Polyphenol Contents, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract and Fractions of Sonneratia Caseolaris Fruits from Ben Tre Province in Vietnam

Plants contain a large number of phytochemical components, many of which are known as bioactive compounds and responsible for the expression of various pharmacological activities. The extract of Sonneratia caseolaris fruit collected in Vietnam was investigated for its total phenolic and total flavonoid contents using methanol solvent and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits (hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous). GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the bioactive chemical constituents occurring in the active extract. Further, the antibacterial activity was tested in vitro on bacterial isolates, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, using the disc diffusion method on tryptic soya agar (TSA) medium. The methanol extract showed high total flavonoid (82.3 ± 0.41 mg QE/g extract) and phenolic (41.0 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g extract) content. GC-MS of the methanol extract and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits detected 20 compounds, principally fatty alcohols, fatty acids, phenols, lipids, terpenes derivatives, and carboxylic acids derivatives. A 50 mg/ml concentration of methanol extract had the strongest antibacterial activity on E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. Furthermore, ethyl acetate, aqueous, and n-butanol fractions inhibited S. aureus and B. subtilis the most. The results of the present study suggested that the fruits of S. caseolaris are rich sources of phenolic compounds that can contribute to safe and cost-effective treatments.

Developing efficient CuO nanoplate/ZnO nanoparticle hybrid photocatalysts for methylene blue degradation under visible light

CuO/ZnO nanocomposites with different components can overcome the drawbacks of previously used photocatalysts owing to their promotion in charge separation and transportation, light absorption, and the photo-oxidation of dyes. In this study, CuO nanoplates were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, while ZnO nanoparticles were fabricated by the precipitation method. A series of CuO/ZnO nanocomposites with different ZnO-to-CuO weight ratios, namely, 2 : 8, 4 : 6, 5 : 5, 6 : 4, and 8 : 2 were obtained via a mixing process. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and monoclinic CuO in the synthesized CuO/ZnO nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy showed the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of CuO nanoplates. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra exhibited a slight red-shift in the absorption edge of binary oxides relative to pure ZnO or CuO. All samples were employed for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The composite samples exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared with pristine CuO or ZnO. This study aimed to examine the effect of the ZnO-to-CuO weight ratio on their photocatalytic performance. The results indicated that among all the synthesized nanocomposites and pristine oxides, the nanocomposite with ZnO and CuO in a proportion of 4 : 6 shows the highest photodegradation activity for the removal of MB with 93% MB photodegraded within 60 min at an initial MB concentration of 5 ppm. The photocatalytic kinetic data were described well by the pseudo-first-order model with a high correlation coefficient of 0.95. The photocatalytic mechanism of the mixed metal oxide was proposed and discussed in detail. The photodegradation characteristic of CuO/ZnO nanostructures is valuable for methylene blue degradation from aqueous solutions as well as environmental purification in various fields.

Strategies for utilization of crop wild relatives in plant breeding programs

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are weedy and wild relatives of the domesticated and cultivated crops, which usually occur and are maintained in natural forms in their centres of origin. These include the ancestors or progenitors of all cultivated species and comprise rich sources of diversity for many important traits useful in plant breeding. CWRs can play an important role in broadening genetic bases and introgression of economical traits into crops, but their direct use by breeders for varietal improvement program is usually not advantageous due to the presence of crossing or chromosome introgression barriers with cultivated species as well as their high frequencies of agronomically undesirable alleles. Linkage drag may subsequently result in unfavourable traits in the subsequent progeny when segments of the genome linked with quantitative trait loci (QTL), or a phenotype, are introgressed from wild germplasm. Here, we first present an overview in regards to the contribution that wild species have made to improve biotic, abiotic stress tolerances and yield-related traits in crop varieties, and secondly summarise the various challenges which are experienced in interspecific hybridization along with their probable solutions. We subsequently suggest techniques for readily harnessing these wild relatives for fast and effective introgression of exotic alleles in pre-breeding research programs.

Effect of Lactic Acid on α-Amylase Activity and Phytic Acid Content in Germination of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Lactic acid has known as a one of compounds to cause cellular harm in waterlogged tissue through the process of cytoplasmic acidosis. The effects of lactic acid on α-amylase activity and phytic acid content using an assay for high phosphate in germination stage of rice were evaluated. It is showed that lactic acid inhibited rice germination at every treated dose. The reduction of α-amylase content attributed to lactic acid at 24 h after germination of rice seeds was observed. The analysis of phosphate concentration at 48 h after treatment noted that although the content of phytic acid was reduced in Japonica varieties, but in contrast its amount was enhanced in Indica cultivars. The findings highlighted the positive effects of lactic acid on α-amylase activity and phytic acid content and suggested that this compound may play a potent role as a germinated regulator in rice.

