Insights into the phytochemical composition of selected genotypes of organic kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)

Seven genotypes of kale (B. oleracea L. var. acephala), selected from a collection set up in the framework of the BRESOV H2020 Project, aimed at breeding under organic conditions, were analysed for the content in the characteristic phytochemicals of Brassica spp. The presence of prebiotic oligosaccharides was an important characteristic of this crop, with values ranging from 4.2 to 10.8 g/100 g d.w. The other detected soluble sugars were sucrose, glucose, and fructose, with glucose predominating (3.9–9.0 g/100 g d.w.). Sulphur compounds, such as sulphoxides, were detected in the form of pyruvic acid, their catabolic product (36–154 mg/100 g d.w.). In addition, the levels of main breakdown products of glucosinolates, such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, were found to be in average contents of 6.7 and 3.9 μmol/g d.w., respectively. Finally, the presence of major phytochemicals in kale, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, reported considerable concentrations (around 1400 mg/100 g d.w. and 19 mg/100 g d.w, respectively), typical for this Brassica crop

Vision, challenges and opportunities for a Plant Cell Atlas

With growing populations and pressing environmental problems, future economies will be increasingly plant-based. Now is the time to reimagine plant science as a critical component of fundamental science, agriculture, environmental stewardship, energy, technology and healthcare. This effort requires a conceptual and technological framework to identify and map all cell types, and to comprehensively annotate the localization and organization of molecules at cellular and tissue levels. This framework, called the Plant Cell Atlas (PCA), will be critical for understanding and engineering plant development, physiology and environmental responses. A workshop was convened to discuss the purpose and utility of such an initiative, resulting in a roadmap that acknowledges the current knowledge gaps and technical challenges, and underscores how the PCA initiative can help to overcome them.</jats:p

Dissecting the genetic regulation of texture traits in tomato fruit

The aim of the work presented in this thesis was to assess the genetic variation present within the wild tomato species Solanum pennellii that can be adapted to improve the texture of the domesticated tomato species. Using a population of S. pennellii introgression lines, 23 significant QTL supporting intervals were identified. Nine of the QTL were significant in two growing seasons. Three QTL were identified for pericarp firmness. Lines containing the firmness QTL F-Sp 2.1 were used to create BC1 populations. Sensory analyses were used to correlate the instrumental texture measurements to those perceived during mastication. Repeated texture measurements were conducted on lines representing similar chromosomal regions from another wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites introgression line population. To better understand the genetic basis of one of the firmness QTL identified, the Syngenta tomato Affymetrix GeneChip was used to quantify the differential expression of S. pennellii genes within the QTL-introgression line through development in comparison to the recurrent parent S. lycopersicum L. cv M82. The microarray analyses were extended to the ripening mutants Cnr, nor and rin. Differential gene expression between the ripening mutants and the wild type Ailsa Craig were compared through development. Candidate genes for the firmness QTL and fruit development were nominated.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Great Britain) (BBSRC)Syngenta Seeds Ltd. (SSL)GBUnited Kingdo

Dissecting the genetic regulation of texture traits in tomato fruit

The aim of the work presented in this thesis was to assess the genetic variation present within the wild tomato species Solanum pennellii that can be adapted to improve the texture of the domesticated tomato species. Using a population of S. pennellii introgression lines, 23 significant QTL supporting intervals were identified. Nine of the QTL were significant in two growing seasons. Three QTL were identified for pericarp firmness. Lines containing the firmness QTL F-Sp 2.1 were used to create BC1 populations. Sensory analyses were used to correlate the instrumental texture measurements to those perceived during mastication. Repeated texture measurements were conducted on lines representing similar chromosomal regions from another wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites introgression line population. To better understand the genetic basis of one of the firmness QTL identified, the Syngenta tomato Affymetrix GeneChip was used to quantify the differential expression of S. pennellii genes within the QTL-introgression line through development in comparison to the recurrent parent S. lycopersicum L. cv M82. The microarray analyses were extended to the ripening mutants Cnr, nor and rin. Differential gene expression between the ripening mutants and the wild type Ailsa Craig were compared through development. Candidate genes for the firmness QTL and fruit development were nominated

Brassicas

Fruits and vegetables are one of the richest sources of ascorbic acid, other antioxidants and produce-specific bioactive compounds. A general consensus from health experts has confirmed that an increased dietary intake of specific bioactive compounds found in some fresh produce types may protect against oxidative damage and reduce the incidence of certain cancers and chronic diseases. This book collectively discusses and reviews empirical data on health-promoting properties of major fresh produce types. It provides detailed information on identity, nature, bioavailablity, chemopreventative effects and postharvest stability of specific chemical classes with known bioactive properties. In addition, chapters discuss the various methodologies for extraction, isolation, characterisation and quantification of bioactive compounds and the in vitro and in vivo anticancer assays. This book is an essential resource for researchers and students in food science, nutrition and fruit and vegetable production

Mapping and analysis of genetic loci controlling quality traits in broccoli - a new broccoli linkage map and mapped quality trait QTLs

Aims of the project 1. Identify and map additional QTL linked to a range of quality traits a. Shelf life (turgor); QTL for yellowing already identified b. Nutrient content (different components) c. Stability of nutrients during storage d. Head morphology 2. Analyse nutrients and potential flavour attributes a. Global metabalome analysis b. Key nutrients (antioxidants, glucosinolates, flavanoids, vitamins) 3. Fine scale mapping of QTL, potential gene identification a. Backcross selected lines for fine scale mapping b. Microarray analysis c. Candidate gene nominatio

Mapping and analysis of genetic loci controlling quality traits in broccoli

The consumption of Brassica vegetables in the UK has increased over the past 10 years. In particular, the demand for fresh broccoli has increased in line with increased public awareness of the nutritional profile and health benefits associated with this crop. Broccoli has an unpredictable shelf life attributed primarily to genetic and environmental variation. Differing supply-chain components exacerbate the situation. Most leafy vegetables are supplied on a three-day delivery cycle; broccoli requires a 2-day delivery cycle. Improving broccoli shelf life by 1 day would benefit the supply chain considerably. The rapid post-harvest senescence of broccoli heads is characterised by visible phenotypic changes such as head yellowing, browning and reduced turgor. However, these changes in organoleptic quality are preceded by a decline in the nutritional status of the heads. Since post-harvest yellowing is not visible until the later stages of head senescence, consumers may be eating broccoli of inferior nutritional status. At WHRI we have developed a unique ‘broccoli x broccoli’ doubled haploid mapping population derived from the F1 of the cross between a poor performing line (yellow in 2 days) with a line that stayed green for more than 4 days at 16°C. The fixed mapping population captures the complete range of diversity in days to yellowing and has been scored for quality traits in field trails at WHRI over 4 growing seasons. Data for shelf life traits including bud yellowing are being used to identify putative QTL positions on our framework linkage map. We are extending this work to investigate the nutritional status of the broccoli head at harvest and how the metabolite profile changes through storage. This project will deliver valuable breeding resources that will benefit the supply chain and ultimately the consumer