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Introduction: Lucerne (Medicago sativa), is a cornerstone of China's livestock industry, however, due to the backward agronomic strategies and technology, lucerne in China faces cultivation challenges that result in lower productivity and quality than global standards. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of five distinct fertilization types on lucerne yield and nutritional quality in various locations in China. The fertilizer practices included manure application, combined mineral fertilizer and manure application (FM), biological fertilizer application, unbalanced application of two or more mineral fertilizer types, and balanced mineral fertilizer application. Furthermore, we investigate influential factors of yield and quality of lucerne under fertilization, including climatic variables (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature), initial soil properties (soil organic carbon; total nitrogen, pH), and agronomic factors (seeding rate, harvest frequency, and lucerne stand age). Methods: Our study analyzed 53 published papers to discern the most beneficial fertilizer for enhancing lucerne yield and nutritional quality. Results and discussion: The results showed that the fertilizer practices, on average, significantly improved yield by 31.72% and crude protein content by 11.29%, with FM emerging as the most effective, this is because mineral fertilizers provide available nutrients for lucerne, manure provides essential organic matter for microorganisms and improve soil properties. In addition, the fertilizer practices significantly reduced neutral and acid detergent fiber contents by 6.28% and 8.50%, respectively, while increasing ash content and relative feeding value. Furthermore, climatic variables, soil properties, and planting system factors such as sowing date and harvest frequency significantly affected yield and nutritional quality. The practical implications of our results emphasize the need for balanced and strategic fertilizer application to optimize lucerne production and highlight the potential to adjust cultivation practices according to environmental conditions. Balanced and strategic fertilizer application can simultaneously improve soil properties, enhance soil carbon sequestration, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the soil, which is a vital measure for realizing sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a staple food for nearly two-thirds of China's population. As socio-economic development continues, there is a growing demand for high-quality rice. This study collected grain quality traits for 17,785 rice varieties approved throughout China, and categorized them into the following five types: indica inbred (II), indica hybrid (IH), japonica inbred (JI), japonica hybrid (JH), and indica-japonica hybrid (IJ). Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess the differences and trends in rice quality across these varieties. We found that JI and JH excel in processing and cooking qualities, featuring higher brown rice and head milled rice rates, coupling with longer gel consistency. Inbred varieties display lower chalky rice rates than hybrids. Over several decades, head milled rice rates have notably increased across all types except for IJ. Transparency grade has decreased in nearly all types except for IJ, with similar declines observed in chalky rice rates and chalkiness degree, suggesting an overall progress in appearance quality. In terms of cooking and taste attributes, amylose content has decreased in most varieties except for IJ, and gel consistency has improved in indica varieties. Generally, the rice quality of varieties approved in China has shown a clear trend of improvement over the past 40 years. This study provides significant data support and theoretical backing for ongoing rice breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suitable sowing dates are crucial in plant production to cope with climate change and ensure high-quality crop production. We hypothesize that the analysis of the effect of sowing date and climatic resources on maize kernel nutritional quality (KNQ) (crude fiber, starch, crude fat, and crude protein) might contribute to selecting appropriate sowing dates according to different production requirements and meteorological conditions. The study was based on five main local varieties in three experimental stations (early-maturing variety: Zengyu1317, Hongshuo298, Keyu15; medium-maturing variety: Xianyu335; late-maturing variety: Danyu405) in Northeast China from 2018 to 2021. The results showed that: (1) the average starch content (67.7%) and crude protein content (9.1%) of early-maturing variety maize and the crude fiber content (3.3%) and crude fat content (3.6%) of late-maturing variety maize were the highest in Northeast China; (2) the sowing date had no significant effect on the starch content, but significantly affected the crude protein and crude fiber contents, the kernel protein content of early-maturing variety maize was the highest when the sowing date was delayed for 5 days (9.8%), and the crude fiber content of medium-maturing and late-maturing variety maize (4.3% and 5.39%, respectively) was the highest when the sowing date was advanced by 10 days; (3) during the reproductive growth stage, the more light and heat resources, the less starch content and crude protein content and the more crude fat content; when the diurnal temperature range increased by 1 °C, the crude fat content decreased by 0.28%, and the crude protein content increased by 0.77%; for every 100 mm more precipitation, crude fiber and crude protein content decreased by 0.68% and 0.73%, respectively, and fat content increased by 0.15%. Our results provide a meaningful reference for maize production to cope with