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Product bundling is receiving increasing attention in sustainable agricultural development as a means to ensure access to and enhance the uptake of, agricultural technologies by smallholders. Yet, the how and why of bundling for smallholders are not well-understood. The current paper, therefore, brings bundling theory from the marketing literature to the smallholder context. We use a conjoint experiment, a proven marketing technique for designing new products, services and bundles, to design agricultural input and service bundles for soybean-producing smallholders in rural Ethiopia. The empirical findings from 252 smallholders suggest that product bundling enhances smallholders’ preferences and hence intentions to adopt technologies but that bundles must be designed carefully following a smallholder-centric approach. Drawing on our findings and the literature, we delineate the different steps that need to be taken to develop bundles for the successful uptake of new technologies by smallholders.

With regards to current threats posed to society by climate change and lack of food sovereignty in Sweden and globally, the prospects of breeding perennial lupins for food and feed production were examined. This study consisted of a literature study focused on Lupinus polyphyllus, related species and hybrids thereof, and an experimental part on interspecific hybridization between L. polyphyllus and L. mutabilis. Two lines of annual hybrids between L. polyphyllus and L. mutabilis developed by plant breeder B.S. Kurlovich were described and compared with L. angustifolius ‘Boragine’. Attempted crosses between three lines of annual hybrids and naturalized L. polyphyllus conducted in 2020 and 2021 were described. However, no viable hybrid seeds from the crosses were obtained, proving that back-crossing these annual hybrids with L. polyphyllus being extremely difficult. Previous and current breeding efforts regarding L. polyphyllus were studied, and the potential of L. polyphyllus as a perennial grain legume crop were evaluated according to selection criteria for candidate species. Impressive performance, valuable genetic material and important breeding work conducted on L. polyphyllus were highlighted as factors favoring a continued development and study of the species. The species habit of spreading and becoming classified as invasive, as well as the content of toxic quinolizidine alkaloids are two issues of importance in breeding and cultivation. Low alkaloid L. polyphyllus has the potential to emerge as a crop in the northern regions due to its reliable production, the nutritional qualities and its dual-purpose use as both grain and pasture/silage crop.

Background In the context of rising costs of raw materials and environmental degradation caused by livestock farming, the agri-food sector faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable proteins. Grain legumes have emerged as cost-effective protein sources, with lower water footprint and GHG emissions compared to animal sources. However, their cultivation is threatened by strong yield fluctuations. Leveraging intra-specific diversity through cultivar mixtures in cropping systems can effectively buffer biotic and abiotic stresses, hence increasing yield stability. In this study, we investigate the effect of intra-specific diversity on lentil nitrogen uptake under pot (2020) and field conditions (2021). We hypothesize that cultivars with higher affinity for nitrogen fixation influence the other components of the mixture, and that nitrogen uptake dynamics are a possible driver in modulating cultivar mixture behaviour. We designed two-, three-, and four-cultivar mixtures with a trait-blind approach and compared them to sole cultivars. Results and conclusions Our results show inconsistencies across the two experimental years, indicating that lentils may shift their nitrogen source from the atmosphere to the soil when grown in pots. Mixtures 15N enrichment was not always consistent with pure stand performance, suggesting that cultivar mixtures may have an unpredictable cumulative effect on nitrogen uptake. Regarding correlations with agronomic parameters, we observed a significant correlation between nodules number and nitrogen concentration, regardless of experimental conditions. Finally, we found that 15N excess emerged as a significant predictor for pure stands’ yield, but the differences were diluted with the increase in diversity levels. The findings on 15N enrichment responses, cultivar impacts, and complex mixture effects on soil microbiota underscore the need for further research., Background: In the context of rising costs of raw materials and environmental degradation caused by livestock farming, the agri-food sector faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable proteins. Grain legumes have emerged as cost-effective protein sources, with lower water footprint and GHG emissions compared to animal sources. However, their cultivation is threatened by strong yield fluctuations. Leveraging intra-specific diversity through cultivar mixtures in cropping systems can effectively buffer biotic and abiotic stresses, hence increasing yield stability. In this study, we investigate the effect of intra-specific diversity on lentil nitrogen uptake under pot (2020) and field conditions (2021). We hypothesize that cultivars with higher affinity for nitrogen fixation influence the other components of the mixture, and that nitrogen uptake dynamics are a possible driver in modulating cultivar mixture behaviour. We designed two-, three-, and four-cultivar mixtures with a trait-blind approach and compared them to sole cultivars. Results and conclusions: Our results show inconsistencies across the two experimental years, indicating that lentils may shift their nitrogen source from the atmosphere to the soil when grown in pots. Mixtures 15N enrichment was not always consistent with pure stand performance, suggesting that cultivar mixtures may have an unpredictable cumulative effect on nitrogen uptake. Regarding correlations with agronomic parameters, we observed a significant correlation between nodules number and nitrogen concentration, regardless of experimental conditions. Finally, we found that 15N excess emerged as a significant predictor for pure stands’ yield, but the differences were diluted with the increase in diversity levels. The findings on 15N enrichment responses, cultivar impacts, and complex mixture effects on soil microbiota underscore the need for further research.

Background In the context of rising costs of raw materials and environmental degradation caused by livestock farming, the agri-food sector faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable proteins. Grain legumes have emerged as cost-effective protein sources, with lower water footprint and GHG emissions compared to animal sources. However, their cultivation is threatened by strong yield fluctuations. Leveraging intra-specific diversity through cultivar mixtures in cropping systems can effectively buffer biotic and abiotic stresses, hence increasing yield stability. In this study, we investigate the effect of intra-specific diversity on lentil nitrogen uptake under pot (2020) and field conditions (2021). We hypothesize that cultivars with higher affinity for nitrogen fixation influence the other components of the mixture, and that nitrogen uptake dynamics are a possible driver in modulating cultivar mixture behaviour. We designed two-, three-, and four-cultivar mixtures with a trait-blind approach and compared them to sole cultivars. Results and conclusions Our results show inconsistencies across the two experimental years, indicating that lentils may shift their nitrogen source from the atmosphere to the soil when grown in pots. Mixtures 15N enrichment was not always consistent with pure stand performance, suggesting that cultivar mixtures may have an unpredictable cumulative effect on nitrogen uptake. Regarding correlations with agronomic parameters, we observed a significant correlation between nodules number and nitrogen concentration, regardless of experimental conditions. Finally, we found that 15N excess emerged as a significant predictor for pure stands’ yield, but the differences were diluted with the increase in diversity levels. The findings on 15N enrichment responses, cultivar impacts, and complex mixture effects on soil microbiota underscore the need for further research., Background: In the context of rising costs of raw materials and environmental degradation caused by livestock farming, the agri-food sector faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable proteins. Grain legumes have emerged as cost-effective protein sources, with lower water footprint and GHG emissions compared to animal sources. However, their cultivation is threatened by strong yield fluctuations. Leveraging intra-specific diversity through cultivar mixtures in cropping systems can effectively buffer biotic and abiotic stresses, hence increasing yield stability. In this study, we investigate the effect of intra-specific diversity on lentil nitrogen uptake under pot (2020) and field conditions (2021). We hypothesize that cultivars with higher affinity for nitrogen fixation influence the other components of the mixture, and that nitrogen uptake dynamics are a possible driver in modulating cultivar mixture behaviour. We designed two-, three-, and four-cultivar mixtures with a trait-blind approach and compared them to sole cultivars. Results and conclusions: Our results show inconsistencies across the two experimental years, indicating that lentils may shift their nitrogen source from the atmosphere to the soil when grown in pots. Mixtures 15N enrichment was not always consistent with pure stand performance, suggesting that cultivar mixtures may have an unpredictable cumulative effect on nitrogen uptake. Regarding correlations with agronomic parameters, we observed a significant correlation between nodules number and nitrogen concentration, regardless of experimental conditions. Finally, we found that 15N excess emerged as a significant predictor for pure stands’ yield, but the differences were diluted with the increase in diversity levels. The findings on 15N enrichment responses, cultivar impacts, and complex mixture effects on soil microbiota underscore the need for further research.

