Brassicaceae

Glucosinolates (GLS) are secondary plant metabolites occurring in cruciferous vegetables. Their biologically active breakdown products show cancer preventive properties in animal and cell studies. So far, epidemiologic studies, using consumption of cruciferous vegetables as proxy for GLS intake, yielded inconsistent results. Here, we evaluated the association between dietary intake of GLS in comparison with consumption data of GLS-containing foods and the risk of prostate cancer. The study population comprised 11,405 male participants of the prospective EPIC-Heidelberg cohort study. During a mean follow-up time of 9.4 years, 328 incident cases of prostate cancer occurred. At recruitment, habitual food consumption was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire, and intake of individual GLS was estimated by means of a newly compiled database on food content of GLS. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for prostate cancer were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. Median daily intake of total GLS was 7.9 mg/day (interquartile range 5.1-11.9 mg/day). The risk of prostate cancer decreased significantly over quartiles of total GLS intake (multivariate HR [4th vs. 1st quartile] 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97, p trend 0.03). Associations with GLS-containing food intake were weaker. Among GLS subgroups, aliphatic GLS showed the strongest inverse association with cancer risk. Analyses stratified by tumor stage and grade gave hint to inverse associations for localized and low-grade cancers. This study shows an inverse association between dietary intake of GLS and the risk of prostate cancer. Because this is the first prospective study using individual GLS intake data, confirmation in other studies is warranted.

Glucosinolate content of leaves and roots, diversity in leaf pubescence, and resistance to two near-isogenic lines of the flea beetle Phyllotreta nemorum with or without an R-gene, were determined for 27 accessions of 7 Barbarea taxa, i.e. B. stricta, B. orthoceras, B. intermedia, B. verna, B. vulgaris var. vulgaris, the G-type of B. vulgaris var. arcuata and the P-type of B. vulgaris var. arcuata. Four variable glucosinolate biosynthetic characters were deduced. For (formally) homophenylalanine-derived glucosinolates: (1) Presence or absence of 2-hydroxylation, and if present, R-or S-configuration of 2-hydroxylation; (2) presence or absence of p-hydroxylation; and for tryptophan-derived glucosinolates: (3) presence or absence of N-methoxyglucobrassicin; and (4) presence or absence of 1,4-dimethoxyglucobrassicin. Three phenotypes of leaf-pubescence were observed; (1) glabrous to glabrate leaves;

Understanding the evolutionary history of crops, including identifying wild relatives, helps to provide insight for conservation and crop breeding efforts. Cultivated Brassica oleracea has intrigued researchers for centuries due to its wide diversity in forms, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts. Yet, the evolutionary history of this species remains understudied. With such different vegetables produced from a single species, B. oleracea is a model organism for understanding the power of artificial selection. Persistent challenges in the study of B. oleracea include conflicting hypotheses regarding domestication and the identity of the closest living wild relative. Using newly generated RNA-seq data for a diversity panel of 224 accessions, which represents 14 different B. oleracea crop types and nine potential wild progenitor species, we integrate phylogenetic and population genetic techniques with ecological niche modeling, archaeologic...

Background and aims: The genus Matthiola W. T. Aiton comprises between 50 and 60 species native to the Mediterranean, Central Asia and South Africa. M. incana (L.) W. T. Aiton, indigenous to southern Europe, is naturalized in other regions of the world. In Argentina it is cultivated as ornamental. From floristic observations, a naturalized population was found, which self-perpetuates without human intervention, on the coasts of the Patagonia Argentina. The objective of this work is to report for the first time the naturalization of M. incana in Argentina. M&M: For the identification of the species, the classic methods of taxonomy were followed, specific bibliography was consulted and the collected material was contrasted with digital images of the lectotype. Seeds were collected from the naturalized population and the germinative power was evaluated through a germination test. The collected material that documents the present work was deposited in the ARC herbarium of the Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Results: Matthiola incana is described. The common names and data on distribution, habitat, ecology and uses are included. Photographs are presented to complement the description. The germination test showed that 95% of the seeds germinated after 24 hours at 25°C. Conclusions: The naturalization of Matthiola incana is reported for the first time in Argentina, the only species of the genus in the country until now.
Introducción y objetivos: El género Matthiola W. T. Aiton posee entre 50 y 60 especies originarias del Mediterráneo, Asia central y Sudáfrica. M. incana (L.) W. T. Aiton, nativa del sur de Europa, se encuentra naturalizada en otras regiones del mundo. En Argentina es cultivada como ornamental. A partir de observaciones florísticas se halló una población naturalizada, que se autoperpetúa sin intervención del hombre, en las costas de la Patagonia Argentina. El objetivo de este trabajo es reportar por primera vez la naturalización de M. incana en Argentina. M&M: Para la identificación de la especie se siguieron los métodos clásicos de taxonomía, se consultó bibliografía específica y se contrastó el material recolectado con imágenes digitales del lectotipo. Se recolectaron semillas de la población naturalizada y se evaluó el poder germinativo a través de un ensayo de germinación. El material recolectado que documenta el presente trabajo fue depositado en el herbario ARC de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Resultados: Se describe a Matthiola incana. Se incluyen nombres vulgares y datos sobre distribución, hábitat, ecología y usos. Se presenta una serie de fotografías de campo y bajo microscopio estereoscópico para complementar la descripción. El ensayo de germinación demostró que el 95% de las semillas germina a las 24 hs a 25 °C. Conclusiones: Se reporta por primera vez para Argentina la naturalización de Matthiola incana, única especie del género en el país hasta el momento.

