Search Results (44)

Stem internode length determines height to first pod (HFP), an important trait for mechanical harvesting in legume crops. In the present study, this trait in lentil was (Lens culinaris Medik.) examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of epidermal cells in stem internodes of two parents, Flip92-36L and ILL-1552, with long and short HFP, respectively. No significant differences in cell length, but differences in cell width were seen. This indicates that HFP was determined by cell number rather than cell length. The candidate gene family for HFP, Suppressor of Overexpression of Constans 1 (SOC1), a member of the MADS-box transcription factor family, controls both flowering time (FT) and HFP traits. Six LcSOC1 genes were identified in this study, and their expression was analysed. Most of the genes studied showed constitutive expression during vegetative growth, flowering, and seed development stages. Expression of LcSOC1-a seems to be involved in the transition to flowering and FT, whereas expression of LcSOC1-b2 was strongly associated with HFP but not FT. Two haplotypes with two SNP each were identified in LcSOC1-b2 among eight sequenced lentil accessions, and an SNP-based ASQ marker was developed and used for genotyping of a lentil germplasm collection. Significant association between LcSOC1-b2 haplotypes and HFP was found in this study, indicating a primary role for this gene in internode length, potentially by regulating cell number. Full article

The most important product of the lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik) is the seeds. The main seed characteristics are their size, color, and the cooking time required to make them edible. Cultivar, location of cultivation, and their interaction are the primary factors of raw or cooked seed characteristics. The study examined the impact of five different lentil cultivars (Dimitra, Elpida, Thessalia, Samos, and 03-24L), as influenced by the cultivation environment in four different zones or nine different locations in Central-Northern Greece, on cooking time. The optimal cooking time (OCT) was calculated by cooking the seeds for 0–60 min to determine the percentage of cooked seeds using the penetration test. OCT was associated with the characteristics of both raw (mass of 1000 seeds, external color, and the percentage of mature/immature seeds) and cooked (color and organoleptic characteristics of the cooking media as well as mass increase and hardness and organoleptic characteristics of the seeds) seeds for 30 min. Depending on location, each cultivar had a different mass of 1000 seeds; Elpida had the highest mass (63.9 g), and Dimitra had the lowest (33.1 g). This was linked to OCT, which was among the highest (57.5 min) for Elpida, lowest (49 min) for Dimitra, and intermediate for Thessalia, Samos, or 03-24L. The average OCT was 55.9 min for all samples. The seed from the five locations with the shortest OCT was considered appropriate for human consumption. Two locations yielded seeds with intermediate OCT, while the other two produced the highest OCT; these were recommended for processing or propagation. In this study, the cultivar factor had a greater effect on raw seed characteristics, while the location factor had a greater effect on cooked seed characteristics and OCT than either the location, the cultivar factor, or the cultivar x location interaction. Full article

