Andrea Brunori

Genomic characterization of Phenylalanine ammonia lyase gene in buckwheat

Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) gene which plays a key role in bio-synthesis of medicinally important compounds, Rutin/quercetin was sequence characterized for its efficient genomics application. These compounds possessing anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties and are predominantly produced by Fagopyrum spp. In the present study, PAL gene was sequenced from three Fagopyrum spp. (F. tataricum, F. esculentum and F. dibotrys) and showed the presence of three SNPs and four insertion/deletions at intra and inter specific level. Among them, the potential SNP (position 949th bp G>C) with Parsimony Informative Site was selected and successfully utilised to individuate the zygosity/allelic variation of 16 F. tataricum varieties. Insertion mutations were identified in coding region, which resulted the change of a stretch of 39 amino acids on the putative protein. Our Study revealed that autogamous species (F. tataricum) has lower frequency of observed SNPs as compared to allogamous species (F. dibotrys and F. esculentum). The identified SNPs in F. tataricum didn’t result to amino acid change, while in other two species it caused both conservative and non-conservative variations. Consistent pattern of SNPs across the species revealed their phylogenetic importance. We found two groups of F. tataricum and one of them was closely related with F. dibotrys. Sequence characterization information of PAL gene reported in present investigation can be utilized in genetic improvement of buckwheat in reference to its medicinal value.

Minor crops exploitation to promote sustainability and healthy food production

Quantity and quality food production is a key component of well-being in its most modern and complete meaning. In this view, it has a significant impact on all aspects of social, cultural, environmental and economic development. For the future, the great challenge of agri-food sector is to carry out production systems that simultaneously adapt agriculture to territory, ensuring food supply, and significantly affect the health of consumers. The aim of this work is to reflect on the use of some minor crops, eco-friendly and rich in bioactive compounds, for sustainable production of ingredients for healthy foods.

Rutin in buckwheat grain meal determined by UV photoacoustic spectroscopy and HPLC

Abstract A relatively novel approach for easy and quick determination of rutin in buckwheat grain is suggested. The rutin content of the grain in seven common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and six Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties was investigated by means of UV photoacoustic spectroscopy and HPLC as reference method. The lowest content was found in ‘Botan’ and ‘Bamby’ varieties, while the highest values were obtained in the variety ‘Emka’. Rutin content in grain of all Tartary buckwheat varieties was two orders of magnitude higher than in the other varieties. Rutin content in F. esculentum ranges between 9 and 36 mg/100 g dry weight as compared to 921 to 2 132 mg/100 g dry weight in F. tataricum. The UV photoacoustic spectroscopy data show rather good correlations of R2=0.977 and R2=0.980 with values obtained by HPLC data for all measured samples. Therefore, UV photoacoustic spectroscopy can be a cheap and quick method for determining rutin content in buckwheat grain.

Toward the Use of Buckwheat as an Ingredient for the Preparation of Functional Food

Abstract In modern western society, authorities and consumers are building increasing awareness about the relation between diet and health, and new food ingredients are under investigation for the production of novel healthy foodstuffs. In this scenario, buckwheat may represent a valid opportunity since its consumption may reduce the development of diet-related diseases because of the high biological value of its grain components. Additionally, it can be recommended for patients with celiac disease since it does not contain gluten. The use of buckwheat flour in the recipe of traditional food products has led to innovative foods showing beneficial effects on human health.