line 579HO, and a control line 556AZ were grown in leguminous hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (HV) mulch and conventional black polyethylene (BP) mulch, and their fruit analysed. Significant genotypexmulch-dependent interactions on fruit phenotype were exemplified by differential profiles of 20 fruit metabolites such as amino acids, sugars, and organic acids. Expression patterns of the ySAMdc transgene, and tomato SAMdc, E8, PEPC, and ICDHc genes were compared between the two lines as a function of growth on either BP or HV mulch. HV mulch significantly stimulated the accumulation of asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, choline, and citrate concomitant with a decrease in glucose in the 556AZ fruits during ripening as compared to BP. It enables a metabolic system in tomato somewhat akin to the one in higher polyamine-accumulating transgenic fruit that have higher phytonutrient content. Finally, synergism was found between HV mulch and transgenic tomato in up-regulating N:C indicator genes PEPC and ICDHc in the fruit.

Limited distribution of natural cyanamide in higher plants: occurrence in Vicia villosa subsp. varia, V. cracca, and Robinia pseudo-acacia

Cyanamide (NH2CN) has recently been proven to be a natural product, although it has been synthesized for over 100 years for agricultural and industrial purposes. The distribution of natural cyanamide appears to be limited, as indicated by our previous investigation of 101 weed species. In the present study, to investigate the distribution of natural cyanamide in Vicia species, we monitored the cyanamide contents in V. villosa subsp. varia, V. cracca, and V. amoena during their pre-flowering and flowering seasons. It was confirmed that V. cracca was superior to V. villosa subsp. varia in accumulating natural cyanamide, and that V. amoena was unable to biosynthesize this compound under laboratory condition examined. The localization of cyanamide in the leaves of V. villosa subsp. varia seedlings was also clarified. In a screening study to find cyanamide-biosynthesizing plants, only Robinia pseudo-acacia was found to contain cyanamide among 452 species of higher plants. We have investigated 553 species to date, but have so far found the ability to biosynthesize cyanamide in only three species, V. villosa subsp. varia, V. cracca and R. pseudo-acacia.

[Genetic variance in Vicia cracca cenopopulation inhabiting site with enhanced level of natural radioactivity]

The contribution of low dose rate ionizing radiation into genetic variance in Vicia cracca L. cenopopulation inhabiting high natural background territories more then 40 years quantity estimation was made. Incorporated in the aboveground parts of Vicia cracca 230Th determine both the level of intrapopulation genetic variance and the adaptive possibility. Significantly increased frequency of double fragments was revealed in root tips of plants inhabiting all experimental plots. This type of damages depends on 226Ra concentrations accumulated in the aboveground parts of Vicia cracca. External irradiation influences the embryonic lethals. It was found that the relative contribution on mutagenesis induced by ionizing radiation was significant and was about 3-5% of the total variance.

Effects of feeding ervil (Vicia ervilia) seeds soaked in water or acetic acid on performance and internal organ size of broilers and production and egg quality of laying hens

Experiment 1 was conducted to study the effects of feeding 60% untreated ervil seeds (UE) or ervil soaked in water at room temperature (RTWE) or at 40 degrees C (40WE) for 72 h with water change every 12 h on the performance and internal organ size of broilers. Isocaloric and isonitrogenous corn-soybean meal diet (control) and diets containing 60% UE, RTWE, or 40WE were fed to battery caged broilers in 4 replicates with 8 birds per replicate, from 8 to 49 d. Broilers consuming UE from 8 to 28 d gained less weight, used feed less efficiently, and had heavier liver, pancreas, and gall bladder weights (%BW) than the other treatments (P < 0.05). Compared with control birds, broilers on 40WE had similar relative organ weights, except for kidney, but lower BW gain at 49 d (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, ervil seeds were soaked in 1% acetic acid at room temperature (RTAAE) or at 40 degrees C (40AAE) for 24 h. A conventional diet and diets containing 60% UE, 40WE, RTAAE, or 40AAE were fed to individually caged laying hens in 4 replicates per treatment with 5 hens per replicate for 42 d. Hens on UE had the poorest performance followed by RTAAE, 40WE, and then 40AAE (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, all treated ervil diets resulted in lower shell thickness values but higher Haugh unit scores (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, 30% dietary UE and 40AAE at 10, 20, and 30% were fed to layers for 56 d. The general performance of hens on 30% 40AAE was comparable with that of the control except for BW and feed conversion (P < 0.05). Compared with UE, the performance of broilers and layers was improved by 40WE and that of hens was further enhanced by 40AAE. In addition, diets containing up to 20% 40AAE had no adverse effects on feed conversion, egg production, or quality of hens.