The contamination from heavy metals has risen during the last decade due to increase in
Industrialization. This has led to a significant increase in health problems. Many of the known remediation
techniques to remove heavy metal from soil are expensive, time consuming and environmentally destructive.
Phytoremediation is an emerging technology for removal of heavy metals which is cost effective, and has
aesthetic advantages and long term applicability. The present study aims at efficiently utilizing Brassica juncea L.
to remove lead (Pb). The result of our study indicate that amount of lead in Indian mustard is increased with the
amount of EDTA applied to the soil and maximum accumulation was achieved with 5mmol/kg of EDTA. On
further increase in EDTA resulted in leaf necrosis and early shedding of leaves. Therefore EDTA at a
concentration of 5mmol/kg was considered optimum for lead accumulation by Brassica juncea L.

Phytoremediation technology is using plants to clean up contaminated sites is a promising loom to restore the environment and ecosystem. Pollution of the environment with toxic organic and heavy metal pollutants is one of major problem facing developed and developing nations today. Heavy metals restrain biodegradation of chlorinated organics by interacting with enzymes directly concerned in biodegradation or those involved in common metabolism. Prophecy of heavy metal toxicity effects on organic pollutant biodegradation in co-contaminated soil is tricky since heavy metals may be present in a variety of chemical and physical forms. Even if much remains to be studied, phytoremediation will clearly play some role in the stabilization and remediation of many contaminated sites. The main factor driving the execution of phytoremediation projects are low costs with considerable improvements in site aesthetics and the potential for ecosystem restoration. In this review, the potential and various aspects of few Brassicaceae (Mustard family) members in phytoremediation have been discussed due to their well known natural tolerant against various environmental stresses including heavy metals. . His current research is focuses on phytoremedial potentials of Brassica. To date, he has published several scientific articles in reputed journals related to pharmaceutical microbiology, stress biology and fate of heavy metals on plants.

In this review, we provide an overview of the role of glucosinolates and other phytochemical compounds present in the Brassicaceae in relation to plant protection and human health. Current knowledge of the factors that influence phytochemical content and profile in the Brassicaceae is also summarized and multi-factorial approaches are briefly discussed. Variation in agronomic conditions (plant species, cultivar, developmental stage, plant organ, plant competition, fertilization, pH), season, climatic factors, water availability, light (intensity, quality, duration) and CO(2) are known to significantly affect content and profile of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals such as the glucosinolates and leaf surface waxes play an important role in interactions with pests and pathogens. Factors that affect production of phytochemicals are important when designing plant protection strategies that exploit these compounds to minimize crop damage caused by plant pests and pathogens. Brassicaceous pl...

Dehydrins are intrinsically disordered (unstructured) proteins that are expressed in plants experiencing stressful conditions such as drought or low temperature. Dehydrins are typically found in the cytosol and nucleus, but also associate with chloroplasts, mitochondria, and the plasma membrane. Although their role is not completely understood, it has been suggested that they stabilize proteins or membrane structures during environmental stress, the latter association mediated by formation of amphipathic α-helices by conserved regions called the K-segments. Thellungiella salsuginea is a crucifer that thrives in the Canadian sub-Arctic (Yukon Territory) where it grows on saline-rich soils and experiences periods of both extreme cold and drought. We have cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli two dehydrins from this plant, denoted TsDHN-1 (acidic) and TsDHN-2 (basic). Here, we show using transmission-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy that ordered secondary structure is ...

Glucosinolates present classical examples of plant compounds affecting insect-plant interactions. They are found mainly in the family Brassicaceae, which includes several important crops. More than 120 different glucosinolates are known. The enzyme myrosinase, which is stored in specialized plant cells, converts glucosinolates to the toxic isothiocyanates. Insect herbivores may reduce the toxicity of glucosinolates and their products by excretion, detoxification, or behavioral adaptations. Glucosinolates also affect higher trophic levels, via reduced host or prey quality or because specialist herbivores may sequester glucosinolates for their own defense. There is substantial quantitative and qualitative variation between plant genotypes, tissues, and ontogenetic stages, which poses specific challenges to insect herbivores. Even though glucosinolates are constitutive defenses, their levels are influenced by abiotic and biotic factors including insect damage. Plant breeders may use knowledge on glucosinolates to increase insect resistance in Brassica crops. State-of-the-art techniques, such as mutant analysis and metabolomics, are necessary to identify the exact role of glucosinolates. 57 Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2009.54:57-83. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences on 01/18/11. For personal use only.

REZUMAT: Genul Hesperis L. în Flora Austriei cuprinde trei specii, H. matronalis ssp. matronalis, H. matronalis ssp. nivea (syn. H. m. ssp. candida), H. sylvestris și H. tristis. Subspecia nivea ce se regăsește de la Munții Carpați până în Pirinei, prezintă un status special în Austria, fiind potențial amenințată, fiind întâlnită numai în câteva locații. Studiul realizat pentru prima oară, prezintă cercetări originale SEM privind micromorfologia semințelor și polenului. Imaginile obținute cu ajutorul microscopului electronic Zeiss Ultra 55 SE relevă caracteristici foarte importante din punct de vedere taxonomic în ceea ce privește micromorfologia testei semințelor dar și ormanentațiile polenului, ce pot fi utilizate cu succes la diferențierea interspecifică. Articolul prezintă și o cheie de determinare a speciilor genului bazată pe caracteristicilor micromorfologice originale.