climate change and improve kernel quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional and volatile profiles of pulp and flavedo samples from four distinct local pummelo landraces ("Siji," "Pingshan," "Wendan," and "Guanxi") cultivated in Fujian province of China were investigated. "Guanxi" pummelo exhibited relatively high contents of vitamin C (42.01 mg/100 mL) and phenols (360.61 mg/L) and displayed a robust antioxidant capacity (41.15 mg/100 mL). Conversely, the red pulp from "Pingshan" demonstrated relatively high values of carotenoids (55.96 µg/g) and flavonoids (79.79 mg/L). Considerable differences were observed in volatile compositions between the two fruit tissues and among the four genotypes. A total of 166 and 255 volatile compounds were detected in the pulp and flavedo samples, respectively. Notably, limonene and β‐myrcene were identified as the principal volatile compounds in flavedo, whereas hexanal was highly abundant in the pulp of "Siji," "Pingshan," and "Guanxi." "Wendan" displayed distinct separation from the other three pummelo cultivars in principal component analysis based on the pulp volatile compositions. This distinction was attributed to the higher number and content of volatile compounds in "Wendan" pulp, particularly the remarkable enrichment of β‐myrcene. The newly characterized pummelo landraces and genotype/tissue‐dependent variations in volatiles provide essential information for the genetic improvement of pummelo aroma, as well as for fruit processing and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the world's largest walnut producer. There is still a scarcity of comprehensive information on the nutritional quality of Chinese walnuts and the influence of soil on walnut quality. In this study, 273 samples and the corresponding soils from the main English walnut (Juglans regia L.)-producing areas in China were collected. The results revealed that walnut oil contained a high percentage of linoleic acid and γ-tocopherol, with an average content of 62.36% and 77.70%, respectively. Walnut flour is rich in nutritional elements, with the highest content of macro-element K at 3961.29 mg kg−1. In addition, 12 micro-elements with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 42.34 mg/kg were discovered in walnut flour. The total amino acid profile of walnut flour contains 27.23% of the seven essential amino acids, with the highest amount allocated to leucine at 2.07 g 100 g−1. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that almost all amino acids showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01, r > 0.70). The soil's content in terms of three trace elements (Fe, Cu, and Zn) has the greatest influence on the nutritional qualities of walnuts. Furthermore, the pH of the soil played a role in determining the qualities of the walnut. These findings provide fundamental information for the consumer selection and trade of walnuts, as well as guidance for the development of high-quality walnuts in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fertilization by split-drip irrigation significantly improved soil microhabitat at first flowering and berry ripening stages. • The F 750 and F 900 improved bean yields and nutrient quality. • F 750 treatment is the best drip fertilization strategy for Arabica coffee. As a characteristic cash crop in Yunnan Province, China, Arabica coffee ranks first in the country in terms of cultivation area and production, but has always suffered from poor soil nutrient management and a lack of scientific basis for fertilization. It is not clear how to improve the soil microecological environment using split-reduced drip fertigation at different reproductive stages of Arabica coffee to improve bean yield and quality. Therefore, a two-year (2020–2022) field experiment was conducted on 5-year-old Arabica coffee trees in a dry-hot region with five split-drip fertigation patterns, F 450 , F 600 , F 750 , F 900 and F 1050. Using the local conventional fertilization (Fertilizer of 900 kg ha−1 year−1 only in berry expansion, and no fertilization in early flowering and berry ripening) as the control (CK). The effects of different fertilization modes on soil microecological environment, bean yield, nutritional quality and characteristic flavor were studied, and a comprehensive benefit evaluation model to assess bean yield and nutritional quality under different fertilization modes was established. The results showed that F 900 significantly increased soil nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, microbial population and enzyme activities at early flowering and berry ripening stages compared to CK, while F 900 reduced soil nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium but increased soil enzyme activity and microbial population at the berry expansion stage. Compared with CK, F 450 decreased bean yield, caffeine and chlorogenic acid content by 31.83 %, 23.73 % and 13.48 %, respectively, while F 750 increased two-year average yield, raw bean fat, caffeine and chlorogenic acid content by 20.52 %, 12.37 %, 5.48 % and 11.17 %, respectively. The two-year average yield of F 600 showed less difference from CK. Marginal yield was positive and then negative with increasing fertilizer application. Dry bean yield decreased at a total fertilizer application of 900 kg ha−1 year−1. Correlation analyses showed a positive correlation between soil microbial environment and nutrient quality of coffee beans, while different correlations were found between nutrients and volatiles at dark and medium roasting levels. Cluster analysis revealed that the relative contents of aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, pyridines, and pyrroles were higher under dark roasted condition, while the relative contents of ketones, esters, acids, and pyrazines were higher under medium