The characterization of tocols in different plants parts of six Japanese rice cultivars relating to their UVB-sensitivity.

There has been significant interest in the photosensitivity, or photo-resistance, of Japanese rice cultivars, which synthesize tocols (Vitamin E), a class of phytochemicals including tocol derivatives tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3). In the present study, the distribution of tocols in the leaves, seeds, stems, and roots of six Japanese rice cultivars was investigated. The relationship between the different tocols in cultivars and their ultraviolet B sensitivity index (USB-SI) was analyzed.

Radiation degradation of (1→3)-β-d-glucan from yeast with a potential application as a plant growth promoter.

The (1→3)-β-d-glucan extracted from the yeast cell wall was irradiated by γ-rays from a Co-60 source at dose range of 100-300kGy in a swelling condition of 10, 15 and 20% for degradation. The water-soluble contents of irradiated samples obtained by 10% (1→3)-β-d-glucan mixture increased from 25.89 to 66.

Preparation of oligoalginate plant growth promoter by γ irradiation of alginate solution containing hydrogen peroxide.

Degraded alginate compounds with molecular weights of 7-26, 40-77, or 11-26 kDa were obtained by γ irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (5% H(2)O(2)) treatment, or a combination treatment involving ionizing radiation and H(2)O(2), respectively. The 14 kDa oligoalginate, prepared by the combined method, promoted the growth of mustard greens and lettuce at an optimal concentration of 75 mg/L. The growth promotion effects of the oligoalginate prepared by γ irradiation in the presence of H(2)O(2) were statistically equivalent to those of the oligoalginate prepared by γ irradiation only.