A hemiterpene glucoside as a probing deterrent of the bean aphid, Megoura crassicauda, from a non-host vetch, Vicia hirsuta

The bean aphid, Megoura crassicauda Mordvilko, feeds selectively on plants belonging to the genus Vicia (Fabaceae). However, it never infests the tiny vetch, V. hirsuta (L.) Gray. The aphid appeared to discriminate between host and non-host plants by tasting specific chemicals during penetration of its stylet into the plant tissues. The aphid, after being stimulated by specific probing stimulants, deposited characteristic proteinous stylet sheaths through a parafilm membrane, which has one side in contact with an extract solution of Vicia angustifolia. However, an addition of a V. hirsuta extract to the medium strongly inhibited the salivary sheath formation. A specific probing deterrent was isolated from a V. hirsuta extract by monitoring the inhibitory effect, and identified as (E)-2-methyl-2-butene-1,4-diol 4-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside. A mixture of the glycoside and the stimulatory V. angustifolia fraction in the same equivalency found in plants significantly decreased the probing activity in M. crassicauda. Since the stylet insertion process is a crucial step for the aphid's settlement on a plant, the glycoside seems to act as an effective chemical barrier for V. hirsuta.

Direct quantitative determination of cyanamide by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Cyanamide is a multifunctional agrochemical used, for example, as a pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer. Recent research has revealed that cyanamide is a natural product biosynthesized in a leguminous plant, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). In the present study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) equipped with a capillary column for amines was used for direct quantitative determination of cyanamide. Quantitative signals for ((14)N(2))cyanamide, ((15)N(2))cyanamide (internal standard for stable isotope dilution method), and m-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (internal standard for correcting errors in GC-MS analysis) were recorded as peak areas on mass chromatograms at m/z 42 (A(42)), 44 (A(44)), and 171 (A(IS)), respectively. Total cyanamide content, ((14)N(2))cyanamide plus ((15)N(2))cyanamide, was determined as a function of (A(42)+A(44))/A(IS). Contents of ((14)N(2))cyanamide and ((15)N(2))cyanamide were then calculated by multiplying the total cyanamide content by A(42)/(A(42)+A(44)) and A(44)/(A(42)+A(44)), respectively. The limit of detection for the total cyanamide content by the GC-MS analysis was around 1ng. The molar ratio of ((14)N(2))cyanamide to ((15)N(2))cyanamide in the injected sample was equal to the observed A(42)/A(44) value in the range from 0.1 to 5. It was, therefore, possible to use the stable isotope dilution method to quantify the natural cyanamide content in samples; i.e., the natural cyanamide content was derived by subtracting the A(42)/A(44) ratio of the internal standard from the A(42)/A(44) ratio of sample spiked with internal standard, and then multiplying the resulting difference by the amount of added ((15)N(2))cyanamide (SID-GC-MS method). This method successfully gave a reasonable value for the natural cyanamide content in hairy vetch, concurring with the value obtained by a conventional method in which cyanamide was derivatized to a photometrically active compound 4-cyanimido-1,2-naphthoquinone and analyzed with reversed-phase HPLC (CNQ-HPLC method). The determination range of cyanamide in the SID-GC-MS method was almost the same as that in the CNQ-HPLC method; however, the SID-GC-MS method was much simpler than the CNQ-HPLC method.

