Protein digestability of vegetables and field peas (Pisum sativum)

Protein digestibility was found to be 60.4 to 66.5 percent in raw unprocessed seeds of different pea cultivars. Protein digestibility (in vitro) was improved by the common methods of domestic processing and cooking including soaking, dehulling, ordinary cooking, pressure cooking and sprouting of legume grains. Pressure cooking had more pronounced effect on protein digestibility followed by ordinary cooking, sprouting, soaking for 18 h and (12 h) and dehulling. Pressure cooking of soaked and dehulled seeds was noticed to give most improved protein digestibility.     

Protein quality traits of vegetable and field peas: Varietal differences

Four high yielding varieties of field (Rachna and RFP₄) and vegetable peas (Bonnivielle and Arkal) were studied for their protein quality. Crude protein and true protein content of all four pea varieties varied from 19.5 to 20.6 percent and 18.7 to 19.8 percent, respectively. Non protein nitrogen formed only 3.94 to 4.84 percent of total nitrogen. Globulins were the major fractions followed by albumins and glutelins. All the four varieties of peas had similar methionine and tryptophan content. Lysine content of four pea varieties ranged from 7.56 to 9.65 g per 16 g of N. Cooking brought about an increase in in vitro protein digestibility of peas by 10 percent. The sodium dodecyl polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis of total protein revealed the presence of 22–25 bands with some difference in banding pattern of all four varieties. Some differences were observed in banding patterns of globulin and albumin of all four varieties, suggesting that composition of protein of pea varieties differed.     

播种期对杂交稻组合稻米直链淀粉和蛋白质及氨基酸含量的影响

选用湖南省洞庭湖区种植的20个杂交稻组合在9个播期下获取的180个稻谷样品,进行了直链淀粉和蛋白质含量的分析,并对杂交稻汕优63的9个播期获取的9个样品进行了17种氨基酸含量的分析.结果表明,20个杂交稻组合的9个播期的稻米直链淀粉含量平均值变幅为15.0％～24.8％,平均极差为9.8％,变异系数变幅为2.8％～21.7％;而其蛋白质含量平均值变幅为7.3％～8.6％,变异系数变幅为4.3％～11.6％.表明杂交稻组合的直链淀粉含量与蛋白质含量受播种期的影响较大,而且,其影响程度还存在明显的杂交稻组合间遗传差异.研究结果还表明,杂交稻组合汕优63的各种氨基酸的绝对含量和相对含量受播种期的影响较大,并且存在显著的氨基酸间差异.     

Distribution of proteins and amino acids in milled and brown rice as affected by nitrogen fertilization and genotype

A field experiment involving six japonica rice cultivars with contrasting agronomic traits and seven nitrogen (N) fertilizer treatments was performed to determine the effects of N and genotype on distribution of four kinds of grain proteins and amino acids in milled and brown rice. For brown and milled rice, albumin and globulin were controlled more by genotype than N treatments, whereas prolamin and glutelin were largely determined by N. Substantial genotypic differences in response of milled/brown (M/B) ratios of proteins to N treatments were detected. In comparison with large panicle cultivars, small panicle cultivars such as Wuyujing3 had the lower ratio and exhibited more stability under contrasting N treatments. N had significant influence on amino acid composition of brown and milled rice, with contents of the 17 amino acids measured increasing with elevated N rate. However, cysteine and methionine in brown rice and lysine and methionine in milled rice were not significantly affected by N. In addition, N had little effect on ratios of M/B for most of the amino acids.     

Amino acid composition and chemical evaluation of protein quality of cereals as affected by insect infestation

A significant decrease in essential amino acids of wheat, maize and sorghum was observed due to grain infestation caused by mixed populations ofTrogoderma granarium Everts andRhizopertha dominica Fabricius (50:50). Non-essential amino acids were also adversely affected. Among the essential amino acids, maximum reduction was found in methionine, isoleucine and lysine in infested wheat, maize and sorghum grains, respectively. Lysine, with lowest chemical score in uninfested and infested grains of three cereals, is the first limiting amino acid. Insect infestation caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in the chemical score of all the essential amino acids, yet did not change the position of first and second limiting amino acids in wheat and sorghum. However, in case of maize, isoleucine became the second limiting amino acid. Infested grains also showed substantial reduction in essential amino acid index, calculated biological value and requirement index.     

