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Parental environments have profound consequences for offspring fitness through transgenerational transmission of resources and epigenetic factors. Locomotor activity is a functional trait of considerable ecological importance, as it determines the ability of animals to find food and mates and to disperse to more favourable environments. Although there have been studies demonstrating that animals can plastically increase their locomotor capacity in response to nutritionally stressful environments, it remains largely unexplored whether and how parental diet can adjust offspring locomotor capacity and its related traits. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the parental intake of a nutritionally suboptimal diet would induce hyperactivity in the offspring and that this transgenerational effect could lead to improved offspring performance in an insect herbivore, the bean bug (Riptortus pedestris Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae). We compared the locomotor activity, metabolic phenotype and performance traits of two groups of R. pedestris nymphs born to parents raised on soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr, Fabaceae; standard diet] or peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L., Fabaceae; high‐fat diet). Despite being smaller at birth, the offspring of peanut‐fed parents moved faster and more frequently than those of soybean‐fed parents during their early development. The newly hatched offspring born to peanut‐fed parents had higher relative energy reserves in somatic tissues than those born to soybean‐fed parents, indicating that differential parental provisioning could underpin this parental effect on offspring locomotor activity. Possibly through increased foraging activity, the hyperactive offspring of peanut‐fed parents grew faster into heavier adults than the offspring of soybean‐fed parents, implying that parentally induced increase in offspring locomotor activity is adaptive. This study provides experimental evidence for diet‐mediated transgenerational plasticity of locomotor activity in invertebrates and sheds novel insights into the role of parental diet history in shaping offspring phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nHIGHLIGHTSThis study examined the impact of nutrition education on chronotype, sleep quality, and dietary quality among university students. Participants included 317 students with nutrition education and 280 without. Data were collected through questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, chronotype (using the Morning-Evening Questionnaire), sleep quality (via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour food recalls were also recorded. Dietary quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020, while dietary fat and carbohydrate quality were assessed with the Fat Quality Index (FQI) and Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI), respectively. Results indicated that students who received nutrition education had significantly lower body weight, height, and waist circumference compared to those without. Of the students, 8.9% had a morning, 7% had an evening and the rest had an intermediate chronotype. HEI-2020, CQI, and FQI scores were significantly higher in the nutrition education group. Although no significant relationship was found between nutrition education and chronotype, improved dietary and sleep quality were observed in the group with education. This suggested that enhancing nutritional knowledge can positively impact health by improving dietary quality and sleep. Dietary quality, carbohydrate quality and fat quality were found to be higher in the group with nutrition education.No relationship was found between chronotype and nutrition education.A positive relationship was found between nutrition education and sleep quality.As sleep quality decreased, tendency to evening type increased.Dietary quality, carbohydrate quality and fat quality were found to be higher in the group with nutrition education.No relationship was found between chronotype and nutrition education.A positive relationship was found between nutrition education and sleep quality.As sleep quality decreased, tendency to evening type increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruffled vegetables, having wrinkled leaves with a crispy and tender texture, are highly favored by consumers. However, the genetic resources of crinkled leaf vegetables in the Brassica genus are limited. In this study, distant hybridization was performed between 'Mottle-leaf Tai-cai' (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Makino var. tai-tsai Hort. AA, 2n = 20) and 'Big Yellow Flower Chinese Kale' (B. oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey. CC, 2n = 18) by hand emasculation followed by tissue culture. As a result, all obtained three embryos were identified as true hybrids (AC, 2n = 19) through morphology, cytology, and molecular markers. After chromosome doubling, an allotetraploid hybrid (AACC, 2n = 38) was obtained with a giant leaf, serrated leaf margin, and wrinkled leaf surface; therefore, its most agronomical characters were biased toward the female parent of 'Mottle-leaf Tai-cai'. In comparison with diploid hybrid, the pollen stainability of allotetraploids were significantly improved and similar to their parents. Additionally, all 5 pairs of SSR primers showed the authenticity of the hybrids. Furthermore, the contents of soluble sugar, vitamin C, and cellulose in the hybrids increased when compared with their parents. Briefly, the obtained hybrid is interspecific euhybrid, and has wrinkle-leaf characteristics, improved nutritional quality, so it is a novel Brassica wrinkle-leaf vegetable germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic production of agricultural waste and animal manure lead generation of vast quantity of wastes. Inefficient management of these agroindustrial wastes causes a serious threat to the environment. Biological waste treatment technology cocomposting is an aerobic digestion (AD) of organic wastes mixes, aiming to obtain compost regarded as a sustainable and clean environment method for nutrient recovery. Compared with conventional cocomposting methods, integrated composting is not merely the cocomposting of organic biomass amended with inorganic contents to initiate and sustain the biodegradation process but also to obtain added value compost with designed characteristics. The setup of appropriate integrated composting protocols can be the way to optimize the management of organic waste and to improve production process and also product nutritional contents. Therefore, this research study focused on the viability of cocomposting organic biomass with or without inorganic amendments to obtain added-value compost with enhanced nutritional characteristics. Substrate combinations derived from the solid fraction of digestate (SFD), agricultural (lignocellulosic) biomass, and bulking material (sawdust, peanut shell, and green yard waste) with or without inorganic amendments were cocomposted in a controlled composting system. During the composting process, the temperature of composting material and physicochemical, chemical, and maturity characteristics were monitored. Potential added-value characteristics such as biomethane production (BMP) and physical and microbial characteristics of matured compost were determined. Maximum temperatures reached a thermophilic range (< 60°C), which was lower than sanitizing temperatures set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The bulking material showed the positive effect, reducing the EC (less than 5 dS m−1) and N losses up to (10–13%) during integrated composting, while amendment of inorganic content did not alter the composting process but enhanced nutritional characteristics (micro- and macro elements) of the compost obtained. This pilot scale integrated composting facility evaluated production characteristics of composting process; the integrated composts showed optimal degree of stability and maturity depicting appropriate physical characteristics to be used as organic fertilizer. Further studies into the optimal rate of amending inorganic ingredients and evolution of nutritional values are recommended for integrated composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wheat grain yields, quality, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were controlled through the type and application rate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Here, we investigated the optimal management of N fertilization by examining the combined effects of organic and N fertilizers on wheat yields, quality, and N2O emissions. Field trials under six treatments were located on campus farms at Anhui Science and Technology University, including farmer's common practice (270 kg N ha-1, N270), 2/3 reduction in N270 (90 kg N ha-1, N90), organic fertilizer with equal N270 (OF270), 2/3 reduction in OF270 (OF90), 4/5 reduction OF270 + 1/5 reduction N270 (20% OF270 + 80% N270), and 4/ 5 reduction OF90 + 1/5 reduction N90 (20% OF90 + 80% N90) were applied to winter wheat. