Mehmet Hamurcu

Mineral and heavy metal levels of some fruits grown at the roadsides

The rate of heavy metal pollution of some minor fruit samples growing at the roadsides in Turkey were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Pb, Zn and Cu were found at the high levels in the fruit samples. The results showed that the average level of Cu changed between 0.27 mg/kg (Sample 11) and 0.05 mg/kg (Sample 15), Cr 0.32 mg/kg (Sample 14) and 0.18 mg/kg (Sample 13), Ni 0.68 mg/kg (Sample 12) and 0.26 g/kg (Sample 15), Pb 2.86 mg/kg (Sample 12) and 1.54 mg/kg (Sample 4) and Se 12.96 mg/kg (Sample 14) and 5.42 mg/kg (Sample 7). The levels of Cu, Cd and Cr in samples do not appear to reach pollution levels.

Effects of chelating agents on the mineral content of root canal dentin

OBJECTIVE The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of several chelating agents on the mineral content of root dentin. STUDY DESIGN Extracted human mandibular incisor roots were prepared and divided into groups according to the following irrigation protocols: 1) 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 2) 10% citric acid solution; 3) 18% etidronate; 4) 2.25% peracetic acid; 5) and deionized water (control). Dentin chips were obtained (Gates-Glidden nos. 3, 4, and 5). The levels of different minerals were analyzed with the use of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). RESULTS 1) Peracetic acid significantly decreased P, K, Mg, Na, and S levels compared with the other groups (P < .05). 2) S decreased by different levels in all of the chelating solutions (P < .05), and the greatest decrease was observed in peracetic acid. 3) Ca levels significantly decreased in peracetic acid, citric acid, and EDTA (P < .05). 4) Mn levels significantly decreased in the citric acid and peracetic acid groups (P < .05). 5) Na and Zn levels significantly decreased in the peracetic acid, citric acid, and etidronate groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The chelation agents can create different effects on mineral contents of root dentin, so it is important to know what effects each solution will have on root dentin before their clinical use. In addition, according to the results of this in vitro study, it might be recommended that peracetic acid, in particular, should be used with caution.

Boron enhances strength and alters mineral composition of bone in rabbits fed a high energy diet

An experiment was performed to determine whether boron had a beneficial effect on bone strength and composition in rabbits with apparent adiposity induced by a high energy diet. Sixty female New Zealand rabbits, aged 8 months, were randomly divided into five groups with the following treatments for seven months: control 1, fed alfalfa hay only (5.91 MJ/kg); control 2, high energy diet (11.76 MJ and 3.88 mg boron/kg); B10, high energy diet+10 mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h; B30, high energy diet+30 mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h; B50, high energy diet+50mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h. Bone boron concentrations were lowest in rabbits fed the high energy diet without boron supplementation, which suggested an inferior boron status. Femur maximum breaking force was highest in the B50 rabbits. Tibia compression strength was highest in B30 and B50 rabbits. All boron treatments significantly increased calcium and magnesium concentrations, and the B30 and B50 treatments increased the phosphorus concentration in tibia of rabbits fed the high energy diet. The B30 treatment significantly increased calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in femur of rabbits fed the high energy diet. Principal component analysis of the tibia minerals showed that the three boron treatments formed a separate cluster from controls. Discriminant analysis suggested that the concentrations of the minerals in femur could predict boron treatment. The findings indicate boron has beneficial effects on bone strength and mineral composition in rabbits fed a high energy diet.

Boron Content of Cultivated Soils in Central-Southern Anatolia and its Relationship with Soil Properties and Irrigation Water Quality

Boron toxicity may occur in semi-arid regions due to high levels of B in soils, in the ground water, in fertilisers or in irrigation water (U.S. Salinity Lab. Staff, 1954; Nable et al., 1997).

Response of Chickpea Cultivars to Application of Boron in Boron‐Deficient Calcareous Soils

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of four boron (B) doses (control, 0 kg B ha−1; B1, 1 kg B ha−1; B2, 3 kg B ha−1; and B3, 6 kg B ha−1) in soils deficient in available B (0.19 mg B kg−1) and lime (CaCO3) content (20.7%) on yield and some yield components of five chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, namely Akçin‐91, Population, Gökçe, İzmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 in central Anatolian Turkey in the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons. Plant height, pods per plant, grain yield, protein content, protein yield, thousand seed weight, and leaf B concentration were measured. Grain yields in all genotypes (except for Gökçe) were significantly increased by 1 kg ha−1 B application. Application of 1 kg ha−1 B increased the yield by an average of 5%. Genotypes studied showed significant variations with respect to their responses to additional B. Akçin‐91 gave the highest grain yield (1704.8 kg ha−1) at 3 kg B ha−1, whereas Population, İzmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 yielded best (1468.2 kg ha−1, 1483.0 kg ha−1, and 1484.7 kg ha−1, respectively) at 1 kg B ha−1. Interestingly, Gökçe reached to the highest level of grain yield (1827.1 kg ha−1) at the control. Gökçe was a B deficiency B tolerance genotype. The other genotypes appeared to have high sensitivity to B deficiency. This study showed that B deficiency could result in significant yield losses in chickpea under the experimental conditions tested. Thus, B contents of soils for the cultivation of chickpea should be analyzed in advance to avoid yield losses.

