Search

Abstract Few studies have investigated the relative contribution of specific nutrients to momentary and season-long foraging responses by ants. Using western carpenter ants, Camponotus modoc, and European fire ants, Myrmica rubra, as model species, we: (1) tested preferential consumption of various macro- and micro-nutrients; (2) compared consumption of preferred macro-nutrients; (3) investigated seasonal shifts (late May to mid-September) in nutrient preferences; and (4) tested whether nutrient preferences of C. modoc and M. rubra pertain to black garden ants, Lasius niger, and thatching ants, Formica aserva. In laboratory and field experiments, we measured nutrient consumption by weighing Eppendorf tubes containing aqueous nutrient solutions before and after feeding by ants. Laboratory colonies of C. modoc favored nitrogenous urea and essential amino acids (EAAs), whereas M. rubra colonies favored sucrose. Field colonies of C. modoc and M. rubra preferentially consumed EAAs and sucrose, respectively, with no sustained shift in preferred macro-nutrient over the course of the foraging season. The presence of a less preferred macro-nutrient in a nutrient blend did not diminish the blend’s ‘appeal’ to foraging ants. Sucrose and EAAs singly and in combination were equally consumed by L. niger, whereas F. aserva preferred EAAs. Baits containing both sucrose and EAAs were consistently consumed by the ants studied in this project and should be considered for pest ant control.

Background: The peri‑parturient period is the most vital period of a dairy animal's life and affects its future performance. Dairy animals get exposed to severe metabolic stress during the peri‑parturient period and their stress tolerance capacity during the period remains a key factor to harvest optimum production from these animals without getting exposed to any of peri‑parturient disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of weekly critical micro-nutrient (CMN) supplementation during the periparturient period on the lactation performance of Murrah buffaloes. Methods: Weekly CMN (vitamins E, A, and niacin with minerals Co, Cr, Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation during the periparturient period (56 days prepartum, till 56 days post-partum) was performed on twenty-two healthy Murrah buffaloes during their advanced stage of gestation following dividing them into two groups of 11 buffaloes in each group, representing control and supplemented (Treatment) groups. Buffaloes were selected and sustained on recommended practices of feeding as per nutrient requirements, except the inclusion of CMN supplement once a week in the treatment group's buffaloes after proper mixing with common concentrate mixture being fed to buffaloes. Weekly milk production recording was carried out with analysis of milk quality parameters, for an initial 10 weeks of the lactation. Results: The treatment helped in improving the milk production record of buffaloes; total milk yield by 18 % and fat-corrected milk by 30 % (P < 0.05). It leads to qualitative improvement as well (percentage of milk fat and protein, P < 0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded that weekly supplementation of critical micronutrients during the periparturient period helps improve buffalo milk production performance.

Abstract The present investigation was conducted to assess the nutritional diverseness and identify novel genetic resources to be utilized in chickpea breeding for macro and micro nutrients. The plants were grown in randomized block design. Nutritional and phytochemical properties of nine chickpea genotypes were estimated. The EST sequences from NCBI database were downloaded in FASTA format, clustered into contigs using CAP3, mined for novel SSRs using TROLL analysis and primer pairs were designed using Primer 3 software. Jaccard’s similarity coefficients were used to compare the nutritional and molecular indexes followed by dendrograms construction employing UPGMA approach. The genotypes PUSA-1103, K-850, PUSA-1108, PUSA-1053 and the EST-SSR markers including the 5 newly designed namely ICCeM0012, ICCeM0049, ICCeM0067, ICCeM0070, ICCeM0078, SVP55, SVP95, SVP96, SVP146, and SVP217 were found as potential donor/marker resources for the macro–micro nutrients. The genotypes differed (p

