Effect of germination-hydrothermal treatments followed by fractionation on inhibitory factors, β-carotene and iron-zinc bioaccessibility in pearl millet fractions

Combination of strategies involving germination-hydrothermal treatments and fractionation were adopted to separates the native and treated grain into coarse (bran & germ) and fine (endosperm) fractions. The inhibitory factors, polyphenol oxidase, and phytase activity were higher in coarse fractions. On treatment, the phytic acid content in the coarse fraction decreases significantly by 49% while polyphenols decreased 13% in the fine fraction and increased 6% in the coarse fraction. Galloyls reduced by 21% and 48% in the fine and coarse fraction while catechols increased by 74% in the fine fraction and reduced by 27% in the coarse fraction. In the fine fraction, the soluble and insoluble fibre increased by 27.8% and 28.7% while in the coarse fraction is reduced by 23.5% and 24.1%. The β-carotene content reduced slightly in the coarse fraction with no variation in the fine fraction. Iron bioaccessibility was enhanced from 1.79 to 5.7% in the fine fraction and 3.06–6.05% in the coarse fraction. Zinc bioaccessibility increased from 15.44 to 24.67% and 18.59–47.6% in the fine and coarse fraction, respectively. In the treated coarse fraction the iron-zinc bioaccessibility increased due to a significant reduction in phytic acid (49%), insoluble dietary fibre (24%), galloyls (48%) and catechols (27%).     

Effects of 4PU-30 on leaf senescence and degration of protein and nucleic acid in rice

4PU—30[N—phenyl—'N—(2—chloro—4—pyridyl) urea] is a new type of plant growth regulator with cytokinin properties. It has been confirmed to delay rice leaf senescence effectively. In order to elucidate the physiological role of 4PU—30 in delaying senescence, the changes of protein, nucleic acid contents, and the related activities of degradative enzymes were studied. Shanyou 63, an indica hybrid rice was used for this experiment. In the in vitro experiment, two full—developed leaves from the top during heading stage were collected and cut into 5.0cm segments, They were floated on the surface of distilled water containing 0.1mg/14PU—30 and incubated in darkness at 30 C. The leaves floated on distilled water were used as control.It was observed that chlorophyll content in controlled leaves declined rapidly started from the second day and dropped by 93.4% on the 6th day while that in leaves treated with 4PU—30 declined by 41.4% only. During senescence, specific activities of hemoglobin—digesting     

Levels of β-carotene and effects of processing on selected fruits and vegetables of the arid zone of India

Some locally available fruits and vegetables of the arid zone of Rajasthanwere analyzed for their -carotene content; the selected fruits and vegetables were: Dansra (Rhus myserensis), Kachri (Cucumis collosus), fruit Kachri (Cucumis collosus), Kair (Capparisdecidua) and Sanghri (Prosopis cineriria). The -carotene contents of the samples were estimated in fresh and various processed states (blanched, dried and roasted). The results showed the heat lability of -carotene. Among the samples, kair was found to be the richest source of -carotene. Variety, too, had an impact on the content of this fat soluble vitamin.     

Effects of S3307 on the photosynthesis,the activity of SOD,and MDA content of rice flag leaf

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In vitro protein digestibility of developing and mature sorghum grain in relation to α-, β-, and γ-kafirin disulfide crosslinking

Sorghum (P721N, 1992) was harvested at selected days after half-bloom (DAHB) and at maturity, and analyzed for protein and moisture contents, protein digestibility, α-, β-, and γ-kafirin contents, and unextractable disulfide-bound complexes. α-Kafirin synthesis began before 10 DAHB, and β- and γ-kafirin at 20 DAHB. All the kafirins were as abundant at 40 DAHB as at maturity. Protein digestibilities of uncooked flour were about 90%, and dropped to 73% at maturity. Digestibilities of cooked flour dropped markedly at 35 DAHB, 40 DAHB and maturity. A comparison of 1992 and 1987 data indicates that digestibility decreases with moisture content, not days of development. The amount of disulfide “crosslinked” β- and γ-kafirins was insignificant at the earlier stages, though increased as the grain matured. Since kafirin synthesis is complete by 40 DAHB, we suggest that the decrease in digestibility in maturing grain is due to the drying effect and formation of disulfide-bound complexes involving β- and γ-kafirins. Cooking the flour may further promote protein interactions, particularly after kafirin synthesis has ceased.     

