Fate of Fusarium graminearum and Other Fusarium Species During Composting Of Beef Cattle Feedlot Manure

Fusarium head blight, caused by Fusarium graminearum, could potentially become a major concern for the cereal industry in Alberta, Canada. Infested feed grain in feedlot manure may act as a means of spreading the disease when manure is land applied. The ability of manure composting to eradicate the pathogen on infested grain (wheat, barley, corn) was evaluated. F. graminearum and other Fusarium spp. were rapidly eradicated from infested grains buried in compost windrows with no recovery after 2 d where windrow temperature attained 51°C. Under cooler windrow conditions (11.9 to 17.5°C), recovery of F. graminearum reached zero on Day 9 for corn (Zea mays L.), Day 14 for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Day 22 for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), showing that factors in addition to compost temperature may play a role in pathogen elimination. Composting represents an effective strategy in mitigating the dissemination of F. graminearum via manure should land application occur on fields that are subsequently used for grain production.     

Effect of Fusarium Head Blight on Semolina Milling and Pasta-Making Quality of Durum Wheat

Ten durum wheat cultivars harvested in Manitoba in 1995, which were downgraded primarily because of fusarium-damaged (FD) kernels, were subjected to mycological tests and evaluated for semolina milling and pasta-making quality. Fusarium graminearum was the primary fungus infecting kernels. The ratio of FD to deoxynivlaenol (DON) level varied slightly among cultivars but was generally near unity. Retention of DON in semolina was about 50%. FD had a negative impact on kernel weight and test weight, resulting in lower semolina yield. Semolina ash content and bran specks were not affected by FD, but semolina became duller and redder. FD had no effect on protein content, but gluten strength was weaker probably due to a lower proportion of glutenins as shown by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of sequentially extracted gluten proteins. The influence of FD on gluten strength was not sufficient to alter pasta texture. FD had a strong adverse effect on pasta color. Even for the least damaged cultivars, which had FD levels near the limit of 2% established for the No. 3 and No. 4 Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) grades, the deterioration in pasta color was readily discernible by eye, confirming that the strict FD tolerances for premium No. 1 CWAD (0.25%) and No. 2 CWAD (0.5%) grades are warranted.     

Composition of Oat Bran and Flour Prepared by Three Different Mechanisms of Dry Milling

Three mechanisms of oat milling were tested for laboratory-scale oat bran production. Oat bran consistent with AACC definition and commercially obtained product was generated with either roller-milling or impact-milling of groats, followed by sieving to retain larger particles. These bran preparations were enriched ≈1.7-fold in β-glucan and ash, 1.4-fold in protein, and 1.1-fold in lipid. Bran finishing made further enrichments in protein, β-glucan, and ash. Tempering oat (to 12% moisture for 20 min) improved bran yield from roller-milling nearly two-fold but had little effect on bran composition. Bran yield from the impact-type mill was significantly affected by grinding screen size. Oat bran obtained from a pearling mill was only slightly enriched in β-glucan and protein, but it was more heavily enriched in ash and oil than brans from roller or impact mills. The pearling mill isolated the outer layers of the groat directly, but because of its low β-glucan composition it did not meet the AACC definition of oat bran, indicating a relatively uniform distribution of β-glucan in the groat.     

Maize ear rot and moniliformin contamination by cryptic species of Fusarium subglutinans

Fusarium subglutinans causes maize ear rot and contaminates grain with the mycotoxin moniliformin. Previous DNA sequence analysis divided F. subglutinans from maize into two cryptic species, designated groups 1 and 2. Here, it was determined whether the two groups differ in the agriculturally important traits of virulence on maize and moniliformin production in planta. Thirty-seven strains from U.S. maize were assigned to groups 1 and 2 by DNA sequence analysis. In field tests, all strains were highly virulent on maize inbred B73 and four maize hybrids. In planta, 82% of group 1 strains and 25% of group 2 strains produced high levels (100-1500 microg/g) of moniliformin. All group 2 strains from more northern states produced little or no moniliformin (0-5 microg/g). These data indicate that moniliformin production is highly variable in F. subglutinans from U.S. maize and that production may not be required for the fungus to cause maize ear rot.     