The article provides an overview of the accuracy of various yield forecasting algorithms and offers a detailed explanation of the models and machine learning algorithms that are required for crop yield forecasting. A unified crop yield forecasting methodology is developed, which can be adjusted by adding new indicators and extensions. The proposed methodology is based on remote sensing data taken from free sources. Experiments were carried out on crops of cereals, legumes, oilseeds and forage crops in eastern Kazakhstan. Data on agricultural lands of the experimental farms were obtained using processed images from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellites (EO Browser) for the period of 2017-2022. In total, a dataset of 1600 indicators was collected with NDVI and MSAVI indices recorded at a frequency of once a week. Based on the results of this work, it is found that yields can be predicted from NDVI vegetation index data and meteorological data on average temperature, surface soil moisture and wind speed. A machine learning programming language can calculate the relationship between these indicators and build a neural network that predicts yield. The neural network produces predictions based on the constructed data weights, which are corrected using activation function algorithms. As a result of the research, the functions with the highest prediction accuracy during vegetative development for all crops presented in this paper are multi-layer perceptron, with a prediction accuracy of 66% to 99% (85% on average), and polynomial regression, with a prediction accuracy of 63% to 98% (82% on average). Thus, it is shown that the use of machine learning and neural networks for crop yield prediction has advantages over other mathematical modelling techniques. The use of machine learning (neural network) technologies makes it possible to predict crop yields on the basis of relevant data. The individual approach of machine learning to each crop allows for the determination of the op

The article provides an overview of the accuracy of various yield forecasting algorithms and offers a detailed explanation of the models and machine learning algorithms that are required for crop yield forecasting. A unified crop yield forecasting methodology is developed, which can be adjusted by adding new indicators and extensions. The proposed methodology is based on remote sensing data taken from free sources. Experiments were carried out on crops of cereals, legumes, oilseeds and forage crops in eastern Kazakhstan. Data on agricultural lands of the experimental farms were obtained using processed images from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellites (EO Browser) for the period of 2017-2022. In total, a dataset of 1600 indicators was collected with NDVI and MSAVI indices recorded at a frequency of once a week. Based on the results of this work, it is found that yields can be predicted from NDVI vegetation index data and meteorological data on average temperature, surface soil moisture and wind speed. A machine learning programming language can calculate the relationship between these indicators and build a neural network that predicts yield. The neural network produces predictions based on the constructed data weights, which are corrected using activation function algorithms. As a result of the research, the functions with the highest prediction accuracy during vegetative development for all crops presented in this paper are multi-layer perceptron, with a prediction accuracy of 66% to 99% (85% on average), and polynomial regression, with a prediction accuracy of 63% to 98% (82% on average). Thus, it is shown that the use of machine learning and neural networks for crop yield prediction has advantages over other mathematical modelling techniques. The use of machine learning (neural network) technologies makes it possible to predict crop yields on the basis of relevant data. The individual approach of machine learning to each crop allows for the determination of the op

Context. Vicia sativa subsp. macrocarpa (V. macrocarpa), a large-seeded vetch, is underutilised and has been proposed as a putative source of seed feed along with V. sativa subsp. sativa (V. sativa, common vetch). Aims. The study aimed to compare the two subspecies for a range of seed yield and quality traits. Methods, Three accessions of each subspecies were grown under field conditions during two growing seasons. Measurements included pod and seed morphology, seed yield per plant, pod shattering and seed toughness, seed nutritional traits, and insect damage. Key results. No significant differences were found for seed weight per plant (9.95-14.75 g); however, V. macrocarpa accessions showed lower emergence percentages (7-18%) and higher pod shattering (4.01% vs 0.17%) than V. sativa. The higher number of seeds per pod (8.50 vs 7.49) and larger seeds (70.63 vs 59.67 g) significantly contributed to yield of V. macrocarpa. Over the six accessions, seed weight per plant was significantly correlated with harvest index. The darker seeds of V. macrocarpa had lower seed protein concentration (25.96% vs 27.89%) and higher concentrations of antinutritional phenolic compounds (total phenols, total tannins, condensed tannins, flavonoids). Seeds of V. macrocarpa were enriched in manganese (17.72 vs 12.65 mg/kg) compared with V. sativa, but poorer in potassium (8.44 vs 10.50 g/kg). The high manganese and phenolics concentrations in seeds of V. macrocarpa were associated with lower percentages of bruchid-infected seeds and endoparasitoid (Triaspis thoracicus) damaged seeds, possibly due to toxic effects. Conclusions. The two subspecies varied significantly in seed quality traits, but not yield.

The mission of the CRF is to contribute to preserve and sustainably use of genetic diversity of native plant varieties and neglected old varieties. Thus, the CRF conserves and uses landraces, crop wild relatives and other species that are no-longer-used but which have genetic potential value for food and agriculture, making available the heritage of Spanish agrobiodiversity, which is key for Agrofood Innovation as well as for the fulfilment of the environmental objectives of sustainable development. The term Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) refers to this group of materials. One of the main CRF's functions is the Conservation and Characterization of an important part of this diversity such are the Active Collections of Winter Cereals (wheat, barley, rye, avena) and Grain Legumes (chickpea, lentils, vetch, common bean) and some industrial crops (sunflower, cotton). At July 2022 that collections were composed by 22626 accessions identified by passport data established following the FAO/Biodiversity Multicrop Passport Descriptors including: identification code in holding institution, taxonomic information and common and local name, data of the collection site, biological status, acquisition sources and storage condition. More information about this collection and a template to request this material are available at www.bancocrf.inia.es.

The mission of the CRF is to contribute to preserve and sustainably use of genetic diversity of native plant varieties and neglected old varieties to be used in research, breeding and capability, named in general Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). One of the CRF’s activities to achieve this objective is the conservation of the base collections, as a security duplicate, of all the seed collections, maintained by the Spanish Genebanks Network. At July 2022 that collection was composed by 45000 accessions mainly vegetables, identified by passport data established following the FAO/Biodiversity Multicrop Passport Descriptors including: identification code in holding institution, taxonomic information and common and local name, data of the collection site, biological status, acquisition sources and storage condition. Following a general classification of the PGFAA, quantitatively, the most important group are those of vegetables, grain legumes, winter cereals, spring cereal and forages; regarding the biological status are, mainly, landraces, wild species and commercial varieties. More information about this collection and a template to request this material are available at www.bancocrf.inia.es.

Global biodiversity is declining under pressure of agricultural intensification and land-use change. Two-thirds of the agricultural lands is directly or indirectly devoted to the production of animal products. Replacing animal-based proteins by plant-based proteins can be an important step to a more sustainable agricultural system. Lupins (Lupinus sp.) are promising crop species due to a high protein content of up to 40 %, but crop yields are unstable in both quantity and quality. This might be due to a lack of effective pollinators, but the contribution of insect pollination to lupin crop yield is unknown. Here we studied for five varieties of two common lupin crop species (L. albus and L. angustifolius) which pollinators visit lupin flowers, whether this depends on nectar production, and what the contribution of insect pollination is to crop yield. We used a semi-experimental setup and placed bagged and open-pollinated plants in pots along an expected gradient of insect visitors and determined several yield parameters. We recorded 1355 pollinator visits of only eight bee species. None of the varieties tested produced nectar. Compared to bagged plants, protein yield increase of open-pollinated plants ranged from 3 to 11% depending on variety. Yield of open-pollinated plants was only consistently related to visitation of the large-bodied buff-tailed bumblebee (B. terrestris group; 59 % of all pollinators) with impact on seed set related yield parameters (number of seeds and pods) being generally larger than on seed filling related yield parameters (g/plant). Within the observed range, higher visitation rate of buff-tailed bumblebees increased protein yield of open-pollinated plants with 10–40 %. Visitation rates of the smaller common carder bee (B. pascuorum; 33 % of all pollinators), or all pollinators combined, were not significantly related to protein crop yield. This could indicate that only relatively large species are effective lupin pollinators. Lupins are