Nutritive characterization of purslane accessions as influenced by planting date

The uniqueness of purslane (Portulaca spp.) asthe richest vegetable source of omega-3 (-3)fatty acids is well documented. However, purslane hasnot been domesticated or fully evaluated for itsnutritive value. The objective of this study was todetermine the influence of planting date on chemicalcomposition of purslane accessions. Eight accessionsfrom different geographical locations were planted 12days apart, and whole plants harvested at full bloom. Chemical analysis (DM basis) of leaves showedsignificant differences among varieties for all thecharacteristics measured. Accession by planting dateinteraction influenced (p < 0.05) levels of crudeprotein, total lipids, and carbohydrate contents. Wild Greek accession had the highest, while aBeltsville (Maryland) wild type had the lowest crudeprotein content (27.1 vs 20.5%) at the secondplanting date. Crude protein, lipid and ash levelswere most influenced (p < 0.05) by planting date. Total lipids varied from 4.0–5.8% and 3.7–5.1% forthe first and second planting dates, respectively. Selected fatty acid content indicated significantly(p < 0.05) higher levels of 18: 26, and18: 33 in the Dutch Garden accession comparedwith other varieties. The Egyptian wild accession hadthe lowest level of 18: 33. The ratio of 3 to 6 acids, which ranged from 5.5 to22.3 indicated a highnutritive value of purslane compared to other oilcrops such as soybeans and perrilla. The high levelsof protein in purslane compete with those of othercommercially important vegetable crops. The studyshows that, in spite of its genetic diversity, purslaneremains one of the most abundant terrestrial vegetablesources of Omega-3 fatty acids and other essentialnutrients potentially beneficial for humans as well asanimals.     

Changes in chemical composition,minerals and amino acids during seed growth and development of four safflower cultivars

Investigation of four safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars (S208, S400, S541 and S303) showed that when the seeds were harvested at different stages of growth and development (10, 20, 30, and 40 days) after flowering, moisture content significantly decreased with time. Oil, protein, ash and crude fiber were increased up to day 30. Thereafter, these parameters started to decline gradually with time. The cultivars differed in their final values; oil content of the seeds varied from 10.90 to 45.40%, moisture varied from 4.20 to 8.10% and from 8.50 to 11.10%, protein from 12.10 to 20.30% and from 13.40 to 29.60%, ash from 2.30 to 5.40% and from 2.80 to 6.50%, for the seeds and defatted meal, respectively. Crude fiber for the defatted meal was found to vary from 29.50 to 38.60%. Carbohydrate for all cultivars decreased rapidly up to day 40 with final values varying from 28.10 to 63.30% and from 56.70 to 70.30% for the seeds and defatted meal, respectively. Mineral content (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg, Mn) fluctuated while phosphorus content significantly increased with time for all cultivars. Amino acid content of the defatted meal increased with time up to day 30 after which it started to decline gradually for all cultivars.     

In vitro total and methane gas production as influenced by rate of nitrogen application, season of harvest and perennial ryegrass cultivar

The effects of rate of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 80 or 160 kg N ha^?1 per regrowth), season of harvest (regrowths 1, 2 and 3) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivar [classified as having either a normal or elevated water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration genotype] on in vitro gas production and digestibility were assessed. Increased N fertilizer application significantly decreased total gas production (TGP), methane (CH₄) production and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The results suggest that the decreases in TGP and CH₄ production were associated with a restriction in organic matter (OM) fermentation and an altered crude protein (CP) to structural carbohydrate ratio rather than a modification in the stoichiometry of fermentation. Season of harvest only significantly (P < 0·05) altered in vitro OMD and CH₄ production at 8 h, despite altering the chemical composition of the herbage. Cultivar effects on all measured in vitro parameters were not significant presumably because the elevated WSC concentration trait was not expressed strongly in the study.     