Fate of Dwarf Bunt Fungus Teliospores During Milling of Wheat into Flour

Wheat contaminated with teliospores of Tilletia controversa Kühn (TCK) was mixed with uncontaminated wheat and processed through the Kansas State University pilot mill. Two 50-bu lots of the contaminated mixture were cleaned, tempered, and milled. Approximately 500 samples of wheat, cleanings, and mill fractions were collected and examined for the presence of intact and broken TCK teliospores. Whole wheat samples (50 g) were washed, sieved through a 60-μm nylon sieve, and pelleted by centrifugation. Contents of the pellet were examined microscopically for the presence of TCK spores. The procedure was modified as needed to accommodate cleanings and mill fractions. Levels of spore contamination in whole wheat samples decreased at each step during the handling process, and large numbers of spores were found in materials that were sieved or aspirated from the grain. Very few spores were found in bran, germ, and shorts; none were detected in red dog or straight-grade flour. The results showed that a high percentage of spores can be removed from wheat by mechanical cleaning but that it is not feasible to remove all of them.     

PCR Amplification of Wheat Sequences from DNA Extracted During Milling and Baking

DNA‐based analyses are highly sensitive and specific. Because processing steps can have profound effects on the proteins and DNA present in foods, this project examined the effects of breadmaking on wheat DNA size and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of sequences. DNA was extracted from wheat kernels, milling fractions, and flour, and from samples taken at various steps during and after the baking process. Kernels contained primarily high molecular weight DNA (>12,000 base pairs [bp]), whereas flour DNA exhibited a broad range of molecular weights from >12,000 bp to <300 bp. A marked reduction in DNA yield and size occurred after the first 5 min of baking. PCR successfully amplified products of both high and low copy number genes, even from DNA extracted from bread loaves five days after baking. However, successful amplification required that the maximum product size be no more than the average molecular weight of the DNA recovered from the source. The data also demonstrate that PCR can be used to detect the presence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a minor ingredient.     

旱地玉米微孔膜覆盖栽培试验研究

1998～ 1999年在山西中部榆次旱作丘陵区试验、示范结果表明 :旱地玉米采用微孔地膜覆盖栽培具有明显的渗水、保水、增温效果。微孔膜覆盖生育期内土壤耕作层积温 ,较普通膜覆盖增高75℃· d;较裸地增高 2 5 2℃· d;微孔膜较普通膜覆盖具有一定的通透性 ,有调节土壤表层温度的作用 ;耕层土壤水分含量微孔膜覆盖较裸地增高 4 .3%～ 19.7%;微孔膜较普通膜增高 1.5 %～16 .7%,证实了微孔膜覆盖具有渗水效果 ;微孔膜覆盖较普通膜覆盖增产 4 .1%～ 5 .0 %,较裸地增产 4 6 .8%～ 96 .5 %。     

Efficiency of Dry Matter and Nitrogen Accumulation and Redistribution in Wheat as Affected by Tillage and Nitrogen Management

Field experiments were conducted over 2 years with the hypothesis that farmyard manure (FYM), soybean residue (SR) as sole and/or in combination with urea under different tillage practices has similar effects on crop nitrogen (N) status and accumulation of dry matter (DM). Conventional ploughed plots had higher DM than other. Post anthesis accumulation of DM for minimum tillage (MT) was 4% higher than DT. Incorporation of 20 tons FYM ha^?1 combined with 30 or 60 kg ha^?1 had higher DM and N partitioned to leaves, stem, and spike than control. Leaves accumulated more DM at anthesis stage than other, whereas stem and spike at maturity than earlier stages. Fertilized plots had higher DM and N redistribution efficiency than control. However, N remobilization increased linearly with increasing DM accumulation (r² = 22%). It was concluded that FYM coupled with N under MT showed marked variations for DM partition and N status in wheat than other treatments.     