Introduction. The pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a legume crop of great importance for the peasant economy in the high Andean zone of the department of Nariño, Colombia. Most of the pea production in this department is marketed as fresh pods; however, it is necessary to strengthen the local dry bean market, which requires varieties adapted to regional conditions. Objective. To evaluate fifteen pea genotypes for phenotypic stability of dry grain yield, in the Nariño production zone. Materials and methods. Between 2013 and 2014, fifteen pea genotypes were evaluated in three Nariño environments. The experiments were established with a randomized complete block design and four replicates. The GGE biplot model was used for dry grain yield stability analysis. Results. In the analysis of variance across the three environments, there were significant effects (p<0.05) of environments (A), genotypes (G), and GA interaction, for dry grain yield and number of grains per pod. The average yield for all environments was between 747.5 and 1357.3 kg ha-1 and the grains per pod between 4.4 and 5.4. The genotypes ARUDN-3562 and VOUDN-7350 stood out for being stable and for their high yields (kg ha-1) with 1357.3 and 1144.1, respectively, which exceeded the general average (1057.9) and were statistically similar to the controls Alcala (1227.8), Obonuco Andina (1238.1), and Santa Isabel (1013.6). Conclusion. The genotypes studied showed high variability in yield and phenotypic stability, which will allow expanding the working collection for pea improvement in Nariño. The genotypes ARUDN-3562 and VOUDN-7350 stood out and could be used individually or as parental., Introducción. La arveja (Pisum sativum L.) es una leguminosa de gran importancia para la economía campesina de la zona altoandina del departamento de Nariño, Colombia. La mayor parte de la producción de arveja en este departamento, se comercializa en vaina en fresco; sin embargo, es necesario fortalecer el mercado local de grano seco, para eso, se requiere de variedades adaptadas a las condiciones regionales. Objetivo. Evaluar quince genotipos de arveja por la estabilidad fenotípica del rendimiento en grano seco, en la zona productora de Nariño. Materiales y métodos. Entre el 2013 y 2014, se evaluaron quince genotipos de arveja en tres ambientes de Nariño. Los experimentos se establecieron con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y cuatro repeticiones. Para el análisis de estabilidad de rendimiento en grano seco se utilizó el modelo GGE biplot. Resultados. En el análisis de varianza, a través de los tres ambientes, se presentaron efectos significativos (p<0,05) de ambientes (A), genotipos (G) e interacción de GA, para rendimiento en grano seco y número de granos por vaina. El promedio de rendimiento para todos los ambientes, estuvo entre 747,5 y 1357,3 kg ha-1 y los granos por vaina entre 4,4 y 5,4. Los genotipos ARUDN-3562 y VOUDN-7350 sobresalieron por ser estables y por sus altos rendimientos (kg ha-1) con 1357,3 y 1144,1, respectivamente, que superaron a la media general (1057,9) y estadísticamente similares a los testigos Alcalá (1227,8), Obonuco Andina (1238,1) y Santa Isabel (1013,6). Conclusión. Los genotipos estudiados mostraron alta variabilidad en rendimiento y en estabilidad fenotípica, lo que permitirá ampliar la colección de trabajo para mejoramiento de arveja en Nariño. Se destacaron los genotipos ARUDN-3562 y VOUDN-7350, con los cuales se podría avanzar en forma individual o ser usados como parentales.

Cassava is a staple food and a major source of income for many smallholder farmers. However, its yields are less than 6 t ha-1 compared to a potential yield of 20-25 t ha-1 in Zambia. Understanding cropping practices and constraints in cassava production systems is imperative for sustainable intensification. Therefore, a survey of 40 households each with three fields of cassava at 12, 24, and 36 months after planting (MAP) was conducted. Analyzed soil data, leaf area index (LAI), intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, and management practices from 120 fields were collected and subjected to descriptive statistics. To explain yield differences within the same cassava growth stage group, the data were grouped into low- and high-yield categories using the median, before applying a nonparametric test for one independent sample. Stepwise regressions were performed on each growth stage and the whole dataset to determine factors affecting tuber yield. Cassava intercropping and monocropping systems were the main cropping systems for the 12 and 24-36 MAP, respectively. Cassava yields declined by 209 and 633 kg ha-1 at 12 and 36 MAP due to soil nutrient depletion for each year of cultivation until field abandonment at 8-9 years. Fresh cassava yields ranged from 3.51-8.51, 13.52-25.84, and 16.92-30.98 t ha-1 at 12, 24, and 36 MAP, respectively. For every one unit increment in exchangeable K (cmol (+)/kg soil), cassava yield increased by 435, 268, and 406 kg ha-1 at 12, 24, and 36 MAP, respectively. One unit increment of magnesium (cmol (+)/kg soil) gave the highest yield increase of 525 kg ha-1 at 24 MAP. The low levels of soil organic carbon explained the deficient nitrogen in cassava fields, which limits the LAI growth and consequently reduced intercepted radiation and low yields. The effect of exchangeable K on growth was limited by the moderate availability of Mg and low N, thus the need for balanced fertilizer regimes. © 2021 Peter Kaluba et al.

Introduction. The pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a legume crop of great importance for the peasant economy in the high Andean zone of the department of Nariño, Colombia. Most of the pea production in this department is marketed as fresh pods; however, it is necessary to strengthen the local dry bean market, which requires varieties adapted to regional conditions. Objective. To evaluate fifteen pea genotypes for phenotypic stability of dry grain yield, in the Nariño production zone. Materials and methods. Between 2013 and 2014, fifteen pea genotypes were evaluated in three Nariño environments. The experiments were established with a randomized complete block design and four replicates. The GGE biplot model was used for dry grain yield stability analysis. Results. In the analysis of variance across the three environments, there were significant effects (p<0.05) of environments (A), genotypes (G), and GA interaction, for dry grain yield and number of grains per pod. The average yield for all environments was between 747.5 and 1357.3 kg ha-1 and the grains per pod between 4.4 and 5.4. The genotypes ARUDN-3562 and VOUDN-7350 stood out for being stable and for their high yields (kg ha-1) with 1357.3 and 1144.1, respectively, which exceeded the general average (1057.9) and were statistically similar to the controls Alcala (1227.8), Obonuco Andina (1238.1), and Santa Isabel (1013.6). Conclusion. The genotypes studied showed high variability in yield and phenotypic stability, which will allow expanding the working collection for pea improvement in Nariño. The genotypes ARUDN-3562 and VOUDN-7350 stood out and could be used individually or as parental., Introducción. La arveja (Pisum sativum L.) es una leguminosa de gran importancia para la economía campesina de la zona altoandina del departamento de Nariño, Colombia. La mayor parte de la producción de arveja en este departamento, se comercializa en vaina en fresco; sin embargo, es necesario fortalecer el mercado local de grano seco, para eso, se requiere de variedades adaptadas a las condiciones regionales. Objetivo. Evaluar quince genotipos de arveja por la estabilidad fenotípica del rendimiento en grano seco, en la zona productora de Nariño. Materiales y métodos. Entre el 2013 y 2014, se evaluaron quince genotipos de arveja en tres ambientes de Nariño. Los experimentos se establecieron con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y cuatro repeticiones. Para el análisis de estabilidad de rendimiento en grano seco se utilizó el modelo GGE biplot. Resultados. En el análisis de varianza, a través de los tres ambientes, se presentaron efectos significativos (p<0,05) de ambientes (A), genotipos (G) e interacción de GA, para rendimiento en grano seco y número de granos por vaina. El promedio de rendimiento para todos los ambientes, estuvo entre 747,5 y 1357,3 kg ha-1 y los granos por vaina entre 4,4 y 5,4. Los genotipos ARUDN-3562 y VOUDN-7350 sobresalieron por ser estables y por sus altos rendimientos (kg ha-1) con 1357,3 y 1144,1, respectivamente, que superaron a la media general (1057,9) y estadísticamente similares a los testigos Alcalá (1227,8), Obonuco Andina (1238,1) y Santa Isabel (1013,6). Conclusión. Los genotipos estudiados mostraron alta variabilidad en rendimiento y en estabilidad fenotípica, lo que permitirá ampliar la colección de trabajo para mejoramiento de arveja en Nariño. Se destacaron los genotipos ARUDN-3562 y VOUDN-7350, con los cuales se podría avanzar en forma individual o ser usados como parentales.

A dietary shift from resource-demanding animal protein to sustainable food sources, such as protein-rich beans, lowers the climate footprint of food production. In this study, we examined the nutrients and antinutrients in 15 fava bean varieties cultivated in Sweden to select varieties with high nutritional value. On a dry weight basis, the fava beans were analyzed for their content of protein (range 26–33%), amino acids (leucine range: 50.8–72.1 mg/g protein, lysine range: 44.8–74.8 mg/g protein), dietary fiber (soluble fraction range: 0.55–1.06%, insoluble fraction range: 10.7–16.0%), and iron (1.8–21.3 mg/100 g) and zinc contents (0.9–5.2 mg/100 g), as well as for the following antinutrients: lectin (0.8–3.2 HU/mg); trypsin inhibitor (1.2–23.1 TIU/mg) and saponin (18–109 µg/g); phytate (112–1,281 mg/100 g); total phenolic content (1.4–5 mg GAE/g); and vicine(403 µg/g − 7,014 µg/g), convicine (35.5 µg/g − 3,121 µg/g) and the oligosaccharides raffinose (1.1–3.9 g/kg), stachyose (4.4–13.7 g/kg) and verbascose (8–15 g/kg). The results indicate substantial differences between cultivars in relation to their contents of nutrients and antinutrients. Only one of the cultivars studied (Sunrise) have adequate estimated bioavailability of iron, which is of major concern for a diet in which legumes and grains serve as important sources of iron. The nutritional gain from consuming fava beans is significantly affected by the cultivar chosen as the food source.

