Ebru Kafkas

Morphological diversity and a germplasm survey of three wild Pistacia species in Turkey

The common wild Pistacia species in Turkey areP. terebinthus L.,P. atlantica Desf. andP. eurycarpa Yalt. A total of 65Pistacia genotypes from different parts of Turkey weresurveyed and characterized phenotypically and morphologically for this study: 10P. eurycarpa genotypes from Siirt andGaziantep provinces, 45 P. atlanticaand 10 P. terebinthus genotypes fromAdana, Aydin and Manisa provinces. Their seeds were sampled and seedlings wereproduced to characterize as compared to the their leaves with leaf traits ofmaternal trees. A total of 30 characters (four tree, 19 leaf and sevennut) were used to characterize this collection, including ten quantitativecharacters and 20 qualitative characters. Both at the inter- andintra-specific level, the 65 genotypes displayed high diversity. Severalcharacters were found to be diagnostic at the species level among the threespecies. Correlations between characters were found for each species separately.Nut weight was positively correlated with terminal leaflet length and with nutdimensions in all three species. Morphological description of severalPistacia genotypes revealed inter-specific hybrids.

Identification of sex-linked SNP markers using RAD sequencing suggests ZW/ZZ sex determination in Pistacia vera L.

BackgroundPistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a dioecious species that has a long juvenility period. Therefore, development of marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques would greatly facilitate pistachio cultivar-breeding programs. The sex determination mechanism is presently unknown in pistachio. The generation of sex-linked markers is likely to reduce time, labor, and costs associated with breeding programs, and will help to clarify the sex determination system in pistachio.ResultsRestriction site-associated DNA (RAD) markers were used to identify sex-linked markers and to elucidate the sex determination system in pistachio. Eight male and eight female F1 progenies from a Pistacia vera L. Siirt × Bağyolu cross, along with the parents, were subjected to RAD sequencing in two lanes of a Hi-Seq 2000 sequencing platform. This generated 449 million reads, comprising approximately 37.7 Gb of sequences. There were 33,757 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci between the parents. Thirty-eight of these, from 28 RAD reads, were detected as putative sex-associated loci in pistachio. Validation was performed by SNaPshot analysis in 42 mature F1 progenies and in 124 cultivars and genotypes in a germplasm collection. Eight loci could distinguish sex with 100% accuracy in pistachio. To ascertain cost-effective application of markers in a breeding program, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was performed; four markers were found to perfectly separate sexes in pistachio. Because of the female heterogamety in all candidate SNP loci, we report for the first time that pistachio has a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. As the reported female-to-male segregation ratio is 1:1 in all known segregating populations and there is no previous report of super-female genotypes or female heteromorphic chromosomes in pistachio, it appears that the WW genotype is not viable.ConclusionSex-linked SNP markers were identified and validated in a large germplasm and proved their suitability for MAS in pistachio. HRM analysis successfully validated the sex-linked markers for MAS. For the first time in dioecious pistachio, a female heterogamety ZW/ZZ sex determination system is suggested.

Chemical composition of blood orange varieties from Turkey: A comparative study

Three blood orange varieties, Moro Blood, Sanguinello and Cara Cara grown together in Mediterranean region of Turkey were characterized for their total lipid, fatty acids, sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoid contents and aroma compounds. The total phenol content of blood orange varieties was in range of 441.0 to 527.0 mg/L, expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Total flavonoid concentrations ranged from 121.70 to 239.80 mg/L. The order of vitamin C, expressed as mg per 100 mL among different blood orange varieties was Sanguinello (41.59 mg)>Cara Cara (34.24 mg)>Moro Blood (31.83 mg). Moro Blood variety had the highest total lipid ratio (2.01 %), and followed by cv. Cara Cara (0.65 %) and cv. Sanguinello (0.59 %), respectively. Sixteen fatty acids were detected in blood orange varieties and C18:2 (linoleic acid) was predominant for all varieties ranged from 23.15 to 31.83 %. A total of 46 aroma compounds were identifi ed in juices and among varieties, cv. Cara Cara had the highest number of aroma compounds. The study revealed that dietary intake oranges may supply substantial health components.

Phenolic compounds of apple cultivars resistant or susceptible to Venturia inaequalis.