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block experimental design. The N2O emissions were quantified under different fertilization measures in the peak wheat growing season during sowing, jointing, and grain filling stages, respectively. Compared with N270 and N90 treatments, N2O emissions were significantly decreased by 18.6% and 27.2%, respectively, under 20% OF270 + 80% N270% and 20% OF90 + 80% N90 (p < 0.05). Further, N2O emissions in N270 were increased by 50.8% relative to N90. Wheat yields increased significantly under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 by 27.6% (N270) and 16.4% (N90), and were considerably enhanced under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 by 40.6% (N270) and 12.7% (N90) in contrast to OF270 and N270 (p < 0.05). Compared with N90, the content of wet gluten, protein and starch under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 treatment significantly increased by 7.7%, 13.8% and 7.9%, and enhanced by 7.6%, 4.8%, 8.0% relative to OF90, respectively (p < 0.05). The starch content increased significantly by 2.0%, whereas the settlement value decreased considerably by 2.9% under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 (p < 0.05), and there was no notable difference in the wet gluten and protein contents (p > 0.05). Our findings indicated that organic fertilizer mixed with N fertilizer can effectively reduce N2O emissions, increase both the grain yields and quality in wheat field compared with N fertilizer alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of native Brazilian plant species are under exploited by the scientific community, despite the country's precious biodiversity. The vast majority of native Brazilian fruits (NBF) is source of compounds that provide many health benefits and can potentially be used to prevent diseases and formulate high-added value products. This review covers the scientific research over the last decade (2012-2022) on eight NBF, and focuses on information about the production and market panorama, physical description, physicochemical characterization, nutritional composition, their functional value of bioactive compounds and health benefits, as well as the potential for utilizations for each. The studies herein compiled reveal the outstanding nutritional value of these NBF. They are sources of vitamins, fibers, minerals and bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity, and they contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory action, anti-obesity and other functions that bring many health benefits to consumers. NBF can be also used as raw material for multiple products such as nectars, juices, jams, frozen pulps, liquor, among others. The dissemination of knowledge about NBF has fundamental implications worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycolyt ic enzyme cytoplasmic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPC3) is involved in multiple biological processes in plants, including transcriptional regulation, and material metabolism. However, the relationship between OsGAPC3 and the quality traits of rice is poorly understood. Here we identify OsGAPC3 mutations that enhance the protein content and grain nutritional quality of rice by regulating the OsAAP6 gene expression. The number and volume of type-II protein bodies in the endosperm of the OsGAPC3 mutants, and GPC increase significantly. We report significant increases in chalkiness area and degree, and decreases for starch content, gel consistency, and taste value. Results of proteomic detection and analysis reveal that OsGAPC3 affects the major storage substances (proteins and starch) metabolism in rice, and the accumulation of proteins and starch in the endosperm. Additionally, the OsGAPC3 mutation significantly decreases the rice-seedling salt tolerance. Therefore, OsGAPC3 affects multiple quality traits of rice, participates in regulating rice-seedling salt-stress response. These data can be used to design better-quality and stronger salt-resistant rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternative food processing technologies that can improve food safety while preserving the nutritional quality of food products. Traditional thermal processing methods can lead to nutrient loss and degradation, prompting the exploration of novel approaches. Cold plasma (CP) technology, an emerging non-thermal food processing technique, has gained significant attention for its potential in the food industry. We provide herein, an introduction to CP and an overview of the technology, highlighting its potential advantages in safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella esculenta was prone to decay and deterioration after harvesting and they were mainly circulated in the market as dried products. The choice of different drying methods was related to the quality characteristics of dried and rehydration products of Morchella esculenta, mainly including sensory and nutritional characteristics. The color, aroma, taste, type, and qualities of Morchella esculenta were mainly evaluated through five dimensions. In this study, Morchella sextelata (Mel-6) was used to explore the effect of different drying methods and rehydration treatments on its quality changes. Three strategies including natural drying (ND), constant temperature drying (CTD), and vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) were used to study their effects on the microstructure, taste, nutritional qualities, and rehydration performance of Morchella esculenta. The differences in texture, color, and flavor before and after rehydration, and their drying characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that the amino acids, crude polysaccharide, and sweetness of Morchella esculenta under VFD treatment were 944 mg/100g、6.26 g/100g、19.73 respectively, significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other two drying methods. The brightness of the stem and cap of Morchella esculenta under VFD treatment was significantly improved (P<0.05) with less color difference, the value of AE was 5.83. Moreover, the volatile profiles analysis of Morchella esculenta before and after drying and rehydration treatment suggested a clear difference with distinguishable flavor components, according to the principal component analysis (PCA) of electronic nose data. The VFD-treated Morchella esculenta maintained the optimal rehydration ratio due to its porous microstructure with uniform pores distribution. The low-field nuclear magnetic resonance(LF- NMR) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the immobilized water of Morchella esculenta during the rehydration process was increased continuously with faster rehydration speed within 20 minutes and the best rehydration uniformity under VFD treatment. The color difference (AE) of the stem and cap after VFD rehydration were 12.28 and 11.47 respectively, they changed less significantly (P<0.05) compared to the other two drying methods. The brittleness of the stem and cap of Morchella esculenta after VFD rehydration were 35.87N/mm and 10.42N/mm, they remained similar with CTD. The distribution of sensory and nutritional variables in samples with different drying methods was intuitively demonstrated by the results of cluster and correlation analysis, The high-quality characteristics were maintained with vacuum freeze-drying technology during the drying and rehydration process of Morchella esculenta, further demonstrating the feasibility of vacuum freeze-drying in the drying of Morchella esculenta. These results would provide solid guidelines for the optimal processing method of dried Morchella esculenta products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chilean Technical Manual for Milk Dietary Service (SEDILE) was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in ensuring the microbiological