roasted condition. Based on the Entropy weight-TOPSIS method, F 750 had the highest combined benefits in terms of yield increase and quality improvement, and the total fertilizer application decreased by 16.67 % compared to CK, thus F 750 treatment was the most suitable split-drip fertigation strategy for Arabica coffee in the dry-hot region of Yunnan. This study provided a reference for drip fertigation systems of Arabica coffee in dry and hot regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today, the popularization of mobile internet technology has enabled the public's need for food convenience and diversity arising from modern fast-paced lifestyles to be met at a relatively low cost. The digital age of the restaurant industry has arrived. Online food delivery (OFD) is rapidly developing globally. However, the public's awareness of the nutritional quality of food through OFD and their knowledge of dietary nutrition remain to be investigated.Methods: In the context of China, this study attempts to evaluate the nutritional quality of best-selling OFD set meals (i.e., meal combos) based on the current official Chinese dietary guidelines 2022. It accomplishes this by collecting data on popular OFD restaurants among consumers in 115 Chinese universities from the restaurants' delivery addresses. Moreover, 20,430 valid questionnaires were collected online from undergraduates, graduate students, and other young groups aged 18-30 throughout China for descriptive analysis to investigate consumers' perceptions of the nutritional quality of food through OFD and its health impact.Results: The results of the nutritional quality evaluation of the OFD set meals ranged widely from 15 to 85, with a mean of 36.57 out of a possible maximum score of 100; and 89.56% scored less than 50. The nutritional quality of OFD foods was thus generally low. The nutritional quality of foods was negatively correlated with their popularity among consumers.Conclusions: Young OFD consumers generally paid low attention to dietary nutrition knowledge and seldom paid attention to nutritional quality when choosing OFD foods while the nutritional quality of OFD foods was generally low. Respondents subjectively reported that long-term consumption of OFD food caused weight gain, increased blood lipids, and gastrointestinal discomfort. They thought that the reason might be excessive oil, salt, and sugar in the food, while ignoring the balance between different types of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical 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.)

BACKGROUND Water shortage is the main factor affecting agricultural production in the vast arid and semi‐arid areas of northern China. Using proper irrigation methods can optimize the efficiency of water use and improve the quality of agricultural products. This study investigated the effect of different irrigation levels on the quality of 'Honeycrisp' apples grown in the Loess Plateau of northern China. RESULTS: Different irrigation levels were applied to the 'Honeycrisp' apple trees via root irrigation using ceramic emitters that provide saturation levels of 75–90% θf (S1, where θf is the field capacity), 60–75% θf (S2), 45–50% θf (S3) and no irrigation treatment (CK). Compared to the apples from the CK group, the water content, transverse diameter, individual fruit weight and titratable acid content of S1 and S2 group apples increased significantly. However, their hardness, soluble solids and total sugar content decreased significantly. The phenolic acid content of apples also changed with the irrigation levels. The chlorogenic acid content of apples increased with increased irrigation volume, while the hyperoside, protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid content decreased. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of fruits were the highest in S2 group apples. They also had the strongest ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging capacities. CONCLUSION: The volume of irrigation applied through ceramic emitters significantly impacted the quality of 'Honeycrisp' apples grown in loess areas. Considering water conservation and improving fruit quality, the most suitable ceramic root irrigation level was observed to be 60–75% θf (S2). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is a lack of data related to the growth and development regulations of male Eriocheir sinensis (E.sinensis) in rice field in northern China, which prevents timely adjustment of the nutritional structure of the feed. This has led to the poor quality of male E.sinensis , which has seriously constrained the cultivation of rice crab. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to study the growth, development and nutritional composition of male E.sinensis in rice field. Tissue samples from male E.sinensis were randomly collected on the 0, 15, 31, 46 and 62 days of culture for detection. The results showed that the growth performance of male E.sinensis was faster from 31 to 46 days. The levels of crude protein, crude lipid and EAA in hepatopancreas decreased from 46 to 62 days, whereas gonadal changes were not significant. The PUFA levels of muscle, hepatopancreas and gonad decreased in varying degrees from 46 to 62 days. To sum up, nutrients in hepatopancreas and gonads of male E.sinensis accumulated rapidly from July 15 to August 30. From August 30 to September 15, the nutritional quality of hepatopancreas and gonad of male E.sinensis decreased. • The nutritional components of male crabs from rice fields in northern China were analyzed. • PUFA content in hepatopancreas and gonads was higher from August 15th to August 30th. • EAA content in hepatopancreas was the highest on August 15th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which widely presents in marine environment, may produce some