Essential oils from two varieties of Ocimum basilicum L. Grown in Israel

The yield, quality and composition of essential oils from sweet basil plants grown in Israel have been investigated. It has been found that at the same phenological stage the content of essential oil in the plant increases towards the autumn. The oil content increases as the plant develops and reaches its maximum in the full bloom stage. The presence of two chemotypes (A and B) of Ocimum basilicum L. plants was established. The variation in composition of the oil during the period of bloom was investigated for both chemotypes. Up to 25 % of the total of basil oil of type A and 50 % of type B oil were extracted from distillation water by the poroplast column technique. This secondary oil, of pleasant odour, contains mainly the most polar compounds, such as eugenol, linalool and cineol.     

COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF FOUR RED RASPBERRY CULTIVARS GROWN IN MAINE

The compositional characteristics (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, moisture, pectin, reducing sugars, nonreducing sugars and total sugars) of four raspberry cultivars (‘Boyne’, ‘Festival’, ‘Killarney’ and ‘Prestige’) grown in Maine were evaluated during three consecutive years. Significant differences were found among these cultivars. In different growing seasons there were also significant effects on these characteristics in the same cultivar.     

Chemotaxonomical analysis of the essential oil aroma compounds of four different<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Ocimum</Emphasis> species from southern India

The essential oil aroma compounds of four different Ocimum species ( O. americanum, O. basilicum, O. gratissimum and O. sanctum) from southern India were analysed by solid phase microextraction (SPME)/gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detection (FID), SPME/GC/mass spectrometry (MS) and olfactoric evaluations. The essential oil of the whole plant of O. americanum is rich in ( E)-methyl cinnamate (72.05%), ( Z)-methyl cinnamate (9.11%), camphor (5.95%) and ß-selinene (3.43%); the essential leaf oil of O. basilicum contains ( E)-methyl cinnamate (34.49%), linalool (28.44%), camphor (13.08%), ( Z)-methyl cinnamate (6.90%) and geraniol (3.84%), whereas the essential leaf oil of O. gratissimum comprises eugenol (63.36%), ( Z)-ß-ocimene (9.11%), germacrene D (8.84%) and ß-caryophyllene (3.89%). Finally, the essential leaf oil of O. sanctum shows methyl eugenol (56.18%), ß-caryophyllene (16.60%) and germacrene D (5.10%) as main constituents. Therefore, the following chemotypes can be attributed to the analysed Ocimum samples: O. americanum, methyl cinnamate-type; O. basilicum, methyl cinnamate/linalool-type; O. gratissimum, eugenol-type; and O. sanctum, methyl eugenol-type. The character impact compounds of the essential oils of the four investigated Ocimum samples, as well as a discussion of their possible use in food products, is also given.     

Seasonal changes in olive fruit characteristics and oil accumulation during ripening process

Olive fruits of three of the most important Spanish and Italian cultivars, ‘Picual’, ‘Hojiblanca’ and ‘Frantoio’, were harvested at bi‐weekly periods during three crop seasons to study their development and ripening process. Fresh and dry weights and ripening index were determined for fruit, while dry matter, oil and moisture contents were determined in both fruit and pulp (flesh). Fruit growth rate and oil accumulation were calculated. Each olive cultivar showed a different ripening pattern, ‘Hojiblanca’ being the last one to maturate. Fruit weight increased, decreasing its growth rate from the middle of November. Dry matter and moisture contents decreased during ripening in pulp and fruit, ‘Hojiblanca’ showing the highest values for both. Oil content, when expressed on a fresh weight basis, increased in all cultivars, although for the last time period showed variations due to climatic conditions. During ripening, oil content on a dry weight basis increased in fruit, but oil biosynthesis in flesh ceased from November. Olive fruits presented lower oil and higher dry matter contents in the year of lowest rainfall. Therefore fruit harvesting should be carried out from the middle of November in order to obtain the highest oil yield and avoid natural fruit drop. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microwave–hot air drying applied to selected cassava cultivars: drying kinetics and sensory acceptance

