David R Eagling

Developmental changes of sinigrin and glucoraphanin in three Brassica species (Brassica nigra, Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Hydrolysis products of sinigrin (2-propenylglucosinolate) and glucoraphanin (4-methylsulphinylbutylglucosinolate) have been shown to protect against the development of cancers. However, there was limited information available on the variation of these two glucosinolates throughout the plant cycle. The objective of this study was to evaluate sinigrin and glucoraphanin levels within Brassica plants during development. Sinigrin concentration in B. juncea and B. nigra decreased from seedling to early flowering stage, increased in the late flowering stage and then decreased again during seed maturation. The lowest concentration of sinigrin occurred at the early flowering stage except in one genotype of B. juncea (PI 179858). Sinigrin concentration also increased in maturing seeds while the concentration in pods decreased. The concentration of glucoraphanin in B. oleracea var. italica decreased from the start of seed germination to the flowering stages. The lowest concentration was also found at the flowering stage. A higher concentration of glucoraphanin was detected in the green broccoli heads and flower heads than in other reproductive tissues. However, the highest content of glucoraphanin occurred at the green head stage and then declined as flowering was initiated. These results have shown that green and brown seeds of mustards contained the highest concentration of sinigrin while the highest concentration of glucoraphanin occurred in young broccoli seedlings and seeds. This information should be useful for the development of those compounds as nutraceuticals.

Consumption of brown onions ( Allium cepa var. cavalier and var. destiny ) moderately modulates blood lipids, haematological and haemostatic variables in healthy pigs

Although garlic and onions have long been associated with putative cardiovascular health benefits, the effects of different commercially available onions and level of intake have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of raw onions using the pig as a biomedical model. Twenty-five female (Large White x Landrace) pigs were used in a (2 x 2)+1 factorial experiment. Pigs were fed a standard grower diet supplemented with 100 g tallow/kg with the addition of Allium cepa var. cavalier or var. destiny at 0, 10 or 25 g/MJ digestible energy for 6 weeks. Overall, the consumption of onions resulted in significant reductions in plasma triacylglycerol; however, the reductions were most pronounced in pigs fed destiny onions (-26 %, P=0.042). Total plasma cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratios were not significantly different. Onion supplementation, regardless of the variety, resulted in dose-dependent reductions in erythrocyte counts and Hb levels, while the white blood cell concentrations, particularly lymphocytes, were increased in pigs that consumed onions. Furthermore, indices of blood clotting were largely unaffected by onion consumption. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with raw brown onions has moderate lipid-modulating and immunostimulatory properties. However, daily onion intake >25 g/MJ digestible energy could be detrimental to erythrocyte numbers.

Soilborne diseases in the context of plant biosecurity

Biosecurity is a global issue that can impact on trade, market access and the profitability and sustainability of Australian plant industries. It is a relatively new term and in Australia has recently been defined as ‘the protection of the economy, environment and human health from the negative impacts associated with entry, establishment or spread of exotic pests (including weeds) and diseases’ (Beale et al. 2009). In addressing plant biosecurity issues, Australia needs to comply with its international obligations under World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements that recognise the need to avoid the introduction of diseases and pests through trade. This is undertaken through regulations that protect human and animal health (sanitary measures) and plant health (phytosanitary measures). The framework for phytosanitary measures dates back to the creation of the WTO in 1995, when the foundation Marrakesh agreement contained several trade agreements in its annexes including the agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. This agreement allowed countries to set their own food safety and animal and plant health standards. The agreement also required that such regulations be based on science. Members of the WTO can also adopt SPS measures, which result in higher levels of protection than current international standards provided they are again, scientifically justified. SPSmeasures can takemany forms, including the requirement for plants and plant products to come from disease-free areas and mandating a specific fumigation treatment for products. Australia was instrumental in negotiating the SPS agreement and ensuring it provided an objective basis to challenge unjustifiable barriers to its agricultural exports (Beale et al. 2009). Within these international frameworks Australia has developed a well regarded plant biosecurity system although several trading partners view Australia’s biosecurity system as protectionist (Beale et al. 2009). Australia’s biosecurity system is coordinated by the Commonwealth through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and essentially comprises the following:

Australian trade in agricultural food products – the challenge for plant pathologists

International trade of plant-based agricultural commodities is dependent in part on science-based evidence that demonstrates the absence of key pests and diseases. Australia’s current biosecurity system is well evolved and highly regarded throughout the world. However, the system faces new challenges posed to national trade by globalisation, developing global food trends, environmental change and evolving consumer expectations. In meeting these new challenges, it is suggested that plant pathologists will work towards building on traditional strengths in the protection of primary production against plant pathogens. These skills will see plant pathologists remain as strong contributors to science teams that will form to meet the new challenges and result in plant pathologists contributing towards a series of refinements that will continue to strengthen biosecurity and enhance trade.

Biosecurity: Safe-Guarding Quality at All Stages of the Grain Chain

Biosecurity is a relatively modern term with multiple meanings and definitions that vary according to various disciplines. This chapter provides a working definition and framework that responds to the current global emphasis on managing the whole biosecurity continuum—onshore, at the border and offshore—rather than focusing primarily on interventions at a country’s border. The chapter concludes with an exploration of implementation and resourcing approaches to biosecurity and an examination of the changing nature of biosecurity risk in grains with examples from both grain production and post-harvest storage