adverse effects to aquatic organism. Mytilus edulis are popular due to their high protein and low fat content in China. However, few studies have investigated the effects of PFOA on the quality of aquatic products. Here, PFOA effects on basic nutritional indices in M. edulis were measured, and possible mechanisms were explored. PFOA caused clear variation in physiological and biochemical indices of M. edulis. The contents of some important proteins, nutrients, and amino acids etc. dropped. Integrating metabolomics data, we speculate PFOA exposure triggered inflammation and oxidative stress in mussels, interfered with the metabolic pathways related to the quality and the transport and absorption pathways of metal ions, and affected the levels of some important elements and metabolites, thus decreasing the nutritional quality of M. edulis. The study provides new insights into PFOA adverse effects to marine organism, and may offer some references for some researchers to assess food quality and ecological risk to pollutants. • PFOA exposure changes significantly the levels of some elements and metabolites related to quality in M. edulis. • PFOA exposure interfered with the metabolic pathways, transport and uptake pathways for metal ions in mussels. • PFOA exposure reduces nutritional quality in M. edulis. • Ecological risk assessments emphasize need for monitoring PFOA pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean meal (SBM) from China, Argentina, Brazil, the USA and India was collected to evaluate their performances in the diet of Pacific white shrimp. SBM samples were analysed for proximate composition, amino acid profiles, sugars, fibres, macro and micro minerals. A growth trial was conducted using SBM‐based test diets (350 g kg−1 protein and 80 g kg−1 lipid), and a digestibility trial was carried out from digestibility diets formulated by mixing the basal diet and test ingredients (70:30) on a dry matter basis. Significantly higher growth (as standardized Thermal growth coefficient) was observed in shrimp fed SBM from China over Brazilian SBM. However, growth performances of shrimp fed SBM sourced from USA, Argentina and India were not different to that of Chinese and Brazilian SBM. No significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (<0.05) of SBM among the countries. The differences observed in the ingredient chemical profile of SBM between countries were not reflected in the growth and digestibility data of shrimp. These results highlight the importance of multiple variables influencing the biological value of soybean meals and that simplified generalizations such as country of origin, poorly define the quality of an ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isoalliin was converted into cycloalliin at high temperature by addition reaction. • Water containing 3% formic acid could inhibit alliinase activity effectively. • Isoalliin was the most abundant organosulfur compounds in Welsh onion. • Most components were richer in pseudo stem than leaf except for Asp and Cys. • Propiin and Pro were the most important biomarkers between LWJT and ZQ pseudo stem. A reliable, simple, and sensitive method capable of quantifying six organosulfur compounds (OSCs) was established. The samples were extracted by water containing 3 % formic acid with a simple vortex, ultrasound, and centrifugation step, and the solutions were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography separation system coupled with a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC − MS/MS). Then the method was applied for the analysis of six OSCs in five varieties of two types Welsh onions in China, and the moisture content, reducing sugar, total polyphenols, and 21 free amino acids were also analyzed to study the characters of these Welsh onions intensively. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to investigate the differences in OSCs and free amino acids profiles among the samples. This study showed that enzymatic inhibition method combined with UHPLC − MS/MS is an effective technique to analyze OSCs in Welsh onion, and could be valuable for the routine quantitation of OSCs in other foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three major wild populations of mitten crab (Eriocheir sensu stricto), Suifenhe River (SF), Tumenjiang River (TM) and Liaohe River (LH) in northern China. However, the information on the nutritional quality of these three populations of crabs is still scarce. Thus, we investigated and compared the tissue indices, total edible yield, proximate composition, fatty acid compositions and amino acid contents of these wild crab populations. We showed that: (1) TM population had the highest meat yield among the three populations; (2) TM recorded the highest moisture and the lowest total lipid content in ovary and muscle; (3) a higher level of total n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids was found in TM, except for the ovary in SF; (4) the three populations had similar essential amino acids scores. In conclusion, Eriocheir s.s. from these three populations all showed a high nutritional quality suitable for humans, especially the TM, which contains more eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Résumé: Il y a trois populations sauvages majeures du crabe Eriocheir sensu stricto, Suifenhe River (SF), Tumenjiang River (TM) et Liaohe River (LH) en Chine du Nord. Cependant, l'information sur la qualité nutritionnelle de ces trois populations est encore faible. C'est pourquoi nous avons comparé les indices de tissus, le produit comestible total, la composition immédiate, les compositions en acides gras et en acides aminés de ces populations de crabes sauvages. Nous avons montré que : (1) la population de TM avait le rendement en viande le plus élevé ; (2) la population de TM présentait le pourcentage