Multiyear analysis of the dependency of the planting date on rainfall and soil moisture in paddy fields in Cambodia, 2003–2019

The dependencies of the planting date on rainfall and soil moisture in paddy fields in Cambodia were analyzed to quantify farmers’ empirical knowledge regarding their decision of the planting date. Remote sensing data from multiple satellites covering the 2003–2019 period were analyzed. The planting dates in rain-fed paddies ranged from April to August, with large spatial variations and year-to-year fluctuations. In years when planting was suppressed in April and May, planting was extensively enhanced in June and August compared to normal years, and vice versa. Over the northeastern side of Tonle Sap Lake and south of Phnom Penh city, the areas planted in April and May were found to have positive correlations with rainfall and soil moisture, suggesting that wetter-than-average conditions encouraged farmers to plant earlier in the season. In contrast, this relationship was unclear on the western side of Tonle Sap Lake, where the rainfall amounts were larger throughout the year than in other areas in Cambodia. In this region, the relationship between the planting area and soil water availability was either unclear or was even slightly negative from June to August. Since more frequent dry spells have been detected after the onset of the rainy season in recent years, further studies and disseminations of potential changes in dry spells are important for the agronomic adaptation of planting dates under climate change.

     

How does protein supplementation affect the selectivity and performance of Charolais cows on extensively grazed pastures in late autumn?

Management of beef cows grazing extensively grazed semi-natural pastures in temperate regions in late autumn can require supplements to be offered. The effects of supplementation with soya bean meal on the diet selected by Charolais cows and on their subsequent performance were examined for an 8-week period in late autumn in 2 years. Three groups of eight cows were compared: non-supplemented dry cows (D), non-supplemented (L) and supplemented (LS) lactating cows. The amount of soya bean meal supplement offered per cow was 250 g d⁻¹ in year 1 and 800 g d⁻¹ in year 2. Dietary choices were measured by direct observations and herbage intake was estimated in year 2. Supplementation affected neither diet selection (L: 0·42 vs. LS: 0·43 for the proportion of bites on green patches in year 1; 0·24 vs. 0·22 in year 2) nor daily organic matter intake of herbage (L: 15·6 vs. LS: 15·9 kg d⁻¹), which may have resulted from an adequate crude protein concentration of herbage. The higher total dry matter intake by cows offered the supplement reduced losses in live weight (L: −1212 vs. LS: −828 g d⁻¹; P  < 0·01) rather than increased milk production (L: 5·1 vs. LS: 5·0 kg d⁻¹). This may be linked to the low milk yield potential of the Charolais cows. The use of lactating cows rather than dry cows for pasture management in late autumn would increase the utilization of herbage but a reduction in liveweight losses of cows by supplementation is unlikely to be economic.     

Assessment of the effects of crop injury by blackcurrant leaf midge,Dasineura tetensi (Rübsaamen) (Cecidomyiidae) on yield and growth in commercial blackcurrant plantations

Sex pheromone trap catches, galling damage, yield and growth were recorded over up to three successive seasons (2010–2012) in large replicated plots treated versus untreated with synthetic pyrethroid (SP) insecticides for blackcurrant leaf midge Dasineura tetensi control in eight established commercial blackcurrant plantations in southern England. The aim was to determine whether or not the current practice of spraying insecticides against the pest in commercial fruiting plantations is justified. In two separate small plot replicated experiments (in 2010 and 2011, respectively) in plantations which had been cut down in the previous winter, galling damage and shoot growth were recorded in the vigorous regrowth in plots treated versus untreated with SP insecticides against 1st, 2nd or both D. tetensi generations. Cutting down bushes to ground level in this way is a common way of regenerating plantations.In the experiments in the established fruiting plantations, applying sprays of insecticides led to substantial reductions in numbers of adult D. tetensi caught in sex pheromone traps (by 72% on average) and reductions in galling damage (by 75% on average) but did not result in increases in yield or statistically significant increases in shoot growth. Multiple possible mechanisms of yield compensation are discussed. In the experiments in the cut-down bushes where the galling was intense, the D. tetensi damage resulted in severe (59%) stunting and multiple branching of the regrowth which was weak and thin. Sprays against the 2nd generation only partially reduced stunting (to 24%).The results of this work call into question the current commercial practice of controlling this pest in established commercial plantations with sprays of insecticides: as significant increases in yield or growth did not result in these experiments, the effects of the sprays was largely cosmetic. Further, broad spectrum synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are likely to have persistent adverse effects on the natural enemies of D. tetensi. However, the work showed that control in re-growing cut-down plantations, and by analogy in young establishing plantations, is vital, as well as the value of the D. tetensi sex pheromone traps for timing sprays of insecticides.     