The effects of three cassava cultivars produced in Brazil were assessed (IAC Espeto, IAC 14 and IAC Caapora) in order to obtain chips by precooking and hot air–microwave drying (70 °C, 95 W). The difference in the composition of cultivars has not influenced the drying of cassava slices. The drying kinetics presented a constant drying rate period followed by a decreasing drying rate with effective diffusion coefficient of 2.8–3.0 × 10^?10 m²s^?1. The hedonic means of all attributes ranged from ‘neither like nor dislike’ to ‘like moderately’. Therefore, the choice of the more suitable cultivar can be based on plant productivity and product yield. The IAC 14 cultivar resulted in the highest root production per plant, product mass per roots and chips yield.     

Assessment of agronomic, chemical and genetic variability in common basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

In the present work, agro-morphological characteristics, essential oil composition and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were studied to estimate the relationships among 12 basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes, belonging to nine known cultivars grown in Italy. The basil cultivars were distinguished on the basis of agro-morphological determinations and constituents of essential oil. Chemical compounds of essential oils were found variable in the various basil cultivars. As a consequence, the plants were classified into main phenotypes and chemotypes. RAPD markers were used in order to assess the genetic relatedness among the basil cultivars. On the basis of their genetic similarities, RAPD analysis allowed to group the samples into two main clusters. One of these included cultivars suitable for food industry, which were also correlated via agro-morphological features. However, the same cultivars produced distinct essential oil profiles, which did not match with results obtained by agronomic and genetic analysis. This fact, maybe, is due to a different genic expression of the key enzymes involved in biosynthetic pathways that produce chemical compounds.     

Cultivar choice provides options for local production of organic and conventionally produced tomatoes with higher quality and antioxidant content

BACKGROUND: Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are widely consumed and well known for their health benefits, many of which have been associated with the high levels of antioxidants present in tomatoes. With a growing interest in local and organic foods, it would be helpful to determine whether farmers could naturally improve the quality and antioxidant content of tomatoes for sale in local markets. This study evaluated antioxidant properties, quality attributes, and yield for 10 tomato cultivars grown for 2 years using certified organic and conventional practices. RESULTS: Cultivar and year effects impacted (P < 0.05) all tests conducted, while growing method influenced (P < 0.05) yield, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant radical scavenging capacity. Even when accounting for year‐to‐year variability, cultivars in the highest groups had 1.35‐ to 1.67‐fold higher antioxidant levels than cultivars in the lowest groups. ‘New Girl’, ‘Jet Star’, ‘Fantastic’, and ‘First Lady’ were always in the highest groups, while ‘Roma’ and ‘Early Girl’ consistently had the lowest antioxidant content. CONCLUSION: Compared to production practices and environmental effects of years that are generally beyond the control of small‐scale producers, choice of cultivar provides the simplest and most effective means of increasing antioxidant properties. Knowledge of tomato cultivars with naturally higher antioxidant levels could assist smaller‐scale producers to grow fruit that may provide a competitive advantage and the opportunity to capitalize on the increasing popularity of locally grown, high‐quality fresh produce. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Screening of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars for Biomass Yielding Capacities in Lithuania

In Lithuania, yielding potential of the industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars Beniko, Bialobrzeskie, Epsilon 68, Fedora 17, Felina 32, Futura 75, Santhica 27, USO 31, and Wojko was investigated at the Upyt? Experimental Station of LRCAF in 2010–2012. The results show that plants of industrial hemp cultivars tested could be successfully grown in Lithuania, despite the fact that all those cultivars were developed in the countries more southerly than Lithuania. The data of green above-ground biomass yield, its moisture content and absolutely dry mass yield are discussed. Plant density and its reduction during the growing seasons were also evaluated.     