d'humidité le plus élevé et le contenu en lipides totaux le plus bas dans l'ovaire et le muscle ; (3) un niveau plus élevé d'acides gras n-3 poly-insaturés a été trouvé dans la population de TM, excepté pour l'ovaire dans la population de SF ; (4) les trois populations avaient des taux d'acides aminés essentiels similaires. En conclusion, Eriocheir s.s. de ces trois populations ont démontré une qualité nutritionnelle élevée convenable pour les humains, en particulier celle de TM qui contient le plus d'acide eicosapentaénoïque et d'acide docosahexaénoïque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are present in soil as emerging contaminants and pose a threat to soil as well as plants. Here, the effects of MPs on Chinese flowering cabbage from a microbiology perspective were explored. MP size and concentration significantly affected endophytic communities of plant root and petiole ( p < 0.05). Under MP treatments, the root, petiole, and leaf exhibited a substantial abundance of pathogenic biomarkers, such as Pseudomonas , Burkholderia , Ralstonia , and Escherichia , resulting in the slow growth and morbidity of the plant. Difference analysis of metabolic pathways revealed that MPs significantly upregulated the pathogenic metabolic pathways ( p < 0.05), and the presence of Vibrio infectious and pathogenic metabolic pathways was detected in all three niches of the plant. Moreover, MPs significantly inhibited the contents of carotenoids, iron, vitamin C, and calcium in edible niches of the plant ( p < 0.05), and most of the high-abundant biomarkers were negatively correlated with their nutritional qualities.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Oil Crop Sciences is the property of Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese 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 Chinese Journal of Oil Crop Sciences is the property of Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese 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.)

• Crude protein, oil and 11 categories of functional components were quantified in 1792 soybean samples collected from a vast range of soybean planting regions across China. • The geographic distributions of soybean nutritional compositions were mapped. • Regions with high seed protein, oil and functional components were highlighted. • A significant regionalization scheme of soybean seed quality for guiding high-quality edible soybean production was proposed. As one of major food crops, soybean is grown over a broad ecological region in China with considerable variations in environmental conditions, and the seed compositions of soybeans are diverse among different regions. To clarify the spatial patterns of soybean seed compositions, crude oil, protein, and 11 categories of functional components were quantified in 1792 soybean samples collected from a vast range of soybean planting regions across China spanning from 2010 to 2017. The Kriging interpolation maps presented a clear north-to-south (high latitude to low latitude) increasing trend in contents of crude protein and dietary fiber and decreasing trend in contents of crude oil, phospholipids, saponins, and carotenoids. Soybeans with high-level of total oligosaccharide were concentrated in the central region. Based on the geographical distribution of soybean nutritional components, weather conditions, and cultivation systems, the soybean production areas in China were divided into three regions and 10 subregions. This study highlights the geographic distribution of soybean nutritional compositions and provides scientific evidence for guiding the construction of high-quality edible soybean production bases in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) is an important economic crop widely grown in China. The effects of salt-alkaline stress on metabolites accumulation in the salt-tolerant Ningqi1 wolfberry fruits were evaluated across 12 salt-alkaline stress gradients. The soil pH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− contents decreased at a gradient across the salt-alkaline stress gradients. Based on the widely-targeted metabolomics approach, we identified 457 diverse metabolites, 53% of which were affected by salt-alkaline stress. Remarkably, soil salt-alkaline stress enhanced metabolites accumulation in wolfberry fruits. Amino acids, alkaloids, organic acids, and polyphenols contents increased proportionally across the salt-alkaline stress gradients. In contrast, nucleic acids, lipids, hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, organic acids and derivatives and vitamins were significantly reduced by high salt-alkaline stress. A total of 13 salt-responsive metabolites represent potential biomarkers for salt-alkaline stress tolerance in wolfberry. Specifically, we found that constant reductions of lipids and chlorogenic acids; up-regulation of abscisic acid and accumulation of polyamines are essential mechanisms for salt-alkaline stress tolerance in Ningqi1. Overall, we provide for the first time some extensive metabolic insights into salt-alkaline stress tolerance and key metabolite biomarkers which may be useful for improving wolfberry tolerance to salt-alkaline stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twenty-two samples (including fruits, pulp, peel, or seeds) from 13 edible and medicinal fruit plant species selected in Hong Kong were investigated for their antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality and phenolic profiles. Significant variation existed among the tested samples in all the antioxidant and nutritional parameters. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified as major categories of phenolic compounds in these samples. Whole fruits of Hong Kong gordonia exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity (213.4mmol trolox/100gDW) and had the second highest content of carotenoids. Seeds of Annona squamosa possessed the highest contents of total protein, fat and amino acids (17.6, 37.2 and 14.4%, respectively). Most peel and some seeds contained high levels of phenolics, carotenoids and vitamin C, which contributed to their strong antioxidant activity. Some of the fruits, peel or seeds from these Hong Kong plants can be a potential resource of functional components and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twenty-nine japonica rice varieties collected from Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, China were planted in Hangzhou, China, to investigate the phytic acid content in brown rice and its frequency distribution as well as the correlation among the contents of phytic acid, total protein and four protein compositions in brown rice. The phytic acid content in brown rice ranged from 0.699% to 1.034%, with a mean of 0.868% for the 29 tested rice varieties. Xiushui series rice varieties generally exhibited lower phytic acid level than Wuyujing and Huai series rice varieties. A rough normal distribution, with a mean of 8.722%, was observed for the total protein contents in the tested varieties. Of the four protein compositions, the glutelin, globulin and albumin contents had larger coefficient of variation than the prolamin content, although the difference in prolamin content was genotype-dependent. No significant correlation was found between the phytic acid and four protein composition contents, whereas the total protein content was significantly and positively related to the glutelin content in brown rice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the complex seed packaging strategies involving morphology, nutrition quality and secondary chemistry, spatial and temporal variation of seed predation and removal by granivorous rodents was examined among six sympatric large-seeded tree species with different seed traits: Lithocarpus harlandii, Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata, Cyclobalanopsis glauca and Castanopsis fargesii (Fagaceae); Camellia oleifera (Theaceae) across different stands and seasons in a subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest, Southwest China. The smallest seeds of Castanopsis fargesii with lower tannin concentration, L. harlandii with the largest seed size and Camellia oleifera with high fat concentration, were harvested more quickly than the apparently less preferred seeds of Q. variabilis, Q. serrata and C. glauca with higher tannin concentration. Larger (L. harlandii and Q. variabilis) or high fat seeds (Camellia oleifera) have higher levels of removal and lower levels of instant consumption than smaller seeds (Castanopsis fargesii, Q. serrata and C. glauca) for both stand and season. Results showed that high fat or large seeds are harvested more quickly than small or medium seeds with high tannin concentration, and that high fat or large seeds are also more likely to be removed than small or medium seeds with high tannin concentration. Moreover, seed predation and removal are consistent among stands and seasons. Innate seed traits are shown to be important in determining whether a given seed is eaten or removed when rodents are provided uniform number of seeds with differing traits. The hierarchical preference for larger or high fat seeds is maintained when background seed abundance varies in time and space. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnesium (Mg) is one of essential plant nutrients needed for optimal growth, yield and quality formation. Also, soil application of Mg fertilizer has been shown to be an effective approach to improve vegetable Mg nutrition. Leafy vegetables can accumulate relatively high levels of heavy metals in the above-ground plant parts. However, it remains unclear as to whether soil-applied Mg affects the vegetable nutritional quality and human health risk of heavy metals from field-grown Chinese cabbage. Here we conducted a two-year, two-crop cycle field experiment in south-western China to evaluate crop yield, vegetable nutrition and heavy metal accumulation in Chinese cabbage supplied with varying levels of Mg (0–90 kg ha−1). Soil application of Mg did not increase the cabbage yield. However, it did increase the vegetable vitamin C and water-soluble protein content by 20.0 % and 57.9 % with 45 and 22.5 kg Mg ha−1 application, respectively, compared to control. The nitrate content of Mg-supplied (45 kg ha−1) cabbages was significantly lower, by about 14 %, than the control. Further, it also significantly decreased the accumulation of cadmium and nickel in the above-ground tissues by reducing their uptake from soil to root or their translocation from root to shoot. Magnesium application, however, increased chromium uptake. A human health risks assessment nonetheless showed that the contribution of chromium from Mg-supplied plants to threshold hazard quotient and threshold carcinogenic risk were indeed much lower than that of cadmium and nickel, proving the value of crop Mg supplementation for ameliorating non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to humans with the consumption of Chinese cabbage. Here we show that soil application of Mg in the range of 22.5–45 kg ha−1 to Chinese cabbage will significantly improve its nutritional qualities and alleviate the potential human health risks of heavy metals associated with Chinese cabbage consumption. [Display omitted] • Optimal soil Mg increased Mg, vitamin C and protein content in Chinese cabbage. • Mg application attenuated nitrate, Cd and Ni build-up, but increased Cr uptake. • Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of Cr were increased by Mg application. • Mg application alleviated human health risks of Cd and Ni from Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional quality