Global biodiversity is declining under pressure of agricultural intensification and land-use change. Two-thirds of the agricultural lands is directly or indirectly devoted to the production of animal products. Replacing animal-based proteins by plant-based proteins can be an important step to a more sustainable agricultural system. Lupins (Lupinus sp.) are promising crop species due to a high protein content of up to 40 %, but crop yields are unstable in both quantity and quality. This might be due to a lack of effective pollinators, but the contribution of insect pollination to lupin crop yield is unknown. Here we studied for five varieties of two common lupin crop species (L. albus and L. angustifolius) which pollinators visit lupin flowers, whether this depends on nectar production, and what the contribution of insect pollination is to crop yield. We used a semi-experimental setup and placed bagged and open-pollinated plants in pots along an expected gradient of insect visitors and determined several yield parameters. We recorded 1355 pollinator visits of only eight bee species. None of the varieties tested produced nectar. Compared to bagged plants, protein yield increase of open-pollinated plants ranged from 3 to 11% depending on variety. Yield of open-pollinated plants was only consistently related to visitation of the large-bodied buff-tailed bumblebee (B. terrestris group; 59 % of all pollinators) with impact on seed set related yield parameters (number of seeds and pods) being generally larger than on seed filling related yield parameters (g/plant). Within the observed range, higher visitation rate of buff-tailed bumblebees increased protein yield of open-pollinated plants with 10–40 %. Visitation rates of the smaller common carder bee (B. pascuorum; 33 % of all pollinators), or all pollinators combined, were not significantly related to protein crop yield. This could indicate that only relatively large species are effective lupin pollinators. Lupins are ge

A dietary shift from resource-demanding animal protein to sustainable food sources, such as protein-rich beans, lowers the climate footprint of food production. In this study, we examined the nutrients and antinutrients in 15 fava bean varieties cultivated in Sweden to select varieties with high nutritional value. On a dry weight basis, the fava beans were analyzed for their content of protein (range 26–33%), amino acids (leucine range: 50.8–72.1 mg/g protein, lysine range: 44.8–74.8 mg/g protein), dietary fiber (soluble fraction range: 0.55–1.06%, insoluble fraction range: 10.7–16.0%), and iron (1.8–21.3 mg/100 g) and zinc contents (0.9–5.2 mg/100 g), as well as for the following antinutrients: lectin (0.8–3.2 HU/mg); trypsin inhibitor (1.2–23.1 TIU/mg) and saponin (18–109 µg/g); phytate (112–1,281 mg/100 g); total phenolic content (1.4–5 mg GAE/g); and vicine(403 µg/g − 7,014 µg/g), convicine (35.5 µg/g − 3,121 µg/g) and the oligosaccharides raffinose (1.1–3.9 g/kg), stachyose (4.4–13.7 g/kg) and verbascose (8–15 g/kg). The results indicate substantial differences between cultivars in relation to their contents of nutrients and antinutrients. Only one of the cultivars studied (Sunrise) have adequate estimated bioavailability of iron, which is of major concern for a diet in which legumes and grains serve as important sources of iron. The nutritional gain from consuming fava beans is significantly affected by the cultivar chosen as the food source.

Root traits can be exploited to increase the physiological efficiency of crop water use under drought. Root length, root hairs, root branching, root diameter, and root proliferation rate are genetically defined traits that can help to improve the water productivity potential of crops. Recently, high-throughput phenotyping techniques/platforms have been used to screen the germplasm of major cool-season grain legumes for root traits and their impact on different physiological processes, including nutrient uptake and yield potential. Advances in omics approaches have led to the dissection of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic structures of these traits. This knowledge facilitates breeders to improve the water productivity and nutrient uptake of cultivars under limited soil moisture conditions in major cool-season grain legumes that usually face terminal drought. This review discusses the advances in root traits and their potential for developing drought-tolerant cultivars in cool-season grain legumes.

Grain legumes are known for their benefits to deliver ecosystem services on provisioning of protein-rich food and feed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the symbiotic nitrogen fixation function and diversification of cropping systems. Intercropping is an agroecological practice in which two or more crop species are grown simultaneously in the same field, thereby maximizing the use of resources to enhance yields in low input systems and the resilience of cropping systems. We quantified the effect of grain legume-cereal intercropping on the use of N resources in temperate agroecosystems, focusing on dinitrogen (N2) fixation and soil-derived nitrogen acquisition using a meta-analysis of 29 field-scale studies. We estimated and compared effects of different intercrop compositions (proportion of each species in the intercrops), fertilization rates, crop species, soil properties, and other management practices on the symbiotic N2 fixation and the acquisition of soil-derived nitrogen by the cereals and grain legumes. The proportion of N derived from N2 fixation was on average 14 % (95 % CI = [11, 16]) higher in intercropped grain legumes (76 %) compared to legume sole crops (66 %). On the other hand, intercropping reduced the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) by about 15 %, when N2 fixation in inter- and sole cropped legumes was expressed at equivalent density by compensating for the sown legume proportion in intercrops relative to their sole crop sowing rate. The results were mainly influenced by the intercrop composition, legumes species and the method used to quantify N2 fixation. Soil-derived nitrogen acquisition in intercropped grain legumes was significantly reduced (−47 %, 95 % CI = [−56, −36]) compared to sole crop legumes, expressed at equivalent density, while the soil N acquired by intercropped cereals was much higher (+61 %, 95 % CI = [24, 108]) than in sole crop cereals. Total soil N acquisition (legume + cereal) was significantly higher in intercrops than

Grain legumes are known for their benefits to deliver ecosystem services on provisioning of protein-rich food and feed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the symbiotic nitrogen fixation function and diversification of cropping systems. Intercropping is an agroecological practice in which two or more crop species are grown simultaneously in the same field, thereby maximizing the use of resources to enhance yields in low input systems and the resilience of cropping systems. We quantified the effect of grain legume-cereal intercropping on the use of N resources in temperate agroecosystems, focusing on dinitrogen (N2) fixation and soil-derived nitrogen acquisition using a meta-analysis of 29 field-scale studies. We estimated and compared effects of different intercrop compositions (proportion of each species in the intercrops), fertilization rates, crop species, soil properties, and other management practices on the symbiotic N2 fixation and the acquisition of soil-derived nitrogen by the cereals and grain legumes. The proportion of N derived from N2 fixation was on average 14 % (95 % CI = [11, 16]) higher in intercropped grain legumes (76 %) compared to legume sole crops (66 %). On the other hand, intercropping reduced the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) by about 15 %, when N2 fixation in inter- and sole cropped legumes was expressed at equivalent density by compensating for the sown legume proportion in intercrops relative to their sole crop sowing rate. The results were mainly influenced by the intercrop composition, legumes species and the method used to quantify N2 fixation. Soil-derived nitrogen acquisition in intercropped grain legumes was significantly reduced (−47 %, 95 % CI = [−56, −36]) compared to sole crop legumes, expressed at equivalent density, while the soil N acquired by intercropped cereals was much higher (+61 %, 95 % CI = [24, 108]) than in sole crop cereals. Total soil N acquisition (legume + cereal) was significantly higher in intercrops than

Grain legumes are known for their benefits to deliver ecosystem services on provisioning of protein-rich food and feed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the symbiotic nitrogen fixation function and diversification of cropping systems. Intercropping is an agroecological practice in which two or more crop species are grown simultaneously in the same field, thereby maximizing the use of resources to enhance yields in low input systems and the resilience of cropping systems. We quantified the effect of grain legume-cereal intercropping on the use of N resources in temperate agroecosystems, focusing on dinitrogen (N2) fixation and soil-derived nitrogen acquisition using a meta-analysis of 29 field-scale studies. We estimated and compared effects of different intercrop compositions (proportion of each species in the intercrops), fertilization rates, crop species, soil properties, and other management practices on the symbiotic N2 fixation and the acquisition of soil-derived nitrogen by the cereals and grain legumes. The proportion of N derived from N2 fixation was on average 14 % (95 % CI = [11, 16]) higher in intercropped grain legumes (76 %) compared to legume sole crops (66 %). On the other hand, intercropping reduced the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) by about 15 %, when N2 fixation in inter- and sole cropped legumes was expressed at equivalent density by compensating for the sown legume proportion in intercrops relative to their sole crop sowing rate. The results were mainly influenced by the intercrop composition, legumes species and the method used to quantify N2 fixation. Soil-derived nitrogen acquisition in intercropped grain legumes was significantly reduced (−47 %, 95 % CI = [−56, −36]) compared to sole crop legumes, expressed at equivalent density, while the soil N acquired by intercropped cereals was much higher (+61 %, 95 % CI = [24, 108]) than in sole crop cereals. Total soil N acquisition (legume + cereal) was significantly higher in intercrops than