Changes in oil,sugars and nitrogenous components during germination of sunflower seeds,Helianthus annuus

Since germination has been found to improve the nutritional quality of grains, sunflower seeds Helianthus annuus were germinated for up to five days, and the cotyledons were analyzed for oil, sugar, free amino acid, non-protein nitrogen, lysine, tryptophan and methionine contents. Protein was fractionated. Soaking and germination increased the non-protein nitrogen, total free amino acid, lysine and tryptophan contents. Protein content and dry weight decreased. The oil content decreased significantly after 72 hours of germination. The reducing sugars increased gradually until day five of germination.The saline soluble albumin and globulin fractions decreased while the glutelin content increased during germination. No changes were noticed in the prolamin and methionine contents.     

Seed quality as affected by nitrogen during true potato seed production and moisture conditions during storage

The objective was to investigate the effects of moisture conditions in storage at 21 C (± 3) on true potato seed (TPS) germination and seedling vigor. The influence of supplemental nitrogen (N) during seed production on these effects was also studied. One set of TPS was stored exposed to ambient humid (> 80% RH) air; the other was stored dry (sealed with silica gel). Germination tests were performed at 7, 11, and 14 months of seed storage. Seedling vigor tests were made at 14, 20, and 23 months. The rate of germination was mostly affected by the moisture conditions during storage. Seed stored dry germinated faster than TPS stored in humid ambient air. The rate of germination increased with time in storage and the percentage of germination was always high (≥ 95%) in dry seed produced with high N. Seedling vigor was mostly affected by N treatments during seed production. High-N seed had a much higher rate and percentage of emergence and seedling dry-weight levels than low-N seed, particularly when stored dry. Seedling vigor criteria decreased with time in storage in low-N seed; in high-N seed, the rate of emergence increased and the percentage of emergence was always high (≥ 95%). In conclusion, the TPS should be produced with high N and stored dry for sowing under unfavorable conditions.     

Cuphea growth, yield, and oil characteristics as influenced by climate and soil environments across the upper Midwest USA

Cuphea is a potential new oilseed crop rich in medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0 to C14:0) that may serve as a renewable, biodegradable source of oil for lubricants, motor oil, and aircraft fuel. Impacts of climate and soil environment on cuphea growth and development are not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of climate and soil on growth, seed yield, and seed oil characteristics of two semi-domesticated cuphea genotypes [PSR23 and HC-10 (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton)] and three wild species [Cuphea wrightii, Cuphea lutea, and C. viscosissima (VS-6-CPR-1)] that show potential for domestication. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at field sites in North Dakota (ND), Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), and Illinois (IL). Cuphea PSR23 and HC-10 were direct seeded in the field, while the three wild species were transplanted. The two plantings were treated as separate experiments. Plant growth, seed yield and oil content for the two direct-seeded lines tended to be distinctly greater in MN and ND than IL and IA, which was related more to growth temperature than soil environment. The three wild species generally performed similarly across the four different environments. C. wrightii had the greatest oil content, ranging from 320 to 360 g kg⁻¹, which was comprised of 59-64% lauric acid. For each genotype, the content of its most prominent saturated medium-chain fatty acid (e.g., C10:0 or C12:0) increased with decreasing latitude of field site. Seed yields for C. wrightii and C. lutea were as high as 1116 kg ha⁻¹. Combined with relatively high seed oil contents (280-350 g kg⁻¹) these species may be good candidates for domestication. Results indicate that PSR23 and HC-10 are more regionally adapted than the wild species studied, which tended to exhibit a greater range of adaptability to climate and soil conditions.     