of crops is sensitive to the planting method and fertilization rate, especially in fields threatened by drought and nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring that the nutrient content of crops is adequate is important in addition to obtaining a high yield in the current agricultural production in China. Thus, a field experiment with two typical mulch planting methods (full plastic film mulching, RFF; half plastic film mulching, RFH) and five fertilization rates (N 0 +P 2 O 5 0 kg ha−1; N 117 +P 2 O 5 59 kg ha−1; N 173 +P 2 O 5 87 kg ha−1 N 229 +P 2 O 5 115 kg ha−1; N 285 +P 2 O 5 143 kg ha−1) was conducted from 2014 to 2016 in a semiarid region, China. The potential effects of film mulching on maize nutritional quality and the differences under different fertilizer rates were studied. The results showed that RFF improved soil water and temperature conditions, and significantly increased the maize grain yield (by 17.2–38.0%) and nutrients uptake (by 14.0–22.3% in nitrogen, 24.8–35.2% in phosphorus) compared with RFH. However, the nutrient contents of plant organs decreased to different extents under RFF compared with RFH, indicating a "dilution effect". In particular, the grain nutrient content decreased by up to 3.6% for nitrogen and 6.5% for phosphorus with fertilization up to N 160 +P 2 O 5 80 kg ha−1, but with an increasing tendency above this rate. In addition, fertilization significantly increased the maize grain yield and nutrient content, but both did not increase significantly above N230 + P 2 O 5 115 kg ha−1, and the NUE gradually decreased, especially nitrogen under RFF. Thus, RFF significantly improved the maize yield and nutrients uptake compared with RFH, but there was a risk of nutritional quality degradation, and surprisingly, this effect can be adjusted or even avoided by changing the amount of fertilizer applied. For example, in the study region, both the maize yield and quality of RFF were improved compared with RFH in the fertilization range of N(160−230)+P 2 O 5 (80−115) kg ha−1. • Full mulch improved the maize yield compared with half mulch. • Full mulch may reduce grain nutritional quality compared with half mulch. • Optimized fertilization could overcome the nutrient dilution caused by mulching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foliar spraying GeO 2 affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants. • Foliar spraying GeO 2 is appropriate for obtaining the Ge-rich garlic products. • Soil supplying GeO 2 and EM is feasible for obtaining the Ge-rich garlic products. Organic germanium (Ge) compounds show vital beneficial effects for our health and are widely used as medical applications and dietary supplements. Inorganic Ge can be absorbed by plants and further accumulated and transformed into organic Ge compounds in plant tissues, which can be further consumed as Ge-rich foods. Meantime, the presence of Ge can improve the physiological functions of plants such as the salt tolerance and the peroxidase activities in leaves. Therefore, improving the Ge content of Ge-rich plants by fertilizing exogenous inorganic Ge is of important and an efficient way to obtain more organic germanium. Garlic is one of the natural Ge-rich plants and possesses prodigious medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The main edible parts of garlic include bulb, scape and seedling in China. However, the effects of exogenous Ge on the Ge accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic are not apparent, and the suitable applying concentrations and frequencies are also poorly known. Here, using garlic cultivar G024 and GeO 2 as exogenous Ge, two experiments were performed to reveal the effects of exogenous Ge on garlic. Besides, a third experiment that brings in the factor of effective microorganisms (EM) inoculation was also conducted to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous Ge and EM application on garlic seedlings. Results showed that foliar spraying 6–72 mg/L GeO 2 solutions significantly affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants; foliar spraying 9–12 mg/L GeO 2 at the bolting period is appropriate for producing the Ge-rich garlic scapes and bulbs; soil supplying 100 mg GeO 2 together with EM inoculation are suitable for obtaining Ge-rich garlic seedlings. The present study provided useful information for the field production of Ge-rich garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to rapid economic growth and urbanization, China has witnessed massive migration from rural to urban areas and significant changes in food habits and nutritional intake. This paper empirically examines the factors affecting nutritional intake of 7752 rural-urban migrants and its gender effects, using the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data from 1991 to 2011. The descriptive results show that female migrants (FMs) have lower energy intake but have higher proportions of energy from protein and fat than male migrants (MMs), indicating that FMs have a better nutritional quality. The regression results show that the calorie-income elasticities are 0.014 for MMs and 0.018 for FMs. A remarkable positive effect of income on nutritional quality is found for FMs. Employment in non-farm sectors and the community environmental sanitation have a significant increase in calorie intake and nutritional quality, while non-farm employment presents a negative and significant effect on FMs' calorie intake. Modern market significantly positively affects migrants' energy intake from protein, thereby improving their nutritional quality. The exogenous switching treatment effect regression results display a significant gender effect on energy intake and its share from protein for migrants, while there is no significant gender effect when it comes to the share of energy from fat.