The cell wall fulfils several functions in the biology of fungi. For instance, it provides mechanical strength, interacts with the (a)biotic environment, and acts as a molecular sieve. Recently, it was shown that proteins and β-glucans in the cell wall of Schizophyllum commune bind Cu2+. We here show that the cell wall of this mushroom forming fungus also binds other (micro-)nutrients. Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, NO3–, PO43-, and SO42- bound at levels > 1 mg per gram dry weight cell wall, while binding of BO3-, Cu2+, Zn2+ and MoO42- was lower. Sorption of Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and PO43- was promoted at alkaline pH. These compounds as well as BO33-, Cu2+, Mg2+, NO3–, and SO42- that had bound at pH 4, 6, or 8 could be released from the cell wall at pH 4 with a maximum efficiency of 46–93 %. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy showed that the metals had the same binding sites as Cu2+ when a low concentration of this ion is used. Moreover, data indicate that anions bind to the cell wall as well as to the metal ions. Together, it is shown that the cell wall of S. commune binds various (micro-)nutrients and that this binding is higher than the uptake by hyphae. The binding to the cell wall may be used as a storage mechanism or may reduce availability of these molecules to competitors or prevent toxic influx in the cytoplasm.

Milk thermal treatment, such as pasteurization, high-temperature short-time processing, and the emerging ultra-short-time processing (

Milk thermal treatment, such as pasteurization, high-temperature short-time processing, and the emerging ultra-short-time processing (<0.5 s), are crucial for ensuring milk safety and extending its shelf life. Milk is a nutritive food matrix with various macro/micro-nutrients and other constituents that are possibly affected by thermal treatment for reasons associated with processing strength. Therefore, understanding the relationship between heating strength and milk quality is vital for the dairy industry. This review summarizes the impact of thermal treatment strength on milk's nutritional and sensory properties, the synthesizing of the structural integrity and bioavailability of milk proteins, the profile and stability of fatty acids, the retention of macro/micro-nutrients, as well as the overall flavor profile. Additionally, it examines the formation of heat-induced markers, such as Maillard reaction products, lactulose, furosine, and alkaline phosphatase activity, which serve as indicators of heating intensity. Flavor and heating markers are commonly used to assess the quality of pasteurized milk. By examining former studies, we conclude that ultra-short-time-processing-treated milk is comparable to pasteurized milk in terms of specific parameters (such as whey protein behavior, furosine, and ALP contents). This review aims to better summarize how thermal treatments influence the milk matrix, guiding the dairy industry's development and balancing milk products' safety and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal nutritional needs during pregnancy increase due to physiological, metabolic and anatomical changes. If the intake is insufficient, there will be deficiencies in both macro and micro nutrients. Multimicronutrient deficiency will affect the growth and anemia status of pregnant women. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of giving iodized salt and Multi Micronutrient Supplements to pregnant women on hemoglobin levels, body weight, iodine levels in urine and pregnancy outcomes. Method: This research is an analytical research using an experimental design that controls several nonexperimental variables and there is a control group as a comparison group to understand the effect of treatment. Determining the sample in this study used a random experimental method where 200 pregnant women were used as the research sample. The results showed that there was a significant change or increase in Hb levels (p=0.006; <0.000; <0.000), body weight (p=0.001; <0.000; <0.000), lila (<0.0015; <0.000; <0.000), Iodine levels (<0.000; <0.000; <0.000), between the group given iodized salt and MMS and the group given MMS. In this study, in the group of pregnant women who received iodized salt and MMS intervention, on average there was an increase or change in HB levels, iodine levels, mother's weight, baby's weight and abdominal length and circumference compared to those who received MMS. for pregnant women is to regularly maintain nutritional intake during pregnancy, especially consuming iodized salt and MMS which is beneficial for the health of pregnant women and the baby they are carrying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azolla pinnata is a small floating fern which widely occurs in certain regions such as Southeast Asia. Azolla is utilized in the new plant research on the currently existing products for soilless growth media. Soilless growth media are an alternative component to replace soil for cultivation uses. In urbanization scenario nowadays, most of the flatten open-area soil is used for development, affecting the soil supply for plants. To introduce a new component such as the soilless growth media, it must have the same or more nutrients than soil or other existing soilless growth media. A study found that Azolla is used as a soilless growth media in the nursery for olive trees cultivation. According to the study, the nutrients obtained from Azolla are sufficient to replace soil as a growth media. In this experiment, the Single Dry Ashing, and Kjeldahl and Dummas methods were used to evaluate and compare both macro and micronutrients of Azolla to Midorie Pafcal and Jiffy-7 pallets. Based on the results, the values were 0.94 % (N), 4352.00 ppm (P), and 563.13 ppm (K); compared to 1.35% (N), 377.13 ppm (P), 1512.33 ppm (K); and 0% (N), 563.13 ppm (P), 1343.67 ppm (K), respectively. The results also showed the values of Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) for Azolla, Midorie Pafcal and Jiffy-7 samples were 15.33 ppm (Cu), 2579.67 ppm (Fe), 93.63 ppm (Zn); 7.53 ppm (Cu), 9988.33 ppm (Fe), 26.77 ppm (Zn); and 13.01 ppm (Cu), 1150.30 (Fe), 12.40 ppm (Zn), respectively. In conclusion, Azolla pinnata is capable of providing the nutrients required for a plant, making it suitable as a soilless growth media for all plants.