The results of a taxonomic study of theCardamine pratensis group from the Carpathians and Pannonia are presented. Five species are shown to occur in the area studied, namelyCardamine pratensis L.,C. matthioli Moretti,C. majovskii Marhold etZáborský,C. dentata Schult. andC. rivularis Schur. Full synonymy, descriptions, chromosome numbers, taxonomic history, distribution data and ecological notes are provided.

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt is a popular herb in Bangladesh. In the present studies, the plant has been assessed to evaluate its in vitro thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing properties. Initially, the plant was collected, processed and extracted with methanol and the concentrated crude methanol extract was fractionated into petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble materials. All extractives, including the parent extract were subjected to thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing bioassays. In case of thrombolytic study, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction exhibited highest clot lysis. Here, streptokinase and distilled water were used as positive and negative control, respectively. However, in the assay for membrane stabilizing activity, the crude methanol extract along with other extractives were capable to inhibit hemolysis of erythrocyte membrane in hypotonic solution-and heat-induced conditions, which indicated anti-inflammatory property of the samples. Acetyl salicylic acid was used as standard drug in this assay. This represents the first report of thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities of B. rapa subsp. chinensis.

Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. has been proposed as a dead-end trap crop for diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), because its larvae do not survive on this plant species despite being highly preferred for oviposition. We compared plants of several species, varieties, and types in the genus Barbarea (Brassicaceae) to study their potential as trap crops for P. xylostella. In terms of insect behavior, Barbarea plants were assessed based on the criteria of high oviposition preference by P. xylostella moths (compared to other Barbarea plants and to three Brassica oleracea L. crop varieties) and low survival of P. xylostella larvae. Barbarea plants were also assessed based on the criteria of high content of glucosinolates, which stimulate adult oviposition and larval feeding in P. xylostella, and high content of saponins, which are detrimental to survival of P. xylostella larvae. All Barbarea plants tested were preferred over cabbage by ovipositing P. xylostella. Among Barbarea plants, few significant differences in oviposition preference by P. xylostella were found. Ovipositing P. xylostella preferred B. vulgaris plants containing mainly 2-phenylethylglucosinolate over B. vulgaris plants containing mainly (S)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylglucosinolate, and P-type B. vulgaris var. arcuata plants over Barbarea rupicola and B. vulgaris var. variegata plants. Despite containing a lower content of saponins than other Barbarea plants tested, Barbarea verna did not allow survival of P. xylostella larvae. Our studies show that, except for B. rupicola and P-type B. vulgaris var. arcuata, which allowed survival of P. xylostella larvae, all Barbarea plants tested have potential as dead-end trap crops for P. xylostella.

Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem with high recurrence. This review covers thirteen (13) antiurolithiatic plants of family Boraginaceae, twenty (20) from Brassicaceae, twenty three (23) from Malvaceae and twenty four (24) from Poaceae used globally in different countries. Hopefully, this review will not only be useful for the general public but also attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.

Vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates, and their hydrolysis products, which may have antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the present study, phenolic composition, antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity of selected Brassica vegetables, including York cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and white cabbage were evaluated after extraction with aqueous methanol. Results obtained showed that York cabbage extract had the highest total phenolic content, which was 33.5, followed by 23.6, 20.4 and 18.4 mg GAE/g of dried weight (dw) of the extracts for broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, respectively. All the vegetable extracts had high flavonoid contents in the order of 21.7, 17.5, 15.4 and 8.75 mg QE/g of extract (dw) for York cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that different vegetables contain a mixture of distinct groups of phenolic compounds. All the extracts studied showed a rapid and concentration dependent antioxidant capacity in diverse antioxidant systems. The antibacterial activity was determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. York cabbage extract exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes (100%) and Salmonella abony (94.3%), being the most susceptible at a concentration of 2.8%, whereas broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage had moderate to weak activity against all the test organisms. Good correlation (r 2 0.97) was found between total phenolic content obtained by spectrophotometric analysis and the sum of the individual polyphenols monitored by HPLC-DAD.

In this review, we provide an overview of the role of glucosinolates and other phytochemical compounds present in the Brassicaceae in relation to plant protection and human health. Current knowledge of the factors that influence phytochemical content and profile in the Brassicaceae is also summarized and multi-factorial approaches are briefly discussed. Variation in agronomic conditions (plant species, cultivar, developmental stage, plant organ, plant competition, fertilization, pH), season, climatic factors, water availability, light (intensity, quality, duration) and CO(2) are known to significantly affect content and profile of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals such as the glucosinolates and leaf surface waxes play an important role in interactions with pests and pathogens. Factors that affect production of phytochemicals are important when designing plant protection strategies that exploit these compounds to minimize crop damage caused by plant pests and pathogens. Brassicaceous pl...