Potential Use of Plant Waste from the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian "V3") as an Antioxidant Source

This research was conducted to exploit the waste of used plant parts from the widely marketed moth orchid cultivar (Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian “V3”). Various extracts of roots, stems, and leaves were evaluated for total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. The bound extract from stems contained the highest total phenolics (5.092 ± 0.739 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g DW (dry weight)). The maximum total flavonoids (2.218 ± 0.021 mg RE (rutin equivalent)/g DW) were found in the hexane extract of leaves. Ethyl acetate extract from roots showed the greatest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. Of these extracts, the IC₅₀ values of these samples were 0.070 mg/mL, and 0.450 mg/mL in a free radical 1,-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power method, respectively. The lipid peroxidation inhibition (LPI) was found to be 94.2% using the β-carotene bleaching method. Five phenolic compounds including caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, ellagic acid, and cinnamic acid were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It is suggested that the roots of the hybrid Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian “V3” cultivar may be exploited as an effective source of antioxidants.

Identifying the Grain Chalkiness Gene Using Molecular Marker Techniques in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Chalkiness is a major constraint on rice production because it is one of the key factors determining grain quality (appearance, processing, milling, storing, eating, and cooking quality) and price. In this study, we conducted grain chalkiness gene identification using co-dominant insertion/deletion (INDEL) markers and SSR marker combination on 50 different varieties. The application results in 7 InDel markers and SSR marker on chromosome 7 were recorded. Three primers, InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM21938, associated with grain chalkiness. For the InDel 5 primer, the amplification product was 100%. Use of primer InDel 5 in detection and evaluation of genotype to the chalkiness trait of rice grain on 50 rice varieties indicated the suitability level with phenotypic evaluation was 86% and the unsuitability level was 14%. For the InDel 14 primer, the amplification products were 100%. The suitability with phenotypic assessment was 84% and the unsuitability was 16%. For the RM21938 primer, the amplification product was 94%. The suitability with phenotypic assessment was 76% and the unsuitability was 24%. Thirteen of the selected varieties had grain chalkiness gene both InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM21938. Total 13 varieties were detected from InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM12938 primer combinations also showed high efficiency of the InDel technique in identifying chalkiness gene in rice grain. A cluster analysis was performed and a dendrogram was constructed which evinced the nature of phylogenetic classification among the genotypes of the varieties. These markers could be used for developing quality of rice in breeding program.

Identifying the Grain Chalkiness Gene Using Molecular Marker Techniques in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Chalkiness is a major constraint on rice production because it is one of the key factors determining grain quality (appearance, processing, milling, storing, eating, and cooking quality) and price. In this study, we conducted grain chalkiness gene identification using co-dominant insertion/deletion (INDEL) markers and SSR marker combination on 50 different varieties. The application results in 7 InDel markers and SSR marker on chromosome 7 were recorded. Three primers, InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM21938, associated with grain chalkiness. For the InDel 5 primer, the amplification product was 100%. Use of primer InDel 5 in detection and evaluation of genotype to the chalkiness trait of rice grain on 50 rice varieties indicated the suitability level with phenotypic evaluation was 86% and the unsuitability level was 14%. For the InDel 14 primer, the amplification products were 100%. The suitability with phenotypic assessment was 84% and the unsuitability was 16%. For the RM21938 primer, the amplification product was 94%. The suitability with phenotypic assessment was 76% and the unsuitability was 24%. Thirteen of the selected varieties had grain chalkiness gene both InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM21938. Total 13 varieties were detected from InDel 5, InDel 14 and RM12938 primer combinations also showed high efficiency of the InDel technique in identifying chalkiness gene in rice grain. A cluster analysis was performed and a dendrogram was constructed which evinced the nature of phylogenetic classification among the genotypes of the varieties. These markers could be used for developing quality of rice in breeding program.