Over the last few decades, the threat posed to biodiversity and ecosystem function by atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been increasingly recognized. The disturbed nutrient balance and species composition of plants induced by higher N deposition can impact the biodiversity of the organisms that consume the plants. In this research, we implemented several experiments to estimate the effects of increased N deposition on the growth, survival, and nutrients of the dominant epiphytic lichens in the subtropical mountains in Central China to assess the lichen food amount and nutritional quality for two endangered primates endemic to China. Our results indicated that the thallus growth and propagule survival of the lichens were significantly decreased when nitrogen addition changed from 6.25 to 50.0 kg N·ha−1·y−1; it was also shown that lichen biomass could be decreased by 11.2%–70.2% when the deposition addition exceeded 6.25 kg N·ha−1·y−1. Further, our study revealed that increased nitrogen deposition also reduced the nutritional quality of the lichens via reducing the soluble protein and soluble sugar levels and increasing the fiber content, which would substantially affect the diet selection of the plants consumers in the region, particularly the populations of the two lichen-eating endangered primate species, Rhinopithecus roxellana and R. bieti. Our experimental study suggested that the nitrogen pollution derived from anthropogenic activities could cause cascading effects for the whole forest ecosystem of Central China; thus, more studies about nitrogen deposition in this region are required. • Some epiphytic lichens in the annually diet of two endangered primate endemic to China ranges from 1.3%~to 100%. • Simulated nitrogen pollution（6.25~50.0 kg N. ha−1.yr−1）decreased biomass and survival of the lichens significantly. • Nitrogen addition increased contents of crude protein, ash, crude fiber contents, and decreased contents of soluble sugar. • Nitrogen pollution can damage lichen diversity, lichen-eating fauna, even the whole forests system of Central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major cereal crop of great importance maintaining the food security and sustainable agricultural development. Jiangsu is one of the main provinces for rice production. After more than 40 years of development, the yield and quality of rice grain have made great progress. Rice grain quality is a complex trait involving production, processing, marketing and consumption of the grain. In this review, we summarize the progress on the genetic basis of main grain quality traits in the rice variety breeding in Jiangsu province and point out the achievement of each milestone. With a focus on the genetic regulation of grain appearance, eating and cooking quality and nutritional quality, we describe the classic genetic rules and molecular basis of rice grain quality traits and review the function of major genes that regulate corresponding traits. The genetics and improvement of grain quality achieved in Jiangsu province was highlighted on the domestic and international rice breeding programs. In particular, with the advance of breeding conception in terms of functional genomics and genetic regulatory networks, the specific molecular design for grain quality improvement will be the future direction of rice genetic breeding program of Jiangsu Province.

White hepatopancreas syndrome has recently emerged in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) aquaculture, causing considerable economic loss. The hepatopancreas color of diseased crabs becomes gradually lighter, turning from yellow to yellow-white to white. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the changes in nutrient composition in three edible parts (hepatopancreas, ovaries, and muscle) of adult females with different colored hepatopancreases. Three groups were assessed in this study, including a yellow hepatopancreas group (control, L * = 63.92, a * = 22.14, b * = 60.95), a yellow-white hepatopancreas group (YWHG, L * = 65.06, a * = 22.35, b * = 57.80), and a white hepatopancreas group (WHG, L * = 65.72, a * = 10.70, b * = 30.52). No statistically significant differences in average weight, tissue indices, and total edible yield were observed among the three crab groups (P >0.05). The moisture content of the hepatopancreases and ovaries in WHG was 56.12% and 9.23% higher than the control values (P <0.05), whereas hepatopancreas crude fat and ovary crude protein levels were 62.23% and 11.45% lower than the control values (P < 0.05). The total carbohydrate levels of the three edible tissues were significantly higher and the crude protein content of ovaries was significantly lower in YWHG (P < 0.05). Most amino acid levels in the WHG muscle and ovaries were significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, the hepatopancreas levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-6PUFA in WHG were 24.88% and 31.83% lower than in control group, whereas the hepatopancreas levels of total PUFA and n-6PUFA in YWHG were also 21.88% and 23.20% lower compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Overall, the growth and the edible parts were not affected in YWHG and WHG. Moreover, YWHG crabs exhibited few effects on nutritional value; however, the fatty acid composition of crabs was significantly changed. In contrast, WHG crabs exhibited poor nutritional quality. Nonetheless, the consumption of crabs with yellow-white or white hepatopancreases is not recommended since the animal also referred to as diseased crabs., (© 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®.)