safety and vitamin D adequacy of a commercially available powdered infant formula (PIF) used in SEDILE. The evaluation focused on whether adherence to the manual's guidelines positively influenced these factors. Both the PIF and the reconstituted PIF (RIF) were found to be free from Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica contamination, with levels of total coliforms and Escherichia coli within acceptable limits. Moreover, the vitamin D content in the formula was within the expected range. These findings suggest that following the Chilean Technical Manual for SEDILE contributes to the microbiological safety and nutritional adequacy of RIF in dietary services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of Chinese veterinary medicine compound and probiotic compound in anti-bacterial breeding of poultry, 300 chicks were selected in this experiment, and fed with Chinese veterinary medicine compound and probiotic complex to observe the effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune performance, organ index and muscle nutrition quality of Green Leg chicken. The chicken were divided into 5 groups, group 1 (control group) was fed basic diet, group 2 were added 0.083% probiotic complex; groups 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% Chinese veterinary drug compound, respectively. The experimental period was 150 days. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, the average daily gain in groups 2 and 5 were significantly increased (P<0.01), spleen index in groups 3, 4, 5 were increased, and serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA) and interleukin (IL-1) contents were significantly increased (P<0.01). The full evisceration rate in groups 3, 4, 5 were increased, and the contents of aspartate, glutamic acid, and inosine acid in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were increased. In conclusion, the addition of 0.6%, 0.9% Chinese veterinary medicine compound or 0.083% probiotic complex in the feed has a significant effect on the anti-breeding of Green Leg chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic storage conditions can have a significant impact on the composition of phytochemicals and sugars in stone fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two domestic storage temperatures (4 and 23 °C) on the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition, and sugars of 'Rubycot' (RC) plumcot, a novel stone fruit variety, and 'Queen Garnet' (QG) plum. Initially, RC had a lower total anthocyanin concentration (TAC) than QG, but TAC in RC increased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage, peaking at +95% after 7 days at 23 °C, while QG reached +60% after 14 days. At 4 °C, TAC increased for both varieties (RC +30%, QG +27%). RC had a higher initial total phenolic content (TPC), which also increased for both fruits. QG had a significantly higher initial total quercetin concentration (TQC), increasing by 40% (p < 0.05) at 23 °C. The initial total carotenoid concentration in QG was higher than that in RC, but after 10 days at 23 °C, RC had a higher carotenoid concentration than QG. Both varieties showed similar sugar profiles, with QG starting higher but decreasing over time at both storage temperatures. Results from this study showed that ambient storage significantly increases total anthocyanins, total quercetins, and TPC in RC and QG. However, it is important to evaluate the textural and sensory properties of stored RC and QG in terms of consumer acceptability of the stored fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Grain appearance and nutritional quality are critical traits for rice marketing. However, how to simultaneously improve grain appearance (slender grain and low chalkiness) and nutritional quality (improved protein and amino acid contents) in rice remains a major challenge. Here, we show that knocking out rice isopropylmalate synthase genes OsIPMS1 and OsIPMS2 can improve both grain appearance and nutritional quality. We find that OsIPMS1 directly interacts with OsIPMS2 to form heterodimers. Meanwhile, we observe that OsIPMS1 and OsIPMS2 influence the expression of genes previously reported to be involved in the determination of grain size and nutritional quality in the developing panicles and grains. Furthermore, we show that Osipms1/2 double mutants exhibit significantly improved grain appearance and nutritional quality in polished rice in both the japonica (Wuyungeng 23) and indica (Huanghuazhan) varieties. Our findings indicate that OsIPMS is a useful target gene for breeding of rice varieties appealing for marketing and with health‐benefiting properties. Significance Statement: It is challenged to simultaneously improve grain appearance and nutritional quality during rice breeding. Knocking out isopropylmalate synthase facilitates the development of rice varieties characterized by slender grains, low chalkiness, and high nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping to integrate cover crops with fruit trees in the Brazilian Cerrado is an innovative strategy for creating a more sustainable food system. This agricultural practice contributes to maintaining soil quality and improves fruits' chemical and technological properties, such as those of Eugenia dysenterica (Mart.) DC. (cagaita). Given the significant fruit production potential of the Brazilian Cerrado, this study aimed to investigate the impact of an intercropping system involving cagaita trees and various cover crops, specifically Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. (CA), Crotalaria juncea (CR), Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (LA), brachiaria (Brachiaria decumbens L.) + nitrogen source (urea) (BRN), and brachiaria (Brachiaria decumbens L.) (BR), on the chemical composition, technological properties, and morphological characteristics of cagaita fruits. Treatments involving leguminous cover crops (CA, LA, and CR) significantly increased nitrogen (N) levels in cagaita fruits, comparable to those observed with the BRN treatment. However, the treatment utilizing BR resulted in the highest levels of macrominerals (Ca, Mg, and K), which are essential for meeting the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) and demonstrated a notable positive impact on pulp yield (>78%). Additionally, the antioxidant potential and phenolic content were the highest in the BR, CA, and LA treatments, with the lowest levels recorded for the CR treatment. This study underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in the Brazilian Cerrado, demonstrating their potential to enhance the nutritional quality (both micro and macronutrients), technological properties, and overall development of Eugenia dysenterica DC. fruits, thereby adding value to food and contributing to a more resilient and productive food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study explores the potential valorization of blackberry seed oil cake (BBSOC), a by-product of cold-pressed blackberry seed oil (Rubus fruticosus L.), as a nutritionally valuable material with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption properties. The chemical and mineral composition, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of BBSOC flour were assessed. BBSOC was found to be a significant source of fiber (62.09% dry weight) and essential minerals such as Fe (123.48 mg/kg), Mg (1281.40 mg/kg), K (3087.61 mg/kg), and Ca (1568.41 mg/kg). The high polyphenol content, especially ellagic acid, highlighted its biologically active potential. Moreover, BBSOC demonstrated effective biosorption of AFB1 under in vitro conditions at 37 °C, with adsorption efficiencies of 85.36% and 87.01% at pH 3 and 7, respectively. Characterization techniques including SEM, FTIR analysis, Boehm titration, and pH zero charge determination confirmed its AFB1 adsorbing properties. This valorization process reintroduces a secondary product into the food chain, supporting the circular economy and zero-waste concepts. Thus, BBSOC is nutritionally rich and effective in AFB1 biosorption, presenting potential applications as a food or feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Main conclusion: Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resource for smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicago ruthenica is a promising leguminous forage crop due to its lack of saponins, which prevents bloat in livestock from excessive consumption. Legume/grass mixed cropping is an effective forage planting