Grain legumes are known for their benefits to deliver ecosystem services on provisioning of protein-rich food and feed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the symbiotic nitrogen fixation function and diversification of cropping systems. Intercropping is an agroecological practice in which two or more crop species are grown simultaneously in the same field, thereby maximizing the use of resources to enhance yields in low input systems and the resilience of cropping systems. We quantified the effect of grain legume-cereal intercropping on the use of N resources in temperate agroecosystems, focusing on dinitrogen (N2) fixation and soil-derived nitrogen acquisition using a meta-analysis of 29 field-scale studies. We estimated and compared effects of different intercrop compositions (proportion of each species in the intercrops), fertilization rates, crop species, soil properties, and other management practices on the symbiotic N2 fixation and the acquisition of soil-derived nitrogen by the cereals and grain legumes. The proportion of N derived from N2 fixation was on average 14 % (95 % CI = [11, 16]) higher in intercropped grain legumes (76 %) compared to legume sole crops (66 %). On the other hand, intercropping reduced the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) by about 15 %, when N2 fixation in inter- and sole cropped legumes was expressed at equivalent density by compensating for the sown legume proportion in intercrops relative to their sole crop sowing rate. The results were mainly influenced by the intercrop composition, legumes species and the method used to quantify N2 fixation. Soil-derived nitrogen acquisition in intercropped grain legumes was significantly reduced (−47 %, 95 % CI = [−56, −36]) compared to sole crop legumes, expressed at equivalent density, while the soil N acquired by intercropped cereals was much higher (+61 %, 95 % CI = [24, 108]) than in sole crop cereals. Total soil N acquisition (legume + cereal) was significantly higher in intercrops than

Grain legumes are known for their benefits to deliver ecosystem services on provisioning of protein-rich food and feed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the symbiotic nitrogen fixation function and diversification of cropping systems. Intercropping is an agroecological practice in which two or more crop species are grown simultaneously in the same field, thereby maximizing the use of resources to enhance yields in low input systems and the resilience of cropping systems. We quantified the effect of grain legume-cereal intercropping on the use of N resources in temperate agroecosystems, focusing on dinitrogen (N2) fixation and soil-derived nitrogen acquisition using a meta-analysis of 29 field-scale studies. We estimated and compared effects of different intercrop compositions (proportion of each species in the intercrops), fertilization rates, crop species, soil properties, and other management practices on the symbiotic N2 fixation and the acquisition of soil-derived nitrogen by the cereals and grain legumes. The proportion of N derived from N2 fixation was on average 14 % (95 % CI = [11, 16]) higher in intercropped grain legumes (76 %) compared to legume sole crops (66 %). On the other hand, intercropping reduced the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) by about 15 %, when N2 fixation in inter- and sole cropped legumes was expressed at equivalent density by compensating for the sown legume proportion in intercrops relative to their sole crop sowing rate. The results were mainly influenced by the intercrop composition, legumes species and the method used to quantify N2 fixation. Soil-derived nitrogen acquisition in intercropped grain legumes was significantly reduced (−47 %, 95 % CI = [−56, −36]) compared to sole crop legumes, expressed at equivalent density, while the soil N acquired by intercropped cereals was much higher (+61 %, 95 % CI = [24, 108]) than in sole crop cereals. Total soil N acquisition (legume + cereal) was significantly higher in intercrops than

As sessile organisms, plants are constantly exposed to simultaneously abiotic and biotic stresses that impact growth thus resulting in significant yield losses. An example is drought and root infecting pathogens, which combined cause greater damage to plants than the stresses individually. Substantial information is available on the physiological, molecular, and metabolic changes in Fabaceae plants exposed to individual stresses, but little is known about how plants respond to multiple stresses. This is of primary importance for the development of breeding approaches based on the trade-off between plant defense response mechanisms, and high and consistent yield under field conditions. A better knowledge of the mechanisms by which legume plants perceive and transduce simultaneous or sequential combination of stress signals to initiate diverse adaptive responses is essential for breeding multiple stress-tolerant crop cultivars. In this chapter, we assess the relevance of understanding legume combined responses to abiotic and biotic stresses for production and breeding, focusing on soilborne vascular diseases and drought interaction in grain legumes. Particular attention is given to the crosstalk between signaling pathways of the “stress triangle” pathogen/host/environment interactions and to the application of integrated breeding methods aiming at multiple stress-resistant legume crops better adapted to climate change.

The ECPGR (European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources) Grain legumes working group cover a range of species, which have enormous benefits for environment, food security and as well as the breeding material. However, despite its huge potential lots of species, including Lathyrus sp., are not well represented in European collection and enough exploited for different purposes. As starting point of EUGrainLeg project the activities act in two directions: i) AEGIS progress and improved data on European grain legumes plant genetic resources, and ii) improvement of group strategy work – in view of subgroup establishment based on species interest, in order to facilitate experience and knowledge exchange. The task of establishing the European grain legume collection needs updates and improvements, taking in account the large number of species managed inside the group. The significant diversity of Lathyrus sp. exist, but there are difficulties/gaps in order to identify accessions as AEGIS accessions, recording to registered data.

There is potential for growing several types of pulses in Sweden. An increased domestic pulse cultivation and consumption could have many positive effects, such as reduced climate impacts, furthering of local societies, improved soils and increased resilience in food production. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of Nordic grown pulses in falafel, a deep-fried patty traditionally made from chickpeas or faba beans. The purpose was to create a new application for Swedish pulses in order to promote domestic pulse production. Falafels made from pea, bean, lentil and lupin were subjected to physicochemical analyses and a sensory acceptance test. The best liked falafel was then included in an optimisation to obtain a highly desirable texture. The falafels made from different pulses had significantly different physicochemical properties, with most of the variation due to differences in water absorption during soaking, water loss in deep-frying, the textural properties cohesiveness and hardness, and in colour measurements. The sensory evaluations indicated that all falafels were liked by consumers, with exception for yellow pea falafels. High liking of appearance correlated with large values of redness (a*) and contrast in lightness (L*) between falafel exterior and interior. High liking of texture correlated with large moisture content in falafel batter and weight increase in soaking, and with low hardness. An optimisation using response surface methodology was constructed for Gotland lentil falafels to investigate the effect of soaking time and NaHCO3 concentration in the soaking water on the water uptake of lentils and textural hardness of falafels. Soaking time was the most important factor, where 10–13 hours was optimal for Gotland lentils to obtain both high water uptake and low hardness values. In conclusion, several Nordic grown pulses were suitable for falafel making, and soaking time had a significant effect on textural properties of Gotland lentil falafe, Det finns potential för att odla flera typer av baljväxter i Sverige. En ökad inhemsk odling och konsumtion av baljväxter kan leda till flera positiva effekter, såsom minskad klimatpåverkan, ökad motståndskraft i livsmedelsproduktionen, förbättrade jordar, och främjande av lokala samhällen. Denna studie syftade till att utvärdera användningen av Nordiskodlade baljväxter i falafel, en typ av friterad baljväxtbiff som traditionellt tillverkats av kikärtor eller åkerbönor i Mellanöstern. Målet med studien var att finna ett nytt användningsområde för svenska baljväxter för att på så sätt främja den inhemska produktionen av dessa grödor. Falaflarna utvärderades genom fysikokemiska analyser och ett sensoriskt acceptanstest. Den mest gillade falafeln inkluderades i en optimeringsprocess för att uppnå en maximalt önskvärd textur. Falaflar gjorda av baljväxter i de huvudsakliga baljväxtgrupperna ärtor, bönor, linser och lupiner kunde tas fram. De fysikokemiska egenskaperna skiljde sig signifikant åt mellan de olika falaflarna. Variationen mellan falaflarna förklarades framförallt av skillnader i vattenabsorption under blötläggning, vattenförlust vid fritering, texturegenskaperna sammanhållning och hårdhet, samt av skillnader i färgmätningar. De sensoriska bedömningarna antydde att alla falaflar gillades av konsumenterna, undantaget de som tillverkats av gula ärtor. Högt gillande av utseende korrelerade med färger mot rött i en grön-röd skala och höga värden för ljuskontrast mellan falaflars insida och utsida. Högt gillande av textur korrelerade med stort vattenupptag vid blötläggning och högt vatteninnehåll i falaflar före fritering, samt med låg hårdhet. En optimering konstruerades för falafel på Gotlandslins för att undersöka effekten av blötläggningstid och koncentration av NaHCO3 i blötläggningsvattnet på linsernas vattenupptag och falaflarnas texturmässiga hårdhet. Blötläggningstid var den viktigaste faktorn för att uppnå stort vattenupptag och låg hårdhet, där 10–13 ti