The investigation was undertaken and micro nutrients status of the area was assessed. During February-March 2020, 50 soil sampling locations from tomato growing areas were selected at random and 100 representative surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected. Various micronutrients, i.e. DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were examined. The soils were neutral to slightly alkaline, and the EC values of all the soil samples were within normal limits. The general state of the soil organic carbon concentration was medium to high. The DTPA- Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in soils of the studied area were found to be in medium category. Positive correlations between the DTPA-extractable iron, copper, zinc and manganese with the organic carbon content was observed.

IntroductionWheat is grown and consumed worldwide, making it an important staple food crop for both its calorific and nutritional content. In places where wheat is used as a staple food, suboptimal micronutrient content levels, especially of grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), can lead to malnutrition. Grain nutrient content is influenced by abiotic stresses, such as drought and heat stress. The best method for addressing micronutrient deficiencies is the biofortification of food crops. The prerequisites for marker-assisted varietal development are the identification of the genomic region responsible for high grain iron and zinc contents and an understanding of their genetics.MethodsA total of 193 diverse wheat genotypes were evaluated under drought and heat stress conditions across the years at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, under timely sown irrigated (IR), restricted irrigated (RI) and late sown (LS) conditions. Grain iron content (GFeC) and grain zinc content (GZnC) were estimated from both the control and treatment groups. Genotyping of all the lines under study was carried out with the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from Breeder’s 35K Axiom Array.Result and DiscussionThree subgroups were observed in the association panel based on both principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram analysis. A large whole-genome linkage disequilibrium (LD) block size of 3.49 Mb was observed. A genome-wide association study identified 16 unique stringent marker trait associations for GFeC, GZnC, and 1000-grain weight (TGW). In silico analysis demonstrated the presence of 28 potential candidate genes in the flanking region of 16 linked SNPs, such as synaptotagmin-like mitochondrial-lipid-binding domain, HAUS augmin-like complex, di-copper center-containing domain, protein kinase, chaperonin Cpn60, zinc finger, NUDIX hydrolase, etc. Expression levels of these genes in vegetative tissues and grain were also found. Utilization of identified markers in marker-assisted breeding may lead to the rapid development of biofortified wheat genotypes to combat malnutrition.

Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP): high-sugar grass + legume mix minus nitrogen (N) fertilizer (blue/HSG + L); permanent pasture plus N fertilizer (green/P + N); high-sugar grass plus N fertilizer (red/HSG + N). The locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations had a greater slope and higher soil organic matter (SOM) content. Herbage micro-nutrient concentrations were often greater at the locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations. The concentration and uptake of nearly all micro-nutrients was greatest in the herbage of the green/P + N system, which had the highest SOM content, whereas they were often lowest in the red/HSG + N system, which had the lowest SOM and the highest yield, indicating biomass dilution of micro-nutrients in the herbage. At the locations with high soil micro-nutrient concentrations, yield was higher than at locations with low micro-nutrient concentrations, and was equal across the three pasture systems, regardless of fertilizer N treatment. Variation in micro-nutrient uptake/yield in the blue grass–legume system was predominantly explained by the soil molybdenum (Mo) concentration, possibly relating to the requirement for Mo in biological nitrogen fixation. There was, therefore, a trade-off in ploughing and re-seeding for higher yield, with the maintenance of SOM being important for herbage micro-nutrient content.