Effects of drying methods on qualitative and quantitative properties of essential oil of two basil landraces

Sweet basil, a plant that is extensively cultivated in some countries, is used to enhance the flavour of salads, sauces, pasta and confectioneries as both a fresh and dried herb. To determine the effect of drying methods on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the plant and essential oil of basil, two landraces, Purple and Green, were dried in sunlight, shade, mechanical ovens at 40 °C and 60 °C, a microwave oven at 500 W and by freeze-drying. For comparison, the essential oils of all samples were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC and GC–MS. The highest essential oil yields (v/w on dry weight basis) were obtained from shade-dried tissue in both landraces followed by the freeze-dried sample of the purple landrace and the fresh sample of green landrace. Increasing the drying temperature significantly decreased the essential oil content of all samples. Significant changes in the chemical profile of the essential oils from each of the landrace were associated with the drying method, including the loss of most monoterpene hydrocarbons, as compared with fresh samples. No significant differences occurred among several constituents in the extracted essential oils, including methyl chavicol (estragole), the major compound in the oil of both landraces, whether the plants were dried in the shade or sun, oven at 40 °C or freeze-dried, as compared with a fresh sample. The percentage methyl chavicol in the oil, however, decreased significantly when the plant material was dried in the oven at 60 °C or microwaved. In addition, linalool, the second major compound in the purple landrace, and geranial and neral, major compounds in the green landrace, decreased significantly when the plant tissue was dried in the oven at 60 °C or microwaved.     

Accumulation of Calcium in Bean Cultivars Differing in Seed Size

Accumulation of Ca, Mg and K, the principal cations in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) seed, was studied under field and greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’, a cranberry bean and ‘Norstar’, a navy bean, were grown to maturity under greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’ had a seed weight of 605 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 1·2 g kg^-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·032. The corresponding three parameters in ‘Norstar’ were a seed weight of 161 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 2·2 g kg^-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·064. The difference in seed Ca concentration was not due to increased absorption of Ca by ‘Norstar’, but rather was due to a larger proportion of Ca in plant tops being diverted to the seed component. The larger seed Ca concentration in ‘Norstar’ was compensated to some extent by a smaller seed K concentration. In contrast to Ca, cultivar had relatively little effect on harvest indices for Mg, K, N and P. The average seed Ca concentration in six navy bean cultivars grown under field conditions was 90% more than that of three kidney and three cranberry bean cultivars. © 1997 SCI.     

Physico-Chemical Properties of Immature Pods of Japanese Soybean Cultivars

Twelve Japanese cultivars and JS335, the most popular soybean cultivar in India, were grown in the field. Days to arrival of R6 stage (when pods are still green, immature, and tight with fully developed immature green seeds) of these cultivars were recorded. Pods picked at this stage were evaluated for pod yield per plant, pod characteristics (width, presence of hairs) fresh green seed weight and percent moisture content. Fresh green seeds were analyzed for compositional traits viz. protein content, trypsin inhibitor lipoxygenase isozymes, oil content, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (essential fatty acids). Japanese cultivars showed higher fresh green seed weight and pod yield than JS335. On a fresh weight basis, Japanese cultivars exhibited lower protein content but higher oil content than JS335. Most of the Japanese cultivars showed lower trypsin inhibitor content and a varying level of lipoxygenase-I, as well as lipoxygenase-II + III when compared to JS335. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids content in JS335 was higher than some of the Japanese cultivars. The number of pods per plant showed a positive correlation (r = 0.863, p < 0.001) with pod yield per plant. Some of the Japanese cultivars offer great potential for consumption at the green pod stage or as a source for desirable traits.     

Antioxidant activity of essential oil of oregano species from Argentina in relation to their chemical composition

The purpose of this work was to determine chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil of different oregano species from Argentina: ‘Cordobes’, ‘Criollo’, ‘Mendocino’ and ‘Compacto’. The essential oil composition was determined by gas–liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Scavenging activity was analysed by DPPH test. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils was determined by an accelerated oxidation test in canola oil. Thirty‐nine compounds were identified in the oregano essential oils. The oregano species showed differences in their chemical composition, radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity. The main compounds in the studied oregano species were thymol and trans‐sabinene hydrate followed by γ‐terpinene, terpinen‐4‐ol and α‐terpinene. The oregano, ‘Criollo’, was rich in γ‐terpinene and had lower thymol and trans‐sabinene hydrate and higher α‐terpinene and carvacrol contents than the other oregano species. ‘Mendocino’ had higher trans‐sabinene hydrate and limonene than the other oregano species. ‘Cordobes’ and ‘Compacto’ had higher thymol content, radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity in canola oil.     

