Article
Plant Sciences
Mayra Denise Herrera, Jorge A. Zegbe, Valentin Melero-Meraz, Raquel K. Cruz-Bravo
Summary: This study found that supplemental irrigation during fruit growth of prickly pear cactus can positively affect the antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties of peel extracts. The results suggest that fruit peels could be harnessed for human health benefits instead of being treated as organic waste.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Arturo Coronado-Contreras, Xochitl Ruelas-Chacon, Yadira K. Reyes-Acosta, Miriam Desiree Davila-Medina, Juan A. Ascacio-Valdes, Leonardo Sepulveda
Summary: Prickly pear peel residues can be used in solid-state fermentation to obtain bioactive compounds, and factors such as temperature, inoculum, and humidity affect the release and accumulation of tannins. The fermented extracts showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xavier A. Jaime, Jay P. Angerer, Chenghai Yang, John Walker, Jose Mata, Doug R. Tolleson, X. Ben Wu
Summary: This study utilized high-resolution multispectral imageries to evaluate the distribution and spatial pattern of prickly pear cactus. The spectral endmember classification method outperformed other classification methods in mapping prickly pear distribution and quantifying abundance. The study also found that fire significantly reduced prickly pear abundance and influenced its spatial pattern, with variations in the effects depending on soil type.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jaime A. Arboleda Mejia, Jorge Yanez-Fernandez
Summary: The study clarified fresh orange prickly pear juice using a microfiltration process, reducing suspended solids and turbidity while also decreasing total antioxidants and betalains content and causing significant changes in color parameters. The turbidity was significantly reduced from 164.33 to 0.37 NTU in the clarified juice.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Khansa Iftikhar, Farzana Siddique, Kashif Ameer, Muhammad Arshad, Sadia Kharal, Isam A. Mohamed A. Ahmed, Zarina Yasmin, Nida Aziz
Summary: The study evaluated the antioxidants and in vitro antimicrobial potential of hydroethanolic extracts of different parts of prickly pear. The cladode had a higher quantity of phenolics compared to the fruit and pulp. The cladode extract showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The results provide valuable data for the development and consumption of antioxidant-based alternative medicines and formulated foods.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Talia Humphries, Shane Campbell, Singarayer Florentine
Summary: Opuntia species are significant weeds worldwide, posing threats to economic and environmental assets. They can cause health issues and reproduce quickly. Biological control and herbicide treatments have been effective, but more research is needed for better management strategies.
Article
Agronomy
Lucia Andreu-Coll, Maria Emma Garcia-Pastor, Daniel Valero, Asuncion Amoros, Maria Soledad Almansa, Pilar Legua, Francisca Hernandez
Summary: During cold storage, CO2 production decreased and ethylene production increased slightly, while during shelf life storage, CO2 production increased and ethylene production increased more sharply. Firmness increased during cold storage and remained stable during shelf life storage. The content of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total carotenoids, and lipo-antioxidant activity (L-TAA) remained stable under both storage conditions.
Article
Fisheries
S. Ravishankar, N. L. C. Ragg, N. J. Delorme, B. J. Dunphy
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of immersing Cultured Greenshell mussels in prickly pear cactus solutions. It was found that low concentrations of prickly pear cactus powder and extract can enhance the mussels' resilience to thermal stress. This research provides evidence for the potential use of bioactive plant extracts to improve physiological resilience in shellfish species.
Review
Biology
Salvador Manzur-Valdespino, Jose Arias-Rico, Esther Ramirez-Moreno, Maria de Cortes Sanchez-Mata, Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales, Julieta Angel-Garcia, Quinatzin Yadira Zafra-Rojas, Rosario Barrera-Galvez, Nelly del Socorro Cruz-Cansino
Summary: There is a growing interest in exploring the potential of by-products from fruits and vegetables, and cactus pear peel has been overlooked as a locally consumed product. The peel contains bio-active compounds that may have health benefits and potential uses in various industries. However, further research is needed to fully understand the characteristics and possibilities of this by-product.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
I. Stavi
Summary: The prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) offers a variety of ecosystem services including provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural services. It provides food, medicine, and fuelwood, as well as habitats and food for wildlife. It can also be used for phytoremediation and has erosion control properties. Additionally, it serves cultural roles such as ornamental use and symbolism for refugees. However, commercial monoculture plantations can lead to environmental degradation and the species' invasiveness may pose risks to natural ecosystems. Careful planting and management are necessary for environmental sustainability.
AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Guillermo San Miguel, Diego Fernandez-Olmedilla, Francisco Sanchez-Godoy
Summary: This paper characterized the chemical, proximal, and fuel properties of prickly-pear mature cladodes and studied the drying kinetics of this biomass. The results showed that prickly-pear biomass was a poor-quality solid biofuel, but cutting the cladodes increased the drying rate. The double exponential and Midilli models were the best fit for the experimental curves.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Do Carmo C. P. De Lyra, Rodrigo G. Taketani, Ana Dolores S. De Freitas, Carolina E. R. S. E. Silva, Adalia C. E. S. Mergulhao, Maria Luiza R. B. Da Silva, Jadson E. L. S. Antunes, Ademir S. F. De Araujo, Poliana F. Giachetto
Summary: Studies evaluating the structure and diversity of bacterial communities in arid environments, including the rhizosphere of local and adapted plant species, are important. The composition and abundance of bacterial communities vary in different regions, influenced by environmental and soil conditions.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
J. Hugo Cota-Sanchez, Denver J. Falconer, Odair J. G. de Almeida, Jarvis A. Stobbs, Roy Vera-Velez, Ryan S. Rice, Nicholas A. Belliveau
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron radiation for sample preparation and analysis of plant anatomy. It reveals the anatomical features of reproductive parts in the Plains Prickly Pear Cactus, showing that the staminodes originate from the tepals. This research provides important insights into the anatomical organization of plants.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Madelaine Quiroz, Maria Teresa Varnero, Jaime G. Cuevas, Hugo Sierra
Summary: Opuntia ficus-indica, or cactus pear, has the potential to be a high-yielding energy crop for methane production through anaerobic digestion. Proper agronomic management is crucial for maximizing productivity and quality, with adjustments needed in raw material mixing, C/N ratio, and pH levels. Challenges remain in validating Opuntia as a sustainable energy source considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alaa El-Din T. Abo-El-Ez, Mohamed R. El-Shenawi, Mohamed A. Hussien, Ahmed E. M. Essa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed and fruit development in the prickly pear cactus plant. It was found that spraying GA3 at a concentration of 500 ppm was the most effective in reducing the number of seeds, while spraying at 100 ppm resulted in the production of fruits with the highest market value.
ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maurizio Di Marzo, Vivian Ebeling Viana, Camilla Banfi, Valeria Cassina, Roberta Corti, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Nicola Babolin, Andrea Guazzotti, Edward Kiegle, Veronica Gregis, Stefan de Folter, Javier Sampedro, Francesco Mantegazza, Lucia Colombo, Ignacio Ezquer
Summary: Modification of the cell wall is crucial for plant development, and xyloglucan degradation plays an important role in regulating cell growth. This study demonstrates that the alpha-XYLOSIDASE1 (XYL1) gene, regulated by the transcription factor SEEDSTICK, is essential for seed and fruit development. XYL1 affects seed size, germination, and fruit elongation, highlighting the importance of cell wall modulation in shaping organs.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Stefan de Folter
Summary: The article highlights recent discoveries on the development of gynoecium and fruit in Arabidopsis, including the factors, interactions, and mechanisms involved. It also presents the currently known gene regulatory networks from gynoecium initiation to fruit maturation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sara Hernandez-Castellano, Mauricio Andrade-Marcial, Edder D. Aguilar-Mendez, Victor M. Loyola-Vargas, Stefan de Folter, Clelia De-la-Pena
Summary: The study found that certain miRNAs play a crucial role in differentiation and stage development during somatic embryo development in coffee, influencing relevant genes involved in cell division and differentiation to enhance plant cellular totipotency.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
David Diaz-Ramirez, Ury Sarai Diaz-Garcia, Guadalupe Magdaleno-Garcia, Gunnar Huep, Ingo Appelhagen, Martin Sagasser, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez
Summary: Some genes in the WIP family play redundant and essential roles in root meristems, while other WIP genes may have additional, unknown functions. Studies have shown that WIP genes are involved in modulating organ and cell size, stomatal density, and vasculature development.
Article
Agronomy
Catarino Eduardo Tellez Valerio, Josefat Gregorio Jorge, Silvia Luna Suarez, Ignacio Eduardo Maldonado Mendoza, Flor de Fatima Rosas Cardenas
Summary: A specific miRNA (miR6024) in Solanaceae plants has been found to be associated with the interaction between the plants and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and overexpression of this miRNA increases the susceptibility of plants to fungal pathogens. Manipulating the expression of miR6024 may be a potential strategy to improve resistance to fungal pathogens in Solanaceae plants.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Sergio E. Campos, Pablo Lopez-Gomez, Valentin Luna-Garcia, Victor M. Zuniga-Mayo, Gerardo E. Armas-Caballero, Karla L. Gonzalez-Aguilera, Alexander DeLuna, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Carlos Espinosa-Soto, Stefan de Folter
Summary: In this study, the formation of the gynoecium, the female reproductive part of the flower, was investigated using a systems biology approach. The study identified numerous interactions between transcription factors and protein-protein interactions, providing valuable insights for the plant community.