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of maize cultivated lands and maize plant in Sanliurfa province in term of selenium and micro elements. For this purpose, samples of soil and plants were taken from Sanliurfa province and Akcakale, Ceylanpinar, Harran and Viransehir districts. Texture, soil reaction, electrical conductivity, CaCO3, organic matter, available selenium, exchangeable iron, zinc, copper, manganese and boron analysis were done in the soil samples. Total iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and boron content were determined in plants samples. According to results of soil and leaf analysis, nutritional problems in term of selenium have been determined in the lands of maize cultivation in all districts. Nutritional problem in term of zinc has been determined in only Ceylanpinar district, in term of copper has been determined in Ceylanpinar and Viransehir district. Considering the results of the work carried out in Sanliurfa; it is understood that effective fertilization programs, methods and fertilization time are extremely important. The quality and highly efficient production in the maize cultivation is related to balanced fertilization, addition of organic fertilizers and other technical applications.

Abstract Background Globally, about 25% of children suffer from subclinical vitamin A deficiency (VAD), and approximately 300 million children globally had anemia as per 2011 estimates. Micronutrient deficiencies are generally referred to as “hidden hunger” because these deficiencies developed gradually. The present study determines the socio-economic inequalities in vitamin A supplementation (VAS) and Iron supplementation (IS) among children aged 6–59 months in India and to estimate the change in the percent contribution of different socio-economic correlates for such inequality from 2005 to 06 to 2015–16. Methods Data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2005–06 and 2015–16 was used for the analysis. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis was used to carve out the results. Moreover, Wagstaff decomposition analysis was used to find the factors which contributed to explain socio-economic status-related inequality among children in India. Results It was revealed that the percentage of children who do not receive vitamin A supplementation was reduced from 85.5% to 42.1%, whereas in the case of IS, the percentage reduced from 95.3% to 73.9% from 2005-06 to 2015–16 respectively. The child’s age, mother’s educational status, birth order, breastfeeding status, place of residence and empowered action group (EAG) status of states were the factors that were significantly associated with vitamin A supplementation and iron supplementation among children in India. Moreover, it was found the children who do not receive vitamin A supplementation and iron supplementation got more concentrated among lower socio-economic strata. A major contribution for explaining the gap for socio-economic status (SES) related inequality was explained by mother’s educational status, household wealth status, and empowered action group status of states for both vitamin A supplementation and iron supplementation among children aged 6–59 months in India. Conclusion Schemes like the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) would play a significant role in reducing the socio-economic status-related gap for micro-nutrient supplementation among children in India. Proper implementation of ICDS will be enough for reducing the gap between rich and poor children regarding micro-nutrient supplementation.

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered as an effective solution to control morbid obesity. Food restrictions resulting from the operation may decrease dietary nutrient intakes, particularly during the first year after BS. This study mainly aimed to assess the adequacy of dietary nutrient intakes at 6th and 12th month after BS. Method Of the severely obese participants in the Tehran obesity treatment study in 2015–2016, 58 patients undergoing Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (N = 16) or sleeve gastrectomy (N = 42) were selected from Tehran Obesity Treatment Center. To assess the patients’ dietary intake, a three-day, 24-h dietary recall was obtained on three unscheduled days (two non-consecutive weekdays and one weekend day) at 6th and 12th month after BS. To evaluate the adequacy of nutrient intake, the patients’ intakes were compared to the current dietary reference intakes (DRIs), including estimated average requirements (EAR) or Adequate Intakes (AI). Results The mean age of the participants (71% women) undergoing BS was 37 ± 8 years. Anthropometric parameters significantly decreased at the 12th month after BS. The percentage of energy from carbohydrate intake increased significantly between the 6th and 12th month after BS (P = 0.04). The mean ± SD of protein intake was lower than the recommended dosage with a dramatic decrease from 45 ± 30 to 31 ± 15 (g/day) between the two intervals (P = 0.001). The mean intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA) decreased dramatically (P