ASSESSING LYCOPENE CONTENT IN CALIFORNIA PROCESSING TOMATOES

Tomatoes constitute the main source of lycopene in the U.S. diet. Growing interest in the potential health‐protective role of lycopene is bringing attention to the content of lycopene in tomatoes. A wide range of lycopene content (55–181 mg/kg) was observed in juice prepared from selected cultivars of tomatoes grown in nine California counties. A comparison of cultivars H 8892, H 9665 and Halley 3155 grown in Colusa, Fresno, San Joaquin and Yolo counties during three seasons concludes that mean lycopene concentrations were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in 2000 (106 mg/kg) than in 1999 (101 mg/kg) and 2001 (88 mg/kg). An evaluation of nine processing tomato cultivars harvested in one season on four separate dates indicated that lycopene concentration of tomatoes decreases with maturation on the plant. Lycopene concentration of tomatoes is dependent on the growing season, location, cultivar and maturity.     

Phenolic compounds and fatty acid composition of organic and conventional grown pecan kernels

BACKGROUND: In this study, differences in contents of phenolic compounds and fatty acids in pecan kernels of organically versus conventionally grown pecan cultivars (Cheyenne, Desirable, and Wichita) were evaluated. RESULTS: Although nine phenolic compounds (gallic acid, catechol, catechin, epicatechin, m‐coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid and an ellagic acid derivative) were identified in the methanol extract (80% methanol) of defatted kernels, only three compounds (gallic acid, catechin and ellagic acid) existed in sufficient amounts to accurately quantify levels in different cultivars and to study differences in organic versus conventional cultivation. Levels of ellagic acid and catechin found in organically grown ‘Desirable’ were fourfold and twofold higher than in conventional samples, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in these two compounds were also observed when comparing values between cultivars. Oil content was also significantly greater only in organically grown ‘Desirable’. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid present and its content was significantly higher in organically versus conventionally grown ‘Desirable’ pecans, while there was no difference in levels of oleic acid in ‘Wichita’ and ‘Cheyenne’. On the other hand, linoleic acid content was significantly less in organically versus conventionally grown ‘Desirable’ pecans. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results showed that the effects of cultural differences (i.e. organic versus conventional cultivation) on kernel composition largely depend on the type of pecan cultivar. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Yield and quality of essential oil from Pelargonium graveolens cultivated in israel

Pelargonium graveolens was cultivated to evaluate the potential for geranium oil production in Israel. During the summer (April-November) the essential oil content in fresh plants increased from 0.2-0.4%. In this period a Pelargonium crop can be harvested three times. A total yield of 185 litres ha^?1 of geranium oil can be expected, including the essential oil dispersed and remaining in the distillation water. This so-called ‘secondary’ oil can amount to 25% of the total oil yield. The odour evaluation and composition data show that oil from P. graveolens grown experimentally in Israel is of good quality and belongs to the African type of geranium oil.     

Isoflavone content of soybean cultivars grown in eastern Canada

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr) seeds contain isoflavones that have positive impacts on human health. The objective of this study was to determine isoflavone concentrations of early maturing soybean cultivars grown in different environments and to determine their relation to other important seed characteristics. Twenty soybean cultivars were grown in replicated trials at two sites in Montreal, Canada in 2002/2003 and their total and individual isoflavone concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Seed yield, 100‐seed weight and oil, crude protein and crude fiber concentrations were concurrently determined. Total and individual isoflavone concentrations were significantly affected by cultivar, site and year. Total isoflavone concentration ranged from 360 to 2241 µg g^?1 and averaged 851 µg g^?1 across environments and cultivars. Variation across environments ranged from 20 to 100% for specific cultivars. Total isoflavone concentration was, on average, 40% greater in 2003 than 2002, which was characterized by above average temperatures and severe drought. Despite significant cultivar × year × site interactions, cultivars with consistently high and low isoflavone concentrations across environments were identified. Weak but significant positive correlations were observed between total isoflavone concentration and seed yield, 100‐seed weight and crude fiber, indicating that isoflavone concentration is positively associated with other desirable seed characteristics. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