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis (Fol) is considered the most destructive disease for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) worldwide. Despite the extensive studies elucidating plants’ metabolic response to fungal agents, there is a knowledge gap in the biochemical mechanisms governing Fol-resistance in lentil. Τhis study aimed at comparatively evaluating the metabolic response of two lentil genotypes, with contrasting phenotypes for Fol-resistance, to Fol-inoculation. Apart from gaining insights into the metabolic reprogramming in response to Fol-inoculation, the study focused on discovering novel biomarkers to improve early selection for Fol-resistance. GC-MS-mediated metabolic profiling of leaves and roots was employed to monitor changes across genotypes and treatments as well as their interaction. In total, the analysis yielded 178 quantifiable compounds, of which the vast majority belonged to the groups of carbohydrates, amino acids, polyols and organic acids. Despite the magnitude of metabolic fluctuations in response to Fol-inoculation in both genotypes under study, significant alterations were noted in the content of 18 compounds, of which 10 and 8 compounds referred to roots and shoots, respectively. Overall data underline the crucial contribution of palatinitol and L-proline in the metabolic response of roots and shoots, respectively, thus offering possibilities for their exploitation as metabolic biomarkers for Fol-resistance in lentil. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first metabolomics-based approach to unraveling the effects of Fol-inoculation on lentil’s metabolome, thus providing crucial information related to key aspects of lentil–Fol interaction. Future investigations in metabolic aspects of lentil–Fol interactions will undoubtedly revolutionize the search for metabolites underlying Fol-resistance, thus paving the way towards upgrading breeding efforts to combat fusarium wilt in lentil. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the characteristics of non-treated and fermented [via submerged (SMF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation using Pediococcus acidilactici] lentils (Lens culinaris) grown either in pure stands (L) or relay intercropped with winter rye (LR). It was observed that the lentils were suitable substrate for lacto-fermentation. Most of the free amino acid concentrations increased in lentils after both fermentations. The highest concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid was found in SSF LR samples. However, fermentation led to higher biogenic amines (BA) content in lentils. The most abundant fatty acid in lentils was C18:2. SSF lentils showed more complex volatile compound (VC) profiles (with between nine and seventeen new VCs formed), whereas, in SMF samples, between two and five newly VCs were formed. When comparing lentil grown types, L contained significantly higher concentrations of Na, K, Ca, P, Mn, and Se, while LR contained significantly higher concentrations of Fe and Ni. To sum up, fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contributed to the improved biological value of lentils; still, the quantity of BA needs to be considered. Further investigations into the P. acidilactici metabolism of certain compounds (such as phenolic and antinutritional compounds) in lentils during fermentation ought to be carried out. Full article

Legumes, one of the first crops of humanity, inherently constitute a staple nutritional source for mankind, attracting significant research attention that has been afforded to the development of numerous cultivars. The study herein concerns the exploitation of the nutritional and bio-functional content of beans harvested from eleven Greek cultivars belonging to five different species, namely Cicer arietinum L., Pisum sativum L., Vicia faba L., Lens culinaris L., and Phaseolus vulgaris L. The final goal is to define their varietal identity and correlate their phytochemical content with their potential utilization as functional foods and/or feed of high nutritional value. In this respect, their extracts were screened against the presence of 27 fatty acids and 19 phenolic compounds, revealing the presence of 22 and 15 molecules, respectively. Specifically, numerous fatty acids were detected in significant amounts in all but C. arietinum extract, while significant polyphenolic content was confirmed only in P. vulgaris. Among individual compounds, linoleic acid was the major fatty acid detected in amounts averaging more than 150 mg/g, followed by oleic acid, which was present as a major compound in all extracts. Among the nine polyphenols detected in P. vulgaris, the molecules of genistein (3.88 mg/g) and coumestrol (0.82 mg/g) were the most abundant. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays, which were highlighted as most potent in both tests of the V. faba extract, while C. arietinum was determined as totally inactive, indicating a potential correlation between the phenolic content of the plant species and antioxidant activity. These results are indicative of the significant advances achieved for the cultivars investigated and reveal their important role as nutritional crops for human and animal consumption. Full article

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production faces challenges due to shifting environmental conditions, potentially leading to a transition towards cooler or highland Mediterranean environments. This study assessed the responses of five lentil genotypes across five diverse locations (L1–L5) managed under organic cropping systems over two seasons, focusing on key parameters including seed yield (SY), crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT), seed loss percentage (SL), and yield loss per hectare (YL) caused by bruchid (Bruchus sp.). Excessive seasonal rainfall (500 mm), low winter temperatures (−17.9 °C), bruchid SL, and spring sowing were identified as crucial, particularly in challenging environments like highlands. Genotype selection was highlighted as essential for balancing yield and stability, with the small-seeded cultivar ‘Dimitra’ demonstrating lower YL due to bruchid. Additionally, increased CP was noted in response to heightened bruchid infestations. Specific recommendations were proposed for different environments: In productive lowland areas with low bruchid pressure and high CTs (L1), prioritizing cultivars like ‘Samos’, ‘Dimitra’, and ‘Thessalia’ enhances quality. Locations with high bruchid populations (L4) were not favored organic production but can serve as genetic resistance screening sites. High-elevation environments (L3, L5) proved significantly less productive, underscoring the requirement for earlier and winter-hardy cultivars. These insights guide lentil cultivation, emphasizing the need for tailored breeding strategies adaptable to changing environments. Full article

