Search Results (34)

Vanillin, the principal aromatic compound in vanilla, is primarily derived from mature pods of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews). Although the biosynthetic pathway of vanillin has been progressively elucidated, the specific key enzymes and transcription factors (TFs) governing vanillin biosynthesis require further comprehensive investigation via combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. For this study, V. planifolia (higher vanillin producer) and V. imperialis (lower vanillin producer) were selected. Time-series metabolomics analysis revealed 160–220 days after pollination (DAPs) as the critical phase for vanillin biosynthesis. Combined time-series transcriptome analysis revealed 984 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in key periods, 2058 genes with temporal expression, and 4326 module genes through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), revealing six major classes of TFs: No Apical Meristem (NAC), Myb, WRKY, FLOWERING PROMOTING FACTOR 1-like (FPFL), DOF, and PLATZ. These TFs display strong regulatory relationships with the expression of key enzymatic genes, including P450s, COMT, and 4CL. The NAC TF family emerged as central regulators in this network, with NAC-2 (HPP92_014056) and NAC-3 (HPP92_012558) identified as key hub genes within the vanillin biosynthetic gene co-expression network. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation and potential target genes for enhancing vanillin production through genetic and metabolic engineering approaches, offering new opportunities for sustainable development in the vanilla industry and related applications. Full article

Vanilla is a highly valuable spice in multiple industries worldwide. However, it faces a serious problem due to a disease known as root and stem rot, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae. Little is known about the pathogenicity mechanisms this fungus employs to establish the disease, making it imperative to elucidate mechanisms such as the presence of pathogenicity effectors in its genome. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of the SIX gene family in the genome of three strains of F. oxysporum associated with root rot: two pathogenic strains and one non-pathogenic endophyte strain. Additionally, the complete effectorome of these strains was predicted and compared to exclude effectors present in the endophytic strain. Our results show that only the SIX9 gene is present in the strains associated with the disease, regardless of their pathogenic nature. Furthermore, no variation was observed in the SIX9 gene among these strains, suggesting that SIX9 is not involved in pathogenicity. Instead, we identified 339 shared effectors among the three strains, including the non-pathogenic strain, strongly suggesting that these genes are not relevant for establishing root rot but may play a role in endophytic colonization. The highly virulent strain IXF41 exhibited eight exclusive pathogenicity effectors, while the moderately virulent strain IXF50 had four. Additionally, one effector was identified as shared between these two strains but absent in the endophytic strain. These effectors and their promoters were characterized, revealing the presence of several cis-regulatory elements responsive to plant hormones. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the genomic determinants of virulence in F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae, offering a foundation for future functional studies and the development of targeted disease management strategies. Full article

Vanilla is native to Mexico and has social-cultural and economic importance. It is sensory characteristics are developed during the curing process, which is associated with the region where it is carried out since the know-how of each locality is involved. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of the curing process. Four different processes from four regions (SJA, SLP, CQ and EPM) were considered, taking into account two curing conditions. Additionally, sample control was considered. The moisture content, protein, ether extract, ash and pH were analyzed. The aromatic profile was evaluated by the RATA methodology and liking level. Except for ash content, the process influenced the other physicochemical parameters. The moisture contents of SLP and CQ samples from Period 1, as well as SLP samples from Period 2, comply with the current Mexican Standard. SJA vanilla was “slightly” accepted in both periods, surpassing the control sample. In contrast, the CQ sample was the least preferred. Thirty-five aromatic descriptors were generated. At the sensory level, a clear separation of vanillas was observed according to the type of curing. The attributes described included caramel, dry fruit, fruity, honey, maltol, rancid, sweet, tree bark, vanilla and ashes, which boosted the liking level. On the other hand, the descriptors chemical, moisture, dairy, spicy, wood and lipids had a negative effect, proving that these factors can alter the aromatic balance, giving an unpleasant smell and reducing preference. It was confirmed that the curing process influences physicochemical parameters, the aromatic profile and the liking level. However, it would be necessary to consider other variables. Full article

The significance of traditional agroforestry systems in preserving and enhancing tropical forest biodiversity in landscapes dominated by human activities has recently been recognized. We assessed the role of traditional vanilla cultivation on sustaining plant diversity in the tropical forests of northern Veracruz, Mexico. We analyzed the composition, alpha (Shannon and Simpson exponential) and beta diversity, the structure (stem density and basal area) and types of regeneration of woody plants across different vanilla production systems, including traditional vanilla plots, the agroforestry production of vanilla, the citrus–vanilla system, and fragments of tropical rain forest. Our findings revealed that traditional vanilla plots preserve 67% of the woody plants’ richness, with an alpha diversity similar to that of the forest fragments. The similarity between vanilla production systems and vegetation fragments was less than 30%. Traditional vanilla plots accounted for 34% of the basal area and had a stem density similar to that of the forest, while retaining 25% of shade-tolerant species. These results suggest that traditional vanilla plots are key landscape elements for conserving plant diversity and supporting the ecological functions of tropical forests. Full article