Effects of Rice Blast Fungus (<i>Pyricularia grisea</i>) on Phenolics, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Capacity in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Rice blast fungus (Pyricularia grisea) is one of the most problematic pathogen to significantly reduce rice production worldwide. In this study, after being inoculated withP. grisea, changes in phenolic components and antioxidant capacity and correlation with the resistant level against rice blast fungus were investigated. Among screened rice cultivars, AV-3 was the strongest resistant, whereas BII-3 was the most susceptible. It was found that although total contents of phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacities varied among studied varieties, no significant coefficient with the resistance againstP. griseawas observed. After rice was affected by rice blast fungus, total phenolics and flavonoids were markedly reduced, but in contrast, the DPPH scavenging activities of only the susceptible rice cultivars was reduced. Among the 11 phenolic acids detected, catechol was found only in the tolerant cultivar AV-3, whereas the amount of cinnamic acid was increased after infection. Quantity of vanillin was also promoted, except in the susceptible cultivar BII-3 that was significantly reduced. Findings of this study showed that the resistant level againstP. griseawas proportionally correlated to the antioxidant capacity. Catechol, cinnamic acid, and vanillin may play a role but it needs further elaboration. Observations of this study suggested that the infection of blast disease by reducing amount of phenolics and flavonoids that may weaken the resistance of rice against this detrimental fungus.

Development of New Drought Tolerant Breeding Lines for Vietnam Using Marker-Assisted Backcrossing

Development of drought tolerant high-yielding varieties is essential because increased areas are subject to drought in the Mekong delta, Vietnam. The purpose of this experiment was developed using IR75499-73-1-B as drought tolerant donor and OMCS2000 as a recipient parent basis of a phenotypic and molecular marker for BC2F2 generation. Seven markers (RM219, RM201 RM105, RM23602, RM23877, RM24103 and RM328) were used for a idifying to drought tolerant. Primer RM23877 detected the highest number of lines as homozygous donor alleles (11 lines), followed by RM105 and RM201 (9 lines). The drought gene was introgressed into the new breeding lines. The plant height, number of tillers, and filled grain had positive correlation with yield/hill under drought stress. The lines BC2F2-45 and BC2F2-54 developed as drought tolerant, and gave high yield. This is an opportunity to improve breeding for high yield and drought tolerant rice varieties in Vietnam.

Development of New Drought Tolerant Breeding Lines for Vietnam Using Marker-Assisted Backcrossing

Development of drought tolerant high-yielding varieties is essential because increased areas are subject to drought in the Mekong delta, Vietnam. The purpose of this experiment was developed using IR75499-73-1-B as drought tolerant donor and OMCS2000 as a recipient parent basis of a phenotypic and molecular marker for BC2F2 generation. Seven markers (RM219, RM201 RM105, RM23602, RM23877, RM24103 and RM328) were used for a idifying to drought tolerant. Primer RM23877 detected the highest number of lines as homozygous donor alleles (11 lines), followed by RM105 and RM201 (9 lines). The drought gene was introgressed into the new breeding lines. The plant height, number of tillers, and filled grain had positive correlation with yield/hill under drought stress. The lines BC2F2-45 and BC2F2-54 developed as drought tolerant, and gave high yield. This is an opportunity to improve breeding for high yield and drought tolerant rice varieties in Vietnam.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Phalaenopsis Orchid Hybrids

Phalaenopsis spp. is the most commercially and economically important orchid, but their plant parts are often left unused, which has caused environmental problems. To date, reports on phytochemical analyses were most available on endangered and medicinal orchids. The present study was conducted to determine the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts prepared from leaves and roots of six commercial hybrid Phalaenopsis spp. Leaf extracts of "Chian Xen Queen" contained the highest total phenolics with a value of 11.52 ± 0.43 mg gallic acid equivalent per g dry weight and the highest total flavonoids (4.98 ± 0.27 mg rutin equivalent per g dry weight). The antioxidant activity of root extracts evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching method was higher than those of the leaf extracts. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified, namely, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, and ellagic acid. Ferulic, p-coumaric and sinapic acids were concentrated largely in the roots. The results suggested that the root extracts from hybrid Phalaenopsis spp. could be a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study also helps to reduce the amount of this orchid waste in industrial production, as its roots can be exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.