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, den Einfluss verschiedener Schwefel (S)-Düngemittel, der Leguminosenart und des Gemengebaus von Erbse (Pisum sativum L.) und Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) auf die Schwefelakkumulation sowie den Ertrag der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.), Schmalblättrige Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) und Erbse zu erheben. In den Jahren 2012 bis 2014 wurden Feldversuche auf zahlreichen Standorten durchgeführt, um die Wirkung von Kieserit (MgSO4), Gips (CaSO4), elementarem S und Bittersalz (MgSO4 × 7H2O) auf die Körnerleguminosen zu testen. Die Düngung von Ackerbohne, Schmalblättriger Lupine und Erbse mit verschiedenen S-haltigen Düngemitteln führte unter den geprüften Feldbedingungen weder zu Ertragssteigerungen noch zu einer gesteigerten N-Akkumulation. Der S-Bedarf der drei Körnerlegunminosen wurde offenbar über natürliche Ressourcen gedeckt. Trotzdem zeigten sich Gips und Kieserit, teilweise auch Bittersalz als geeignete Düngemittel, um die S-Konzentration im Gewebe der Pflanzen zu erhöhen. Die S-Akkumulation im Spross der Ackerbohne (5-17 kg S ha-1), Schmalblättrigen Lupine (5-15 kg S ha-1) und Erbse (2-13 kg S ha-1) war gering und wurde von den Pflanzen an deren Bedarf angepasst. Im Gegensatz zu Ackerbohne (SHI 0,65) und Erbse (SHI 0,63), die S vorwiegend im Korn akkumulierten, sammelte die Schmalblättrige Lupine einen Großteil des aufgenommenen S im Stroh (SHI 0,40) an. Der Einfluss des Gemengeanbaus mit Gerste auf den S-Haushalt der Erbse war sehr gering. Die Erbse in Reinsaat nahm signifikant mehr S gemittelt über alle getesteten Düngemittel auf als das Gemenge aus Erbse und Gerste. Erbse und Gerste akkumulierten ähnlich hohe Mengen S im Spross pro Einheit Kornertrag. Um maximale Kornerträge sowie N- und S-Akkumulationen in einem substitutiv zusammengesetzten Gemenge aus Erbse und Gerste zu erzielen, wurde ein optimales Saatverhältnis von 42-88% keimfähiger Erbsensamen zu 12-58% keimfähigen Gerstensamen der jeweiligen Reinsaatstärke ermittelt., The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of different sulfur (S) containing fertilizers, the legume species and of intercropping of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on sulfur accumulation and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and pea. In the years 2012 to 2014 field trials have been conducted to test the effects of kieserite (MgSO4), gypsum (CaSO4), elemental S and epsom salt (MgSO4 × 7H2O) on grain legumes at several sites in Germany. Under the given environmental conditions, fertilization of faba bean, narrow leaf lupin and pea with different S containing fertilizers did not increase yield and nitrogen (N) accumulation. The S demand of the three grain legumes was low and obviously covered by S sources from the soil as well as atmospheric S deposition. However, gypsum, kieserite and epsom salt generated noticeable increases in S concentration in parts of the plants. S accumulation in shoots of faba bean (5-17 kg S ha-1), narrow leaf lupin (5-15 kg S ha-1) and pea (2-13 kg S ha-1) was comparatively low and has been adapted to the plants respective S demand. In contrast to faba bean (SHI 0,65) and pea (SHI 0,63), who accumulated S predominantly in seeds, narrow leaf lupin (SHI 0,40) accumulated the bulk of S in its straw. The influence of barley on peas S concentration was very low. Pea in pure stands accumulated significantly more S than the total intercrop of pea and barley, whereas pea and barley accumulated similar amounts of S in its shoots per unit seed yield. To achieve the maximum seed yield and maximum N and S accumulation in substitutive mixtures of pea and barley, a relative seed frequency of 42%–88% pea seeds to 12%–58% barley seeds of their monocrop seeding rate has been calculated to be optimal.

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, den Einfluss verschiedener Schwefel (S)-Düngemittel, der Leguminosenart und des Gemengebaus von Erbse (Pisum sativum L.) und Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) auf die Schwefelakkumulation sowie den Ertrag der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.), Schmalblättrige Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) und Erbse zu erheben. In den Jahren 2012 bis 2014 wurden Feldversuche auf zahlreichen Standorten durchgeführt, um die Wirkung von Kieserit (MgSO4), Gips (CaSO4), elementarem S und Bittersalz (MgSO4 × 7H2O) auf die Körnerleguminosen zu testen. Die Düngung von Ackerbohne, Schmalblättriger Lupine und Erbse mit verschiedenen S-haltigen Düngemitteln führte unter den geprüften Feldbedingungen weder zu Ertragssteigerungen noch zu einer gesteigerten N-Akkumulation. Der S-Bedarf der drei Körnerlegunminosen wurde offenbar über natürliche Ressourcen gedeckt. Trotzdem zeigten sich Gips und Kieserit, teilweise auch Bittersalz als geeignete Düngemittel, um die S-Konzentration im Gewebe der Pflanzen zu erhöhen. Die S-Akkumulation im Spross der Ackerbohne (5-17 kg S ha-1), Schmalblättrigen Lupine (5-15 kg S ha-1) und Erbse (2-13 kg S ha-1) war gering und wurde von den Pflanzen an deren Bedarf angepasst. Im Gegensatz zu Ackerbohne (SHI 0,65) und Erbse (SHI 0,63), die S vorwiegend im Korn akkumulierten, sammelte die Schmalblättrige Lupine einen Großteil des aufgenommenen S im Stroh (SHI 0,40) an. Der Einfluss des Gemengeanbaus mit Gerste auf den S-Haushalt der Erbse war sehr gering. Die Erbse in Reinsaat nahm signifikant mehr S gemittelt über alle getesteten Düngemittel auf als das Gemenge aus Erbse und Gerste. Erbse und Gerste akkumulierten ähnlich hohe Mengen S im Spross pro Einheit Kornertrag. Um maximale Kornerträge sowie N- und S-Akkumulationen in einem substitutiv zusammengesetzten Gemenge aus Erbse und Gerste zu erzielen, wurde ein optimales Saatverhältnis von 42-88% keimfähiger Erbsensamen zu 12-58% keimfähigen Gerstensamen der jeweiligen Reinsaatstärke ermittelt., The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of different sulfur (S) containing fertilizers, the legume species and of intercropping of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on sulfur accumulation and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and pea. In the years 2012 to 2014 field trials have been conducted to test the effects of kieserite (MgSO4), gypsum (CaSO4), elemental S and epsom salt (MgSO4 × 7H2O) on grain legumes at several sites in Germany. Under the given environmental conditions, fertilization of faba bean, narrow leaf lupin and pea with different S containing fertilizers did not increase yield and nitrogen (N) accumulation. The S demand of the three grain legumes was low and obviously covered by S sources from the soil as well as atmospheric S deposition. However, gypsum, kieserite and epsom salt generated noticeable increases in S concentration in parts of the plants. S accumulation in shoots of faba bean (5-17 kg S ha-1), narrow leaf lupin (5-15 kg S ha-1) and pea (2-13 kg S ha-1) was comparatively low and has been adapted to the plants respective S demand. In contrast to faba bean (SHI 0,65) and pea (SHI 0,63), who accumulated S predominantly in seeds, narrow leaf lupin (SHI 0,40) accumulated the bulk of S in its straw. The influence of barley on peas S concentration was very low. Pea in pure stands accumulated significantly more S than the total intercrop of pea and barley, whereas pea and barley accumulated similar amounts of S in its shoots per unit seed yield. To achieve the maximum seed yield and maximum N and S accumulation in substitutive mixtures of pea and barley, a relative seed frequency of 42%–88% pea seeds to 12%–58% barley seeds of their monocrop seeding rate has been calculated to be optimal.