The industrial use of nanoparticles is rapidly increasing in agricultural products, and it causes numerous effects on plant growth and seed germination. There are limited studies about the uptake, accumulation, and effect of nanoparticles on plant growth. Moreover, there are no studies that have been able to measure the biological activity of seeds’ interiors under nanoparticle treatment prior to germination. Hence, in this study, the possible size-defendant effect of alumina nanoparticles on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination was monitored using biospeckle Optical Coherence Tomography (bOCT) at an early stage before germination. bOCT is a non-contact, non-destructive, and non-invasive image modality developed by researchers to visualize internal biological activities in vivo. Previous studies by researchers using the technique have demonstrated its potential to observe the effect of different stimuli on seed germination at an early stage before germination occurs. In the present study, the possible size-defendant effect of 200 nm and 2000 nm alumina nanoparticles (AlNPs) on lentil seed germination was examined at a concentration of 100 mg/L. The results imply that the AlNPs could enhance lentil seed germination and seedling growth compared to control treatments, and the effect is more significant as the particle size decreases. This is believed to be due to the enhancement of energy metabolism under exposure to AlNPs. Full article

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture is increasing the demand for novel products to improve the quality of crops in a more sustainable way. Wood distillate (WD, pyroligneous acid) is a by-product obtained during the pyrolysis of plant biomass that can be successfully applied in agriculture due to its ability to enhance the growth, size, and weight of edible plant parts. However, there is little information concerning its plant yield-promoting effects on leguminous crops. The present work investigated the effects of WD on the yield, protein content and mineral composition of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants grown in field conditions. The application of WD showed remarkable yield-promoting effects mostly in lentil plants, which significantly increased plant and shoot biomass, the number and weight of both pods and seeds, as well as the total seed protein content. Furthermore, seeds from WD-treated plants differentially increased the concentration of elements with high nutritional value for human health, including Fe, Ca, Mg and K. These results suggest that the effects of WD among the legumes tested are species-specific and that WD could be an optimal candidate to grow high-yielding legumes with improved seed nutritional quality. Full article

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are highly versatile markers in genetic diversity analysis and plant breeding, making them widely applicable. They hold potential in lentil (Lens culinaris) breeding for genetic diversity analysis, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and linkage mapping. However, the availability and diversity of SSR markers in lentil is limited. We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to develop SSR markers in lentil. NGS allowed us to identify regions of the lentil genome that contained SSRs. Illumina Hiseq-2000 sequencing of the lentil genotype “Karacadağ” resulted in 1,727,734 sequence reads comprising more than 48,390 Mb, and contigs were mined for SSRs, resulting in the identification of a total of 8697 SSR motifs. Among these, dinucleotide repeats were the most abundant (53.38%), followed by trinucleotides (30.38%), hexanucleotides (6.96%), tetranucleotides (6.59%), and pentanucleotides (3.19%). The most frequent repeat in dinucleotides was the TC (21.80%), followed by the GA (17.60%). A total of 2000 primer pairs were designed from these motifs, and 458 SSR markers were validated following their amplified PCR products. A linkage map was constructed using these new SSRs with high linkage disequilibrium (209) and previously known SSRs (11). The highest number of SSR markers (43) was obtained in LG2, while the lowest number of SSR markers (19) was obtained in LG7. The longest linkage group (LG) was LG2 (86.84 cM), whereas the shortest linkage group was LG7 (53.46 cM). The average length between markers ranged from 1.86 cM in LG1 to 2.81 cM in LG7, and the map density was 2.16 cM. The developed SSRs and created linkage map may provide useful information and offer a new library for genetic diversity analyses, linkage mapping studies, and lentil breeding programs. Full article