Correlation among Agro-Morphological Variation and Genetic Diversity of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) under Drought Stress

In this study, the correlation coefficients among agro-morphological variation, genetic diversity, and drought tolerance in 44 rice cultivars were analyzed. The drought tolerance at seeding stage (DTS) was significantly proportional to drought tolerance at vegetative stage (DTV) (r = 0.60). In addition, DTS and DTV had strong significant positive correlation to leaf roll (r = 0.87 and 0.54, respectively). Means of unfilled grains and tilling per panicle were proportionally correlated to DTS (r = 0.22 and 0.25, respectively), and DTV (r = 0.20 and 0.36, respectively). However, weight of 1000 grains and filled grains recorded no correlation to DTS and DTV. At a homologous coefficient of 16.85 integrated from cluster analysis of agro-morphological, quantitative characteristics and drought tolerant scores, the rice was divided into five groups. Maximum PIC (polymorphic information content) values were detected in three markers including RM11125, RM21, and RM5629, which were between 0.78-0.79. Cluster analysis of microsatellite markers revealed that by a genetic distance of 0.63, the rice varieties were separated into three clusters. The results provide valuable information for rice breeders to select donors in breeding rice integrated with drought tolerance and good agronomic characteristics.

Allelopathic Activity of Dehulled Rice and its Allelochemicals on Weed Germination

In this study, the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice, rice, and hulls of rice on germination of weeds was evaluated in laboratory. Phenolic acids in growth media of these plants were also identified and quantified using HPLC. Identified allelochemicals were reversely tested for phytotoxic effects on germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass, lettuce, radish and rice. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of dehulled rice were stronger than those of hulls and rice. Dehulled rice caused 66.7% and 50.6% reduction in radish root length and lettuce shoot height, respectively. Dehulled rice showed strong inhibitory effects on root length of lettuce and shoot height of radish while hulls and rice exhibited stimulation. Regarding phenolic identification, vanillin and vanillic acid were detected as allelochemicals in root exudates of rice and tested plants. The results revealed that most of the vanillin and vanillic acid treatments showed high inhibitory effects on germination rates and seedling growth of lettuce and radish, high stimulatory activity on root elongation of rice. Vanillic acid (100 ppm and 200 ppm), vanillin (100 ppm) and their mixture (200 ppm) completely inhibited survival of lettuce. The findings indicate the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice which can be used for identification of more phytotoxins to produce bioherbicides in agricultural practices.

Allelopathic Activity of Dehulled Rice and its Allelochemicals on Weed Germination

In this study, the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice, rice, and hulls of rice on germination of weeds was evaluated in laboratory. Phenolic acids in growth media of these plants were also identified and quantified using HPLC. Identified allelochemicals were reversely tested for phytotoxic effects on germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass, lettuce, radish and rice. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of dehulled rice were stronger than those of hulls and rice. Dehulled rice caused 66.7% and 50.6% reduction in radish root length and lettuce shoot height, respectively. Dehulled rice showed strong inhibitory effects on root length of lettuce and shoot height of radish while hulls and rice exhibited stimulation. Regarding phenolic identification, vanillin and vanillic acid were detected as allelochemicals in root exudates of rice and tested plants. The results revealed that most of the vanillin and vanillic acid treatments showed high inhibitory effects on germination rates and seedling growth of lettuce and radish, high stimulatory activity on root elongation of rice. Vanillic acid (100 ppm and 200 ppm), vanillin (100 ppm) and their mixture (200 ppm) completely inhibited survival of lettuce. The findings indicate the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice which can be used for identification of more phytotoxins to produce bioherbicides in agricultural practices.

Correlation among Agro-Morphological Variation and Genetic Diversity of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) under Drought Stress

In this study, the correlation coefficients among agro-morphological variation, genetic diversity, and drought tolerance in 44 rice cultivars were analyzed. The drought tolerance at seeding stage (DTS) was significantly proportional to drought tolerance at vegetative stage (DTV) (r = 0.60). In addition, DTS and DTV had strong significant positive correlation to leaf roll (r = 0.87 and 0.54, respectively). Means of unfilled grains and tilling per panicle were proportionally correlated to DTS (r = 0.22 and 0.25, respectively), and DTV (r = 0.20 and 0.36, respectively). However, weight of 1000 grains and filled grains recorded no correlation to DTS and DTV. At a homologous coefficient of 16.85 integrated from cluster analysis of agro-morphological, quantitative characteristics and drought tolerant scores, the rice was divided into five groups. Maximum PIC (polymorphic information content) values were detected in three markers including RM11125, RM21, and RM5629, which were between 0.78-0.79. Cluster analysis of microsatellite markers revealed that by a genetic distance of 0.63, the rice varieties were separated into three clusters. The results provide valuable information for rice breeders to select donors in breeding rice integrated with drought tolerance and good agronomic characteristics.