Protein quality and endosperm modification of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) under two contrasting soil nitrogen environments

Quality protein maize (QPM) breeding involves the combined use of the opaque-2 (o2) gene and the genetic modifiers of the o2 locus to develop cultivars with modified kernel endosperm, and increased concentrations of lysine and tryptophan. This study was designed to assess grain yield performance, endosperm modification, and protein quality and quantity under two contrasting soil nitrogen environments. A 15-parent diallel cross was evaluated under one low nitrogen stress and one optimal nitrogen environment each at Harare (Zimbabwe) and Bako (Ethiopia). Most QPM hybrids showed higher protein quality levels than the best non-QPM check under both conditions. Protein concentration tended to vary across nitrogen levels, but not endosperm type. Significant differences were found for the test of main effect (nitrogen-level) for endosperm modification and tryptophan concentration. This indicated that QPM maintains quality even under low soil nitrogen, a widespread condition in Africa. General combining ability (GCA) mean squares were highly significant for most protein quality traits for each environment and across environments whereas specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were not significant in most cases. This indicated that additive gene effects were primarily responsible for variation of most traits evaluated and hence progeny performance can adequately be predicted on the basis of parental performance. Inbred lines P2, P4 and P12 had desirable GCA effects for endosperm modification while P1 and P3 had the best GCA for tryptophan concentration in grain. The current study suggests that hybrids with desirable endosperm modification, protein quality and stable performance under low nitrogen stress and optimal conditions can be produced with careful selection.     

Content and Quality of Protein in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Varieties

Proso millet belongs to the oldest cereals that human is using. Eight varieties of proso millet were cultivated in Ceske Budejovice from1998 to 2000 and Cerveny Dvur from 1999 to 2000. The crude protein content was determined according to Kjehladl method and amino acid content was determined chromatographically after acid and oxidative acid hydrolysis. Although the protein content of proso (11.6% of dry matter) was similar to wheat, the grain of proso was significant richer in essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, methionine) then wheat. Hence, the protein quality of proso (Essential Amino Acid Index) was higher (51%) compared to wheat. The proso grain contained about 3.3 g kg⁻¹ of the limiting amino acid-lysine. Significant differences in protein and its quality were found among the evaluated proso varieties. The varieties Toldanskoe and Lipetskoe were the most different from the others in protein and amino acid content and Amino Acid Score of individual acids. They had the lowest content and quality of protein. The seed coat of these varieties was red. The amino acid and protein content was significantly influenced by weather during the year. Dry conditions caused an increase of protein but its quality was decreased.     

Protein,calcium, and iron content of wild and cultivated species ofEchinochloa

Two species ofEchinochloa millets and their direct wild ancestor species were analyzed for proximate composition, and amino acid, calcium, and iron content. Additionally, lactate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was performed to separate and resolve prolamin polypeptide present in the wild and domesticated species. The protein, calcium, and iron content of the four species were comparable to or greater than in other major cereals. Calcium was higher in each of the wild species than their domesticated counterpart. Essential amino acid values for the three species analyzed were generally higher than the FAO/WHO standards, except for lysine. Densitometric analysis of lactate PAGE gels revealed that the domesticated species contained prolamin polypeptides that were either absent or present in smaller amounts in the wild species. The results indicate a wide variation in the content of examined nutrients and suggest that there is opportunity for improvement in the nutritional value of theEchinochloa millets via selective crossbreeding of wild and domesticated species.     

Dietary cation–anion difference of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) as influenced by application of chloride and nitrogen fertilizer

The effectiveness of forages to prevent post‐calving hypocalcaemia, when used as a feed source for non‐lactating dairy cows, can be predicted by the dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD). Three to four weeks before calving, the ration of non‐lactating dairy cows should have a DCAD around ?50 mmol_c kg^?1 DM. In an experiment, swards, based on Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), were used to (i) evaluate the impact of two types (CaCl₂ and NH₄Cl) and four application rates of chloride fertilizer per season (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg Cl ha^?1) in combination with two N application rates (70 and 140 kg N ha^?1) on mineral concentrations and DCAD in the herbage, and (ii) determine the economically optimal rate of chloride fertilizer (Cl_op) for DCAD in herbage. Chloride and N fertilizers were applied in the spring and, after the first harvest in 2003 and 2004 at four locations that differed in K content of their soils. Two harvests were taken during each year. Averaged across N‐fertilizer application rates, harvests and locations, the highest rate of chloride fertilizer increased chloride concentration in herbage by 8·5 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM) and decreased DCAD in herbage by 190 mmol_c kg^?1 DM to values as low as ?9 mmol_c kg^?1 DM. Both types of chloride fertilizer had the same effect on chloride concentration and DCAD in herbage and had no effect on DM yield. When no chloride fertilizer was applied on soils with a high content of available K, application of N fertilizer increased DCAD in herbage by 47 mmol_c kg^?1 DM at both harvests. Herbage DCAD was lower in summer than in spring by 47–121 mmol_c kg^?1 DM depending on the location. Application of chloride fertilizer can effectively lower the DCAD of Timothy‐based herbages; the economically optimal rate of chloride fertilizer in the spring varied from 78 to 123 kg Cl ha^?1, depending on soil K and chloride contents and expected DM yield.     