The article deals with the effect of foliar Se application on macro-and micro-elements and selected quantitative parameters (the content of ash, starch, and fat) in oat grains. The three-year experiments were carried out on Research and Breeding Station Vígľaš – Pstruša in the years 2014, 2015, 2016. The used oat variety was Valentin. The experiment was performed by a block method within a parcel size of 10 square meters (8 x 1.25 m) with the span of rows amounting to 0.125 m in four replications. Alfalfa was grown as forecrop. A potato and wheat production area (III-C2) with a height of 375 m above the sea level. The experimental area is characterized by warm, slightly wet weather with an average annual temperature of 7.8 °C and average annual precipitations of 666 mm. Basic fertilizing was planned before the sowing in the form of 100 kg of Ammonium nitrate containing dolomite (27% N), 100 kg of 60% KCl (60% of K2O), and100 kg of MAP (Monoammonium phosphate 12% N and 52% P2O5). Selenium was foliar applied in doses 25 g and 50 g Se per hectare in a solution form of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). The harvest was realized by a small plot harvester in BBCH 91. The results of the experiments showed a statistically non-significant effect on microelements and most macroelements. Only sulfur content in oat grains was statistically significantly influenced by Se foliar treatment. The contents of ash, starch, and fat in oat grains were monitored, which showed statistically significant effect only in fat. Se content in grains showed a statistically significant increase by both Se foliar treatments.

In the present study, six soil profiles belonging to five soil types were dug, described and sampled. Soil samples were analyzed for the determination of different physicochemical properties and total and DTPA-extractable iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Considering the variability of pH and calcium carbonate equivalent, the examined soils were alkaline and calcareous. A considerable change in the values of the DTPA fraction of Fe (1.4-25.8 mg/kg), Zn (0.01-3.3 mg/kg), Cu (0.32- 6.2 mg/kg), Mn (1-11.8 mg/kg), Cd (0.05- 0.12 mg/kg) and Pb (0.22- 2.56 mg/kg) as well as in the total fraction of Fe (10.6-20.6 g/kg), Zn (35- 67.5 mg/kg), Cu (9 to 26.40 mg/kg), Mn (262- 588.8 mg/kg), Cd (0.5- 1.75 mg/kg) and Pb (17- 31.3 mg/kg) was observed in different soils. The content and pattern of both DTPA and total fraction of the metal were varied among the soil types, which could be related to several processes such as the diversity of weathering rate, geomorphologic condition, soil formation process, different physicochemical properties of soils, and the inputs of different agrochemical compounds. The concentration of both DTPA and total fraction of the metal were in the acceptable maximum level in the majority of the soil samples.

A field experiment was carried out at the Department of Agronomy Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, during the growing seasons 2017/18 and 2018/19 to study the impact of foliar spray by some Nano Micro-nutrients on grain yield and quality of three cultivars of bread wheat. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in this experiment in three replications using strip plot arrangement. The bread wheat varieties i.e., Sids-1, Sids-12, and Gemmeaza-11 were arranged vertically, while foliar sprays with tap water (solvent as a control) and Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Iron + Manganese, Iron + Zinc, Manganese+ Zinc and Iron + Manganese + Zinc in Nano form at 200 ppm concentration were distributed horizontally. In both seasons, the foliar spray treatment with certain micronutrient nano-particles had a significant impact on grain yield, flour percentage, coarse bran percentage, wet gluten percentage, and dry gluten percentage. As a result, wheat plants sprayed with Fe + Mn + Zn had the greatest average values of the previous traits. Furthermore, the cultivars studied had a substantial impact on the majority of the traits studied. In addition, in both seasons, the Sids-1 cultivar produced the greatest mean values of the most investigated traits. In both the 1st and 2nd seasons, the interaction between some micro-nutrients, nano-particles, and cultivars had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) impact on fermentation time. In this approach, the Sids-12 cultivar, which was sprayed with Mn+Zn in the 1st season, and the same cultivar when sprayed with Mn or Fe+Zn in the 2nd season, yielded the most elevated mean values of fermentation time (37.00 and 36.50 minutes within the two seasons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of critical micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Se, vitamin E, vitamin A, and niacin) supplementation at the weekly interval during the periparturient period (56 days prepartum till 56 days post-partum) on reproduction status of Murrah buffaloes. The experiment was performed on 22 healthy Murrah buffaloes after dividing them into two equal groups, representing control and treatment, respectively. A feeding schedule of both the groups was the same except that additional micronutrient supplementation was carried out once in a week in buffaloes of treatment group after proper mixing with concentrate mixture. Ultrasonography was performed once in a month for initial 90 days postpartum for assessment of cyclicity status of buffaloes. Treatment was unable to alter the cyclicity status of buffaloes for the initial 90 days but improved the numbers of large and medium-size follicles during the due course of the study. It may be concluded that weekly supplementation of critical micronutrients during the periparturient period is helpful in improving the follicular dynamics.