Stable isotope ratio analysis of carbon (δ¹³C) and hydrogen (δ²H) in vanillin has become a valuable tool for differentiating natural vanilla from synthetic or biosynthetic alternatives and for tracing its geographical origins. However, increasingly sophisticated fraud techniques necessitate ongoing refinement of analytical methods to ensure accurate detection. This study advanced the field by investigating minor volatile organic compounds as potential biomarkers for identifying botanical and geographical origins of vanilla products. Vanilla pods from the two main vanilla species, V. planifolia and V. tahitensis, were investigated using GC-MS/MS to analyze their aromatic profile and GC-C/Py-IRMS to determine compound-specific isotope ratios, providing, for the first time, detailed and authentic isotopic and aromatic profiles. Additionally, the potential natural presence of ethyl vanillin and its corresponding glucoside precursors—molecules commonly used as synthetic vanilla-scented fragrance agents in various foods and industrial products—was explored using UHPLC-HRMS. These findings contribute to robust methods for verifying vanilla authenticity, addressing flavor complexity and isotopic composition, and enhancing the detection of adulteration in vanilla-flavored products. Full article

The natural fertilization of Vanilla planifolia has long been a matter of speculation. Stingless (tribe Meliponini) and orchid bees (tribe Euglossini) are often cited as effective pollinators, but direct evidence is notoriously lacking. As with other food-deceptive orchids, the natural fruit-set in V. planifolia is low and does not occur spontaneously outside its native range in Middle America. Fruiting has, therefore, necessitated human intervention through artificial pollination. How Vanilla first came to be artificially pollinated is a controversial issue spurring egotism and nationalism. There are numerous texts offering differing versions of the historical events that led to the discovery of the artificial fertilization of V. planifolia and its propagation as a crop. Historical records show Vanilla was simultaneously being pollinated in several parts of the world. I argue that the suspected independent simultaneous discoveries made in Liège, Paris, Padua, the Dutch colony of Java (Indonesia), and the French insular colonies Réunion (Bourbon), Guadeloupe, and Martinique are not unconnected. I conclude that they can be traced back to a single discoverer whose feat was spread around the globe by a tight network of corresponding naturalists. This view contrasts with previous authors. Finally, current concerns regarding Vanilla pollination and production are addressed, highlighting the need for immediate actions to conserve the genetic diversity of the crop’s wild relatives to attenuate the effect of extreme climates in a changing world. A plea is made to shift the focus to Middle America, stimulating and supporting local research and conservation efforts and the allocation of funds from this billion-dollar industry. Full article

The natural pollinator of the major species of commercially-grown vanilla, Vanilla planifolia, is unknown, and the crop requires hand pollination to achieve significant levels of fruit set; however, the traditional technique (using a toothpick) is costly, as it requires skilled personnel. To overcome this problem, two native Australian bees, Tetragonula carbonaria and Austroplebeia australis, and the blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, were trialled as pollinators. Three alternatives to the toothpick method were also trialled. The appearance of vanilla flowers under ultraviolet radiation was examined to determine the presence of cryptic pollination guides, and the chemical composition of nectar from extrafloral nectaries and aroma volatiles from the flowers were characterised. None of the three insects effected pollination due to their small size and behaviour; other insect pollinators need to be identified. The alternative mechanical methods of pollination trialled resulted in fruit set; however, the percentages of fruit set were lower than the traditional toothpick method, and the fruit were of inferior quality. The nectar produced predominantly consisted of sucrose and melezitose. Melezitose is a strong attractant of various ant species, which may explain the concentration of ants around the nectaries and the apparent lack of nectar production in part of this study. The aroma volatiles included monoterpenoids, terpenes, sesquiterpenoids, aromatics, nitrogen-containing compounds and fatty acids, the most abundant being a-pinene and eucalyptol. Illumination of the flowers with UV-A radiation revealed fluorescence from the stamens, the column and the callus, which is located on the labellum. These observations may aid the identification and use of potential pollinators. Full article