Yield and quality of Russet Burbank potato as influenced by interactions ofRhizoctonia,maleic hydrazide,and PCNB

Soil treatment with pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) at 22.4 kg/ha a.i. reduced symptoms of theRhizoctonia disease (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) on potato (Solarium tuberosum L.) and resulted in significant increases in the numbers of stems and stolons. With disease control there was no effect on either total or U.S. #1 yield, but decreases of tuber size were evident and effects were observed on grade. Yield of malformed tubers was reduced by 35%, but this benefit was counteracted by a 41% increase of undersized tubers. Among U. S. 1’s, yield of non-size A’s (113 to 170 g) were increased by 22%, while tubers in optimum size ranges for french fries and bakers (> 284 g) were decreased by 24%. No effect was observed on carton sized tubers (170 to 369 g). Foliar sprays of maleic hydrazide (MH) applied on either of several dates (23 July, 2 Aug., 13 Aug.) at 3.4 kg/ha a.i. reduced total yield by 4.9 to 5.7%, but yields of U.S. #1 potatoes or sizes > 170 g were unaffected. Treatments with MH on either 23 July or 2 Aug. reduced yield of undersized potatoes by 23%. MH treatments did not interact with PCNB treatment to change either total yield or size, but adverse effects on U.S. #1 yields were indicated. MH treatments applied on either 2 Aug. or 13 Aug. reduced U.S. #1 yields among PCNB treated plots by 7 to 10%. MH reduced length/width ratios and, depending on date of application, increased specific gravity. PCNB did not influence tuber shape or specific gravity, but a significant reduction of standard deviations among length/width ratios indicated greater uniformity of shape with treatment.     

Water productivity,nutrients uptake and quality of aerobic rice as influenced by varieties and iron nutrition

Field experiments were carried out at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, India, during Kharif (June–October) seasons of 2011 and 2012 to study the effect of rice varieties and iron fertilization on water productivity, nutrient uptake and quality of aerobic rice. Treatments comprised of two rice varieties (PRH-10 and PS-5) and eight sources and modes of iron fertilization—control (no iron), iron sulphate @ 50 kg/ha + one foliar spray of 2.0% iron sulphate, iron sulphate @ 50 kg/ha + one foliar spray of 0.5% iron chelate, iron sulphate @ 100 kg/ha, two foliar sprays of 2.0% iron sulphate, three foliar sprays of 2.0% iron sulphate, two foliar sprays of 0.5% iron chelate and three foliar sprays of 0.5% iron chelate. Study results indicated that variety PRH-10 had higher concentration and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron than PS-5 variety in grain, straw and grain + straw. Three foliar sprays of 2.0% iron sulphate or 0.5% iron chelate favoured higher NPK and iron concentration and uptake in grain and straw of aerobic rice. Grain quality in respect of hulling, milling and head rice recovery was, however, superior in PS-5 than PRH-10. But the protein content was significantly higher in PRH-10 than in PS-5. Application of three foliar sprays of 2% iron sulphate and three foliar sprays of 0.5% iron chelate recorded significantly higher hulling, milling and head rice recovery as compared to control and remained statistically similar with each other. Irrigation and total water productivity was substantially higher in PRH-10 over PS-5. Growing of rice with PRH-10 recorded ~7.7% higher total water productivity as compared to PS-5, across iron fertilizations. Three or two foliar sprays of 2.0% iron sulphate or 0.5% iron chelate favoured higher irrigation and total water productivity of aerobic rice over control (no iron).