Afforestation with trees and shrubs around cropland can effectively decrease soil degradation and avoid sand storms, but subsequent modification of litter quality accelerates the degradation of native organic matter via the soil priming effect (PE). Although carbon accumulation in agricultural soils after afforestation was widely studied, little is known about the extent to which soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization is induced by complex residue input in agro-forest-grass composite ecosystems. Here, we mixed corn field soil and litter of afforestation tree and shrub species together in a micro-environment to quantify the effects of litter-mixture input on farmland soil priming associated with afforestation. Additionally, we studied the responses of bacterial and fungal species to litter chemistry, with the aim to identify the litter and microbial driver of soil priming. The results showed that soil priming was accelerated by different litter addition which varied from 24 to 74% of SOC mineralization, suggesting that priming intensity was relatively flexible and highly affected by litter quality. We also find that the macro-chemistry (including litter carbon, nitrogen, lignin, and cellulose) directly affects priming intensity, while micro-chemistry (including litter soluble sugar, water-soluble phenol, methanol-soluble phenol, and condensed tannin) indirectly influences priming via alteration to dominant bacterial taxa. The stepwise regression analysis suggested that litter nitrogen and cellulose were the critical litter drivers to soil priming (r2 = 0.279), and the combination of bacterial phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and fungal taxa Eurotiomycetes was a great model to explain the priming intensity (r2 = 0.407).

Field trials were conducted over two years at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to examine the effect of different rate, time, source and method of potassium fertilization on the uptake of Fe, Cu, and Zn by basmati rice under aerobic rice system. The study found that, with the exception of K fertilizer source, application timing, method, and rate significantly affected the uptake and translocation of Fe, Cu, and Zn in rice, with all three nutrients showing higher concentrations in straw than in grain across all treatments. The grain nutrient concentration improved with K application rates up to 60 kg K2O/ha, beyond which the effect was insignificant. Split application of K fertilizer in two doses of 30 kg K2O/ha each resulted in 7.1%, 2.3%, and 1.7% (pooled data) increase in grain Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations, respectively, compared to basal application of 60 kg K2O/ha. The foliar sprays of K (2.5%) during active tillering and panicle initiation, along with basal (45 kg K2O/ha), had a statistically equivalent effect to that of two split applications of K. The harvest index (ratio between the amounts of nutrient stored in the grain to the total nutrient uptake by the plant) for Zn (21–26%), Fe (10–13%), and Cu (17–21%) indicates that only one-fourth, one-tenth, and one-fifth of the absorbed nutrients are transported to the grain, respectively. Thus, best K fertilization in aerobic rice increases uptake of Zn, Fe, and Cu from soil, enhances remobilization from straw to grain thereby improves grain nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies among women are considered a global issue that the food industry has not adequately considered until recently. The industry must provide and guarantee a diversity of food products worldwide that allow women to get a correct and balanced diet according their life stage. The food industry must focus on this challenge within a framework of sustainable production, minimizing the use of natural resources and avoiding the emission of waste and pollutants throughout the life cycle of food. Food coproducts are presented as potential bioactive functional compounds which can be useful for technological purposes, due to the fact that they can serve as non-chemical, natural and health-improving food ingredients. In this review, we focus on the potential use of food processing coproducts which must be part of a strategy to promote and improve women’s health and well-being. This knowledge will make it possible to select potential ingredients from coproducts to be used in the fortification of foods intended for consumption by females and to introduce sustainability and gender perspectives into food innovation. The attainment of fortifications for foods for women has to be linked to the use of sustainable sources from food coproducts in order to be economically viable and competitive.