Ceratozamia chinantlensis sp. nov., a new cliff-dwelling cycad species from Sierra de La Chinantla, Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and compared with its congeners. The species is morphologically similar to Ceratozamia zoquorum and Ceratozamia santillanii, two geographically distant species, yet it is effortlessly distinguishable from its most proximally geographic congeners. Ceratozamia chinantlensis can be recognized based on several qualitative traits, such as its very coriaceous, long, linear to oblanceolate leaflets. Also, it has bronze-colored emerging leaves and mature leaves with articulations of a light copper color. Compared with C. zoquorum and C. santillanii, C. chinantlensis has significantly longer and wider leaflets. C. chinantlensis should be considered a critically threatened species due to its limited number of populations and individuals. Habitat destruction—historically through the extraction of Dioscorea mexicana and Vanilla planifolia, along with ongoing coffee and corn plantations—is an ongoing threat that narrows its distribution range. Full article

Vanilla planifolia is grown as a high-value orchid spice for its odor and savor attributes that increase due to the curing process associated with microbial colonization. This tends to influence the aromatic properties of vanilla. Hence, 11 Bacillus sp. strains were isolated from V. planifolia and identified with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The liquid culture (1 mL of 10⁷ CFU mL⁻¹) of selected Bacillus vallismortis NR_104873.1:11-1518, Bacillus velezensis ZN-S10, and Bacillus tropicus KhEp-2 effectively fermented green-blanched vanilla pods kept at 10 °C during the sweating stage. GC-MS analysis showed that the methanol extract of non-coated, and B. vallismortis treated vanilla detected three (3) volatile compounds, whereas seven (7) components were obtained in B. tropicus and B. velezensis treatment. 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl was found in B. velezensis ZN-S10, B. tropicus KhEp-2, and B. vallismortis while it was not present in the control samples. This ketone compound suggested a Maillard reaction resulting in brown-increased aroma pods. Linoleic acid and Hexadecanoic acid ethyl esters were detected only in ZN-S10 strain-coated vanilla. A novel 3-Deoxy-d-mannoic lactone was detected only in B. vallismortis-treated vanilla characterized as a new compound in V. planifolia which suggested that the new compound can be altered with the coating of bacteria in vanilla during fermentation. Thus, the Bacillus strains improved the volatile profile and exhibited a new aroma and flavor profile of vanilla owing to bacteria fermentation during the curing process. Full article

Hybrid compounds have a significant impact on agriculture as slow macro- and micronutrient administration systems. This study aimed to evaluate the synthesis and effect of the hybrid compound Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF in different concentrations on the in vitro growth of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews). A total of 13 vanilla plantlets per treatment were cultivated in test tubes with semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and without growth regulators and treated with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 mg L⁻¹ of Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF. After 60 days of culture, we evaluated different morphological and biochemical parameters, such as shoot length, root length, the number of roots, the number of leaves, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compound content. Our results showed that the Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF at 10 mg L⁻¹ concentration increased plantlet length. Furthermore, we observed an increase in root length and number with the 5 and 10 mg L⁻¹ concentrations, and a decrease in these same parameters with the 15 and 30 mg L⁻¹ Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF concentrations. There were no significant differences regarding the number of leaves or total chlorophyll content. As for the antioxidant capacity, we observed an increase with 5, 10, and 15 mg L⁻¹ of Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF and a decrease with the highest concentration. Finally, the phenolic and carotenoid content decreased with the 15 and 30 mg L⁻¹ Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF concentrations compared to the control. In conclusion, the hybrid compound Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF showed beneficial effects on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of V. planifolia in vitro when plants were treated at low concentrations. Additionally, the high concentrations used in this study did not induce toxicity. Our findings suggest that Nd(NO₃)₃@Zn-MOF could be used as a biostimulant in vanilla during its in vitro culture. However, due to the hormetic effect and the possible different reactions of different genotypes, this requires further detailed research. Full article

Vanilla orchids are members of the Vanilloideae orchid subfamily, and they hold significant economic value as a spice crop in tropical regions. Despite the presence of 180 known species within this subfamily, commercial production focuses on only three species (Vanilla planifolia, V. odorata, and V. pompona) and one hybrid (V. × tahitensis), prized for their aromatic qualities and bioactive compounds. Limited modern breeding initiatives have been undertaken with vanilla orchids, although recent advancements in genomic research are shedding light on this crop’s potential. The protracted breeding cycle of vanilla, coupled with increasing demand for germplasm, underscores the importance of research and breeding efforts in vanilla. This paper outlines a protocol for haploid production in V. planifolia using unfertilized ovaries in tissue culture conditions. Additionally, we present a methodology to confirm the haploid nature of putative haploid lines through stomatal size comparison, chromosome counting, and flow cytometry analysis, proving the successful development of haploid vanilla plants. These findings contribute to the advancement of breeding programs and genetic improvement strategies for the vanilla industry. Full article