method widely used in agricultural and pastoral regions. However, there is a lack of research on using legume-grass mixed cropping to establish perennial, high-yield, and high-quality cultivated grasslands in the Longxi Loess Plateau. This study conducted a legume/grass intercropping experiment in the Longxi Loess Plateau region of northwestern China, using Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis. Experimental plots were established in 2021, with field sampling and laboratory analysis starting in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The research aimed to investigate the effects of intercropping Medicago ruthenica with Bromus inermis on forage yield and quality, and to determine the optimal intercropping ratios. The experiment tested various intercropping ratios of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis in the fall (2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2), with sole crops of each species serving as controls. Results showed that, in the second and third years of mixed cropping, the forage yield under mixed cropping treatments was significantly higher than that of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis monoculture, with increases of 40.89-70.88% and 13.97-38.22% in the second year, and 131.91-199.13% and 44.06-85.82% in the third year. When the legume proportion in the mixed cropping system was around 30%, competition between the two forages reached equilibrium, demonstrating the benefits of mixed cropping. The crude protein and ether extract content of mixed forage were significantly higher than those of monoculture, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly lower, indicating a higher feeding value for the mixed forage. The legume proportion was a key factor influencing the yield of mixed forage. In conclusion, a mixed planting ratio of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis at 3:7 resulted in higher yield and nutritional quality, making it an optimal ratio for establishing cultivated forage fields in the Longxi Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to investigate the effects of different fertilizer ratios on the production performance and nutritional quality of Longdong alfalfa, and to screen out the optimal fertiliser ratios. The experiment was designed as a one-way randomised block design with 10 fertiliser treatments and no fertiliser treatment as control. The results showed that the plant height of treatment I was the highest, reaching 62.89 cm, 1.59 times higher than the control, and the ANOVA indicated that the effects of fast-acting and organic fertilizers on plant height were not significant (P>0.05), and study found that the effects of different fertilizer ratios on stem thickness were not significant (P>0.05), and that the yield of each fertilizer treatment group was 1.32-2.73 times higher than that of the control group in respect of fresh grass, and that the yield of each fertilizer treatment group was 1.17 to 1.72 times higher than that of the control group in respect of dry grass, ANOVA showed that treatment A was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the control group in both fresh and dry weights. Nutritional analyses of the treatments showed that all indicators of each fertilisation treatment were higher than those of the control, indicating that the fertilisation treatments could improve the nutritional quality of alfalfa. Affiliation function analysis showed that treatment A had the best overall performance, the best overall performance could be obtained when fertiliser N, P and K were applied at 75, 150 and 150 kg/hm² respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lipid sources on the survival, growth, nutritional quality and sensory quality of Penaeus japonicus. Three feeds with equal nitrogen (40.31%) and equal lipid (9.35%) were prepared by including equal amounts of fish oil, soybean oil or flax oil, respectively. The experiment was carried out in the floating sea water cages, and each cage was stocked with 25 individuals of P. japonicus [initial body weight: (5.82±0.02) g]. The feeding experiment was lasting for 60 days. The results showed that: ① the survival rate of the fish oil group was significantly higher than that of the soybean oil group and the flaxseed oil group (P<0.05). The specific growth rate and weight gain rate of the flaxseed oil group were significantly higher than those of the fish oil group and the soybean oil group (P<0.05). ② The sensory quality of shrimp in the flaxseed oil group was significantly higher than that in the fish oil group and soybean oil group (P<0.05), but the color difference of the soybean oil group was closer to that of the standard color. ③ P. japonicus in the fish oil group showed significantly higher contents of total amino acids (ΣTAA), total essential amino acids (ΣEAA), total non-essential amino acids (ΣNEAA) and sweet amino acids than those in the soybean oil group and the flaxseed oil group (P<0.05). The contents of bitter amino acids in the soybean oil group were significantly higher than those in the fish oil group and flaxseed oil group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the umami amino acids of muscle among dietary groups (P>0.05). ④ P. japonicus in the fish oil group began to spoil on the sixth day, and the soybean oil group and flax oil group began to spoil on the second day, by using the TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen) value as the shelf life parameter of aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The nutritional quality improvement is among the most integral objective for any rice molecular breeding programs. The seed storage proteins (SSPs) have greater role to determine the nutritional quality of any cereal grains. Rice contains relatively balanced amino acid composition and the SSPs are fractioned into albumins (ALB), globulins (GLO), prolamins (PRO) and glutelins (GLU) according to differences in solubility. GLUs are further divided into subfamilies: GluA, GluB, GluC, and GluD depending on resemblance in amino acid. The GLU protein accounts for 60–80% of total protein contents, encoded by 15 genes located on different chromosomes of rice genome. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system was employed to knockout Glu-B (LOC-Os02g15070) gene in non-basmati rice PK386 cultivar. The mutant displayed two base pair and three base pair mutation in the targeted regions. The homozygous mutant plant displayed reduction for both in total protein contents and GLU contents whereas, elevation in GLO, ALB and PRO. Moreover, the mutant plant also displayed reduction in physio-chemical properties e.g., total starch, amylose and gel consistency. The agronomic characteristics of both mutant and wild type displayed non-significant differences along with increase in higher percentage of chalkiness in mutant plants. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy showed the loosely packed starch granules compared to wild type. The gene expression analysis displayed the lower expression of gene at 5 days after flowering (DAF), 10 DAF, 15 DAF and 20 DAF compared to wild type. GUS sub-cellular localization showed the staining in seed which further validated the results obtained from gene expression. Based on these findings it can be concluded Glu-B gene have significant role in controlling GLU contents and can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the nutritional quality of rice, and may serve as healthy diet for patient allergic with high GLU contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to select high-yielding and high-quality triticale cultivars that are well-suited for cultivation in northwest Henan region through an evaluation of six triticale varieties (Triticosecale wittmack) in terms of forage production, quality, seed yield, and composition factors. The findings indicated noteworthy disparities among the tested varieties concerning forage production, nutritional quality, and seed yield. Notably, the 'GN2' cultivar exhibited the highest hay yield (21.49 t/hm²), number of branches (9 330 500 /hm²), and crude protein content (11.86%). Furthermore, 'ZS1257' demonstrated the highest seed yield (6.55 t/hm²) and spiked grain count (56.00 grains). The yield of triticale varieties showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with the increase in the number of tillers, it gradually decreased with the increase in the weight of individual leaves and stems. The contribution of related factors to