新疆啤酒花重要品种和一个新品种的成分分析及品质评价

对新疆啤酒花中最重要的 3个品种 (青岛大花、麒麟丰绿、余乐比特 )及一个新培育的品种阜北 -1进行了化学成分及储存性能研究 ,同时与国外引种的 3个优良品种 (马可波罗、努革特及札一 )进行比较。结果表明 :新疆的青岛大花、麒麟丰绿是 α-酸含量中低的苦型花 ,合草酮都占总α-酸的 4 0 %以上 ,酿造品质一般 ;余乐比特和新品种阜北 -1是香型花 ,合草酮分别占总 α-酸的 2 2 .70 %和 3 0 .73 % ,酿造品质较佳 ,酒花油有香型花特点 ;引种的马可波罗和努革特是高α-酸的苦型花 ,札一是香型花 ,它们都保持了原花的优良性能 ;上述 7种啤酒花储存 1 0 0 d后 ,α-酸损失在 8%～ 1 4% ,故不宜久放 ,应尽快加工。     

Micronutrient contents in organic and conventional tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Organic food is associated by the general public with improved nutritional properties, and this has led to increasing demand for organic vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there were any differences in the micronutrient contents in organic and conventional tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Two tomato cultivars ‘Lladó’ and ‘Antillas’ grown organically and conventionally were compared regarding their micronutrient in terms of K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, lycopene, ß‐carotene, ascorbic, malic and citric acids, and total phenolic compound content. Cultivar ‘Lladó’ had the highest concentration of the nutrient lycopene, ß‐carotene, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Where cultivation method affected the concentration of ascorbic acid and Mn, only one cultivar was affected. For all nutrients examined, cultivar differences were greater than differences because of cultivation method. This study confirms that the most important variable in the micronutrient content of tomatoes is cultivar; organically grown tomato is no more nutritious than conventionally grown tomato when soil fertility is well managed.     

Changes of the composition in acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit in relation to cultivar,growing region and maturity

BACKGROUND: Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) has been known as a fruit rich in vitamin C. However, changes in composition of constituents in relation to cultivar, growing region and maturity have not been studied. We investigated the composition for five types of acerola fruits: three different cultivars (‘BOK’, ‘Flor Branca’ and ‘NRA309’) growing in Brazil, and one cultivar each in Vietnam (‘Vietnam’) and in Japan (‘Okinawa’). We also investigated the influence of fruit maturity on the compositional profiles. RESULTS: ‘BOK’ showed the highest vitamin C and malic acid contents whereas ‘Vietnam’ had the lowest vitamin C content. On the other hand, ‘NRA 309’ showed the highest level of total polyphenols. In the study of compositional changes during maturation, it was found that at immature stages proanthocyanidin was the major flavonoid, with high vitamin C content, but the levels of these constituents decreased as ripening progressed. At mature stages, anthocyanins appeared to be the major polyphenol in the ripe acerola fruit. CONCLUSION: This study showed that composition of acerola fruit differed significantly according to cultivar, growing region and maturity. The information provided in this study may help consumers to make an appropriate selection of functional food. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of collection time on chemical composition of the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum growing wild in Turkey

The essential oils of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum were subjected to detailed GC-MS analysis in order to determine possible similarities and differences in their chemical compositions, depending on growth years (2001 and 2002). In both oils, methyl chavicol (40.29 and 21.69%), limonene (17.66 and 22.24%), fenchone (16.90 and 12.98%), α-pinene (1.86 and 34%) and α-phellandrene (2.30 and 2.74%) were the main components, respectively. A total of 32 components were identified accounting for 85.01 and 67.14% of the oils of F. vulgare, respectively. The main characteristic of the oils is the high content of the limonene, fenchone and estragol. Our findings indicated that the oil of Turkish bitter fennel belonged to methyl chavicol rich type.