不同土壤类型对玉米根系干重变化及其分布的影响

利用根系双向切片法，研究了潮土与砂姜黑土两种土壤类型玉米根系干重的动态变化及其在土层中的分布．结果表明：两种土壤类型对玉米根系干重及其分布的影响差异较大．砂姜黑土玉米单株根系干重较大，且增加与减少时间较早，下扎速度快，深层根量多；而潮土玉米单株根系干重较小，且增加与减少时间较迟，下扎速度慢，整个根系主要集中分布于０～２０ｃｍ土层．     

Viscoelastic Properties of Gelatinized Dispersions of Maize Starch Modified by Solid‐State Milling

Solid‐state milling is an effective physical modification method applied to improve functional properties of starch. In this work the effect of solid‐state milling on the viscoelastic characteristics of maize starch gelatinized dispersions (gels) was investigated by using oscillatory squeeze film rheometry. The relaxation spectrum of the samples under study was calculated from the data obtained. It was found that solid‐state milling resulted in a decrease of the storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli; meanwhile, loss tangent (tan δ) increased. At a starch milling time more than 10 h, G″ > G′ and the gelatinized starch dispersions behaved as liquid‐like systems. The relaxation maxima shifted to shorter relaxation times, and the heights of the maxima decreased with increasing milling time. The relationship between the complex viscosity η* and steady‐shear viscosity η gradually altered from η* > η to η* < η as the milling time increased. The results can be used to determine the processing conditions of milled starch.     

天水旱作区玉米品种比较试验初报

玉米是天水市的主要粮食作物之一。为了筛选适宜在天水旱作区种植的优良玉米品种,2021年对从当地收集的27个玉米品种进行比较试验。结果表明,27个参试玉米品种在当地气候条件下均能正常成熟。以优迪919折合产量最高,为13 014.29 kg/hm2,较对照品种先玉335增产11.08%;玉源7879次之,折合产量为12 995.24 kg/hm2,较对照品种先玉335增产10.92%;翔玉218居第3位,折合产量为12 941.27 kg/hm2,较对照品种先玉335增产10.46%;登海182、德单1403、龙博士7号、翔玉329、登海9号、金凯3号折合产量也较高,分别较对照品种先玉335增产9.31%、9.05%、8.56%、8.16%、8.12%、7.56%。这9个品种较对照品种先玉335增产幅度均在7.50%以上,且农艺性状、经济性状优良,总体表现相对较好,可在天水市旱作农业区种植。     

Correlation Between NIR Spectra and RVA Parameters During Germination of Maize

The physical, chemical, and morphological changes of maize seeds during germination were investigated using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and a method based on the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Near‐infrared spectra provide information about both chemical and physical changes that occur in maize seed. The RVA curves make it possible to follow the process of germination. Four RVA parameters (peak viscosity, final viscosity, trough, and setback) were linearly correlated with germination time (R = 0.64–0.96), while the first derivatives of RVA curves contain specific information about starch structure. Water‐soluble protein (WSP) content of germinated maize seeds was measured using a flow injection analyser; this technique proved to be suitable for monitoring germination by following the mobilization of proteins. WSP and RVA parameters were highly correlated (R² = 0.82–0.95) with predicted values calculated from NIR spectra of dry samples. Strong intercorrelations existed between NIR spectra and viscosity data from the beginning of the swelling and gelatinization process. The NIR and RVA methods and WSP measurements are sensitive tools for investigating the physiological status of maize seeds during germination. Detecting early phase of germination and predicting functional properties rapidly and nondestructively may enhance the importance of NIR spectroscopic methods in agricultural quality control.     

