The elemental composition of cereal and pseudocereal grain is believed to significantly affect the portions of the minerals supplied for particular human populations. Therefore, care needs to be taken to improve the availability of the essential elements and to decrease unwanted metal accumulation in edible plant parts. In the present study, we have investigated the element accumulation in the grain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.), harvested from the same field under conventional grain production. The contents of elements in 100 g grain were higher than the concentrations listed in the literature for wheat and buckwheat flours, which indicates significant losses of elements during milling and polishing. Concerns are raised due to the high and unwanted metal accumulation in wheat and buckwheat. The data indicate that both of these buckwheat species accumulate less metal contaminants when compared to wheat.
F.14 Improvements to existing production methods and tools or processes
COBISS.SI-ID: 2715471Composition of fungal endophyte communities on the roots of grapevines growing in production vineyards in Karst region, was analysef using molecular tools. We confirmed presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes on the roots of grapevines. Sequencing of amplified fungal DNA (ITS rDNA and 18S rDNA regions) revealed presence of representatives from four fungal phyllums – Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Glomeromycota. Our results confirmed low abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from genus Glomus, including G. Sinuosum and G. Intraradies. Mycorrhizal fungi have the potential to improve quality of grapes and vine.
F.04 Increase of the technological level
COBISS.SI-ID: 2587471Metal hyperaccumulating plants have unique ability to accumulate and withstand extraordinary high metal levels in above-ground parts, a trait highly appreciated in phytoremediation efforts. Simultaneous application of Synchrotron Radiation Fourier-Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (SR-FTIR) and Synchrotron Radiation Low-Energy X-Ray Fluorescence (LEXRF) enables a deeper understanding of the importance of plant structural biochemistry for the processes involved. On their way to the shoots, metals pass diverse biomolecules that may act as their potential binding sites. Metal sequestration at the tissue and cellular levels further contribute to successful metal detoxification and the significance of the activity and abundance of metal transporters in hyperaccumulation is well resolved. The potential role of biomolecules present in the apoplast to metal tolerance however, is much less understood. Spatial distribution of biological macromolecules (e.g. carbohydrate, lipid, ester, pectin and lignin) of the metal-enriched epidermal cells of leaves acquired using SR-FTIR was therefore complemented with their elemental composition revealed by LEXRF at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. The results point to a functional significance of the spatial distribution of specific biological macromolecules within metal accumulating cells and tissues.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 2740559