Developmental activities have escalated mercury (Hg) content in the environment and caused food security problems. The present investigation describes mercury-incited stress in Lens culinaris (lentil) and its mitigation by supplementation of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and strigolactone (GR24). Lentil exposure to Hg decreased root and shoot length, relative water content and biochemical variables. Exogenous application of SNP and GR24 alone or in combination enhanced all of the aforementioned growth parameters. Hg treatment increased electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, but this significantly decreased with combined application (Hg + SNP + GR24). SNP and GR24 boosted mineral uptake and reduced Hg accumulation, thus minimizing the adverse impacts of Hg. An increase in mineral accretion was recorded in lentil roots and shoots in the presence of SNP and GR24, which might support the growth of lentil plants under Hg stress. Hg accumulation was decreased in lentil roots and shoots by supplementation of SNP and GR24. The methylglyoxal level was reduced in lentil plants with increase in glyoxalase enzymes. Antioxidant and glyoxylase enzyme activities were increased by the presence of SNP and GR24. Therefore, synergistic application of nitric oxide and strigolactone protected lentil plants against Hg-incited oxidative pressure by boosting antioxidant defense and the glyoxalase system, which assisted in biochemical processes regulation. Full article

The most common primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its mortality rate is increasing globally. The overall 5-year survival of patients with liver cancer is currently 10–20%. Moreover, because early diagnosis can significantly improve prognosis, which is highly correlated with tumor stage, early detection of HCC is critical. International guidelines advise using α-FP biomarker with/without ultrasonography for HCC surveillance in patients with advanced liver disease. However, traditional biomarkers are sub-optimal for risk stratification of HCC development in high-risk populations, early diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment response prediction. Since about 20% of HCCs do not produce α-FP due to its biological diversity, combining α-FP with novel biomarkers can enhance HCC detection sensitivity. There is a chance to offer promising cancer management methods in high-risk populations by utilizing HCC screening strategies derived from new tumor biomarkers and prognostic scores created by combining biomarkers with distinct clinical parameters. Despite numerous efforts to identify molecules as potential biomarkers, there is no single ideal marker in HCC. When combined with other clinical parameters, the detection of some biomarkers has higher sensitivity and specificity in comparison with a single biomarker. Therefore, newer biomarkers and models, such as the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of Alpha-fetoprotein (α-FP), α-FP-L3, Des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP or PIVKA-II), and the GALAD score, are being used more frequently in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Notably, the GALAD algorithm was effective in HCC prevention, particularly for cirrhotic patients, regardless of the cause of their liver disease. Although the role of these biomarkers in surveillance is still being researched, they may provide a more practical alternative to traditional imaging-based surveillance. Finally, looking for new diagnostic/surveillance tools may help improve patients’ survival. This review discusses the current roles of the most used biomarkers and prognostic scores that may aid in the clinical management of HCC patients. Full article

We evaluated the effects of a new extract (70% acetonitrile, 2E0217022196DIPFARMTDA) of Lens culinaris Medik (Terre di Altamura SRL, Altamura BA) to prevent cytotoxic damage from cisplatin, staurosporine, irinotecan, doxorubicin, and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. The acetonitrile–water extract (range 0.1–5 mg/mL) was obtained by extracting 10 g of lentil flour with 50 milliliters of the acetonitrile–water extraction mixture in a 70:30 ratio, first for 3 h and then overnight in a shaker at room temperature. The next day, the extract was filtered and passed through a Rotavapor to obtain only the aqueous component and eliminate that with acetonitrile, and then freeze-dried to finally have the powdered extract. In vitro experiments showed that the extract prevented the cytotoxic damage induced by cisplatin, irinotecan, and doxorubicin on HEK293 and SHSY5Y cell lines after 24–96 h. In murine osteoblasts after 24–72 h of incubation time, the extract was cytoprotective against all chemicals. The extract was effective against dexamethasone, leading to synergic cell proliferation in all cell types. In bone marrow cells, the extract is cytoprotective after 72 h against doxorubicin, staurosporine, and dexamethasone. Instead, on muscle fibers, the extract has a synergic effect with chemotherapeutics, increasing cytotoxicity induced by doxorubicin and staurosporine. LC-MS attested to the existence of several phenolic structures in the extract. The most abundant families of compounds were flavonoids (25.7%) and mellitic acid (18%). Thus, the development of this extract could be implemented in the area of research related to the chemoprevention of damage to renal, neuronal, bone marrow cells, and osteoblasts by chemotherapeutics; moreover, it could be used as a reinforcer of cytotoxic action of chemotherapeutics on muscle fibers. Full article