Genetic diversity and population structure of wheat in India and Turkey

Genetic diversity assessment plays an important role in plant improvement. It becomes more significant when evaluation is done at different ploidy and geographical origin levels. The present study provides a better understanding of the genetic association of Indian and Turkish hexaploid and tetraploid wheat. The Turkish hexaploid population demonstrated its close association with Indian hexaploid and tetraploid varieties. This confirmed their relatedness within the diverse gene pool. The results revealed in this study can be effectively used by breeders and evolutionary biologists for the development of genetically diverse, promising and healthier wheat varieties.

Bioactive Properties, Fatty Acid Composition and Mineral Contents of Grape Seed and Oils

The oil content of grape seed samples changed between 4.53% (Adakarasi) and 11.13% (Sauvignon blanc). While the linoleic acid contents of grape seed oils ranged from 47.34% (Sangiovese) to 72.91% (Cinsaut), the oleic acid contents varied between 13.35% (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 26.30% (Sangiovese) (p < 0.05). Also, the palmitic acid and stearic acid contents of grape seed oils ranged from 7.15% (Cinsaut) to 16.06% (Sangiovese) and from 2.43% (Narince) to 6.55% (Sangiovese) respectively (p < 0.05). The flavonoid contents of the seeds changed between 263.53 (mg CE/g) and 1 706.00 (mg CE/g) (Cabernet Sauvignon). Total phenols were found to be between 6 711.14 (mg GA/g extract) (Sangiovese) and 8 818.69 (mg GA/g extract) (Narince). The linoleic contents of oils changed from between 47.34% (Sangiovese) and 72.91% (Cinsaut). The K contents of the grape seed samples changed between 4 347.80 mg/kg (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 9 492.60 mg/kg (Gamay) (p < 0.05). The Fe contents of seeds were found to be between 29.96 mg/kg (Narince) and 73.82 mg/kg (Sangiovese). As a result, the current study shows that grape seeds are useful for human nutrition due to their components.

Assessment of genetic variability for grain nutrients from diverse regions: potential for wheat improvement

Background A total of 150 bread wheat genotypes representing 121 Indian and 29 Turkish origin were screened for nutrient concentrations and grain protein content. Elemental and grain protein composition were studied by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer and LECO analyser, respectively. The study was performed to determine the variability in nutrient concentrations present in the collected wheat genetic material from two countries.ResultsSeveral fold variations among genotypes existed for almost all the elements. Three major components of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 60.8% variation among the genotypes. Nutrient variables segregated into two groups, one group containing all the macroelements except sulphur; and another cluster containing proteins and all the microelements except Zn and Mn. Pearson correlation analysis and heat-map were in accordance with each other determining strong positive association between P–K, Mn–Zn, Mg–S and Cu–protein content. Also, PCA and hierarchical grouping divided all the Indian and Turkish genotypes in two main clusters.ConclusionsNutritional profile differentiated the genotypes from two countries into separate groups. However, some of the varieties were closely associated and indicated the success of global wheat exchange programs. While most of the correlations were in agreement with the previous studies, non-association of zinc with grain protein content directed towards its control by some other genetic factors. Some of the experimental wheat varieties with promising nutrient content have been suggested for future wheat advancement programs. Results obtained will be supportive for breeders involved in wheat biofortification programs, food industries and people relying on whole grain wheat products.

Extremely high boron tolerance in Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. related to root boron exclusion and a well-regulated antioxidant system

Abstract Recent studies indicate an extremely high level of tolerance to boron (B) toxicity in Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. but the mechanistic basis is not known. Puccinellia distans was exposed to B concentrations of up to 1000 mg B L−1 and root B uptake, growth parameters, B and N contents, H2O2 accumulation and ·OH-scavenging activity were measured. Antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and lipid peroxidation products were determined. B appears to be actively excluded from roots. Excess B supply caused structural deformations in roots and leaves, H2O2 accumulation and simultaneous up-regulation of the antioxidative system, which prevented lipid peroxidation even at the highest B concentrations. Thus, P. distans has an efficient root B-exclusion capability and, in addition, B tolerance in shoots is achieved by a well-regulated antioxidant defense system.

Micronutrient contents in leaves of sunflower cultivars grown with different boron doses.

SUMMARY Although boron is essential for crop growth, the amount required differs among plant species. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) requires greater quantities of boron to satisfy its metabolic needs than other cultivated species. The present work was undertaken to evaluate what effects five boron doses of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg B ha-1 (applied as a spray of boric acid, H3BO3) would have on micronutrient contents in leaves of four sunflower cultivars grown in B-deficient calcareous soils (0.19 B mg kg-1) during the 2001 growing season. Boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were measured in sunflower leaves at the flowering stage. According to the results, the B concentration in the leaves was highly correlated with boron doses, that is, the leaf B content increased in accordance with increasing B doses applied to the soil. Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the leaves were not changed by the different B levels. However, leaf Mn, B and Cu concentrations varied with the cultivars. Among the cultivars, TR-4098 had the highest Mn (90.74 mg kg-1) and Cu contents (45.95 mg kg-1), while AS-615 had the highest B (83.52 mg kg-1) and Fe (202.55 mg kg-1) concentrations.