Phytoalexins play a signi®cant role in the defense response of plants. These secondary metabolites, which are synthesized de novo in response to diverse forms of stress, including fungal infection, are part of the plants' chemical and biochemical defense mechanisms. Phytoalexins from crucifers are structurally and biogenetically related, but display signi®cantly dierent biological activities. Here, we review work reporting the chemical structures, synthesis, biosynthesis and metabolism of cruciferous phytoalexins, as well as their biological activity towards dierent microorganisms. #

The Brassicaceae, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica crops, is unmatched among plants in its wealth of genomic and functional molecular data and has long served as a model for understanding gene, genome, and trait evolution. However, genome information from a phylogenetic outgroup that is essential for inferring directionality of evolutionary change has been lacking. We therefore sequenced the genome of the spider flower (Tarenaya hassleriana) from the Brassicaceae sister family, the Cleomaceae. By comparative analysis of the two lineages, we show that genome evolution following ancient polyploidy and gene duplication events affect reproductively important traits. We found an ancient genome triplication in Tarenaya (Th-a) that is independent of the Brassicaceae-specific duplication (At-a) and nested Brassica (Br-a) triplication. To showcase the potential of sister lineage genome analysis, we investigated the state of floral developmental genes and show Brassica retains twice as many floral MADS (for MINICHROMOSOME MAINTENANCE1, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS and SERUM RESPONSE FACTOR) genes as Tarenaya that likely contribute to morphological diversity in Brassica. We also performed synteny analysis of gene families that confer self-incompatibility in Brassicaceae and found that the critical SERINE RECEPTOR KINASE receptor gene is derived from a lineage-specific tandem duplication. The T. hassleriana genome will facilitate future research toward elucidating the evolutionary history of Brassicaceae genomes.

A produção de couves em geral tem sido severamente impactada pela doença conhecida como hérnia das crucíferas. Este problema se agrava pelas dificuldades encontradas pelos produtores para conseguir manter a produção de brássicas em áreas já contaminadas pelo patógeno, haja vista as dificuldades no controle da doença. Como se trata de patógeno com capacidade de sobrevivência por longos períodos no solo, medidas de caráter preventivo são fundamentais. Em áreas onde o patógeno já está presente, práticas de manejo do solo e das lavouras devem ser adotadas para se reduzir a multiplicação e a dispersão do patógeno e reduzir as perdas causadas pela doença. Maior sucesso pode ser obtido com a adoção coordenada de diferentes práticas de manejo pelo produtor individualmente e pelo conjunto de produtores de uma mesma localidade ou região. As medidas devem se voltar não apenas ao controle da doença, mas também à melhoria da conservação e das condições da fertilidade do solo, bem como do desenvolvimento das plantas.

The crop species within the genus Brassica have highly replicated genomes. Three base 'diploid' species, Brassica oleracea , B. nigra and B. rapa , are likely ancient polyploids, and three derived allopolyploid species, B. carinata , B. juncea and B. napus , are created from the interspecific hybridization of these base genomes. The base Brassica genome is thought to have hexaploid ancestry, and both recent and ancient polyploidization events have been proposed to generate a large number of genome rearrangements and novel genetic variation for important traits. Here, we revisit and refine these hypotheses. We have examined the B. oleracea linkage map using the Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequence as a template and suggest that there is strong evidence for genome replication and rearrangement within the base Brassicas, but less evidence for genome triplication. We show that novel phenotypic variation within the base Brassicas can be achieved by replication of a single gene, BrFLC , that acts additively to influence flowering time. Within the derived allopolyploids, intergenomic heterozygosity is associated with higher seed yields. Some studies have reported that de novo genomic variation occurs within derived polyploid genomes, whereas other studies have not detected these changes. We discuss reasons for these different findings. Large trans-locations and tetrasomic inheritance can explain some but not all genomic changes within the polyploids. Transpositions and other small-scale sequence changes probably also have contributed to genomic novelty. Our results have shown that the Brassica genomes are remarkably plastic, and that polyploidy generates novel genetic variation through gene duplication, intergenomic heterozygosity and perhaps epigenetic change.

Adaptation to environment is the cornerstone of ecological genetics. The subject of this study is a wild relative of the sequenced and annotated model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana. Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae lives on serpentine soils, known for high concentrations of heavy metals and low concentrations of essential plant macronutrients, and provides a compelling example of an organism's adaptation to environment. We constructed an F 2 linkage map, using a cross to the nonserpentine sister taxon, C. amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis. C. amplexicaulis is a member of a highly diverse set of taxa (within the tribe Thelypodieae), described here as the 'Streptanthoid Complex' that are adapted to a broad range of environments, yet share a common n = 14 chromosome number and likely arose by a recent radiation. The linkage map consists of 97 polymorphic microsatellite markers, and 40 exon-primed intron-crossing markers based on A. thaliana exon sequences and Brassica ESTs. The map covers 14 linkage groups and has a total length of 1513 cM. Both the patterns of marker segregation and the comparative map indicate that C. amplexicaulis is a diploid organism with a compact genome. All exon-primed intron-crossing markers, and an unexpectedly large number of microsatellite markers (83%), had significant similarity to the A. thaliana genome, facilitating the development of a comparative genome map. As a proof of principle, we used the comparative map to identify candidate genes underlying differences in sepal colour between the two parent taxa. We demonstrate that the genomic tools developed here will be portable throughout the Streptanthoid Complex.

Canola straw as an agricultural residue has been investigated for MDF production. The variables were steaming time (2, 5 and 8 min), the resin content (9% and 11%), and press time (4 and 6 min). Common physical and mechanical properties of experimental boards including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB) and thickness swelling (TS) were measured. Fiber properties of canola straw including length, diameter and cell wall thickness were determined. The results showed that all the tested mechanical properties improved with the increase of steaming time level. The results were close to the minimum requirements of MDF specified in the ANSI A208.2 standard. Dimensional stability of the MDFs improved as adhesive content increased. The IB values are positively affected by the increase of press time. MDF properties made from canola straw possess acceptable qualities as compared to those made from other non-wood plants. Furthermore, the fiber dimensions of canola straw were also in the range of reported values in hardwoods.