Physical Fitness is the ability to do daily activities easily, without getting tired excessive, and has a power reserve to rest. VO2max is a main factor for athletes in order to get a good performance. This study aims to determine the relationship of energy intake, macro and micro nutrients to physical fitness of athletes of Dyva Taekwondo Centre Cibinong. This study used cross sectional design research. The number of respondents was 30 athletes determined by total sampling. The consumption energy and macronutrients were measured by 3x24 hour recall method, whereas intake of micronutrients data was obtained using semy FFQ. Variable relationships were tasted using Pearson Correlation. The result showed that the average age of respondents was 14±1 years, energy intake 2259±571 kkal, protein 73±15 g, fat 51,7±8,9 g, carbohydrate 259±57 g, vitamin B1 1,15±0,4 mg, vitamin C 230±81,7 mg, fe 21±4,5 mg and fitness level 35,69±7,2 kg/ml/minute. There was relationship of energy intake (p= 0,0001), carbohydrate (p=0,0001), vitamin C (p=0,0001), fe (p=0,007 and fitness level. There was no correlation between fat intake, protein, vitamin B1 and fitness level (p=0,081, p=0,497, p=0,383). Intake of energy, carbohydrate, vitamin C, and fe does relate to physical fitness of athletes of Dyva Taekwondo Centre Cibinong. Athletes are advised to consume food according to their daily needs in order to maintain their fitness therefore, they can achieve optimal performance.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a drought-tolerant legume crop widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including South Africa. The leaves, young and immature pods, and grains of cowpea are a vital source of plant-based proteins and essential nutrients for human wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) on the contents of micro-nutrients and protein content of the green pods of cowpea to recommend superior genotypes for cultivation and breeding. Fifteen genetically diverse cowpea genotypes were evaluated across six test environments in South Africa, using a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Micro-nutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and total protein (TP) content were determined in the immature pods of cowpea. Data were subjected to additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis. Significant (p < 0.05) genotype (G) differences were detected for Fe, Mn, Zn and TP, suggesting the presence of genetic divergence for selection. Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) environment (E) effect was recorded for all studied nutrient, indicating the impact of the test environments on nutrient compositions. The GEI effect was significant for all the assessed nutrients, indicating that specific and broadly adapted genotypes could be identified. Based on best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs) and best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) analyses, the following ranges of nutrient compositions were observed: Fe (83.70–109.03 and 69.77–134.16 mg/kg), Mn (20.60–33.83 and 18.75–36.83 mg/kg), Zn (33.79–40.53 and 28.81 mg/kg), and TP (22.37–24.54 and 21.44–25.25 mg/kg), respectively, across the tested environments. The AMMI test procedure (FR-test) identified the first interaction principal component axis (IPCA-1) to be a significant (p < 0.05) component of the GEI, explaining >91% of phenotypic variation in nutrient contents among the tested genotypes across environments. Cowpea genotypes Meterlong Bean and TVU-14196 were identified for their high Fe, Zn and Mn contents and recommended for cultivation in Mafikeng, Potchefstroom and Roodeplaat in South Africa. For TP, genotypes Meterlong Bean and Kisumu Mix had stable performance and are recommended for production at all the test environments. The identified genotypes are recommended for future cultivation and breeding to supplement micro-nutrients and protein and combat nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition in South Africa.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) are some of the vital nutrients required for optimum growth, development, and productivity of plants. The deficiency of any of these nutrients may lead to defects in plant growth and decreased productivity. Plant responses to the deficiency of N, P, S, Fe, or Zn have been studied mainly as a separate event, and only a few reports discuss the molecular basis of biological interaction among the nutrients. Macro-nutrients like N, P, and/or S not only show the interacting pathways for each other but also affect micro-nutrient pathways. Limited reports are available on the investigation of two-by-two or multi-level nutrient interactions in plants. Such studies on the nutrient interaction pathways suggest that an MYB-like transcription factor, phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1), acts as a master regulator of N, P, S, Fe, and Zn homeostasis. Similarly, light-responsive transcription factors were identified to be involved in modulating nutrient responses in Arabidopsis. This review focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of how plants coordinate the acquisition, transport, signaling, and interacting pathways for N, P, S, Fe, and Zn nutrition at the molecular level. Identification of the important candidate genes for interactions between N, P, S, Fe, and/or Zn metabolic pathways might be useful for the breeders to improve nutrient use efficiency and yield/quality of crop plants. Integrated studies on pathways interactions/cross-talks between macro‐ and micro-nutrients in the agronomically important crop plants would be essential for sustainable agriculture around the globe, particularly under the changing climatic conditions.