Aggregation of the bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), has been observed on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. To understand the mechanism underpinning this behavior, we studiedthe responses of M. sjostedti to headspace volatiles from conspecifics in a four-arm olfactometer. Both male and female M. sjostedti were attracted to male, but not to female odor. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses revealed the presence of two distinct compounds in male M. sjostedti headspace, namely (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate (major compound) and (R)-lavandulol (minor compound); by contrast, both compounds were only present in trace amounts in female headspace collections. A behavioral assay using synthetic compounds showed that male M. sjostedti was attracted to both (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate and (R)-lavandulol, while females responded only to (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate. This is the first report of a male-produced aggregation pheromone in the genus Megalurothrips. The bean flower thrips is the primary pest of cowpea, which is widely grown in sub-Saharan Africa. The attraction of male and female M. sjostedti to these compounds offers an opportunity to develop ecologically sustainable management methods for M. sjostedti in Africa.

BACKGROUND: Grain legumes are appreciated for their contribution to dietary protein and micronutrient intake in addition to their benefits in providing income and replenishing soil fertility. They offer potential benefits in developing countries where future food demand is increasing and both undernutrition and overweight co-exist. We studied the current and potential role of grain legumes on protein, both quantity and quality, and micronutrient adequacy in the diet of rural Ghanaian infants and young children. METHODS: Energy and nutrient (including amino acids) intakes of breastfed children of 6-8 months (n=97), 9-11 months (n=97), 12-23 months (n=114), and non-breastfed children of 12-23 months (n=29) from Karaga district in Northern Ghana were assessed using a repeated quantitative multi-pass 24-hour recall method. Food-based dietary guidelines that cover nutrient adequacy within the constraints of local current dietary patterns were designed using the linear programming software Optifood (version 4.0.9, Optifood

Studies on responses to inoculation in bush bean(Phaseolus vulgaris) were carried out as part of the N2Africa project (www.n2africa.org) in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.Inoculant treatments without fertilizer inputs significantly improved yields by 0.27 t ha-1compared to the unamended control in Ethiopia. The combined effect of inoculation and P fertilization was much larger and significant in all four countries. Trials in Tanzania and in Zimbabwe also included the application of N fertilizer, and manure was included on the trials in Rwanda. Largest yields were achieved when inoculant and fertilizer inputs were combined. Inoculation tended to boost responses to fertilizer inputs in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania. Detailed results per country are given below.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by crop legumes reduces demand for industrial nitrogen fixation (INF). Nonetheless, rates of BNF in agriculture remain low, with strong negative feedback to BNF from reactive soil nitrogen (N) and drought. We show that breeding for yield has resulted in strong relationships between photosynthesis and leaf N in non-leguminous crops, whereas grain legumes show strong relations between leaf N and water use efficiency (WUE). We contrast these understandings with other studies that draw attention to the water costs of grain legume crops, and their potential for polluting the biosphere with N. We propose that breeding grain legumes for reduced stomatal conductance can increase WUE without compromising production or BNF. Legume crops remain a better bet than relying on INF.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by crop legumes reduces demand for industrial nitrogen fixation (INF). Nonetheless, rates of BNF in agriculture remain low, with strong negative feedback to BNF from reactive soil nitrogen (N) and drought. We show that breeding for yield has resulted in strong relationships between photosynthesis and leaf N in non-leguminous crops, whereas grain legumes show strong relations between leaf N and water use efficiency (WUE). We contrast these understandings with other studies that draw attention to the water costs of grain legume crops, and their potential for polluting the biosphere with N. We propose that breeding grain legumes for reduced stomatal conductance can increase WUE without compromising production or BNF. Legume crops remain a better bet than relying on INF.

Root system architecture (RSA) influences root foraging and resource uptake from the soil and thus determines plant growth and productivity in grain legumes. Understanding RSA, nutrient uptake and its response to drought and other abiotic stresses is vital for breeding super genotypes for efficient water and nutrient acquisition and with enhanced adaptation to edaphic stresses. This chapter describes the role of root architecture in plant health, available approaches for measuring root architecture, variability of RSA traits across genotypes and its implications for breeding drought-resistant varieties. The chapter explains how combined root phenotyping, non-destructive imaging, root model simulations and molecular techniques can serve as tools in breeding legume genotypes with optimised root system for enhanced adaptation to target environments.

In the frame of EU 7th Research Framework Programme of The European Union project EUROLEGUME (Enhancing of legumes growing in Europe through sustainable cropping for protein supplay for food and feed) two Rhizobium leguminosarium strains alone and in mixture were examinated to evaluate the influence on yield formation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) ‘Lielplatones’. The field experiment was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics between 2014 -2016 in the organic cropping system field. The beans seeds were treated with rhizobia fungi by soaking in bacteria suspension for 30 minutes before sowing. A plant high was measured at the beginning of flowering (BBCH 61- 64), at the beginning of forming pods (BBCH 71- 75) and at the beginning of maturity (BBCH 81- 85). The inoculation of plant seeds promotes a slight increase in the plant length. The highest yield was from seeds inoculated with strain R2. There were no significant differences between tested strains. The results of this investigation indicate that rhizobium inoculation is a recommendable management tool for faba beans generally but effectiveness of rhizobial strains strongly depending climate conditions. Seed treatment with Rhizobium contributed to an increase in the quantity of nitrogen in the soil.

Kansrijke eiwitgewassen is een project dat in 2016 tot stand is gekomen vanuit de Brancheorganisatie Akkerbouw rond de teelt van peulvruchten voor menselijke consumptie. In dit project wordt aansluiting gezocht bij het reeds lopende project vanuit de Europese Unie, Protein-2-Food dat zich naast de teelt ook richt op de verwerking en vermarkting van nieuwe consumentenproducten op basis van plantaardige eiwitten. In deze eindrapportage wordt verslag gedaan van de uitkomsten van de teeltproeven in 2016. In deze veldproeven is gekeken naar blauwe en witte lupine, veldbonen en soja. De proeven lagen op twee locaties: Klazienaveen (Veenkoloniën) op dalgrond en WPR-Lelystad (Flevopolder) op jonge zeeklei. Vanwege het hoge kalkgehalte van het proefveld in Lelystad zijn hier geen blauwe lupines uitgezaaid. Uitvoering van de proeven werd in Lelystad verzorgd door WPR en in Klazienaveen door het LBI.

Kansrijke eiwitgewassen is een project dat in 2016 tot stand is gekomen vanuit de Brancheorganisatie Akkerbouw rond de teelt van peulvruchten voor menselijke consumptie. In dit project wordt aansluiting gezocht bij het reeds lopende project vanuit de Europese Unie, Protein-2-Food dat zich naast de teelt ook richt op de verwerking en vermarkting van nieuwe consumentenproducten op basis van plantaardige eiwitten. In deze eindrapportage wordt verslag gedaan van de uitkomsten van de teeltproeven in 2016. In deze veldproeven is gekeken naar blauwe en witte lupine, veldbonen en soja. De proeven lagen op twee locaties: Klazienaveen (Veenkoloniën) op dalgrond en WPR-Lelystad (Flevopolder) op jonge zeeklei. Vanwege het hoge kalkgehalte van het proefveld in Lelystad zijn hier geen blauwe lupines uitgezaaid. Uitvoering van de proeven werd in Lelystad verzorgd door WPR en in Klazienaveen door het LBI.

In the frame of EU 7th Research Framework Programme of The European Union project EUROLEGUME (Enhancing of legumes growing in Europe through sustainable cropping for protein supplay for food and feed) two Rhizobium leguminosarium strains alone and in mixture were examinated to evaluate the influence on yield formation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) ‘Lielplatones’. The field experiment was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics between 2014 -2016 in the organic cropping system field. The beans seeds were treated with rhizobia fungi by soaking in bacteria suspension for 30 minutes before sowing. A plant high was measured at the beginning of flowering (BBCH 61- 64), at the beginning of forming pods (BBCH 71- 75) and at the beginning of maturity (BBCH 81- 85). The inoculation of plant seeds promotes a slight increase in the plant length. The highest yield was from seeds inoculated with strain R2. There were no significant differences between tested strains. The results of this investigation indicate that rhizobium inoculation is a recommendable management tool for faba beans generally but effectiveness of rhizobial strains strongly depending climate conditions. Seed treatment with Rhizobium contributed to an increase in the quantity of nitrogen in the soil.