Simple and rapid method for the differentiation of Lens culinaris Medik. from false lentil species

The practice of using both common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and single-flower vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.) seeds as food or feed is encouraged by the very high resemblance of their seeds with those of small-seeded lentil cultivars. Among the Vicieae, antinutritional and toxic factors are particularly important, because many species, containing high levels of these compounds, are not safe. A simple and fast capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was proposed for the differentiation of lentil cultivars from false lentil species (i.e., single-flour vetch and common vetch). Proteins were extracted from defatted milled seeds with an alcoholic/saline solution. Extracts were separated in an uncoated fused-silica capillary with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) isolectric buffer containing 0.05% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and 20% acetonitrile. The presented method is useful also for the detection of contamination of whole or split seeds of lentil by vetch species. With respect to alternative techniques, such as DNA-based markers or thin-layer chromatography (TLC), CE has the advantages of being less expensive, faster, and fully automated.

Detection and quantitation of a bioactive compound inVicia narbonensis L. seeds by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry: A comparative study with UV detection

Capillary zone electrophoresis with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) and UV detection (CE-UV) was applied to the quantitative determination of gamma-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine (GEC), a bioactive and unstable compound present in Vicia narbonensis L. seeds. This compound is responsible for, among other negative effects, palatability reduction and grain toxicity. In order to carry out the quantitative analysis of GEC, different conditions (such as composition, concentration and pH of the background electrolyte, and type and time of extraction) were studied. Also, adequate conditions for electrospray-mass spectrometry of this bioactive compound were investigated. The best extraction conditions of GEC from V. narbonensis L. seeds flour were obtained using ethanol-water (70:30 v/v) for 45 min. The use of a 20 m ammonium hydrogen carbonate at pH 7 provided adequate analytical conditions compatible with the unstable nature of GEC as well as with the requirements of CE-UV and CE-MS analysis. A comparative study was carried out between the different figures of merit of CE-UV and CE-MS for quantitative purposes. Both techniques provided similar limit of detection and can be applied with confidence within the same linear dynamic range. However, reproducibility and speed of analysis were better using CE-UV. The developed methods were readily applied to quantify GEC in seeds of 21 genotypes of V. narbonensis L. A good agreement between CE-MS and CE-UV results was observed corroborating the usefulness of both approaches for quantitative purposes.

Specific differentiation in Vicia genus by means of capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis has been applied to the discrimination of 13 Vicia species, belonging to four sections of Vicia genus. The studied species necessitate of plant growing tests or DNA molecular markers to be distinguished being their seeds morphologically very similar. Alcoholic/saline extracts from dry cotyledons were separated in uncoated fused-silica capillary with iminodiacetic acid isolectric buffer containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and acetonitrile. The low intra-specific variation observed for 11 species, suggests that this approach is suitable to carry out species discrimination. Species-specific peaks were identified for V. articulata, V. atropurpurea, V. bithynica, V. benghalensis, V. disperma, V. ervilia, V. monantha, V. sativa and V. villosa. Conversely, V. lutea, V. melanops and V. peregrina, showing very similar electrophoregrams, require other methodological approaches to be discriminated. The discussed CE method appears to have a potential to be regarded as an alternative tool to identify some Vicia species being far less expensive and time consuming than plant growing tests and DNA molecular markers.

[Investigation of the hepatoprotector action of natural flavonoids]

The prophylactic hepatoprotective properties of a series of natural flavonoids (hesperidin from citrus peel, diosmine from Vicia tanuifolia Roth., and diosmine analog from Vicia trunctula) were studied in a group of white male rats with a model of acute CCl4 hepatitis. The effect was evaluated by the ability of tested substances to normalize the biochemical characteristics of the functional state of the liver, in comparison to the reference drug carsil. The most pronounced hepatoprotective action was observed for diosmine analog administered in a dose of 100 mg/kg, which was superior in some respects to the reference hepatoprotector (in equivalent doses). This is probably related to the higher bioaccessibility of diosmine analog ensured by a carbohydrate moiety of this compound, in combination with the C2-C3 double bond present in diosmetin (diosmin aglycon).