Study on Physical-Chemical Characters and Heritability for Yield Components in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Present study was performed to analysis both physical and chemical properties of rice germplasm and heritability for yield components in combinations. A total of 44 lines/varieties obtained from Cuu Long Rice Research Institute genebank, and 30 F1 generation combinations were evaluated. The results showed that the rice line IR79008-B-11-B-B-1 showed overall good physical characters (head rice, grain length, grain width, chalkiness). In terms of chemical characteristics, three varieties IR75499-73-1-B, OM6162, and OM4900 were found to have good amylose content, gel consistency, protein content, gelatinization temperature, and aroma. A very notable finding was that the cross between OM6162/SwarnaSub1 that low amylose content (20.2%), high gel consistency (78.2 mm), high protein content (8.1%), appropriate gelatinization temperature (scale 5), low chalkiness (level 0), high heritability (0.9) for grain yield trait/cluster, and (0.84) for the number of panicles/cluster. Moreover these characters consist of plant height, panicles lenght, number of panicles/cluster, number of filled grains/panicle, number of unfilled/panicle, and grain yield/ cluster showed moderate to high heritability of mean for combination OM6162/SwarnaSub1. The results suggest that the grain yield trait/cluster and the number of panicles/cluster are important yield contributing traits to rice breeders for selecting ideal combinations for higher yield and quality of next generations.

Effects of Salinity Stress on Growth and Phenolics of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between of salinity stress on growth and phenolic compounds in rice. It was observed that salinity stress caused a significant decrease in shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of all rice varieties. Under salinity stress, changes of chemical contents also differed among phenolic compounds and rice cultivars. Total phenolics and flavonoids, and contents of vanillin and protocatechuic acid in tolerant varieties were strongly increased, whereas in contrast, they were markedly reduced in the susceptible cultivar. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected only in tolerance rice. Vanillin and protocatechuic acid may play a role, but ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid may be much involved in the tolerant mechanism against salinity stress. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid and their derivatives are able to be exploited as promising agents to reduce detrimental effects of salinity stress on rice production.

Study on Physical-Chemical Characters and Heritability for Yield Components in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Present study was performed to analysis both physical and chemical properties of rice germplasm and heritability for yield components in combinations. A total of 44 lines/varieties obtained from Cuu Long Rice Research Institute genebank, and 30 F1 generation combinations were evaluated. The results showed that the rice line IR79008-B-11-B-B-1 showed overall good physical characters (head rice, grain length, grain width, chalkiness). In terms of chemical characteristics, three varieties IR75499-73-1-B, OM6162, and OM4900 were found to have good amylose content, gel consistency, protein content, gelatinization temperature, and aroma. A very notable finding was that the cross between OM6162/SwarnaSub1 that low amylose content (20.2%), high gel consistency (78.2 mm), high protein content (8.1%), appropriate gelatinization temperature (scale 5), low chalkiness (level 0), high heritability (0.9) for grain yield trait/cluster, and (0.84) for the number of panicles/cluster. Moreover these characters consist of plant height, panicles lenght, number of panicles/cluster, number of filled grains/panicle, number of unfilled/panicle, and grain yield/ cluster showed moderate to high heritability of mean for combination OM6162/SwarnaSub1. The results suggest that the grain yield trait/cluster and the number of panicles/cluster are important yield contributing traits to rice breeders for selecting ideal combinations for higher yield and quality of next generations.

Effects of Salinity Stress on Growth and Phenolics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between of salinity stress on growth and phenolic compounds in rice. It was observed that salinity stress caused a significant decrease in shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of all rice varieties. Under salinity stress, changes of chemical contents also differed among phenolic compounds and rice cultivars. Total phenolics and flavonoids, and contents of vanillin and protocatechuic acid in tolerant varieties were strongly increased, whereas in contrast, they were markedly reduced in the susceptible cultivar. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected only in tolerance rice. Vanillin and protocatechuic acid may play a role, but ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid may be much involved in the tolerant mechanism against salinity stress. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid and their derivatives are able to be exploited as promising agents to reduce detrimental effects of salinity stress on rice production.