the grain yield was in the following order: number of grains per ear > thousand-grain weight > number of tillers. The study indicates that through comprehensive evaluation, 'GN2' ranks first and can be promoted as a forage-type triticale for planting in the northwest Henan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor farming systems enable plant production in precisely controlled environments. However, implementing stable growth conditions and the absence of stress stimulants can weaken plants' defense responses and limit the accumulation of bioactive, health-beneficial phytochemicals. A potential solution is the controlled application of stressors, such as supplemental ultraviolet (UV) light. To this end, we analyzed the efficiency of short-term pre-harvest supplementation of the red–green–blue (RGB, LED) spectrum with ultraviolet B (UV-B) or C (UV-C) light to boost phytochemical synthesis. Additionally, given the biological harm of UV radiation due to high-energy photons, we monitored plants' photosynthetic activity during treatment and their morphology as well as sensory attributes after the treatment. Our analyses showed that UV-B radiation did not negatively impact photosynthetic activity while significantly increasing the overall antioxidant potential of lettuce through enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins), carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. On the contrary, UV-C radiation-induced anthocyanin accumulation in the green leaf cultivar significantly harmed the photosynthetic apparatus and limited plant growth. Taken together, we showed that short-term UV-B light supplementation is an efficient method for lettuce biofortification with healthy phytochemicals, while UV-C treatment is not recommended due to the negative impact on the quality (morphology, sensory properties) of the obtained leafy products. These results are crucial for understanding the potential of UV light supplementation for producing functional plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Gannong No. 2' triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cold‐resistant annual forage crop variety, which can be planted as artificial pasture to solve the problem of forage shortage in the Gannan alpine grazing area of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. However, the optimal nitrogen fertilization rate and seeding density for obtaining high yield and quality forage are still unknown. In this study, the effects of nitrogen fertilization rate and seeding density on the forage yield and quality of autumn‐sown 'Gannong No. 2' triticale were studied. We used a split‐plot design, with five nitrogen fertilization rates assigned to the main plots, namely 0 (A1), 120 (A2), 240 (A3), 360 (A4), and 480 kg N ha−1 (A5), and five seeding densities assigned to subplots: 506 × 104 (B1), 675 × 104 (B2), 843 × 104 (B3), 1011 × 104 (B4), and 1180 × 104 seeds ha−1 (B5). Significant differences in lodging rate, tiller number, hay yield, crude protein content, neutral detergent fibre, and relative feed value were observed at different fertilization levels. Significant differences were found in lodging rate, plant height, tiller number, hay yield, contents of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, dry matter digestibility, and relative feed value among the seeding density treatments. The interaction of nitrogen fertilization rate and seeding density significantly affected forage yield and quality, with the A3B3 treatment having the highest comprehensive evaluation value. In alpine grazing areas of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, 240 kg N ha−1 and 843 × 104 seeds ha−1 should therefore be used for autumn‐sown triticale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to prepare and characterize Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) waste meal. The experimental design consisted of three treatments (carcass meal, mechanically separated meat meal - MSM, and head meal) and five replications of each treatment. Yield, microbiological quality, pH, water activity, proximate composition, energy value, mineral composition, fatty acid profile, amino acid composition, color, and particle size fractions and the geometric mean particle diameter (GMD) analyses were performed. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and means were compared by Tukey's test at P < 0.05. Carcass, mechanically separated meat, and head meals had a protein content of 56.45%, 78.60%, and 50.33%, respectively, a lipid content of 7.16%, 13.15%, and 4.58%, respectively, and an ash content of 32.61%, 4.26%, and 38.41%, respectively. The mean yield of fish waste meals was 13%. Oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids in the three fish waste meals, and glutamic acid, leucine, lysine, and glycine were the major amino acids. Color analysis showed that lightness (L*) ranged from 55.32 to 77.19, redness (a*) from 4.44 to 4.88, and yellowness (b*) from 4.13 to 9.51. The GMD ranged from 0.37 to 0.99 mm. The results indicate that Nile tilapia waste meals have high nutritional value and adequate pH, water activity, and microbiological quality for use in human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Storage & Process is the property of Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Maize is the mainstay of food and animal feed globally. Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, accounts for a significant global loss of stored maize annually. Twenty-one maize genotypes were evaluated for their reaction to attack by maize weevil during storage and the influence of nutritional contents on their response to the weevil attack. Fifty grams of whole grains of each genotype were infested in three replications with 20 unsexed weevils in a 250 ml test tube and kept under ambient conditions for 36 days. The nutritional attributes of the maize genotypes were determined. Genotype TZB-SR-A had the thickest (7.32 mm) grains, while TZEE-WSTR had the thinnest grains (3.46 mm). Crude protein ranged from 8.43 to 12.78% for NG/SA/07/029 and TZB-SR-B, respectively. Beta-carotene ranged from 38.91 to 51.22% for Igbogbo Local and EVDT-Y2000-STR, respectively. Genotypes TZM-212, TZM-1296, TZB-SR-B, and TZM-1311 showed no appreciable loss in grain weight, while EVDT-Y2000-STR, which had the highest beta-carotene content, showed the highest weight loss of 2 g. These indicate sufficient differences among the maize genotypes for improvement for weevil resistance. Furthermore, the findings of the present study suggest a potential role of beta-carotene in influencing the feeding preference of S. zeamais on maize grains. Genotypes TB87/97/15, TZB-SR-A, TZB-SR-B, TZM-1311, and TZM-144 should be targeted for future improvement of the trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping systems and exogenous microorganism additives are recognized for their potential to influence silage fermentation and quality. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of maize–lablab bean intercropping and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additives on silage yield, nutritional quality, and economic profitability. A randomized block design was employed with two cropping patterns—maize monocrop (M) and maize–lablab intercrop (ML)—and five additive treatments: No additives (CK), and varying ratios of Lactobacillus Plantarum (LP) and Lactobacillus Buchneri (LB), T1 (100% LP), T2 (9LP:LB), T3 (8LP:2LB), and T4 (100% LB). The silage was analyzed and evaluated for its nutritional quality, fermentation quality, and fermentation effect after 90 days of fermentation. ML intercropping significantly enhanced the fresh matter yields by 8.59% and crude protein content by 8.73% compared to M. From the point of view of inoculation with different lactobacilli, the pH, AA, and NH3-N/TN were lower in the T2 and T3 treatments than in the other treatments, while LA was significantly higher. The V-score, which reflects the overall fermentation quality, was excellent across all treatments, with scores exceeding 80 points; the T2 treatment in ML silage achieved the highest score of 99.58. In addition, intercropping can increase the net income of farmers by 21.67%. In conclusion, maize–lablab intercropping combined with LAB inoculation, particularly with the T2 and T3 treatments, significantly enhances the silage quality and economic returns by reducing pH, increasing the LA content, and improving the CP levels. This study is the first to comprehensively analyze