Abstract Content: Phenolic compounds play an important role in the plant defense mechanism and are responsible for antioxidant capacity in fruits and vegetables. It is known that the phenolics can determine in the leaves of plants which are resistant/susceptible to fungal infections. Objective: This study investigated the total phenolic compounds, content of shikimic acid from 33 different apple cultivars leaves infected with Venturia inaequalis [(Cke). Wint.] cultured in Fruit Research Station, in Egirdir, Isparta, Turkey. Materials and methods: Leaves of apple cultivars were collected three times in an interval of 30 d from July to September in 2010, and analyzed using HPLC methods to detect changes in the amount of the phenolic compounds and shikimic acid. Results: Total phenolic compounds and shikimic acid in resistant/moderate susceptible apple cultivars were higher than susceptible apple cultuvars, although not statistically different between resistant and susceptible apples. The content of shikimic acid was statistically higher only in the leaves of the domestic cultivar Ankara güzeli on all three dates. Discussion and conclusion: Recently, there have been increased studies trying to explain the resistance mechanism in plants. Natural resistance genes are investigated in some apple cultivars and new resistance varieties which have resistant genes are identified daily. Our study hold to determine the relationship between the phenolic compounds and the expression of resistance seems to be promising.

Comparison of lipids, fatty acids and volatile compounds of various kumquat species using HS/GC/MS/FID techniques

BACKGROUND Kumquat (Fortunella spp.) is one of the important fruit species that has been introduced into Turkey recently. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean region in Turkey. Early research of kumquat was started on adaptation and pomological traits, and only a few studies have been concerned with chemical content. After understanding the health benefits of kumquat fruits farmers started their plantations in Turkey. Thus in this study the fruits of five kumquat species - Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle, F. crassifolia Swingle, F. obovata Hort. ex Tanaka, F. hindsii (Champ. ex Benth.) Swingle, and limequat [Citrus aurantifolia × F. japonica (Thumb.)] - were compared based on their lipids, fatty acids and volatile profiles. The lipids, fatty acids and volatile profiles were determined by using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC/FID) and headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) techniques. Volatile constituents of kumquat fruits were isolated by a headspace method. RESULTS The total lipid content (%) of kumquat species ranged from 0.26% to 0.37%. The polyunsaturated fatty acids were detected in a higher amount compared to the monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, respectively. The headspace technique led to the identification of 39 compounds and among a total of 39 constituents identified, d-limonene was the most abundant compound, comprising 67.78-88.72%. The results indicated that kumquats are rich in dietary and health benefits. CONCLUSION Thirty-nine compounds were identified and terpenes were the major chemical group in all kumquat genotypes. Esters, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones were also detected. The present study revealed that the kumquat fruits have a valuable levels of health beneficial chemo-preventive effects and genotypes varied based on their lipid, fatty acids and volatile constituents.

Inter- and intra-specific nursery characterization of three wild Pistacia species

Summary Turkey has a huge wild Pistacia germplasm that mainly includes P. terebinthus, P. atlantica and P. eurycarpa species. In this study, seed and seedling behaviour of these species are characterized at intra- and inter-specific level. Seed and seedlings of 63 Pistacia genotypes: 10 P. terebinthus, 45 P. atlantica and eight P. eurycarpa genotypes from different parts of Turkey were evaluated as their characteristics of germination, seedling growth and budding success. Correlations between morphological traits of maternal trees and seed/seedling characteristics of their progeny were performed as well. There was a large variability for each of the evaluated character at the inter- and intra-specific level. However, in the average, P. eurycarpa had the highest germination percentage, whereas P. terebinthus had the lowest. The seedling growth of P. atlantica was better than P. terebinthus and P. eurycarpa. Budding success was not significant between species. Correlation coefficient values suggested that a few of the associations between morphological traits of maternal trees and seed germination and seedling characters of their progeny vary between those of three species.

Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the most important sources of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals use for both human diets and natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Their benefits for health are mainly due to high antioxidant activity. Antimicrobials of plant origin are known as secondary metabolites that could play a role not only individually or jointly against food‐borne pathogens but also contribute to food flavor. Phytochemicals have a strong effect on control and prevention of natural spoilage processes and growth of microorganisms, including pathogens causing food safety issues. Microorganisms are always associated with harvested plants and slaughtered animals, the basic unprocessed materials of the food industry. Since foods consumed by humans undergo several pro‐ cessing treatments, it is important to understand the effect of such treatments on the phytochemical composition of foods.

Volatile Constituents of The Edible Tricholoma terreum in Marmara Region of Turkey

Abstract Tricholoma terreum is a fungal species which is also commonly consumed and widespread in Turkey. Seventeen aroma compounds were identified with Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Major aroma compounds in T. terreum were as follows; 1-octen-3-ol (37.08 %), (E)-2-octen-1-ol (19.68 %), hexanal (16.00 %), 3-octanone (3.36 %), acetic acid (2.63 %) and (E)-2-octenal (2.27 %). This study is the first report on the volatile aroma compounds of T. terreum in Turkey.

