Cadmium and zinc accumulation and tolerance in two Egyptian cultivars (S53 and V120) of L. as potential phytoremediator.

One of the most important oil crops in the world, sunflower ( L.), is recognized to help in soil phytoremediation. Heavy metal (HM) contamination is one of the most abiotic challenges that may affect the growth and productivity of such an important crop plant.

Comparison of three genomic DNA extraction methods to obtain high DNA quality from maize.

Background: The world's top three cereals, based on their monetary value, are rice, wheat, and corn. In cereal crops, DNA extraction is difficult owing to rigid non-cellulose components in the cell wall of leaves and high starch and protein content in grains. The advanced techniques in molecular biology require pure and quick extraction of DNA.

Expression of genes encoding chalcone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase correlates with flavanol accumulation during heartwood formation in Juglans nigra.

Heartwood formation is generally characterized by the accumulation of phenolic substances that increase the natural color and durability of wood. Although there is evidence that these substances are synthesized in aging sapwood cells, little is known about heartwood formation at the molecular level. We monitored seasonal changes in flavanol concentration across the stems of 23-year-old Juglans nigra L.