We have used an ∼8.7-Mb BAC contig of Arabidopsis thaliana Chromosome 4 to trace homeologous chromosome regions in 21 species of the family Brassicaceae. Homeologs of this segment could be identified in all tested species. Painting of pachytene chromosomes of Calepina, Conringia, and Sisymbrium species (2n = 14, 16), traditionally placed in tribe Brassiceae, showed one homeologous copy of the Arabidopsis contig, while the remaining taxa of the tribe (2n = 14-30) revealed three, and three Brassica species (2n = 34, 36, and 38) and Erucastrum gallicum (2n = 30) had six copies corresponding to the 8.7-Mb segment. The multiple homeologous copies corresponded structurally to the Arabidopsis segment or were rearranged by inversions and translocations within the diploidized genomes. These chromosome rearrangements accompanied by chromosome fusions/fissions led to the present-day chromosome number variation within the Brassiceae. Phylogenetic relationships based on the chloroplast 5Ј-trnL (UAA)-trnF(GAA) region and estimated divergence times based on sequence data of the chalcone synthase gene are congruent with comparative painting data and place Calepina, Conringia, and Sisymbrium outside the clade of Brassiceae species with triplicated genomes. Most likely, species containing three or six copy pairs descended from a common hexaploid ancestor with basic genomes similar to that of Arabidopsis. The presumed hexaploidization event occurred after the Arabidopsis-Brassiceae split, between 7.9 and 14.6 Mya. 4 Corresponding author. E-mail [email protected]; fax 44 (0)20 8332 5310. Article and publication are at

In this work the natural extract of Brassica campestris was investigated as corrosion inhibitor of Cor-Ten steel in different environments. Cor-Ten is a " weathering steel " , used in modern and contemporary art and also for infrastructures and buildings for its good mechanical properties and good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, due to the formation of a protective and uniform oxides layer on the surface. However, in the presence of chlorides (marine environment) or acidic rain water (polluted urban environment), Cor-Ten suffers high corrosion rates and the protective patina degenerates into severe corrosion products. Brassica campestris is a widespread, easily available and commonly cultivated plant, to the best of our knowledge never tested for such application so far.

The large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae (L.),
is an important pest of Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.)
Czern., and inflicts heavy damage to all the above ground
plant parts with strong yield reducing impacts. Farmers
have few practical options other than to spray insecticides
to protect their crop. In this study, an attempt was made
during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 crop seasons at Ludhiana,
India, to evaluate Ethiopian mustard, Brassica carinata
A. Braun as a trap crop to manage this pest as an
alternate pest management strategy. B. carinata borders
surrounding B. juncea were compared to chemically protected
B. juncea and control (without B. carinata borders)
plots for their effects on P. brassicae infestation and grain
yield. Oviposition preference of adult butterflies was
studied in a two-choice test in field cages, while the effect
of two host plants on larval performance was studied under
laboratory conditions under no choice conditions. B. juncea
plots bordered with B. carinata harbored significantly
lower larval population compared to control B. juncea plots
during both the seasons. The grain yield in the bordered
plots was also significantly higher than that from control
plots and was statistically non-significant from that
obtained in chemically protected plots. Female butterflies
showed distinct oviposition preference for B. carinata over
B. juncea and the larvae reared on B. carinata completed
development in shorter period and grew bigger and heavier
than those reared on B. juncea. Results indicated that B.
carinata has potential to be used as trap crop to manage
P. brassicae.

ABSTRACTBacterial blight, caused by the phytopathogenPseudomonas cannabinapv.alisalensis, is an emerging disease afflicting important members of theBrassicaceaefamily. The disease is often misdiagnosed as pepper spot, a much less severe disease caused by the related pathogenPseudomonas syringaepv.maculicola. We have developed a phage-based diagnostic that can both identify and detect the causative agent of bacterial blight and differentiate the two pathogens. A recombinant “light”-tagged reporter phage was generated by integrating bacterialluxABgenes encoding luciferase into the genome ofP. cannabinapv.alisalensisphage PBSPCA1. The PBSPCA1::luxABreporter phage is viable and stable and retains properties similar to those of the wild-type phage. PBSPCA1::luxABrapidly and sensitively detectsP. cannabinapv.alisalensisby conferring a bioluminescent signal response to cultured cells. Detection is dependent on cell viability. Other bacterial pathogens ofBrassicaspecies such asP. syringaepv...

The idea of evolution as a principle for the origin of biodiversity fits all phenomena of life, including the carriers of nuclear inheritance, the chromosomes. Insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that contribute to the shape, size, composition, number and redundancy of chromosomes elucidate the high plasticity of nuclear genomes at the chromosomal level, and the potential for genome modification in the course of breeding processes. Aspects of chromosome fusion, as exemplified by karyotype evolution of relatives of Arabidopsis, have recently received special attention.