In this article, the importance and situation of the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture is reviewed, taking into consideration not only the aspects specifically related to the conservation activity but also their role as components of biodiversity and providers of ecosystem services. Special attention is drawn to ex situ collections as providers of germplasm for direct use and for plant breeding, two elements that make an essential contribution to a greater resilience of agriculture to environmental changes. In particular, the state of conservation at national and global levels of genetic resources of Fabaceae species cultivated for human food and animal feed, is examined.

BACKGROUNDThe effect of spatial separation of the semiochemical Lurem-TR, which has been found to inhibit conidia of entomopathogenic fungi when put together, on the persistence of conidia of Metarhizium brunneum and M. anisopliae was evaluated in the greenhouse and field in order to develop an autodissemination strategy for the management of Megalurothrips sjostedti on cowpea crop. Influence of spatial separation of the semiochemical on thrips attraction and conidial acquisition by thrips from the autoinoculation device was also investigated in the field.RESULTSPersistence of conidia of M. brunneum and M. anisopliae increased with distance of separation of Lurem-TR. Direct exposure of fungus without separation from Lurem-TR recorded the lowest conidial germination as compared with the other treatments. Attraction of thrips to the device also varied significantly according to distance between device and semiochemical, with a higher number of thrips attracted when Lurem-TR was placed in a container below the device and at 10 cm distance. There was no significant difference in conidial acquisition between spatial separation treatments of conidia and Lurem-TR. Attraction of other insect pests to the device did not significantly vary between treatments. Positive correlations were found between conidial acquisition and thrips attraction.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that spatial separation of fungal conidia from Lurem-TR in an autoinoculation device could provide a low-cost strategy for effective management of thrips in grain legume cropping systems.

Male sexual aggregations are a common territorial, mating-related or resource-based, behaviour observed in diverse organisms, including insects such as thrips. The influence of factors such as plant substrate, time of day, and geographic location on aggregation of thrips is uncertain, therefore we monitored the dispersion of male and female bean flower thrips (BFT), Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae), over three cowpea growth stages and across three cowpea-growing areas of Kenya. Our results indicated that for all the crop growth stages, the density of BFTs varied over the time of day, with higher densities at 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00 hours than at 07:00 hours. Thrips densities did not differ among blocks at the budding stage, but they did at peak flowering and podding stages. Dispersion indices suggested that both male and female BFTs were aggregated. Active male aggregation occurred only on green plant parts and it varied across blocks, crop stages, and locations. Similarly, active female aggregation was observed in peak flowering and podding stages. Such active aggregation indicates a semiochemical or behaviour-mediated aggregation. Identification of such a semiochemical may offer new opportunities for refining monitoring and management strategies for BFT on cowpea, the most important grain legume in sub-Saharan Africa.

Bonen, erwten, linzen en al die andere peulvruchten zijn perfecte vleesvervangers; rijk aan koolhydraten, eiwitten en vezels. Om de groeiende wereldbevolking te kunnen blijven voeden, willen de Verenigde Naties de peulvrucht beter onder de aandacht gaan brengen. Daarom hebben ze 2016 uitgeroepen tot het ‘International Year of Pulses’.

Teelthandleiding voor de zomerteelt van droge erwten. Stilgestaan wordt bij: de bodem, zaaitijdstip, zaaizaad-hoeveelheid, enten van zaden, mengteelt, hoe zaaien, bemesting, onkruidbeheersing, beheersing ziekten en plagen, legering, oogst, opbrengst, ecologisch aandachtsgebied, PDPO III, voederwaarde.

This document describes the properties of pulses.

Presentatie in het kader van het "International Year of pulses 2016".

Peulvruchten worden steeds minder populair. Dat id geen goede ontwikkeling, vindt wereldvoedselorganisatie FAO. Om de snel groeiende wereldbevolking te voeden moet de oergezonde, milieuvriendelijke boon terug op het bord. Ook als biefstuk

Er zijn meer dan 70 verschillende lectinen uit peulvruchten bekend. Veel minder is te vinden over de toxiciteit in het menselijk lichaam. Dit filmpje geeft meer informatie.

[ES] A pesar de la larga tradición de cultivo y consumo de leguminosas en España y de sus conocidos beneficios medioambientales mejorando la fertilidad de los suelos, su cultivo ha disminuido constantemente en los últimos 50 años siendo reemplazadas por otros cultivos que se han adaptado mejor a los avances tecnológicos y resultan más rentables al agricultor. El consumo de legumbres ha descendido en España notablemente desde los 13 kg/persona/año en la década de los 60, hasta los poco más de 3 en la actualidad, pero aun así, importamos hoy alrededor del 85% de las judías, el 75% de los garbanzos y el 60% de las lentejas que consumimos. Asimismo, el descenso del consumo de legumbres ha ido asociado a un incremento del consumo de carne, lo que ha aumentado el consumo de leguminosas para pienso, sobre todo soja, pero no así su cultivo por lo que importamos casi 5 millones de toneladas de soja al año, lo que supone el 95% de las importaciones de leguminosas. Esta tendencia es similar a la encontrada en el resto de Europa lo que genera dos dependencias preocupantes que solo pueden aliviarse aumentando el cultivo de leguminosas. Por un lado está la dependencia de las importaciones de proteína vegetal (70%), a lo que se une la de fertilizantes nitrogenados (80%). Además, la producción de estos fertilizantes requiere gran energía, básicamente gas natural, del cual la UE importa del orden del 60% de sus necesidades. Esta dependencia de las importaciones de proteína, sobre todo soja, no solo supone un riesgo galopante para la balanza de pagos, sino también de seguridad alimentaria, poniendo a nuestra industria cárnica en manos de las oscilaciones del precio de la soja., [EN] Grain legume cultivation is continuously decreasing in Spain in spite of the long tradition of their cultivation and consumption and their well-known environmental benefits by improving soil fertility. Grain legumes have been replaced in rotations by other crops that have adapted more quickly to technological progress and are more profitable for farmers in the short term. A similar change is taking place in Europe. This generates two major dependencies that can only be alleviated by increasing legume cultivation. On the one hand, Europe faces an increasing dependency on nitrogen fertilizers, using up to 10 million tons yearly, of which about 80% are imported. In addition to this, fertilizer production uses large amounts of energy, being highly dependent on natural gas, of which the EU imports 60% of its requirements. On the other hand, EU countries import 70% of their requirements as vegetable protein. In Spain, we import 4.7 million tons of grain legumes yearly, most of which is soybean (95% of the total). The decline in human consumption does not justify the reduction in cultivation, as we import 85% of the dried beans, 60% of the lentils and 75% of the chickpeas consumed in Spain. This dependency on imports, particularly on soybean, poses a serious threat to the economy as it makes the raw feed industry, and therefore most of the meat industry, vulnerable to fluctuations in the world soybean price.

[SPA] Las leguminosas de grano, plantas de la familia Leguminosae, son cultivadas principalmente por sus semillas, ricas en proteínas y energía. Su consumo puede sustituir parcial o totalmente a fuentes tradicionales de proteínas de origen animal como carne o pescado. En este estudio se determinó el contenido en proteínas de las distintas partes de dos variedades de Vigna unguiculata (semillas, vaina, tallo con hojas y raíz) bajo prácticas de manejo convencional y orgánica. Los resultados mostraron un contenido en proteínas más alto en semillas frescas frente a secas, por tanto, mayor beneficio nutricional independientemente de la variedad y práctica de manejo., [ENG] The grain legumes (belonging to Leguminosae), are cultivated mainly for their seeds, rich in proteins and energy. Consumption of seeds in these legumes can replace part or totally to conventional sources of animal proteins like meat and fish. In this study, the protein content in the different parts of two varieties of Vigna unguiculata (seeds, pod, stem with leaves and root) was determined, under conventional and organic management practices. The results showed a higher protein content in fresh seeds against dry seeds, and therefore a higher nutritional benefit regardless of cultivar and management practice.

Een vleesvervanger, op basis van peulvruchten, die niet onderdoet voor een biefstuk. Dat is de veelbelovende toekomst en tussentijdse resultaat van een omvangrijk onderzoek naar duurzame vleesvervangers met puur plantaardige ingrediënten. Onderzoeker Atze Jan van der Goot van Wageningen University presenteerde op zondag 1 november 2015 zijn bevindingen.