Involvement of Phenolic Compounds in Anaerobic Flooding Germination of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

By this study, thirty rice varieties were evaluated for anaerobic flooding tolerance using the direct sowing method. Phenolic profiles of strong and weak tolerant varieties were identified and compared based on HPLC chromatograms. The germination rates and shoot heights of rice were recorded for calculating the seedling vigor, which indicate the tolerant ability of rice in flooding condition. The results revealed a high variation of germination rate (10.01 to 100%), shoot height (0.35 to 78.17 mm) and seedling vigor (0.05 to 72.83). There was a high correlation between (r = 0.71) germination rate in 5 cm and 10 cm flood. Phenolic and flavonoid contents of the strong tolerant cultivar significantly and proportionally increased in the flooding levels (5 cm and 10 cm). There was a total difference in terms of number of phenolic acids found in the strong and weak tolerant varieties. In particular, six phenolic acids (gallic acid, catechol, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, and ellagic acid) were only identified with high concentration in the strong tolerant cultivar. The findings suggest that the phenolics presented in the strong tolerant varieties probably have a certain function in response and adaptation to anaerobic flooding condition. Further researches on exogenous application of these phenolic acids to increase the flooding tolerant level of rice should be continued at both green house and field treatments.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Castanopsis</i> <i>phuthoensis</i> and <i>Castanopsis</i> g<i>randicicatricata</i>

In this study, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compositions of Castanopsis phuthoensis and Castanopsis grandicicatricata (Fagaceae family) were investigated. It was found that bark extracts were rich of phenolic contents, whereas leaf extracts were abundant of flavonoids. The total phenolics varied from 11.20 to 35.47 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry weight (DW), and the total flavonoids were from 2.24 to 12.55 mg rutin equivalent g-1 DW. The results of antioxidant activity showed that the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the free phenolic extracts were higher than the bound phenolic extracts. Regarding the reducing power and β-carotene bleaching assays, the free phenolic extracts showed remarkably strong antioxidant capacity that were similar to the levels of the standard BHT (dibutyl hydroxytoluene) did. It could be concluded that free phenolic extracts were more effective in antioxidant activities than bound phenolic extracts. A highly significant correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in extracts were observed. By HPLC analysis, seven phenolic acids were detected including gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, sinapic, p-coumaric, ellagic, and vanillin. Of which, gallic, ellagic, and sinapic acids were the most abundant compounds in the two species. The results suggest C. phuthoensis and C. grandicicatricata contain rich sources of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are probably considered in pharmaceutical use.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Castanopsis</i> <i>phuthoensis</i> and <i>Castanopsis</i> g<i>randicicatricata</i>

In this study, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compositions of Castanopsis phuthoensis and Castanopsis grandicicatricata (Fagaceae family) were investigated. It was found that bark extracts were rich of phenolic contents, whereas leaf extracts were abundant of flavonoids. The total phenolics varied from 11.20 to 35.47 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry weight (DW), and the total flavonoids were from 2.24 to 12.55 mg rutin equivalent g-1 DW. The results of antioxidant activity showed that the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the free phenolic extracts were higher than the bound phenolic extracts. Regarding the reducing power and β-carotene bleaching assays, the free phenolic extracts showed remarkably strong antioxidant capacity that were similar to the levels of the standard BHT (dibutyl hydroxytoluene) did. It could be concluded that free phenolic extracts were more effective in antioxidant activities than bound phenolic extracts. A highly significant correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in extracts were observed. By HPLC analysis, seven phenolic acids were detected including gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, sinapic, p-coumaric, ellagic, and vanillin. Of which, gallic, ellagic, and sinapic acids were the most abundant compounds in the two species. The results suggest C. phuthoensis and C. grandicicatricata contain rich sources of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are probably considered in pharmaceutical use.

Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Contents of Three Quercus Species

The antioxidant capability and phenolic contents of ethanol extracts (free phenolics) and ethyl acetate extracts (bound phenolics) of three Quercus species were estimated in this work. The antioxidant activities were examined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical, reducing power and b-carotene bleaching methods. HPLC was employed to detect major phenolic acids. The leaf extract of Q. salicina contained maximum total phenolics while the highest total flavonoid content was found in the leaf extract of Q. serrata. The antioxidant activities varied among three species. Bark extract of Q. salicina was the most potential and it was closed to levels of the standard antioxidative dibutyl hydroxytoluene (BHT). The bark extract of Q. serrata also showed promising antioxidant activities despite their eminence was negligibly lower than Q. salicina. Stronger antioxidant activities of free phenolics than those of the bound phenolics may be attributed to higher quantities of free phenolics in the barks of Quercus species, however total flavonoids may not contribute a critical role. By HPLC analysis, thirteen phenolic acids were detected in the leaf and bark extracts. Of them, Q. salicina showed maximum in number (ten compounds) and quantities of detected phenolic acids. Ellagic, chlorogenic and benzoic acids were dominant in Quercus species. Findings of this study revealed that leaves and barks of three Quercus species are rich source of antioxidants, and Q.salicina is the most promising and should be elaborated to exploit its pharmaceutical properties.