Search

Herbal-induced liver injury (HILI) continues to increase in prevalence each year due to the ongoing popularity of herbal supplements and complementary and alternative medicines. A detailed literature review of case reports and clinical studies published from March 2021 to March 2023 was performed. We discuss the epidemiology and diagnosis of HILI as well as the current and proposed laws and regulations. The 2021 ACG guidelines and 2022 AASLD practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of drug and herbal-induced liver injury are discussed. We describe updates to previously reported etiologies of HILI such as ayurveda, ashwagandha, turmeric, kratom, green tea extract, and garcinia cambogia. Newly described supplements resulting in HILI, such as tinospora cordifolia, horse chestnut, alkaline water, and more, are described. We discuss newly and previously identified hepatoprotective herbal supplements as they have been reported in the study of animal models and human liver cells. This review suggests the need for ongoing research on the causes and mechanisms of HILI to ensure its proper diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in the future. The goal of this review is to provide novice and expert readers with knowledge regarding the possible etiologies of HILI and a general overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cycles of NHANES (2013–2018) were used to assess protein intake, protein quality (protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score; PDCAAS), protein cost, and nutrient intakes across quartiles of plant protein intake (Q1: <28.2%; Q2: 28.2% to <32.1%; Q3: 32.1 to <36.2%; Q4: ≥36.2%) over a 24 h period (≥19 years, n = 14 888). Grains represented the primary source of plant protein across quartiles and increased from 5.01% (Q1) to 13.5% (Q4). Across all the USDA's Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) food groups, grains were the most economical source of protein (24.3–26 g protein/$1). Legumes were the most economical plant-based protein (28–37.7 g protein/$1) within the "Protein Foods" FNDDS group. Absolute protein intake (96.6 g/day) and PDCAAS (0.91) of diets were progressively lower from Q1 to 72.0 g/day and 0.8 in Q4, respectively. Modelling the replacement of 50% of amino acids from grains in the diet with amino acids from legumes increased the PDCAAS by 10% in Q4. Intake levels of fibre, folate, iron, and zinc, were higher in Q2–Q4 compared to Q1 but had lower intakes of vitamins B12 and D. Amino acid complementation is required to effectively integrate higher levels plant protein into US diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulses such as beans, chickpeas, peas, and lentils are typically consumed whole, but pulse flours will increase their versatility and drive consumption. Beans are the most produced pulse crop in the United States, although their flour use is limited. To expand commercial applications, knowledge of pulse flour attributes important to the food industry is needed. This research aimed to understand the food industry's needs and barriers for pulse flour utilization. An online survey invitation was sent via direct email to individuals employed in food companies developing wheat flour products. A survey weblink was distributed by pulse commodity boards to their membership. Survey questions asked food manufacturers about intrinsic factors of pulse flours that were satisfactory or challenging, and extrinsic factors for use such as market demand. Of the 75 complete responses, 21 currently or had previously used pulse flours in products, and 54 were non-users of pulse flours. Ten users indicated that there were challenges with pulse flours while five did not. Two of the most selected challenges of end-product qualities were flavor and texture. Over half of the respondents were unfamiliar with bean flour. Increasing awareness of bean flours and their attributes coupled with market demand for pulse flour-based products may be the most important extrinsic factors to increasing use among food manufacturers rather than supply or cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is one of the most important crops worldwide. Brazil and the United States (US) are the world's two biggest producers of this legume. The increase of publicly available DNA sequencing data as well as high-density genotyping data of multiple soybean germplasms has made it possible to understand the genetic relationships and identify genomics regions that underwent selection pressure during soy domestication and breeding. In this study, we analyzed the genetic relationships between Brazilian (N = 235) and US soybean cultivars (N = 675) released in different decades and screened for genomic signatures between Brazilian and US cultivars. The population structure analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian germplasm has a narrower genetic base than the US germplasm. The US cultivars were grouped according to maturity groups, while Brazilian cultivars were separated according to decade of release. We found 73 SNPs that differentiate Brazilian and US soybean germplasm. Maturity-associated SNPs showed high allelic frequency differences between Brazilian and US accessions. Other important loci were identified separating cultivars released before and after 1996 in Brazil. Our data showed important genomic regions under selection during decades of soybean breeding in Brazil and the US that should be targeted to adapt lines from different origins in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diet is one of the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. However, studies on dietary protein intake and cognitive decline have remained limited and inconclusive. Objectives In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between long-term dietary protein intake and subsequent subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Methods We included 49,493 women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (1984–2006) and 27,842 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) (1986–2002). For the NHS, average dietary intake was calculated from 7 repeated semi-quantitative FFQs (SFFQs), and SCD was assessed in 2012 and 2014. For the HPFS, average dietary intake was calculated from 5 repeated SFFQs, and SCD was assessed in 2008 and 2012. Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between dietary protein, amino acids, and various protein food sources with subsequent SCD. Results Higher protein intake compared with total carbohydrates was associated with lower odds of SCD. When substituting 5% energy from protein for the equivalent percentage of energy from total carbohydrates, the pooled multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 0.89 (0.85, 0.94) for total protein, 0.89 (0.84, 0.94) for animal protein, and 0.74 (0.62, 0.88) for plant protein. When substituting 5% of energy from animal protein with plant protein, the OR was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.97). For protein food sources, higher intakes of beans/legumes, fish, and lean poultry were significantly associated with lower odds of SCD, but higher intake of hotdogs was associated with higher odds of SCD. Conclusions Higher protein intake was associated with lower odds of SCD when compared isocalorically with carbohydrate. Plant protein sources were also associated with lower odds when compared with animal protein sources. Our findings suggest that adequate protein intake, and choices of protein sources could play a role in the maintenance of cognition and should be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dietary intake is a primary source of cadmium (Cd) exposure in the non-smoking population. Plant foods containing metal-binding plant compounds such as polyphenols, phytates, and phytochelatins may reduce Cd bioavailability and result in lower Cd body burden. In this study, we investigated the association between plant food intake and urinary creatinine-adjusted Cd (uCd), a well-established marker of Cd body burden. Methods: Participants were from a cross-sectional sample of 1901 adults in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. We created a 12-point plant food score (PFS) based on reported intake across seven categories (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts/seeds, whole grains, tea, and wine). Higher scores indicated higher consumption and diversity of plant food intake. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the association between PFS and uCd. Due to the influence of age and smoking on Cd status, stratified analyses were conducted. Results: Mean PFS was 5.4 (SD 2.2) and mean uCd was 0.53 µg/g creatinine (SD 0.39). In adjusted models, PFS was not associated with uCd (p > 0.05). In stratified analyses, PFS was inversely associated with uCd (p = 0.047) with a 1-point higher PFS associated with 0.018 µg/g lower uCd among middle-aged (45–59) adults. No significant association was observed between PFS and uCd in older (≥ 60) adults. The association of PFS and uCd did not differ by smoking status. Conclusion: Our findings suggest higher plant food intake is associated with lower Cd body burden in middle-aged but not older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To quantify the energy, nutrients-to-limit and total gram amount consumed and identify their top food sources consumed by Latin Americans.Design: Data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS).Setting: ELANS is a cross-sectional study representative of eight Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.Participants: Two 24-h dietary recalls on non-consecutive days were used to estimate usual dietary intake of 9218 participants with ages between 15-65 years. 'What We Eat in America' food classification system developed by United States Department of Agriculture was adapted and used to classify all food items consumed by the ELANS population. Food sources of energy, added sugars, SFA, Na and total gram amount consumed were identified and ranked based on percentage of contribution to intake of total amount.Results: Three-highest ranked food categories of total energy consumed were: rice (10·3%), yeast breads (6·9%), and turnovers and other grain-based items (6·8 %). Highest ranked food sources of total gram amount consumed were fruit drinks (9·6%), other 100% juice (9·3%) and rice (8·3%). Three highest ranked sources for added sugars were other 100% juice (24·1 %), fruit drinks (16·5%), and sugar and honey (12·4%). SFA ranked foods were turnovers and other grain-based (12·6 %), cheese (11·9%), and pizza (10·3%). Three top sources of Na were rice (13·9%), soups (9·1 %) and rice mixed dishes (7·3 %).Conclusion: Identification of top sources of energy and nutrients-to-limit among Latin Americans is critical for designing strategies to help them meet nutrient recommendations within energy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific Northwest is an important pulse production region in the United States. Currently, pulse crop (chickpea, lentil, and dry pea) breeders rely on traditional phenotyping approaches to collect performance and agronomic data to support decision making. Traditional phenotyping poses constraints on data availability (e.g., number of locations and frequency of data acquisition) and throughput. In this study, phenomics technologies were applied to evaluate the performance and agronomic traits in two pulse (chickpea and dry pea) breeding programs using data acquired over multiple seasons and locations. An unmanned aerial vehicle-based multispectral imaging system was employed to acquire image data of chickpea and dry pea advanced yield trials from three locations during 2017–2019. The images were analyzed semi-automatically with custom image processing algorithm and features were extracted, such as canopy area and summary statistics associated with vegetation indices. The study demonstrated significant correlations (P < 0.05) between image-based features (e.g., canopy area and sum normalized difference vegetation index) with yield (r up to 0.93 and 0.85 for chickpea and dry pea, respectively), days to 50% flowering (r up to 0.76 and 0.85, respectively), and days to physiological maturity (r up to 0.58 and 0.84, respectively). Using image-based features as predictors, seed yield was estimated using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression models, during which, coefficients of determination as high as 0.91 and 0.80 during model testing for chickpea and dry pea, respectively, were achieved. The study demonstrated the feasibility to monitor agronomic traits and predict seed yield in chickpea and dry pea breeding trials across multiple locations and seasons using phenomics tools. Phenomics technologies can assist plant breeders to evaluate the performance of breeding materials more efficiently and accelerate breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although laboratory studies suggest a potential role of magnesium (Mg) in weight regulation, human studies relating Mg intake to body weight are limited. This study sought to prospectively examine the association between Mg intake and incidence of obesity and related anthropometric and biochemical indicators. Methods: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study recruited 5115 American young adults, aged 18–30 years, at baseline in 1985–6, and re-examined them in eight follow-ups. Incident obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Dietary Mg intake was collected using the CARDIA Diet History at baseline and exam years 7 and 20. Results: During the 30-year follow-up, 1675 incident cases of obesity were identified. After adjustment for potential confounders, Mg intake was inversely associated with incidence of obesity. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) from quintile 1 (Q1) (lowest intake group) to quintile 5 (Q5) (highest intake group) were 1 (referent), 0.86 (0.74, 1.00), 0.83 (0.71, 0.97), 0.55 (0.46, 0.66), and 0.49 (0.40, 0.60); P for trend < 0.01. Consistently, Mg intake was inversely associated with the levels of BMI, triceps skinfold, suprailiac skinfold, subscapular skinfold, fasting insulin, and C-reactive protein. The observed associations were not materially modified by age, sex, race, or BMI at baseline. In addition, the intakes of foods rich in Mg, including whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, and dark-green vegetables, were associated with lower incidence of obesity. Conclusions: This longitudinal study suggests that Mg intake is inversely associated with incidence of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two species of Bradyrhizobium that nodulate soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and fix nitrogen (N): B. japonicum and B. elkanii. Bradyrhizobium elkanii is endemic to soils in the southeastern region of the United States. Some strains of B. elkanii produce rhizobitoxine (RT), a toxin that causes chlorosis on newly developing trifoliates of some field‐grown soybean, in root nodules. Some soybean genotypes are resistant to rhizobitoxine‐induced (RI) chlorosis. The objective of this research was to determine the inheritance of soybean resistance to RI chlorosis. Crosses were made between resistant and susceptible cultivars. Progeny were identified as susceptible, resistant, or segregating in the first, second, and third self‐pollinated generations. All F1 hybrids from crosses between resistant and susceptible soybean exhibited seedling chlorosis, indicating that genes for resistance to chlorosis are recessive. The F2 progeny segregated in a ratio of nine susceptible to seven resistant, indicating that there are two genes responsible for the soybean resistance to RI chlorosis. This ratio was confirmed in F2:3 population screening. One hundred forty‐one simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers polymorphic in both a susceptible parent and a resistant parent were used to locate the genes responsible for resistance to chlorosis. A gene found near marker Satt 657 on linkage group (LG) F (chromosome 13) explained a statistically significant 32% of the phenotypic variation among F2 plants based on the p‐value and R2 of a single factor ANOVA. The second gene was not located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mob grazing, which uses very high stocking densities for short durations followed by a relatively long rest period, was designed to mimic bison (Bison bison) grazing in western U.S. grassland. This project assessed the suitability of mob grazing for livestock production in the Northeast. Objectives were to compare the effects of mob and rotational grazing on dry matter (DM) mass, nutritive value, and botanical composition across four grazing seasons. Eight, 0.10‐ha paddocks were established in 2014 as a randomized complete block with four replications, and seeded with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort]. Mob‐grazed (MOB) paddocks were grazed by yearling beef cattle twice each year, (70–90–day interval), and rotationally grazed (ROT) paddocks were grazed four to six times each year (when sward height reached 25 cm). Cumulative pre‐grazing forage biomass (PGFM) of ROT was greater than MOB in three of four years. At the final grazing, the PGFM of ROT exceeded MOB by 2,500 kg ha−1. Within year, PGFM of ROT was more consistent, varying by only 1,000–1,400 kg DM ha−1 compared with 1,800–2,800 kg DM ha−1 for MOB. Grazing strategy altered botanical composition; ROT favored grasses while MOB favored alfalfa. Forage fiber content was consistently lower in ROT than MOB paddocks, indicating superior nutritive value. Results suggest rotational grazing is likely suitable for more consistent forage production of greater nutritive value in temperate, cool‐season grass‐legume pastures of the northeastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous findings on the associations of legume and soy intake with the risk of type 2 diabetes are conflicting. Objective We aimed to summarize the longitudinal associations between legume and soy intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods We searched for relevant prospective cohort studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid up to August 2019. Study-specific, multivariable-adjusted RRs and 95% CIs were pooled by random-effects models. Results We identified 15 unique cohorts including 565,810 individuals and 32,093 incident cases. The summary RRs (95% CIs) of incident type 2 diabetes were 0.95 (0.79, 1.14; NS) for total legumes, 0.83 (0.68, 1.01; NS) for total soy, 0.89 (0.71, 1.11; NS) for soy milk, 0.92 (0.84, 0.99) for tofu, 0.84 (0.75, 0.95) for soy protein, and 0.88 (0.81, 0.96) for soy isoflavones, respectively. High heterogeneity was found for total legumes (I 2 = 84.8%), total soy (I 2 = 90.8%), and soy milk (I2  = 91.7%). Potential sources of heterogeneity were not evident for total legumes or soy milk, whereas for total soy, geographic location (Asia, United States; P  = 0.04) and study quality (high, moderate, or low; P = 0.02) significantly predicted heterogeneity. In dose–response analysis, significant linear inverse associations were observed for tofu, soy protein, and soy isoflavones (all P < 0.05). Overall quality of evidence was rated as moderate for total legumes and low for total soy and soy subtypes. Conclusions Dietary intakes of tofu, soy protein, and soy isoflavones, but not total legumes or total soy, are inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes. Our findings support recommendations to increase intakes of certain soy products for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, the overall quality of evidence was low and more high-quality evidence from prospective studies is needed. This trial was registered as PROSPERO CRD42019126403 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association of dietary protein intake and protein sources with cognitive function in population aged 60 years and older. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Participants: Non-institutionalized US adults aged 60 years and older. Measurements: Cognitive functions were assessed by a series of cognitive tests. Dietary protein intake was assessed by two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the associations between quartiles of dietary protein intake and cognitive function. Results: Protein intake was positively associated with cognitive function. In full-adjusted model, the significant association between dietary protein intake and Recall Test score was observed (quartile (Q) 2 versus Q1, β=0.24, 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.47); the association between protein intake and Animal Fluency test was significant (Q2 versus Q1, β=1.40, 95%CI: 0.51 to 2.29; Q4 versus Q1, β=1.42, 95%CI: 0.37 to 2.48); the positive associations with DSST score and Composite z-score were observed both in Q2 versus Q1 and Q3 versus Q1 of protein intake. Protein intake from total animal, total meat, eggs and legumes were associated with a better performance on certain cognitive tests. However, an adverse association between higher protein intake from milk and milk products and cognitive function was observed. Conclusions: We found the positive associations of dietary protein intake and protein intake from total animal, total meat, eggs and legumes with cognitive function in adults aged 60 years and older, while higher milk and milk products were negatively associated with cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased demand for food requires us to investigate livestock forage and fodder crops that can be grown over a wide range of locations where their cultivation will not compete with that of the food supply. A large portion of the southwestern United States consists of underutilized semi‐arid land. Crops typically used for livestock fodder or forage have high‐water demands that make them uneconomical or unsustainable for semi‐arid and arid regions. The growth rate and low‐input requirements of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus‐indica) make it an excellent candidate for forage or fodder supplementation or replacement in these regions. Previous reports about forage quality data on Opuntia have been scattered across multiple locations, growing conditions and cultivars. Here, we report on the forage quality and mineral content of Opuntia ficus‐indica grown under both field and greenhouse conditions. Crude protein was 71 and 264 g/kg of dry mass for field and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Field‐grown plants showed higher acid and neutral detergent fibre content than greenhouse‐grown plants reflecting higher cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin accumulation. Nutritional values were also compared to requirements of cattle to determine what deficiencies might need to be addressed through supplementation. These data suggest that Opuntia can be used in combination with other feed sources to reduce the demand of resource‐intensive forage crops for raising livestock in dryland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based diets are considered healthier than many omnivorous diets. However, it is unclear that restriction of animal products necessarily motivates increased consumption of nutrient- and fibre-rich plant-based foods as opposed to energy-dense but nutrient-poor plant-based foods containing refined grains and added sugars and fats. The present study examined FFQ and food record data from ninety-nine individuals in the USA with varying degrees of adherence to the Orthodox Christian tradition of restricting meat, dairy and egg (MDE) products for 48 d prior to Easter to investigate whether restricting MDE products in the absence of explicit nutritional guidance would lead to increased consumption of healthy plant-based foods and greater likelihood of meeting dietary recommendations. Multiple linear regression models assessed changes in major food groups, energy and nutrients in relation to the degree of reduction in MDE consumption. Logistic regression analyses tested the odds of meeting 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on plant-based foods in relation to MDE restriction. Each serving reduction in MDE products was associated with small (approximately 0·1–0·7 serving) increases in legumes, soya products and nuts/seeds (all P values < 0·005). MDE restriction was not associated with higher odds of meeting recommendations on vegetable, fruit or whole-grain intake. Consumption of refined grains and added sugars did not change in relation to MDE restriction but remained above recommended thresholds, on average. These findings demonstrate that a reduction of MDE products for spiritual purposes may result in increases in some nutrient-rich plant-based foods but may not uniformly lead to a healthier dietary composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Studies have found beneficial effects of plant-based diets on weight. However, not all plant foods are necessarily beneficial. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine associations of changes in intake of 3 variations of plant-based diet indices (overall, healthful, and unhealthful) with weight change over 4-y intervals spanning >20 y. Methods Data from 3 ongoing prospective observational cohort studies in the United States were used, namely the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHS2, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), with 126,982 adult men and women. Self-reported diet data were collected every 4 y, and self-reported weight data were used to compute weight change every 4 y over >20 y of follow-up. Results On average, participants gained a mean of 0.90 kg (HPFS) to 1.98 kg (NHS2) over 4-y intervals. Different types of plant-based diet indices were associated with different amounts of weight gain. After adjusting for several potential confounders, including concomitant changes in other lifestyle factors, a 1-SD increase in intake of an overall plant-based diet index was associated with 0.04 kg less weight gain over 4-y periods (95% CI: 0.05, 0.02 kg; P  < 0.001). A 1-SD increase in intake of a healthful version of a plant-based diet index (emphasizing whole grains, fruits/vegetables, nuts/legumes, vegetable oils, tea/coffee) was associated with 0.68 kg less weight gain over 4-y periods (95% CI: 0.69, 0.66 kg; P  < 0.001). Conversely, a 1-SD increase in an unhealthful version of a plant-based diet index (emphasizing refined grains, potato/fries, sweets, sweetened drinks/juices) was associated with 0.36 kg more weight gain (95% CI: 0.34, 0.37 kg, P  < 0.001). Conclusion Plant-based diets, especially when rich in healthier plant foods, are associated with less weight gain over 4-y intervals. This supports current recommendations to increase intake of healthy plant foods, and reducing intake of less-healthy plant foods and animal foods, for improved health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidapion argentatum (Gerstaecker) (Brentidae) is a weevil from the Mediterranean region collected and recorded from French broom (Genista monspessulana) (L.) LAS Johnson (Fabaceae), a major invasive plant in the USA. We studied feeding and oviposition of L. argentatum under laboratory conditions. Overwintering adults can oviposit in either seed-pods or stem tips of French broom. Larvae in seed-pods consume seeds whereas those in stems develop inside a gall. The development time of L. argentatum in stem galls ranged from 34 to 40 days at mean 23.67 ± 2.43°C. The double ability of L. argentatum to develop in stems and pods appears not to have been recorded in Coleoptera and rare in other phytophagous insects. Our finding increases its potential value as a biocontrol agent against French broom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastures in the Appalachian region of the United States comprise a mix of grasses, legumes and forbs that tend to differ in productivity within and among years. A high degree of spatial variability in hill‐land pasture creates microsite conditions that influence botanical composition of pasture. The variation in sward composition presents logistical challenges to livestock producers who rely on a dependable supply of herbage mass and nutritive value to meet production goals. Our objective was to determine if forage communities sown for specific functions, for example, superior dry matter productivity, resource patch exploitation or targeted seasonal production, adapted to changing growing conditions within and among years. Productivity of communities differed among years reflecting the cumulative influences of time, ontogenetic and environmental variations. Maximum productivity was influenced by the specific forage community and less so by simple clipping and fertiliser management. Naturalised swards clipped to emulate hay management tended to have sustained herbage productivity but lower nutritive value when compared to sown communities. Rankings of dry matter productivity of communities were similar for each year where bioactive composition, high productivity and warm season tended to produce the most, and stoloniferous‐rhizomatous and naturalised pasture the least. Regardless of initial sward composition, effective number of species as an index of diversity increased when frequently clipped swards were not fertilised, and when infrequently clipped swards were fertilised. Dry matter production patterns were not influenced by the effective number of species in any forage community suggesting that key species sustained productivity with volunteer species making lesser contribution to total productivity. The species composition of forage plant communities appears to be more important than clipping or fertiliser management practices as a means to sustain forage productivity. A high degree of spatial variability in hill‐land pasture creates microsite conditions that influence botanical composition of the sward. The variation in composition presents logistical challenges to livestock producers who rely on a dependable supply of herbage mass and nutritive value to meet production goals. Our objective was to determine if forage communities sown for specific functions could sustain productivity while adapting to changing growing conditions within and among years. The species composition of forage plant communities appears to be more important than clipping or fertilizer management practices as a means to sustain forage productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biological N fixation (BNF) was maximized early in the seed filling period, achieving a maximum rate of 3 kg N ha–1 day–1. • Biomass production was a better predictor of BNF than seed protein or environmental factors. • The BNF rate during seed-fill was driven by crop growth rate (C supply) rather than seed N accumulation rate (N demand). • The N exported in seed exceeded the N derived from BNF, indicating a negative partial N balance for soybean production. The rainfed USA Midwestern region has deep, fertile soils and leads the USA in soybean [ Glycine max , (L.) Merr.] production. Biological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) contributes a portion of the soybean N requirement, but variability in BNF is poorly understood and estimates of BNF for this region are rare. We established experiments in Iowa, USA to gain a better understanding of BNF and increase its predictability. We collected in-season BNF measurements accompanied by high temporal resolution soil and plant growth measurements. Across two years, two locations and two planting dates, we found that BNF contributed 23–65% of total aboveground N accumulation in soybean. The BNF rate was maximized at the early seed-filling period and varied from 1 to 3 kg N ha−1day−1. During seed filling period, the rate of BNF was related to crop growth rate (carbon (C) supply) but not to N accumulation by the reproductive organs (N demand). We found that a minimum crop growth rate of 135 kg dry matter ha−1day-1 is required to sustain maximum BNF rates. In contrast to BNF, the soil inorganic N uptake rate was related to seed N demand but not to C supply. Biomass production was the best predictor of total soybean BNF (R2 > 0.83). On average, 0.013 kg N was fixed per kg biomass produced. Across all trials, the N exported via seed was greater than the N imported via BNF, which suggests that Midwest US soybeans may reduce soil organic matter. We concluded that future research efforts should focus on increasing C – rather than N – availability during the seed filling period towards improving both grain yields and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlight • Legumes averaged ≈ 13 individuals m−2 and constituted ≈ 17% of the understory biomass. • Legume foliar %N was double that of non-legume plants due presumably to N 2 -fixation. • Legume foliar chemistry was indicative of tissues with rapid decomposition rates. • Canopy openness was directly related to foliar mass and %N for the dominant legumes. • N input by legume N 2 -fixation may balance N losses due to low intensity burning. Abstract Prescribed burning is one of the most commonly used management practices in pine (Pinus spp.) forests of the southeastern United States. There is concern, however, that burning may lead to excessive losses of nitrogen (N), thereby decreasing forest productivity. The N losses due to burning may be potentially countered via symbiotic N 2 -fixation by native and naturalized herbaceous legumes that may thrive in burned forests. However, the rates and controls of N input via legume N 2 -fixation in these ecosystems are poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to measure legume abundance, biomass, N 2 -fixation, substrate quality, and associated environmental controls in regularly burned loblolly pine (P. taeda) forests. The study sites were located in four management blocks at the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge. This assessment revealed a total of 23 legume species in 9 genera. Legume abundance averaged 12.95 ± 2.30 individuals m−2, and collectively Centrosema virginianum , Chamaecrista nictitans , Desmodium marilandicum , Galactia volubilis , and Lespedeza procumbens constituted 70.8% of the total legume abundance. Legumes comprised 17.1% of the understory aboveground biomass, and legume foliage, stem, and total (foliage + stem) biomass estimates averaged 15.38 ± 3.18, 20.88 ± 4.01, 36.26 ± 6.95 g m−2, respectively. Legume foliar N concentration averaged 2.22 ± 0.06% (ranging from 1.42−2.83%), and all legume foliar N concentrations were significantly higher than the average foliar values for blackberry (Rubus spp., 1.10 ± 0.05%) and the aggregate of non-leguminous forbs (1.03 ± 0.08%) that grew concurrently with