Article
Plant Sciences
Judith Jazmin Bernal-Gallardo, Victor M. Zuniga-Mayo, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Stefan de Folter
Summary: Using a transcriptomic approach, potential target genes related to leaf development, stomata and trichome formation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified for the bHLH transcription factor SPATULA. It was found that SPATULA acts as a negative regulator of stomata number and a positive regulator of trichome number, and is required for sucrose-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maurizio Di Marzo, Nicola Babolin, Vivian Ebeling Viana, Antonio Costa de Oliveira, Bruno Gugi, Elisabetta Caporali, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Eduardo Martinez-Estrada, Azeddine Driouich, Stefan de Folter, Lucia Colombo, Ignacio Ezquer
Summary: This study investigates the impact of cell wall modifications on plant development and the role of biomechanical alterations in seed and fruit growth. Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana were used to study the function of gene families related to cell wall biogenesis. Disruption of genes involved in pectin maturation and hemicellulose deposition was found to strongly influence germination dynamics. Transcriptional regulators STK and LUH were shown to regulate specific aspects of cell wall properties, such as pectin distribution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, J. Irepan Reyes-Olalde, Antonio Chalfun-Junior, Marian Bemer, Yolanda Duran-Medina, Juan Carlos Ochoa-Sanchez, Herenia Guerrero-Largo, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Jurriaan Mes, Alejandra Chacon, Rocio Escobar-Guzman, Andy Pereira, Luis Herrera-Estrella, Gerco C. Angenent, Luis Delaye, Stefan de Folter
Summary: Evolution has been thought to be a conservative process, but new genes originating from non-genic sequences challenge this view. In this study, a potential de novo-originated gene called TWT1 was identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, which can modify microtubule arrangement and affect plant growth and development.
Review
Plant Sciences
J. Irepan Reyes-Olalde, Mitsuhiro Aida, Stefan de Folter
Summary: The appearance of the flower is a significant event in the evolutionary history of plants, with the gynoecium being a key organ that provides adaptive advantages. The gynoecium protects and facilitates fertilization of the ovules, which develop into seeds. In many species, the gynoecium itself becomes the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal. Despite recent advances in understanding the genetic regulatory network of gynoecium development, questions remain about the conservation of molecular mechanisms across different taxa and the origin of gynoecium diversification.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonardo Garcia-Murillo, Eliana Valencia-Lozano, Nicolas Alberto Priego-Ranero, Jose Luis Cabrera-Ponce, Fatima Patricia Duarte-Ake, Juan Carlos Vizuet-de-Rueda, Diana Marcela Rivera-Toro, Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Stefan de Folter, Raill Alvarez-Venegas
Summary: With the continual degradation of arable land caused by a growing population, improving crops and crop protection plays a crucial role in maintaining and increasing crop productivity. Alternatives to pesticide use include biological control agents, the creation of resistant crop varieties, the application of plant activator agrochemicals, and the utilization of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas. In this study, it was demonstrated that editing tomato plants using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) can activate defense genes and enhance resistance against pathogen infection.
Review
Plant Sciences
Juan Ramos-Pulido, Stefan de Folter
Summary: The success of angiosperms, the most successful group of land plants, is mainly attributed to the gynoecium, the innermost whorl of the flower. In Arabidopsis, the gynoecium is formed by two fused carpels, and a quasi-meristem called the carpel margin meristem plays a crucial role in its development. The study of gynoecium development, which is important for the production of seeds and fruits, has been a significant task for the scientific community. This review presents recent advances in Arabidopsis gynoecium patterning and highlights unanswered questions.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Manuel Alejandro Herrera Lopez, Silvia Luna-Suarez, Raul Jacobo Delgado Macuil, Flor de Fatima Rosas Cardenas
Summary: This study compares different protocols for extracting betalains from amaranth plants and determines the stability of amaranth pigments under different temperatures and pH conditions using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformation Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and principal component analysis (PCA). A simple and efficient method for betalain extraction from amaranth plants was established. The results provide guidance for storage, supervision, and application of betalains in the food industry.
JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Humberto Herrera-Ubaldo, Hector-Rogelio Najera-Gonzalez, Valentin Luna-Garcia, Nayelli Marsch-Martinez, Stefan de Folter
Summary: This article presents a protocol for immunolabeling molecules in Arabidopsis tissues. The protocol includes steps for tissue fixation and resin embedding, immunolabeling with fluorescent and non-fluorescent secondary antibodies, and visualization of cytokinin and auxin molecules. This protocol is suitable for studying reproductive structures and tissue-culture-derived samples of Arabidopsis, and it can be used to examine the distribution of various molecules including hormones and cell wall components.