Chemoprevention of cancer via herbal and dietary supplements is a logical approach to combating cancer and currently it is an attractive area of research investigation. Over the years, isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane (SFN) found in cruciferous vegetables, have been advocated as chemopreventive agents, and their efficacy has been demonstrated in cell lines and animal models. In vivo studies with SFN suggest that in addition to protecting normal healthy cells from environmental carcinogens, it also exhibits cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects against various cancer cell types. Among several mechanisms for the chemopreventive activity of SFN against chemical carcinogenesis, its effect on drug-metabolizing enzymes that cause activation/neutralization of carcinogenic metabolites is well established. Recent studies suggest that SFN exerts its selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells via reactive oxygen speciesmediated generation of lipid peroxidation products, particularly 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Against the background of the known biochemical effects of SFN on normal and cancer cells, in this article we review the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the overall chemopreventive effects of SFN, focusing on the role of HNE in these mechanisms, which may also contribute to its selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells.

ContentsSummary 759I. Hyperaccumulation: the phenomenon 759II. Macroevolution of hyperaccumulation 760III. Microevolution of hyperaccumulation: variation within hyperaccumulator species 760IV. Genetic analysis of trace metal accumulation and tolerance 761V. Mechanisms of trace metal accumulation 762VI. General discussion and research perspectives 769Acknowledgements 772References 772Summary 759I. Hyperaccumulation: the phenomenon 759II. Macroevolution of hyperaccumulation 760III. Microevolution of hyperaccumulation: variation within hyperaccumulator species 760IV. Genetic analysis of trace metal accumulation and tolerance 761V. Mechanisms of trace metal accumulation 762VI. General discussion and research perspectives 769Acknowledgements 772References 772Summary 759Hyperaccumulation: the phenomenon 759Macroevolution of hyperaccumulation 760Microevolution of hyperaccumulation: variation within hyperaccumulator species 760Genetic analysis of trace metal accumulation and tolerance 761Mechanisms of trace metal accumulation 762General discussion and research perspectives 769Acknowledgements 772References 772SummaryMetal hyperaccumulator plants accumulate and detoxify extraordinarily high concentrations of metal ions in their shoots. Metal hyperaccumulation is a fascinating phenomenon, which has interested scientists for over a century. Hyperaccumulators constitute an exceptional biological material for understanding mechanisms regulating plant metal homeostasis as well as plant adaptation to extreme metallic environments. Our understanding of metal hyperaccumulation physiology has recently increased as a result of the development of molecular tools. This review presents key aspects of our current understanding of plant metal – in particular cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) – hyperaccumulation.Metal hyperaccumulator plants accumulate and detoxify extraordinarily high concentrations of metal ions in their shoots. Metal hyperaccumulation is a fascinating phenomenon, which has interested scientists for over a century. Hyperaccumulators constitute an exceptional biological material for understanding mechanisms regulating plant metal homeostasis as well as plant adaptation to extreme metallic environments. Our understanding of metal hyperaccumulation physiology has recently increased as a result of the development of molecular tools. This review presents key aspects of our current understanding of plant metal – in particular cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) – hyperaccumulation.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The aerial parts of Sisymbrium officinale Scop. are commonly used to treat airway ailments, moreover in antiquity the herbal drug was reputed to possess anticancer properties. The results obtained in present work support the traditional use and the properties ascribed to Sisymbrium officinale. Aim of the study: In order to give a scientific basis to the traditional uses of Sisymbrium officinale, this study was aimed to evaluate in vitro the myorelaxant activity, the antimicrobial properties and the antimutagenic effect of an aqueous dry extract of the aerial parts of the plant. A phytochemical characterization of the extract was also performed. Materials and methods: The myorelaxant activity was studied against the contractions induced by carbachol, histamine and leukotriene C 4 , in isolated guinea-pig trachea. The antimicrobial activity was tested against six bacteria and one yeast. The Ames test, performed by the preincubation method, was used to study the antimutagenic activity of the extract by its capability to inhibit the mutagenic effect of 2-nitrofluorene, sodium azide, methyl methanesulfonate and 2-aminoanthracene, in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA strains. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed by TLC and HPLC. Results: Sisymbrium officinale showed to reduce the chemically-induced contractions of isolated guineapig trachea with major potency against leukotriene C 4 and histamine. The extract did not show any antibacterial activity. The Ames test showed a strong antimutagenic activity against 2-aminoanthracene, in Escherichia coli WP2uvrA and in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strains. The phytochemical study highlighted the presence of putranjivine, the glucosinolate marker of Sisymbrium officinale, and of proline. Conclusions: The myorelaxant activity of Sisymbrium officinale offers a scientific basis to its use in traditional medicine. The strong antimutagenic effect suggests further studies to evaluate its possible chemopreventive activity.

The epidemiological evidence suggests a strong inverse relationship between dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables and the incidence of cancer. Among other constituents of cruciferous vegetables, isothiocyanates (ITC) are the main bioactive chemicals present. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is present as gluconasturtiin in many cruciferous vegetables with remarkable anti-cancer effects. PEITC is known to not only prevent the initiation phase of carcinogenesis process but also to inhibit the progression of tumorigenesis. PEITC targets multiple proteins to suppress various cancer-promoting mechanisms such as cell proliferation, progression and metastasis. Pre-clinical evidence suggests that combination of PEITC with conventional anti-cancer agents is also highly effective in improving overall efficacy. Based on accumulating evidence, PEITC appears to be a promising agent for cancer therapy and is already under clinical trials for leukemia and lung cancer. This is the first review w...