the legumes in the study sites. N 2 -fixation assessments, based on the differential between legume and non-N 2 -fixing reference plant foliar N concentrations, indicated that approximately 50% of legume N was derived from the atmosphere. Legume foliage tissues exhibited relatively high substrate quality indices such as high N concentrations, low lignin concentrations (average of 14.3 ± 1.9%), and correspondingly low lignin:N ratios (average of 6.7 ± 0.9) indicative of tissues that exhibit rapid mass loss and N mineralization rates during decomposition. Canopy openness was the environmental variable that was most strongly correlated with foliar N and areal biomass among the dominant legume species. The estimated N input of 0.14 g m−2 yr−1 via N 2 -fixation may compensate for N losses due to relatively low intensity and infrequent understory burns during a stand rotation. Additional studies are needed to more comprehensively assess legume N 2 -fixation inputs, associated environmental constraints, and practical field applications which may increase N input via symbiotic N 2 -fixation in regularly burned pine forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify most commonly consumed foods by adolescents contributing to percentage of total energy, added sugars, SFA, Na and total gram intake per day. Design: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Setting: NHANES is a cross-sectional study nationally representative of the US population. Participants: One 24 h dietary recall was used to assess dietary intake of 3156 adolescents aged 10–19 years. What We Eat in America food category classification system was used for all foods consumed. Food sources of energy, added sugars, SFA, Na and total gram amount consumed were sample-weighted and ranked based on percentage contribution to intake of total amount. Results: Three-highest ranked food subgroup sources of total energy consumed were: sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB; 7·8 %); sweet bakery products (6·9 %); mixed dishes – pizza (6·6 %). Highest ranked food sources of total gram amount consumed were: plain water (33·1 %); SSB (15·8 %); milk (7·2 %). Three highest ranked food sources of total Na were: mixed dishes – pizza (8·7 %); mixed dishes – Mexican (6·7 %); cured meats/poultry (6·6 %). Three highest ranked food sources of SFA were: mixed dishes – pizza (9·1 %); sweet bakery products (8·3 %); mixed dishes – Mexican (7·9 %). Three highest ranked food sources of added sugars were: SSB (42·1 %); sweet bakery products (12·1 %); coffee and tea (7·6 %). Conclusions: Identifying current food sources of percentage energy, nutrients to limit and total gram amount consumed among US adolescents is critical for designing strategies to help them meet nutrient recommendations within energy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulses are dry seeds of legumes which are high in fiber and contain plant protein and several important macronutrients. Our aim was to model the nutritional effects of substituting servings of protein foods and/or refined grains with servings of beans and peas in the Healthy U.S.-Style Pattern identified in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 . Dietary modeling was accomplished by substituting nutrients of protein foods and/or refined grains with nutrients of the USDA's beans and peas (pulses) composite in the 2000 kcal Healthy U.S.-Style Pattern. A 10% or more change was used as an indicator of meaningful differences. Cost implications were computed by adding the cost of pulses and subtracting the cost of protein foods/refined grains according to the modeling scenario. The substitution of 6-8 oz/week protein foods with 1.5-2.0 cups/week pulses increased fiber and decreased cholesterol. Higher amounts of pulses replacing refined grains or combinations of protein foods and refined grains generally increase fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper depending on the modeling scenarios. All modeling scenarios of substituting the servings of protein foods alone or in combination with refined grains with the servings of pulses were associated with cost savings. Our results suggest that encouraging increased pulse consumption may be an effective strategy for improving diet.

As the production of non-traditional export (NTX) crops by smallholder households in developing countries expands, there is a compelling need to understand the potential effects of this type of agricultural production on household food security and nutrition. We use two household surveys with a sample of 52 households, interviews, and focus groups to examine whether smallholder farmers who produce broccoli for export in a rural Guatemalan community have different household food security than farmers in the same community who are still growing traditional maize and bean crops. We explore and compare the food security status of broccoli farmers (adopters) and traditional farmers (non-adopters) across four dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Adopters earned significantly more income (40%) than non-adopters, but higher incomes did not coincide with improvements in food availability, food access, or food utilization. Results indicate that adopters and non-adopters alike struggle with access to food, while the intensity of broccoli production may be undermining the ability of local agricultural systems to naturally control pests and regulate nutrients. More systematic approaches to food security assessment, especially those that consider all four dimensions of food security, are needed to better target interventions designed to alleviate food insecurity among rural smallholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to vegetable flavors during infancy and toddlerhood is hypothesized to enhance vegetable acceptance when children transition to table foods. Objective: We sought to examine the vegetable types, ingredients, and nutrient contents of vegetable-containing infant and toddler foods (ITFs) manufactured and sold in the United States. Design: A database of ITFs that contain vegetables (n = 548) was compiled from websites of companies based in the United States (n = 24). Product information was recorded, including intended age or stage, ingredient lists, and selected nutrients from the Nutrition Facts label. Ingredient lists were used to categorize vegetables using the USDA vegetable categories: dark green (e.g., spinach), red and orange (e.g., carrots), starchy (e.g., green peas, corn), beans and peas (e.g., black beans), and other (e.g., green beans, beets). Furthermore, products were categorized as single-vegetable, multi-vegetable, vegetable and fruit, vegetable and meat, or vegetable and other combinations (e.g., grains and and or dairy). Nutrients were examined, including energy (kilocalories), carbohydrates, fiber, and total sugars [per serving, per 100 g, per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC), and percentage of