Soil salinization has a major impact on crop revenue, which may be counteracted by harnessing the microbiota that the soil itself harbors. This study aimed to explore the application of fungi exudates (Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus sajor caju) on the potential relief of salt stress in the performance of Lens culinaris in two different soils (a silvopastoral agroforestry soil and LUFA 2.2). Three salinity levels (8, 16, and 26 mS·cm⁻¹) and three levels of each fungal exudate (1%, 6%, and 12%) were evaluated in a 96-h cross-design experiment. Seed germination was checked daily, and after 96-h, seedling radicle and hypocotyl were measured, along with fresh and dry weights and soil phosphatase activity. The sole application of exudates from neither fungus affected the germination and seedling development of L. culinaris. Salinity alone induced a dose-effect response in all L. culinaris tested endpoints, as expected because conductivities above 8 mS·cm⁻¹ are known to be detrimental for many crop species. Application of exudates to salinized soils improved germination rates at 16 and 26 mS·cm⁻¹ compared to the single respective salinity treatment alone, but mainly in assays carried out in natural soil. In addition, under the same conditions (26 mS·cm⁻¹ and all fungi %), there was an improvement in natural soil acid phosphatase activity. The application of rot fungi exudates demonstrates potential in what might prove to be a sustainable measure to reclaim salinized soils and improve crop productivity, which is consistent with current soil protection policies. Full article

Lentil rust is a major disease worldwide caused by Uromyces viciae-fabae. In this study, we screened a large germplasm collection of cultivated lentils (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris) and its wild relatives, both in adult plants in the field with a local rust isolate during 2 seasons and in seedlings under controlled conditions with four fungal isolates of worldwide origin. The main results from our study were the following: (1) a significant number of accessions with resistance based on hypersensitive reaction (reduced Infection Type (IT)) were identified in cultivated lentil and in L. ervoides, L. nigricans and L.c. orientalis. The IT scores showed a clear isolate-specific response suggesting race-specificity, so each fungal isolate might be considered a different race. Resistance was identified against all isolates what might be the basis to develop a standard differential set that should be a priority for rust definition and monitoring. (2) Interestingly, although at lower frequency than in L. ervoides and L. nigricans, the hypersensitive response was also observed within cultivated lentil, with accession 1561 (L.c. culinaris) displaying resistance to the four isolates making this accession a valuable ready-to-use resource for lentil resistance breeding. Resistance to all other rust isolates was also available within L.c. culinaris in an isolate-specific manner. Accession 1308 (L. ervoides) showed resistance against all isolates tested, as well as a reduced number of accessions belonging to other wild Lens species. (3) In addition, our screenings allowed the identification of several accessions with partial resistance (reduced Disease Severity (DS) despite high IT). Adult Plant Resistance resulting in reduced severity in adult plants in the field, despite high susceptibility in seedlings, was more frequently identified in L.c. culinaris, but also in L. nigricans and L.c. orientalis. Full article

The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions of solid-phase fermentation of lactic acid bacteria to enhance GABA contents in grains. Optimal solid-phase fermentation conditions that could enhance the GABA content after fermenting Oryza sativa (brown rice) were investigated by changing the Lactobacillus strain, fermentation temperature, fermentation time, and inoculated bacteria number. Avena sativa, Cicer arietinum, and red and brown Lens culinaris were then fermented using the optimal solid-phase fermentation conditions to measure changes in GABA content and antioxidant activity. As a result of the experiment, the optimal solid-phase fermentation conditions to enhance the GABA contents in grains were: fermentation time, 48 h; amounts of bacteria, inoculating 5% of 1 × 10⁷ CFU/mL of lactic acid bacteria; and fermentation temperature, 36 °C. When fermented under this condition, the GABA content increased from 4.64 mg/g to 6.93 mg/g (49.0%) compared to unfermented raw material. The results of the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays confirmed that both the GABA content and radical scavenging activity were increased after fermentation. Such solid fermentation conditions developed in this study can be used to support the development of health functional food materials with enhanced GABA content and antioxidant activity. Full article