Biochemical analysis with measurements of bioactive ingredients of lemon varieties

The ‘Sweet Lemon’ and ‘Interdonato’ lemon varieties were evaluated based on their antioxidant activity, sugar, total phenol and citric, succunic and L-ascorbic acid content in the present study. The total phenol content (TPC) of ‘Sweet Lemon’ and ‘Interdonato’ lemon fruit juice were about 123.19 mgGAE/100g and 81.76 mgGAE/100g respectively. The FRAP content were detected as 146.86 μmoltrolox/g in ‘Sweet Lemon’ while 106.78 μmoltrolox/g in ‘Interdonato’ lemon variety. However the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, which measures the reduction of the ABTS radical cation by antioxidant ABTS content was 96.25 μmoltrolox/g and 79.09 μmoltrolox/g respectively. Fructose was 3.26 %, sucrose was 0.19 % and glucose was 2.44 % in ‘Sweet Lemon’ variety. Therefore, fructose content was 1.22 %, sucrose was 0.19 % and glucose was 0.80 % in ‘Interdonato’ lemon variety. The results indicated that ‘Sweet Lemon’ fruit juices are rich in FRAP, ABTS, TPC and fructose, succinic and L-ascorbic acid content compared to ‘Interdonato’ lemon. The organic acids (citric acid, L-Ascorbic acid and succinic acid) values of both ‘Sweet Lemon’ and ‘Interdonato’ are 0.24-8.86 %, 62.25-55.50 mg/100g and 1.93-0.09 %, respectively. The present study revealed that the healthy properties of lemon fruits have been attributed to L-ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, mainly to antioxidant content.

Volatile Compounds of Strawberry Varieties

Volatile compounds such as esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes, furanones, and sulfur compounds are important quality attributes of strawberry [1–3]. The volatile components of strawberry fruits vary among lines and cultivars, and according to growth and agronomic conditions [4–7]. Strawberries are grown mostly in the western and middle part of the Mediterranean coastal area in Turkey. However, there is great potential to grow strawberry crops in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region, especially in Osmaniye, because of the favorable climatic conditions. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyze the concentrations and types of volatiles of selected new strawberry varieties by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), which is a rapid and reliable technique. Table 1 summarizes the results of the volatile compound analysis. In total, 75 volatile compounds were detected in eight varieties (Sabrosa, Albion, Sweet Ann, Festival, Fortuna, Ventana, Camarosa, and Rubygem). Among the detected compounds, there were 31 esters, 18 alcohols, eight acids, two aldehydes, eight ketones, seven terpenoids, and one furan. Esters provide the fruity and floral characters in fruits [2, 8, 9], and the amount of these compounds is an important basis for classification. Hexanoic acid ethyl ester was the main ester in Sabrosa, Ventana, Rubygem, Sweet Ann, Albion, and Festival [10]. These varieties were also rich in butanoic acid and hexanoic acid, which are important volatiles in strawberry [11]. Farnesol was the most abundant alcohol both in Rubygem and Ventana. 3-Amino-1-propanol was detected in Sweet Ann and Festival; 2-furanmethanol was detected in Rubygem and Ventana; 1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol was detected in Sabrosa and Sweet Ann; and L-bisabolol was detected in Sweet Ann, Festival, and Fortuna. Acetic acid was the predominant acid in all eight varieties, followed by peracetic acid and then butanoic acid. Among the eight cultivars, Rubygem had the highest concentration of aldehydes and the most types of aldehydes. Terpenoid compounds, including nerolidol, linalol, and geraniol, are important aroma compounds in plants, including strawberry [4, 12]. The terpenoids detected in the eight strawberry varieties were nerolidol (E-), nerolidol, L-terpinolene, linalol, L-terpineol, geraniol, and trans-farnesene. The furan 2(3H)-furanone was detected in Ventana, Rubygem, Fortuna, Sweet Ann, and Festival. Fruit Materials and Analytical Methods. Sabrosa, Albion, Sweet Ann, Festival, Fortuna, Ventana, Camarosa, and Rubygem strawberry varieties were cultivated in a low plastic tunnel at the University of Osmaniye Korkut Ata in the 2011 growing season. Strawberry fruits were harvested at the commercial ripe stage to analyze volatile compounds. Strawberry fruit volatile compounds were extracted and analyzed as described by Kafkas [13] using an HS-SPME/GC-MS system. The system consisted of an Agilent Technologies 6890N instrument equipped with an Agilent 5975 27 inert XL mass selective detector (Agilent Technologies Co., Ltd., Palo Alto, CA, USA) operating at 70 eV in electron ionization mode.