kilocalories from sugars]. Results: Of the 548 vegetable products, only 52 single-vegetable products (9.5%) were identified, none of which contained dark green vegetables or beans and peas. Red and orange vegetables most often appeared as the first ingredient (23.7%) compared to other vegetable types, such as dark green vegetables, which were rarely listed first (1.1%). Fruits were listed as the first ingredient more commonly than all vegetables (37.8%). One-way ANOVA revealed that vegetable and fruit products contained more sugars on average than did vegetable products with other ingredients, such as dairy and/or grains (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions: Current available products do not provide caregivers with a sufficient variety of single-vegetable products or products containing dark green vegetables to facilitate children's subsequent acceptance of these vegetables. Guidance should include making caregivers aware of the limitations of commercial ITFs manufactured and sold in the US market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We determined knowledge of the health benefits of consuming beans, and assessed if awareness varied by acculturation status among Hispanic and non-Hispanic low-income women. Methods: We used a self-administered survey with Iowa women aged 18-65 years who were eligible to receive income-based services through 2 healthcare clinics, a WIC clinic, and Extension Outreach. Chi-square and ANOVA were used to compare bean health benefit knowledge, demographics, health-risk factors, nutrition information seeking, and self-efficacy by acculturation categories. Results: Of the 158 women who completed the survey, 58% were Hispanic, with a mean age of 36 years. In terms of acculturation, 24% were Hispanic-dominant, 30% bicultural, and 46% English dominant. Over 50% of all respondents did not know bean consumption lowered cholesterol, aided blood glucose control, or reduced some cancer risks. Responses for 5 of 7 knowledge statements differed significantly by acculturation. Hispanic-dominant and bicultural women reported significantly better health, higher bean consumption, and less cigarette smoking than English-dominant women. Bicultural and English-dominant women were more likely to use the Internet for nutrition information. Conclusions: There are knowledge gaps about the health benefits of bean consumption among low-income women. Nutrition education to improve their knowledge may lead to increased bean consumption, reducing health disparities and improving nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bean consumption can reduce chronic disease risk and improve nutrition status. Consumer knowledge of bean health benefits could lead to increased intakes. Low-income women have poorer health and nutrition, but their level of knowledge about bean health benefits is unknown. Beans are a familiar food of reasonable cost in most settings and are cultural staples for Hispanics and other ethnicities. Study objectives were to assess awareness of bean health benefits among low-income women, and to evaluate any differences by acculturation status for Hispanic women in the Southwestern United States. Methods: A convenience sample of 406 primarily Mexican-origin (70%) low-income women completed a survey on knowledge of bean health benefits and general food behaviors. Principal components analysis of responses identified two summary scale constructs representing “bean health benefits” and “food behaviors.” Acculturation level was the main independent variable in chi-square or ANOVA. Results: The survey completion rate was 86% (406/471). Most women agreed or strongly agreed that beans improved nutrition (65%) and were satiating (62%). Over 50% answered ‘neutral’ to statements that beans could lower LDL cholesterol (52%), control blood glucose (56%) or reduce cancer risk (56%), indicating indifference or possible lack of knowledge about bean health benefits. There were significant differences by acculturation for beliefs that beans aid weight loss and intestinal health. Scores on the bean health benefits scale, but not the food behavior scale, also differed by acculturation. Conclusions: Limited resource women have a favorable view of the nutrition value of beans, but the majority did not agree or disagreed with statements about bean health benefits. Greater efforts to educate low-income women about bean health benefits may increase consumption and improve nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume crops leave N-rich residues and improve soil properties that can boost the yield of subsequent crops. This study conducted at two sites in Québec, eastern Canada, identified the most appropriate preceding legume crops for subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and N nutrition. Legumes were established in 2011, in monoculture or mixed with grain crops, for a total of 13 treatments: common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch/wheat, crimson clover/ wheat, field pea/wheat, alfalfa/corn, hairy vetch/corn, crimson clover/corn) and a non-N fixing crop (corn) as the control. In 2012, each plot was split and five N fertilizer rates applied to corn and wheat. Four legume systems (alfalfa, hairy vetch, crimson clover, and hairy vetch/wheat) significantly increased the soil structure stability, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities at warmer St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil location but not at the cooler St-Lambert-de-Lauzon site. These legumes also significantly increased yields and N nutrition of corn and wheat at St Mathieu-de-Beloeil and of wheat only at St-Lambert-de-Lauzon. Although legume N credit was found low (∼30 kg N ha-1), the N fertilizer replacement value was 51 to 77 kg N ha-1 for corn and up to 37 kg N ha-1 for wheat, depending on the preceding legume crop. This suggests that indirect effects related to improved soil properties impacted positively corn and wheat yield and N nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers worldwide alternative treatment news briefs as of June 2013. The consumption of more coffee may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. Yoga can be a helpful therapy in lowering blood pressure. Ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) decreases pain and increases lumbar flexibility in lower-back pain patients.