the synergistic effects of altering cropping systems and adding functional microorganisms on forage yield and fermentation quality, offering strategic insights for farms, especially mixed farms, to produce high-quality feed. We recommend adopting these methods to improve feed quality and maximize the profitability of silage production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the mixed fermentation technology of blueberry and corn peptide by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ZYN-0417 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZYN-0221 and its effect on fermentation quality, fermentation conditions were optimized using a single-factor test and a Plackett–Burman design combined with a Box–Behnken response surface methodology, with blueberry juice and corn peptide as raw materials and L. rhamnosus ZYN-0417 and Lp. plantarum ZYN-0221 as the starter. The results showed that the optimum fermentation conditions were as follows: the volume ratio of ZYN-0417 and ZYN-0221 was 1:1, the amount of blueberry juice was 20%, the amount of corn peptide was 22%, the amount of glucose was 2%, the amount of inoculation was 5%, the fermentation time was 40 h, and the fermentation temperature was 37 °C. Under optimum conditions, the viable count of lactic acid bacteria in fermented blueberry and corn peptide was 16.28 log CFU/mL, the pH value was 4.86, the total acid content was 14.00 g/L, the total sugar content was 39.98 g/100 g, the protein content was 48.34 g/100 g, the scavenging ability of the DPPH, ABTS+ and ·OH− radicals increased by 10.14%, 10.98% and 25.02%, respectively, the chelating ability of Fe2+ increased by 14.92%, the content of total phenol increased by 1.43 mg/L, the content of total flavonoids increased by 0.38 mg/L, the activity of superoxide dismutase increased by 122.10 U/mL, and the activation rate of alcohol dehydrogenase increased by 5.74%. The results showed that mixed lactic acid bacteria could be used as a starter of blueberry and corn peptide and effectively improve the nutritional value of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, millets are small-seeded grasses cultivated for human consumption and livestock feed. They thrive in low rainfall regions, poor soil quality, and challenging terrains. Millets are a healthy food choice due to their high nutrient content, including proteins, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. Compared to major cereals, millets are packed with antioxidants and essential amino acids. They have a low glycemic index (GI) due to their high complex carbohydrate content, which provides a healthier option than conventional wheat flour. Millets support a healthy gut microbiome, reduce constipation, and decrease excessive gas. Their soluble fiber helps lower "bad" cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and produces a gel in the stomach that alleviates ulcer conditions. Millets serve as nutrient-dense foods and are nutritionally assessed across six attributes: carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In this review and comparative statistical evaluation of eight millets with Rice and Wheat, the overall ranking for all six nutritional attributes was derived using the Smith Selection Index. The top five ranked grains were Finger millet (first rank), Pearl millet (second rank), Wheat (third rank), Foxtail millet (fourth rank), and Kodo millet (fifth rank). First ranked Finger millet: Finger millet is superior to Rice and Wheat for protein quality, fiber quality, and mineral profile; superior to Rice for vitamin profile; and superior to Wheat for carbohydrate quality parameters. Additionally, Finger millet surpasses Foxtail millet, Sorghum, Little millet, Kodo millet, and Pearl millet in carbohydrate quality; Sorghum in protein quality; Kodo millet, Proso millet, Pearl millet, and Sorghum in fiber quality; and Sorghum in mineral profile. Second ranked Pearl millet: Pearl millet is superior to Rice and Wheat for protein and fiber quality, as well as for vitamin and mineral profiles. It also surpasses Wheat in carbohydrate quality parameters. Pearl millet is superior to all millets except Proso millet in protein quality; Sorghum in fiber quality; Kodo millet and Finger millet in fat quality; all millets in vitamin profile; and all except Finger millet in mineral profile. Third ranked Wheat: Wheat is superior to Finger millet, Sorghum, and Rice in protein quality; Sorghum and Rice in fiber quality; Rice, Pearl millet, Kodo millet, and Finger millet in fat quality; all millets except Pearl millet and Rice in vitamin profile; and all except Finger millet and Pearl millet in mineral profile. Fourth ranked Foxtail millet: Foxtail millet is superior to Sorghum, Proso millet, Kodo millet, Pearl millet, and Rice in carbohydrate quality parameters; Finger millet, Sorghum, Wheat, and Rice in protein quality; all millets, Rice, and Wheat in fiber quality; all except Barnyard millet in fat quality; Sorghum, Kodo millet, Little millet, and Rice in vitamin profile; and Little millet, Kodo millet, Sorghum, Proso millet, Barnyard millet, and Rice in mineral profile. Fifth ranked Kodo millet: Kodo millet is superior to Pearl millet and Rice in carbohydrate quality; all millets except Proso millet and Pearl millet, Rice, and Wheat in protein quality; Proso millet, Pearl millet, Sorghum, Rice, and Wheat in fiber quality; Finger millet in fat quality; Little millet, Proso millet, Barnyard millet, and Rice in vitamin profile; and Sorghum, Proso millet, Barnyard millet, and Rice in mineral profile. Tenth ranked Rice: Rice holds the lowest rank, indicating its inferiority to all millets and Wheat in overall nutritional attributes. However, Rice is superior to all millets and Wheat in carbohydrate quality parameters but inferior to all millets except Sorghum in protein quality; inferior to all millets and Wheat in fiber quality; inferior to all except Pearl millet, Kodo millet, and Finger millet in fat quality; all except Proso millet and Barnyard millet in vitamin profile; and inferior to all millets and Wheat in mineral profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) provides public primary school pupils with a free daily meal. Each meal is expected to follow set menus, providing 30% of children’s’ (6-12 years) energy requirements. This study assessed the nutritional quality and diversity of planned and provided GSFP meals, engaging school caterers to identify how meal quality in the Greater Accra Region could be enhanced. Methods A cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Multistage sampling was used to select 129 schools implementing the GSFP in six districts of the Greater Accra Region. GSFP district menus were collected as well as a one-week school caterer recall of provided school meals. The meal served on the day of data collection was recorded and photographed. Nutritional quality was evaluated based on nutrient profiling methods: energy density (low225kcal/100g) and nutrient density (low10%). Meal diversity was assessed by a simple count composed of 5 food groups: cereals, pulses/nuts/seeds, animal-source, vegetables and fruits. Caterers’ views on programme facilitators and barriers were also explored. Results Planned menus included 14-20 weekly options, composed of eight minimally processed traditional dishes. All meals, except white rice, had a high nutrient density/100g. Energy density was varied (low, n=2; medium, n=2; high, n=4). Meals included only 2/5 or 3/5 food groups, mainly starchy staples, pulses/nuts/seeds, and sometimes vegetables. Fruit was never reported. About half of caterers (51.1%) reported deviating from the planned menus: 11.7% served alternative meals, with some including animal-sourced food (17.0%), and 39.4% repeated meals provided during the week, often based on starchy staples, influencing overall nutritional quality. Most caterers reported food item cost and lack of food purchase guidelines as barriers to providing school meals, while food safety training and guidelines for food preparation were facilitators. Conclusions While school meals are composed of minimally processed, nutrient dense, local foods, there are notable gaps in meal diversity and compliance, as reflected in provided meals. Caterer compliance to planned menus varied greatly, reflecting recent food price inflation. Upwardly adjusting the current meal allocation of 1.2 cedis (0.22USD) per child per day could enhance access to more affordable, nutritious and diverse foods in school meals.