Monoclonal antibodies against the Tn-specific isolectin B4 from Vicia villosa seeds: characterization of the epitope of the blocking antibody VV34

Vicia villosa isolectin B4 (VVLB4) recognizes the Tn antigen (GalNAc-O-Ser/Thr) exposed in certain human carcinomas. We have produced anti-VVLB4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), and their lectin recognition selectivity was assessed by ELISA and Western blot against the purified Gal/GalNAc-specific lectins from Vicia villosa, Salvia sclarea, Helix pomatia, Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max, and Dolichos biflorus. The antibodies were also tested for their ability to block the binding of VVLB4 to the Tn antigen expressed on immobilized asialo ovine submaxillary mucin. Two MAbs, VV34 and VV2, specifically recognized VVLB4 and impaired the binding of the lectin to the Tn antigen by 98% and 21%, respectively. On the other hand, MAbs VV1 and VV22 cross-reacted with other purified lectins. The four antibodies recognized native and periodate-oxidized nonreduced as well as reduced VVLB4 after SDS-PAGE and Western blot, suggesting that they were recognizing continuous polypeptide epitopes. The VV34 antibody recognized two tryptic peptides (7-29 and 96-106) from VVLB4, which are contiguous in the three-dimensional structure of the lectin. The minimum structural determinant of the epitope was mapped to the polypeptide stretch (18)LILQED(23) using a set of overlapping synthetic peptides. This region of the molecule encompasses the C-terminal part of the loop joining strands beta1 and beta2 and the N-terminal part of beta2, and is located about 20-25 A away from the center of the Tn-combining site.

Polyvalency of Tn (GalNAcα1→Ser/Thr) glycotope as a critical factor forVicia villosaB4and glycoprotein interactions

Vicia villosa B(4) (VVL-B(4)) is an important lectin for detecting exposed Tn (GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr) determinants on cancer cells. In order to elucidate the binding factors involved in VVL-B(4) and glycotope interaction, the binding properties of this lectin were analyzed by enzyme-linked lectinosorbent and inhibition assays. From the results, it is concluded that the most critical factor affecting VVL-B(4) binding is polyvalency at the alpha anomer of Gal with -NH CH(3)CO at carbon-2 (Tn epitope), which enhances the reactivity by 3.3x10(5) times over monovalent Gal. The reactivities of glycotopes can be ranked as follows: high density Tn cluster >>Tn glycopeptides (MW<3.0x10(3) >> monomeric Tn to tri- Tn glycopeptides >>> other GalNAcalpha/beta-related structural units>Gal and Galalpha- or beta-linked ligands, demonstrating the essential role of the polyvalency of Tn glycotopes in the enhancement of the binding.

[Structure of the photosynthetic apparatus of the bean Vicia faba L. when treated with 6-benzylaminopurine]

The level of endogenous cytokinins changed with growth and development of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves. Typical of juvenile leaves, amounting to 25% of the final leaf size (Smax) was a low content of these plant hormones. The level of cytokinins increased in growing leaves (50% of Smax) and decreased in the leaves that stopped growing. The content of cytokinins in senescent leaves dropped considerably. Exogenous treatment with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) had no effect on the structure of terminal phloem; however, it stimulated elongation of mesophyll cells; increases in the area and thickness of leaf blade, amount of photosynthetic pigments, and assimilation potential; and delayed senescence of leaves and defoliation, thereby increasing biomass of the aboveground plant part. It was inferred that BAP had a potential for induction of photosynthetic apparatus development and increase in the yield of faba bean green mass.