甘肃玉米镰孢茎腐病病原菌种群多样性分析

为了解甘肃玉米镰孢茎腐病致病菌的种群结构和数量,于2015和2017年在甘肃省10个市(州)采集玉米茎腐病样品42份,根据形态学特征和EF-1α (tef)基因序列分析进行病原菌的种类鉴定。结果表明,共获得10种镰孢菌,分别为禾谷镰孢菌复合种(Fusarium graminearum species complex, FGSC, 59.3%)、拟轮枝镰孢(F.verticillioides,11.5%)、木贼镰孢(F. equiseti,10.3%)、胶孢镰孢(F. subglutinans,5.9%)、层出镰孢(F. proliferatum, 4.7%)、变红镰孢(F. incarnatum, 4.0%)、三线镰孢(F. tricinctum, 1.9%)、温带镰孢(F. temperatum, 1.2%)、锐顶镰孢(F. acuminatum,0.8%)和尖孢镰孢(F. oxysporum, 0.4%),其中三线镰孢和锐顶镰孢作为玉米茎腐病新病原,属国内外首次发现。禾谷镰孢菌复合种、拟轮枝镰孢、木贼镰孢和胶孢镰孢在甘肃四大生态区(陇东地区、陇南地区、陇中地区和河西走廊)均有分布,其余种仅在1~3个生态区分布。利用镰孢菌的特异性引物EF-1α (tef)对甘肃玉米镰孢茎腐病优势病原菌禾谷镰孢复合种进行种群检测,共鉴定出布氏镰孢(F. boothii)和禾谷镰孢2个种群,其比例为2.75∶1。选用玉米品种甘宇301按照柯赫氏法则进行致病性测定,结果发现10种镰孢菌均可致病。本研究结果为甘肃玉米茎腐病的综合防控提供了科学依据。     

Fate of Maize DNA During Steeping,Wet-Milling,and Processing

The fate of DNA during steeping, wet-milling, and subsequent processing of maize was examined using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR-based) detection system. The system used specific amplification of maize DNA sequences by primers generated toward plant nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded genes. The PCR method facilitated analysis of DNA content in food products, which is an important issue in use of genetically modified organisms. In a conventional laboratory wet-milling countercurrent steep system, DNA was detected in maize kernels throughout the process but was not found in steepwater. After kernels were wet-milled, DNA was detected in the starch, germ, coarse fiber, and wet gluten fractions but not in the fine fiber fraction. When dried by heating at 135°C for 2 hr, DNA was degraded to undetectable levels in the wet-milled gluten fraction and hydrated kernels. DNA was not detected in feed pellets, starch, dextrose, sorbitol, or high-fructose maize syrup made from industrial wet-milled samples. Although DNA could be detected in laboratory wet-milled fractions, some degree of degradation occurred after extended exposure to steepwater. Countercurrent steepwater samples from the later stages of the steeping process were able to degrade DNA. The level of DNA degradation appeared to correspond to the presence of sulfur dioxide and may represent a physiochemical rather than an enzyme-mediated process. Our results indicate that some steps in the steeping and wet-milling process can degrade maize genomic and plastid DNA.     

适宜套作玉米品种的物质积累与分配特性

为明确适宜套作玉米品种的干物质积累分配特性,以套作减产率较高的玉米品种(珍禾玉1号、众望玉18)、套作减产率较低的玉米品种(荣玉1210)为试验材料,设置套作和单作两种种植模式,利用¹³C同位素示踪法,研究适宜套作玉米品种在套作模式下的产量及产量构成、干物质积累与分配特点。结果表明,套作减产率较高的玉米品种在套作与单作条件下的产量差异达显著水平,两年平均减产率为20.40%,而套作减产率较低的玉米品种产量在两种模式下产量差异不显著。套作减产率较高的玉米品种在套作条件下的花后干物质同化量和收获指数与单作相比分别下降了21.18%、11.24%,而套作减产率较低的玉米品种在套作模式下的花后干物质同化量和收获指数较单作分别提高了48.14%、2.42%。两类品种在套作条件下宽行穗位叶¹³C向穗分配比例较窄行高5.96%,向茎秆和穗位叶的分配分别减少5.01%、0.13%,套作减产率较低的玉米品种窄行穗位叶¹³C向穗的转移率比套作减产率较高的玉米高10.90%,但向茎秆的转移率降低了8.98%。因此,与单作相比,两类品种在套作条件下,套作减产率较低的玉米品种能够维持较高的花后干物质积累量,光合产物向籽粒的分配比例提高,收获指数增加,且套作大豆产量显著提高,实现了套作双高产的目标。本研究结果为筛选与培育适宜套作玉米品种提供了理论依据。     