Controlling species invasions is a leading problem for applied ecology. While controlling populations expanding linearly or exponentially is straightforward, intervention in systems with complex dynamics can have complicated, and sometimes counterintuitive, consequences. Most invasive plant populations are stage-structured and density-dependenta recipe for complex dynamics-and yet few population models have been created to explore the effects of control efforts on such species. We examined the demography of the invasive biennial plant Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) on the front of its spread into a natural area and found evidence of strong density dependence in vital rates of first-year rosette and second-year adult stage classes. We parameterized a density-dependent, stage-structured projection model using field-collected data. This model produces two-point cycles with alternating years in which adults vs. rosettes are more prevalent. Such population dynamics match observations in natural populations, suggesting that these complicated population dynamics may result from deterministic rules. We used this model to evaluate simulated management strategies, including herbicide treatment of rosettes and clipping or pulling of adult plants. Management of A. petiolata by inducing mortality of either rosettes or adults will not be effective at reducing population density unless the induced mortality is very high (.95% for rosettes and .85% for adults) and repeated every year. Indeed, induced mortality of rosettes can be counterproductive, causing increases in the stationary distribution of A. petiolata density. This species is typical of many invasive plants (stage-structured, short-lived, high fertility) and exhibits common forms of density dependence. Thus, the management implications of our study should apply broadly to other species with similar life histories. We suggest that management should focus on managing adults rather than rosettes, and on creating efficient control in targeted areas of the population, rather than spreading less efficient efforts widely.

During the history of life on Earth, tectonic and climatic change repeatedly generated large territories that were virtually devoid of life and exhibited harsh environmental conditions. The ability of a few specialist pioneer plants to colonize such hostile environments was thus of paramount ecological importance for the continuous maintenance of primary production over time. Yet, we know very little about how extreme traits evolve and function in plants. Recent breakthroughs have given first insights into the molecular basis underlying the complex extreme model trait of metal hyperaccumulation and associated metal hypertolerance. This review gives an introduction into the hyperaccumulator research field and its history; provides an overview of hyperaccumulator germplasm; describes the state of the art of our understanding of the physiological, molecular, and genetic basis underlying metal hyperaccumulation and its evolution; and highlights future research needs and opportunities. 517 Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 2010.61:517-534. Downloaded from arjournals.annualreviews.org by WIB6020 -Ruhr-University Bochum Bibliothek Medizinschen on 05/18/10. For personal use only.

Weeds with allelopathic properties can influence vegetational patterns in agroecosystems. Wild mustard (Brassica kaber), has the potential to form and release biologically-toxic isothiocyanates into the soil. The effect of mustard management on the incidence of soil-borne pathogens on corn was investigated. Under field conditions a significant negative correlation was found between plant-parasitic nematode numbers and mustard biomass. The most abundant parasitic nematode genera were: Meloidogyne, Tylenchorhynchus, Helicotylenchus, and Pratylenchus. The incidence of root- pathogenic fungi (Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium aphanidermatum) in corn was low. No differences in soil fertility or moisture were found. Greenhouse experiments confirmed these results and showed no differences in corn-root biomass that could explain the differences in nematode populations. Secondary compounds exuded by mustard roots were hypothesized to explain the phenomenon. Neither Water and acetone extracts of mustard roots or carbofuran alone affected nematodes movement. However, after exposed to root extracts carbofuran had a highly toxic effect on nematodes of the same genera as mentioned above. Allyl, benzyl and phenylethyl isothiocyanates, either as volatiles or in solution, were also toxic to the same nematodes genera. Isothiocyanates volatiles were more toxic to nematodes than they were in sterile soil. Soil microorganisms seem to enhance the toxic effect on nematodes. Volatiles of isothiocyanates, singly and mixed, inhibited hyphal growth of three isolates of Pythium aphanidermatum in a dose-dependent response. Pythium isolates were obtained, one each, from corn and mustard roots growing together in greenhouse, and a third one from an area near Mexico City where the wild mustard is not common. Isothiocyanate mixtures had additive toxic effect on isolates from corn and mustard, and a synergistic toxic effect on the Mexican isolate. When fully inhibited by allyl isothiocyanate, a bacterial colony, identified as Pseudomonas, grew from all Pythium inocula. The nature of the infection of P. aphanidermatum by Pseudomonas was assessed. All results are discussed in the context of controlling soil-borne pathogens through the management of weeds with the ability to release allelochemicals into the soil.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential for the production of edible oil from organically grown camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz), focusing on the influence of environmental factors on nutritional quality parameters. Field experiments with precrop barley were conducted in Norway in the growing seasons 2007, 2008, and 2009. Trials were fully randomized with two levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization, 0 and 120 kg total N ha −1 , and two levels of sulfur (S) fertilization, 0 and 20 kg total S ha −1 . Weather conditions, that is, temperature and precipitation, were recorded. Additional experiments were performed in the years 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the effects of replacing precrop barley with precrop pea. Seed oil content was measured by near-infrared transmittance, and crude oil compositions of fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids were analyzed by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results showed significant seasonal variations in seed oil content and oil composition of fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phospholipids that to a great extent could be explained by the variations in weather conditions. Furthermore, significant effects of N fertilization were observed. Seed oil content decreased at the highest level of N fertilization, whereas the oil concentrations of α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), erucic acid (22:1n-9), tocopherols, and campesterol increased. Pea compared to barley as precrop also increased the 18:3n-3 content of oil. S fertilization had little impact on oil composition, but an increase in tocopherols and a decrease in brassicasterol were observed. In conclusion, organically grown camelina seems to be well suited for the production of edible oil. Variations in nutritional quality parameters were generally small, but significantly influenced by season and fertilization.