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) is a valuable orchid spice cultivated for its highly priced beans. Vanilla has been planted in Hainan province of China via cutting propagation for about 40 years. The yield has been decreasing annually for the past ten years due to pod numbers declining significantly even though it seems to grow normally without disease symptoms, while the reason is still unknown. In this study, we found that Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), one of the most devastating viruses causing losses in the vanilla industry, massively presented within the pods and leaves of vanilla plants, so the virus infecting the vanilla seems to be a highly probable hypothesis of the main contributions to low yield via decreasing the number of pods. This represents the first speculation of CymMV possibly affecting the yield of vanilla in China, indicating the important role of virus elimination in restoring high yield in vanilla. This research can also serve as a warning to important economic crops that rely on cuttings for propagation, demonstrating that regular virus elimination is very important for these economically propagated crops through cuttings. Full article

This study investigated the immunoprotective effects of the extract of Vanilla planifolia Andrew (EVPA) on cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results show that EVPA administration significantly alleviated the immune damage induced by Cy, as evidenced by an improved body weight, organ index, and colonic injury. A further analysis of microbial diversity revealed that the EVPA primarily increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Verrucomicrobiota, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus while decreasing Akkermansiaceae, Akkermansia, Romboutsia, and Lactococcus, thereby ameliorating the microbial dysbiosis caused by Cy. A metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in the microbial metabolite levels after EVPA treatment, including urobilinogen, formamidopyrimidine nucleoside triphosphate, Cer (d18:1/18:0), pantetheine, and LysoPC (15:0/0:0). These altered metabolites are associated with pathways related to sphingolipid metabolism, carbapenem biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between certain microbial groups and the differential metabolites. These findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of EVPA on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, laying the foundation for more extensive utilization. Full article

Vanilla production in Guadeloupe is expanding. The main species grown is Vanilla planifolia, but other species such as Vanilla pompona are also present and required by industries. To upgrade the value of vanilla production on this Caribbean Island, this study was performed to evaluate the aromatic specifies of these vanilla species according to the length of the post-harvest period (2 months and 9 months). For this purpose, Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla pompona were compared through scald and scarification transformation processes, as well as two different refining times (T1 and T2). For chemical characterization, 0.1 g of vanilla bean seeds was used for SMPE/GC-MS measurements, while 0.05 g of vanilla samples was subjected to infusion in milk (0.15%) for sensory evaluation. The latter involved generation of terms of aroma through olfaction and gustation sessions. The chemical results showed a significant difference between the two species, where vanillin was mostly present in Vanilla planifolia, unlike Vanilla pompona, where it was mainly rich in 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol. Interestingly, the second refining time was characterized by the appearance of two major components, 1,3-octadien and acetic acid. For sensory analysis, all the vanillas exhibited a high diversity of aromas including “sweet”, ”gourmand”, “spicy” flavors and so on. The application of factorial correspondence analysis (FAC) as well as the agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) showed differences between the vanilla samples according to both the species and refining time. The combination of these analyses makes it possible to establish a chemical and organoleptic profile of vanillas. Varietal and processing factors both have a major impact on the aroma profile of vanillas. Full article

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) gene family plays a crucial role in both plant growth and response to abiotic stress. Approximately half of the Orchidaceae species are estimated to perform CAM pathway, and the availability of sequenced orchid genomes makes them ideal subjects for investigating the PEPC gene family in CAM plants. In this study, a total of 33 PEPC genes were identified across 15 orchids. Specifically, one PEPC gene was found in Cymbidium goeringii and Platanthera guangdongensis; two in Apostasia shenzhenica, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, D. huoshanense, Gastrodia elata, G. menghaiensis, Phalaenopsis aphrodite, Ph. equestris, and Pl. zijinensis; three in C. ensifolium, C. sinense, D. catenatum, D. nobile, and Vanilla planifolia. These PEPC genes were categorized into four subgroups, namely PEPC-i, PEPC-ii, and PEPC-iii (PTPC), and PEPC-iv (BTPC), supported by the comprehensive analyses of their physicochemical properties, motif, and gene structures. Remarkably, PEPC-iv contained a heretofore unreported orchid PEPC gene, identified as VpPEPC4. Differences in the number of PEPC homolog genes among these species were attributed to segmental duplication, whole-genome duplication (WGD), or gene loss events. Cis-elements identified in promoter regions were predominantly associated with light responsiveness, and circadian-related elements were observed in each PEPC-i and PEPC-ii gene. The expression levels of recruited BTPC, VpPEPC4, exhibited a lower expression level than other VpPEPCs in the tested tissues. The expression analyses and RT-qPCR results revealed diverse expression patterns in orchid PEPC genes. Duplicated genes exhibited distinct expression patterns, suggesting functional divergence. This study offered a comprehensive analysis to unveil the evolution and function of PEPC genes in Orchidaceae. Full article