黄土旱塬农田全程全覆盖的“土壤水库”作用

晋南黄土旱塬虽土层深厚 ,蓄水、保水性能良好 ,但传统农业的农田“土壤水库”作用有限 ,在年降水量较小且分布不均匀 ,而蒸发量较大的情况下 ,天然降水利用率很低 ,作物产量极不稳定。为寻求解决这一问题的有效途径 ,于 1991～ 1996年进行了 6年的探索 ,研究出在旱地农田实行全程全覆盖的保水措施 ,采用不同覆盖材料 ,配合垄作方式 ,既能较大程度地吸纳天然降水 ,又可做到全程全封闭地抑制土壤水分蒸发 ,形成良好的“土壤水库”,使不均衡的天然降水变为较均匀的供水 ,在整个覆盖周期内其土壤贮水量始终高于半覆盖和不覆盖处理 ,有效地缓解了作物旱情 ,提高了天然降水的利用效率。     

Heat-Induced Fragmentation of the Maize Waxy Protein During Protein Extraction from Starch Granules

The starch granule of maize contains a characteristic set of tightly bound polypeptides. Granule-associated polypeptides are typically extracted from starch granules by heating starch granule suspensions at 90–100°C in a detergent such as SDS. Solubilized proteins are recovered by centrifugation and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Previously identified tightly bound granule intrinsic proteins consist of the 85-kDa starch-branching enzyme IIb, the 76-kDa starch synthase I, and the 60-kD waxy (Wx) protein, also known as granule-bound starch synthase I. However, SDS extracts from starch granules of maize also contain a cluster of proteins ranging in mass between 47 and 32 kDa In this study, we analyzed this group of granule-associated proteins and found that each was recognized by the Wx antibody. A 15 amino acid N-terminal sequence from the 47-kDa polypeptide was identical to the predicted N-terminus of the Wx protein. Further analysis revealed that each immunoreactive polypeptide between 47 and 32 kDa was a heat-induced fragmentation product of the Wx protein. Conditions for the extraction of granule proteins were evaluated. Our results demonstrate that granule proteins are effectively released by mild extraction (10-min incubation at 72°C). Relative to the Wx protein, starch synthase I and starch branching enzyme IIb were less susceptible to thermal fragmentation. These results demonstrate that the 85-, 76-, and 60-kDa polypeptides are authentic granule-intrinsic proteins, and that the majority of polypeptides between 47 and 32 kDa are artifacts of high-temperature granule extraction procedures.     

Protein Distribution in Gluten Products Isolated During and After Wet-Milling of Maize Grains

The protein distribution in five gluten samples isolated during and after wet-milling of maize grains (slurry before and after filtration, total industrial gluten meal, and coarse and fine fractions obtained after sieving) was investigated by sequential extraction. Six fractions (FI-FVI), including residue, were isolated. Heating filtered slurry to draw water away did not alter protein distribution. Compared with values reported in the literature for endosperm protein, we found a decrease in FI and FIV, respectively, extracted with salt alone and with reductant, due to proteolysis and partial elimination of nonprotein nitrogen during slurry filtration, and an increase in FII and decrease in FIII, alcohol-soluble proteins extracted without and with reductant, respectively, due to the presence of SO₂ in the steeping liquor. Gluten, with respect to the endosperm from which it originated, was richer in zeins (FII + FIII) and glutelins (FV + FVI) due to partial removal of salt-soluble proteins (FI + FIV) during the isolation process.