The study undertook a thin-layer hot air-drying experiment on rice, and an orthogonal testing approach was used to explore the drying characteristics under diverse conditions of hot air temperature, humidity, initial moisture content, airflow velocity, and tempering ratio. It compared the applicability of nine different accumulated temperature-nutritional index (protein, fat, starch) mathematical models in the hot air drying process of rice. The results showed that the experimental scheme was designed using Central- Composite design, and the parameter combination was optimized through a regression model to hot air temperature hot air temperature (T) at 38.5 ℃, humidity (RH) at 48.086%, initial moisture content (MC) at 19.82%, airflow velocity (V) at 0.70 m/s, and tempering ratio (TR) at 1.45. The relative error between the experimental results and the optimized results was 3.65%, and the relative error of the accumulated temperature-nutritional quality model was 5.92%. Through mathematical model fitting, it was found that the accumulated temperature-protein content was best fitted by the modified Page II model, while the accumulated temperature-fat content was best fitted by the Thompson equation. The accumulated temperature-amylose content was best fitted by the Midilli equation, and the accumulated temperature- amylopectin content was best fitted by the Weibull II equation. All models were highly significant. The optimized drying process maintained nutritional quality and improved drying efficiency. This study could provide a new approach for in-depth exploration of the mechanism of rice quality changes and lay a foundation for the subsequent development of intelligent control systems.

This study was conducted over two growing seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). Using a randomised block design, 16 treatments consisted of combinations of vermicompost, biochar, jaggery, poultry manure, farmyard manure, cow urine, and neem cake, and three replications were used in the study. The objective was to assess how these organic amendments affected the antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid contents in guava fruit. The treatment T6(Vermicompost 5 kg/tree + Biochar 7.5 kg/tree + Jaggery 1.25 kg/tree) produced the highest levels of antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid, according to the results. T6 in particular showed an increase in antioxidant activity from 46.48% to 48.14%, phenolic content from 29.72 mg TA/g to 30.93 mg TA/g and flavonoid content from 23.88 mg/g FW to 25.14 mg/g FW. This study provides important information for sustainable horticultural practices by highlighting the potential of organic amendments to enhance the nutritional qualities of guava cv. L-49.

The nutritional quality and safety of fruit and vegetable products are the urgent problems and research hotspots in the processing field. High-pressure homogenization, a non-thermal processing technology, can maximize the preservation of the nutritional quality, color and flavor of fruit and vegetable products while sterilizing and inactivating enzymes, and is expected to replace thermal processing technology. This article reviews the effects of high-pressure homogenization on the color, stability and nutritional components of fruit and vegetable products, and summarizes the killing effect and mechanism of high-pressure homogenization on microorganisms. It discusses the prospects and challenges of high-pressure homogenization technology in the application of fruit and vegetable products from two aspectsof equipment and technology, providing a theoretical reference for the innovation of high-pressure homogenization technology and equipment.

Abstract The nutritional quality improvement is among the most integral objective for any rice molecular breeding programs. The seed storage proteins (SSPs) have greater role to determine the nutritional quality of any cereal grains. Rice contains relatively balanced amino acid composition and the SSPs are fractioned into albumins (ALB), globulins (GLO), prolamins (PRO) and glutelins (GLU) according to differences in solubility. GLUs are further divided into subfamilies: GluA, GluB, GluC, and GluD depending on resemblance in amino acid. The GLU protein accounts for 60–80% of total protein contents, encoded by 15 genes located on different chromosomes of rice genome. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system was employed to knockout Glu-B (LOC-Os02g15070) gene in non-basmati rice PK386 cultivar. The mutant displayed two base pair and three base pair mutation in the targeted regions. The homozygous mutant plant displayed reduction for both in total protein contents and GLU contents whereas, elevation in GLO, ALB and PRO. Moreover, the mutant plant also displayed reduction in physio-chemical properties e.g., total starch, amylose and gel consistency. The agronomic characteristics of both mutant and wild type displayed non-significant differences along with increase in higher percentage of chalkiness in mutant plants. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy showed the loosely packed starch granules compared to wild type. The gene expression analysis displayed the lower expression of gene at 5 days after flowering (DAF), 10 DAF, 15 DAF and 20 DAF compared to wild type. GUS sub-cellular localization showed the staining in seed which further validated the results obtained from gene expression. Based on these findings it can be concluded Glu-B gene have significant role in controlling GLU contents and can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the nutritional quality of rice, and may serve as healthy diet for patient allergic with high GLU contents.

Ten lettuce varieties (lines) grown in Chengdu Plain were used as test materials, and 8 post-harvest appearance quality indexes (single plant weight, single plant stem weight, single plant length, stem length, stem thickness, stem skin hardness, stem flesh hardness, and stem edible rate), as well as 7 nutrient quality indexes (water content, chlorophyll, vitamin C, reducing sugars, soluble proteins, cellulose, and free amino acids) were tested and statistically analyzed. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the postharvest quality of the tested varieties and select the excellent varieties. The results showed that the values of coefficient of variation among the tested varieties ranged from 0.45% to 50.64%, among which the coefficient of variation of lettuce variation (lines) of free amino acid content in fleshy stems was the largest, reaching 50.64%. The content of stem chlorophyll and soluble protein, leaf reducing sugar showed great differences with the values of coefficient of variation all greater than 30%. The appearance quality, commerciality, and nutrition quality all showed strong correlation among several indicators. The excellent fresh varieties for 3 stem ('Zuhe 2019135' 'Chuanlüxiang 1' and 'Hongjiansun 2') and 3 leaf ('Zhutongqing' 'Xincuizhu' and 'Zuhe 2019135') were selected, respectively. The postharvest quality characteristics of some main lettuce varieties cultivated in winter and spring in the vegetable production area of Chengdu Plain were further clarified in this study, which could provide reference for the selection of excellent fresh lettuce varieties in production.

To comprehensively explore the nutritional quality and construct evaluation system, this paper studied the effects of different planting ways and growing years on the 23 nutritional qualities of Tonggu Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, and constructs of its evaluation system by correlation, factors, and clustering analysis. The results showed that the content of ethanol-soluble extractives, protein, essential amino acids (EAA), medicinal amino acids (MAA), ash and 5 constant mineral elements in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from greenhouse planting (GP) was the highest, and the nutritional score of EAA was also the optimal. Also, the content of polysaccharide and saponins in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from open planting (OP) was the most, and the four trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Se) were the highest in underwood planting (UP). The Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from wild (W) had the highest content of flavonoids and total phenols. In addition, as the extension of growing years, the content of ethanol-soluble extractives, lipid, and polysaccharides in Tonggu Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua increased gradually, while there was no significant difference in the saponins, flavonoids and total phenols (P>0.05). However, the content of starch, crude fiber, protein, ash, nutritional score of EAA and mineral elements in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua was negatively correlated with the growing years. In particular, the decline of nutritional quality in GP was the most significant. Through the analysis of correlation, factor, and cluster, the 22 indicators of nutritional quality were simplified into 13 indicators, and then a comprehensive evaluation model was established by principal component analysis (PCA). It was found that the comprehensive score (−1.331~1.161) of nutritional quality of 8 types was GP-3>UP-3>W-4>GP-5>GP-4>OP-3>UP-4>OP-4, that is, the nutritional quality of GP-3 was optimal. And on this basis, a 6-level standard for the nutritional quality comprehensive evaluation of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua was established. These results will provide a theoretical basis for the screening of raw materials for development of high-value products and variety improvement of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.