The family Brassicaceae is well known for its large variation in chromosome numbers, common occurrence of polyploids and many reports of interspecific gene flow. The present review summarizes studies from the past decades on polyploidization and hybridization events, recognizing them as important evolutionary forces in the family. Attention is drawn to the issue of the reconstruction of reticulated pattern of evolution resulting from allopolyploid and homoploid hybrid speciation. The research of various authors on several Brassicaceae genera is presented and discussed in the context of our current understanding of polyploid and hybrid evolution. Model species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica taxa, are referred to only marginally, major focus is on a comprehensive survey of studies on about a dozen best explored non-model genera (e.g. Cardamine, Draba, Rorippa, Thlaspi). The increasing amount of genetic and genomic resources available for Brassicaceae model species provides excellent opportunities for comparative genetic and genomic studies. Future research directions and challenges are thus outlined, in order to obtain more detailed insights into the evolution of polyploid and hybrid genomes.

Weberbauera arequipa Al-Shehbaz & Montesinos
(Brassicaceae), a new species from Peru, is
described and illustrated. It is distinguished from the
other species of Weberbauera Gilg & Muschler by
having ebracteate racemes, persistent sepals and petals,
4-seeded fruits, and a few simple trichomes restricted to
the petiolar bases. It is closely related to the Bolivian W.
retropila Al-Shehbaz, but differs by the lack of branched
trichomes and by having glabrous fruits, smaller
flowers, and persistent petals. The IUCN status of the
new species is determined as Data Deficient (DD).

Phylogenetic relationships, biogeography, and taxonomy of a group of taxa putatively related to the tetraploid Cardamine flexuosa were explored using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of nrDNA (ITS) and the trnL-trnF region of cpDNA. Taxon sampling focused on eastern Asia, North America, and Europe, and included 19 taxa represented by 177 and 182 accessions for each data set, respectively. Our analyses provided unequivocal evidence that Asian weedy populations traditionally assigned to C. flexuosa form an independent evolutionary lineage and represent a distinct taxon from European C. flexuosa. The allopolyploid origin of this common weed in paddy fields, its origin, and/or spread associated with the establishment of suitable man-made habitats are suggested. It is also found as an introduced weed in Australia and North America. Phylogenetic relationships and the associated taxonomic implications are presented and discussed for the group as a whole. Contrasting patterns of genetic variation (particularly in cpDNA) among different species were revealed. While very little haplotype diversity was found in widespread C. hirsuta and C. flexuosa, greater variation, showing phylogeographic structure, was observed in the tetraploid C. scutata within a relatively small area of Japan.

Lepidium meyenii) es un hipocotilo peruano que crece exclusivamente entre los 3700 y 4500 msnm en los andes peruanos. Tradicionalmente se le atribuyen propiedades nutricionales, energizantes, fertilizantes, entre otras. Con la finalidad de evaluar científicamente la capacidad nutricional de la Maca, realizamos un estudio controlado en dos generaciones de ratones Swiss (padres y crías). Los padres fueron aleatoriamente asignados a uno de tres esquemas alimenticios. El alimento de cada grupo fue preparado en base a polvo de un alimento balanceado comercial (ABC), al cual se le reemplazó un 30 % (peso/peso) por Maca Cruda o Cocida según el grupo correspondiente o ABC puro en el grupo control. Así los grupos fueron: 1) Grupo Maca Cruda; 2) Grupo Maca Cocida; y 3) Grupo ABC, grupo control. Los resultados mostraron curvas de crecimiento similares y adecuadas para los tres grupos. Ninguno de los grupos mostró signos de desnutrición ni sobrepeso. Sin embargo, el grupo Maca Cocida mostró mejores curvas de crecimiento incluso que el grupo ABC, mejor observable en la segunda generación de animales, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El grupo control, tuvo un crecimiento superior al grupo Maca Cruda. Los ratones del grupo Maca Cocida tuvieron valores de proteínas totales y albúmina séricas superiores al de los grupos Maca Cruda y grupo control. Este estudio demuestra en un modelo científico la capacidad nutricional de la Maca.

Two years study was carried out during 2006-07 and 2007-08 crop seasons to study the response of
different genotypes of oilseeds Brassica to Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) infestation both under
field and screen house conditions and to find out the relationship of various biochemical constituents
to aphid infestation. Among the various genotypes, the population of L. erysimi was significantly
high on Brassica rapa variety brown sarson cv. BSH 1 and B. rapa var. yellow sarson cv.
YST 151 in unprotected set i.e. 53.7 and 52.3 aphids/ plant, respectively. However, it was the lowest
on Eruca sativa cv. T 27 (4.7 aphids/plant) followed by B. carinata cv. DLSC 2 (20.9 aphids/
plant) which suffered the least yield loss i.e. 5.79 and 10.59 per cent, respectively. Almost similar
trend was observed in seedling mortality, which was the maximum in BSH 1 and YST 151, while
no seedling mortality was observed in the case of T 27 during both the years of study. Analysis of
various biochemical constituents revealed that glucosinolates, total phenols and ortho-dihydroxy
phenols had inverse relationship with the aphid infestation. Higher amount of these biochemical
constituents in T 27 and DLSC 2 was responsible for lower aphid infestation on these genotypes.