Allelopathy in the natural and agricultural ecosystems and isolation of potent allelochemicals from Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa)

We have studied on allelopathy of plants and developed methods to identify the effective substances in root exudates, leaf leacheate, and volatile chemicals emitted from plants. We found traditional cover plants that show allelopathic activity are useful for weed control. It could eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals for this purpose. Allelopathy is a natural power of plants to protect themselves by producing natural organic chemicals. Some endemic plants in Asia, already known by farmers in the region, as either cover crops used in intercropping, hedgerow, or agroforestry, were found to possess strong allelopathic abilities. Our group identified several allelochemicals from these plants. These allelopathic cover crops, mostly leguminous plants, provide protein rich food, and grow easily without artificial fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. In this regards, these allelopathic cover crops could save food shortage in rural area, and are useful for environmental conservation. Screenings of allelopathic plants by specific bioassays and field tests have been conducted. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) and Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) are two promising species for the practical application of allelopathy. An amino acid, L-DOPA, unusual in plants, plays an important role as allelochemical in Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens). Hairy vetch is the most promising cover plant for the weed control in orchard, vegetable and rice production and even for landscape amendment in abandoned field in Japan. We have isolated "cyanamide", a well known nitrogen fertilizer, from Hairy vetch. This is the first finding of naturally produced cyanamide in the world.

First isolation of natural cyanamide as a possible allelochemical from hairy vetch Vicia villosa

Cyanamide was isolated from the leaves and stems of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), guided by plant growth inhibitory activity against lettuce (Lectuca sativa) seedlings. A large proportion of the inhibitory activity in the crude extract was explained by the presence of cyanamide, suggesting it to be a possible allelochemical in this species. The amount in a 9-day-old seedling, which had been grown without nutrients, reached approx. 40 times that of a nongerminated seed, demonstrating cyanamide biosynthesis in the seedlings. This is the first report on the isolation of a possible allelochemical from hairy vetch and also of the finding of cyanamide as a natural product.

Effect of winter cover crops on soil nitrogen availability, corn yield, and nitrate leaching

Biculture of nonlegumes and legumes could serve as cover crops for increasing main crop yield, while reducing NO3 leaching. This study, conducted from 1994 to 1999, determined the effect of monocultured cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), and bicultured rye/vetch and ryegrass/vetch on N availability in soil, corn (Zea mays L.) yield, and NO3-N leaching in a silt loam soil. The field had been in corn and cover crop rotation since 1987. In addition to the cover crop treatments, there were four N fertilizer rates (0, 67, 134, and 201 kg N ha(-1), referred to as N0, N1, N2, and N3, respectively) applied to corn. The experiment was a randomized split-block design with three replications for each treatment. Lysimeters were installed in 1987 at 0.75 m below the soil surface for leachate collection for the N 0, N 2, and N 3 treatments. The result showed that vetch monoculture had the most influence on soil N availability and corn yield, followed by the bicultures. Rye or ryegrass monoculture had either no effect or an adverse effect on corn yield and soil N availability. Leachate NO3-N concentration was highest where vetch cover crop was planted regardless of N rates, which suggests that N mineralization of vetch N continued well into the fall and winter. Leachate NO3-N concentration increased with increasing N fertilizer rates and exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard of 10 mg N l(-1) even at recommended N rate for corn in this region (coastal Pacific Northwest). In comparisons of the average NO3-N concentration during the period of high N leaching, monocultured rye and ryegrass or bicultured rye/vetch and ryegrass/vetch very effectively decreased N leaching in 1998 with dry fall weather. The amount of N available for leaching (determined based on the presidedress nitrate test, the amount of N fertilizer applied, and N uptake) correlated well with average NO3-N during the high N leaching period for vetch cover crop treatment and for the control without the cover crops. The correlation, however, failed for other cover crops largely because of variable effectiveness of the cover crops in reducing NO3 leaching during the 5 years of this study. Further research is needed to determine if relay cover crops planted into standing summer crops is a more appropriate approach than fall seeding in this region to gain sufficient growth of the cover crop by fall. Testing with other main crops that have earlier harvest dates than corn is also needed to further validate the effectiveness of the bicultures to increase soil N availability while protecting the water quality.