Drought is a key environmental element that affects rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and quality. Control and drought-treated rice grain (milled) and bran fractions of two contrasting rice genotypes (N22-drought-tolerant and IR64-drought-sensitive) were evaluated based on proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, and nutritional quality indices. Except for carbohydrates and amylose content, bran from both genotypes had higher concentrations of all parameters (proximate, minerals, vitamins, phenols, amino acids, and phytic acid) analyzed in this study. Protein level ranged from 9–11% in grain to 13–15% in bran. Macronutrients (Na, Ca, K, Mg, P) increased after drought in both genotypes. Under drought, thiamine level ranged from 0.07 to 1.97 mg/100 g, riboflavin level from 0.02 to 0.43 mg/100 g, and α-tocopherol from 1.67 to 8.34 mg/100 g in both fractions. N22 showed higher amylose (20.44% and 4.84%) and phenol (0.46 mg/GAE and 2.54 mg/GAE) content in both grain and bran fractions under drought condition. Proline accumulated at higher concentration (2.732 g/100 g) than other amino acids in N22 under drought. Phytic acid ranged from 0.213 to 2.752 g/100 g in drought. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first preliminary report on nutritional quality analysis of rice grain and bran under drought stress. The current findings may help breeders in development of high-quality, drought-tolerant rice varieties, and will also provide a strong foundation for utilizing bran as an essential food ingredient to improve human nutrition and may help breeders to use this tolerant genotype as better parents in further crossings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate and evaluate the processibility of broccoli by-products (stems and leaves) and hence to provide a reference for their rational utilization, this study investigated the physicochemical properties and nutritional quality of broccoli stem and leaf powders prepared by different drying methods, namely vacuum freeze drying (FD), microwave freeze drying (MFD), heat pump drying (HPD) and hot air drying (HAD). The results showed that the color difference ΔE between MFD-treated and fresh broccoli stems was 8.52 ± 0.02, which was smaller than that between HAD-treated and fresh samples (30.27 ± 0.28), indicating that MFD had better color preservation effect. The median particle size ranges of broccoli stem and leaf powders were 31.19–52.09 and 32.30–40.47 μm, respectively. Broccoli leaf powder had lower water and oil retention capacities but higher swelling force than that broccoli stem powder. The water retention capacity of FD-dried broccoli stem powder was (11.40 ± 0.46) g/g, and the oil retention capacity of MFD-dried broccoli stem powder was (1.40 ± 0.04) g/g. FD and MFD could effectively maintain the microstructure of broccoli stems and leaves, with obvious pores. The specific energy consumption of FD and MFD for treating an equal amount of broccoli stems was 7.35 and 3.26 kW·h/kg, respectively, so MFD reduced energy consumption by 55.65% when compared with FD. MFD maintained heat-sensitive and readily oxidized nutrients well, resulting in good antioxidant activity. The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH) scavenging capacity, 2, 2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cationic radical scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of MFD broccoli leaf extract at a concentration of 0.125 mg/100 mL were 70.21%, 71.11% and (0.31 ± 0.01) mmol/g, respectively. In summary, broccoli stem and leaf powders had good physicochemical properties and nutritional quality and therefore could be used as raw materials for developing functional foods. The application of drying technology enables the rational utilization of broccoli stems and leaves.

Heat-moisture treatment (HMT) was evaluated for its effects on the antioxidant, nutritional and dough properties of different legume flours. The results showed that the contents of total phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity of adzuki bean and pea flour initially increased and then decreased with the increase in HMT time, reaching the maximum at 0.5 and 1.0 h, respectively; whereas the contents of total phenols and flavonoids of white kidney bean flour increased with HMT time up to 8.0 h. HMT had consistent effects on the scavenging activity against 2, 2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cation radical and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and the contents of total phenols and total flavonoids. The major fatty acids in all three legume flours were palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, cis-11-eicosatetraenoic acid and oleic acid. HMT for 2.0 h and longer had a significant effect on the contents of oleic acid, linoleic acid and cis-11-eicosatetraenoic acid in white kidney bean flour. After HMT, the contents of free amino acids in red and white kidney bean flour decreased significantly due to its involvement in the Maillard reaction, while bound amino acids in pea flour were released, thereby increasing the amount of free amino acids. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed pores in and protein adhesion on the starch granules due to protein denaturation and partial gelatinization of starch with increasing HMT time. The recrystallization of starch resulted in a decrease in peak, trough and setback viscosity, and poorer shear resistance of legume flour. The results of dough water distribution showed that the relaxation times T21 and T22 of adzuki bean flour increased after HMT, and the dough formation of adzuki bean flour was better than that of the other two flours. Thermomechanical analysis showed that HMT enhanced protein weakening in mixed legume-wheat flour doughs and inhibited starch retrogradation, thus improving product quality.

Cruciferous sprout is a new form of vegetable product rich in bioactive compounds, especially glucosinolates. Previous studies have focused on increasing the accumulation of glucosinolates in cruciferous sprouts by applying different chemical regulators, with a particular focus on their contribution to nutritional quality and health benefits. Nevertheless, the effects of melatonin and UV-B irradiation on glucosinolate biosynthesis remain unclear. In this study, it was found that changes in melatonin concentrations significantly affected the contents of individual as well as total aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates. The 5 μmol · L−1 melatonin was decided as the optimum concentration that could increase the content of beneficial glucosinolates including glucoraphanin and 4-methoxy glucobrassicin in Chinese kale sprouts. Notably, the enhancement of glucosinolate accumulation by melatonin treatment could be further amplified by UV-B irradiation. Furthermore, our results showed that R2R3-MYB transcription factor BoaMYB28 and BoaMYB51, which are central regulators of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis respectively, were both involved in the regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis by melatonin and UV-B irradiation. Additionally, the expression of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes, including BoaCYP79F1, BoaCYP83A1, BoaSUR1, BoaUGT74B1, BoaCYP79B2, BoaCYP79B3, and BoaCYP83B1 participated in the formation of core structures and BoaFMOGS-OX5, BoaAOP2, BoaCYP81F2, and BoaIGMT1 involved in the side-chain modification of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate, was regulated by melatonin or UV-B irradiation. Taken together, these findings provide a potential strategy for improving the nutritional quality and resistance of Chinese kale sprouts.