The effects of ‘Vicia faba L.’ polyphenols on absorption,growth and metabolism in the rat

Two varieties of ‘Vicia faba L.’equina andminor, were studied. Theequina variety had a higher polyphenolic content than theminor variety. Both varieties significantly inhibited rat growth rate and ‘in vivo’ intestinal glucose transport, theequina variety being a more powerful inhibitor than theminor variety. However the raw legume fed animals showed a normal urinary excretion rate of 3-Methylhistidine.     

Effect of High β-Glucan Barley on Serum Cholesterol Concentrations and Visceral Fat Area in Japanese Men—A Randomized,Double-blinded,Placebo-controlled Trial

This study investigated whether the consumption of a diet in which high-β-glucan barley replaced rice would reduce the visceral fat area as well as the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) in hypercholesterolemic Japanese men. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted in 44 hypercholesterolemic Japanese men with a body mass index (BMI) >22 kg/m². The subjects were randomly assigned to groups consuming either rice (placebo group) or a mixture of rice and pearl barley with a high β-glucan content (test group, 7.0 g β-glucan per day) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken, and CT scan obtained before the trial and every four weeks during the trial. The pearl barley intake significantly reduced serum concentrations of LDL-C (P = 0.041) and TC (P = 0.037) during the trial. Significant differences between the test and placebo groups were found for the visceral fat (P = 0.039), BMI (P = 0.015), and waist circumference (P = 0.011) at the end point. The consumption of pearl barley with a high β-glucan content reduces not only LDL-C but also visceral fat area.     

Influence of grain quality,heat, and processing time on the reduction of aflatoxin B1 levels in ‘tuwo’ and ‘ogi’: Two cereal-based products

During the production of tuwo from laboratory-contaminated corn (AFB₁:150 mcg/kg) and sorghum (AFB₁:87.5 mcg/kg) grains, reductions in the aflatoxin-B₁ levels of pastes boiled for 30 min and 60 min were found to be 68.0% and 80.8%, respectively. In the preparation of ogi from contaminated corn and sorghum grains, reductions of about 72.5% and 71.4%, respectively, were obtained after fermentation at ambient conditions. Reconstitution of ogi paste into a porridge (akamu) considerably reduced the AFB level.     

Effects of Fermentation Conditions Using Lactobacillus plantarum on the Charantin,Stigmasterol Glucoside and β-sitosterol Glucoside Contents of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Juice

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Bitter gourd fruits contain high amounts of charantin, stigmasterol glucoside and β-sitosterol glucoside, which have been shown to provide health benefits for...     

Effects of Holding Temperatures on the Development of Zebra Chip Symptoms, ‘<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candidatus</Emphasis> Liberibacter Solanacearum’ Titers,and Phenolic Levels in ‘Red La Soda’ and ‘Russet Norkotah’ Tubers

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease (ZC). Late season Lso-infected potatoes that are known to be asymptomatic at harvest may continue to develop symptoms by the time of shipment to consumers. This study observed symptom development, Lso titer changes, and changes in symptom-associated phenolic compounds in Lso-infected yet asymptomatic tubers placed at different holding temperatures. ZC symptoms present in freshly-sliced tubers were more severe in ‘Red La Soda’ or ‘Russet Norkotah’ tubers held at 3 °C than at 6 °C or 9 °C. However, Lso titers showed considerable variability in both cultivars over time and at these holding temperatures. Phenolic compound levels, known to be associated with ZC symptom severity, in tubers kept at 3 °C were greater than those kept at 6 °C or 9 °C and increased over time. These results demonstrate that ZC could develop in tubers kept in cold storage, with those kept at 3 °C having more ZC development than those kept at 6 °C or 9 °C.