Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) is a popular food from Allium species in East and Southeast Asia. Most Allium species possess characteristic aromas and have antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of root, leaf, and scape extracts of Chinese chive at different pH levels (3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 10.7) were compared. The most pronounced activity was produced by the scape extract, and the greatest activity was obtained at pH 5.0. HPLC and GC–MS analysis showed that the major active ingredient was 2-amino-5-methylbenzoic acid. The mechanism of action of Chinese chive scape extracts may involve the depression or disruption of cell membrane integrity, according to our results of the leakage of electrolytes and protein, as well as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations.
In order to identify the effects of drought stress on protective enzyme activity and physiological properties, four mulberry varieties, i.e.,'Nanye-1', in the Panxi Region of Sichuan Province, China, were selected. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in four mulberry varieties was determined. Soluble protein, soluble sugar, proline, net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of mulberry leaves were analyzed. The results show that during the early stages of drought stress, protective enzyme activities in four mulberry varieties continually increased. However, prolonged and intensified drought stress decreased their activities. After re-watering, they gradually returned to normal levels. Under drought stress and after re-watering, 'Nanye-1' and 'Yunsang-1' clearly showed smaller changes in soluble protein content than the 'Xinyizhilai' and 'Husang-32' varieties, whereas changes in their soluble sugar content were clearly greater than these last two varieties. When water deficit was protracted and intensified, 'Nanye-1' and 'Yunsang-1' still showed higher net photosynthetic, transpiration rates and water-use efficiency than 'Xinyizhilai' and 'Husang-32'.
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