We developed a binomial sequential decision plan that classifies the economic status of nonviruliferous pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in commercial dry peas, Pisum sativum L. (Fabales: Fabaceae), in the Palouse region of northern Idaho and eastern Washington state. Relationships between mean pea aphid density per plant (x) and the proportion of aphid-infested plants (Pi) were determined by in situ visual counts of 100 plants on each of 27 seasonal dates during 2011 from early vegetative plant growth (stage V105) to late reproductive growth (stage R207) at two field sites near Moscow, ID. The best-fit Nachman model Pi = 1 - exp(-0.3616 x0.808) was used to restate the limits of noneconomic and economic infestations from one and three aphids per plant to 30 and 58% aphid-infested plants, respectively. Sequential decision plans were computed using the stop-line formulas of Waters for Wald's Sequential Probability Ratio Test. Validation of the sequential decision plan by simulated sampling from the 2011 data as well as from six commercial fields sampled during 2012 showed that when observed field densities either exceeded the economic injury level or were less than one third the economic injury level, the plan correctly classified aphid economic status in >99% of the resampling trials. Practical implementation of the plan is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant-based and fiber-rich diets high in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains are recommended to prevent cancer and chronic conditions associated with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Diet may play a role in the etiology of RCC directly and/or indirectly. Objective: In a large prospective cohort of US men and women, we comprehensively investigated dietary intake and food sources of fiber in relation to RCC risk. Design: Participants of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study (n = 491,841) completed a self-administered questionnaire of demographics, diet, lifestyle, and medical history. Over 9 (mean) years of follow-up we identified 1816 incident cases of RCC. HRs and 95% CIs were estimated within quintiles by using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Total dietary fiber intake was associated with a significant 15-20% lower risk of RCC in the 2 highest quintiles compared with the lowest (P-trend = 0.005). Intakes of legumes, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables were also associated with a 16-18% reduced risk of RCC. Conversely, refined grain intake was positively associated with RCC risk in a comparison of quintile 5 with quintile 1 (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.39; P-trend = 0.04). The inverse association between fiber intake and RCC was consistent among participants who never smoked, had a body mass index [BMI (in kg/m²)] <30, and did not report a history of diabetes or hypertension. Conclusions: Intake of fiber and fiber-rich plant foods was associated with a significantly lower risk of RCC in this large US cohort. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00340015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth, HV) is widely grown as a legume cover crop throughout the U.S.A., with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) through symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae (Rlv) being one of the most sought after benefits of its cultivation. This study determined if HV cultivation history and plant genotype affect genetic diversity of resident Rlv. Soil samples were collected from within farmers’ fields at Graham, Cedar Grove and Ivanhoe sites in North Carolina and pairs of genetically similar hairy vetch genotypes used as trap hosts. A total of 519 Rlv strains were isolated from six paired field soils, three with and three without histories of HV cultivation. A total of 46 strains failed to PCR-amplify the nifH gene; however nodC PCR amplification of these nifH-negative strains resulted in amplification of 22 of the strains. Repetitive element polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) with BOX-A1R primer and redundancy analysis showed rhizobial diversity to vary greatly within and between fields, with over 30 BOX banding patterns obtained across the six fields. Cluster analysis of BOX-PCR banding patterns resulted in 36 genetic groups of Rlv at a similarity level of 70%, with 15 of the isolates from fields with HV history not belonging to any of the clusters. Site was found to be the main driver of isolate diversity overall, explaining 57%, of the total variation among rhizobia occupying HV nodules, followed by history of hairy vetch cultivation. Evidence of a HV host genotype influence on the populations of rhizobia that infect hairy vetch was also observed, with plant genotype explaining 12.7% of the variation among all isolates. Our results show that second to site, HV cultivation history was the most important driver of rhizobial nodule community structure and increases the genetic diversity of resident Rlv in soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Competitive effects of dense herbaceous vegetation (ground cover) can inhibit forest restoration on mine sites. Here we review the evidence of ground cover interactions with planted tree seedlings on coal surface mines of the eastern US, discuss recent research into these interactions, and draw conclusions concerning ground cover management when restoring forests on reclaimed coal mines. Reclaimed mine sites have a high potential to support productive forests, however forest establishment is inhibited by reclamation practices that included soil compaction, and the seeding of competitive ground covers. In the first few years after tree planting, a dense ground cover of grass and legume species commonly seeded on mine sites often affect growth and survival negatively. Herbaceous vegetation providing less extensive and competitive ground coverage may either facilitate or inhibit tree establishment, depending on site conditions. The use of quality planting stock promotes the competitive ability of seedlings by improving nutrient status and the ability to capture available resources. Herbaceous species have contrasting functional characteristics, and thus compete differently with trees for available resources. Negative interactions with trees are more frequently reported for non-native cool-season grasses than for native warm-season grasses, while the effects of legumes change over time. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of tree/ground cover interactions. The development of seeding mixes that can control erosion, facilitate survival and growth of planted trees, and allow establishment by unplanted native species would aid forest restoration on eastern US, coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two prairie-clovers, Dalea ornata (Douglas ex Hook.) Eaton & J. Wright and Dalea searlsiae (A. Gray) Barneby, are perennial forbs found sporadically in the U.S. Intermountain West. Their seed is desirable for use in rangeland restoration. We experimentally characterized the breeding biologies of D. ornata and D. searlsiae in a common garden, surveyed their pollinator guilds, and sampled their seed predators. The 2 Dalea species, being primarily xenogamous, have comparable pollination requirements. For flowers manually pollinated with outcross pollen, an average of 42% of D. ornata flowers and 39% of D. searlsiae flowers yielded plump large seeds filled with endosperm. Both species proved to be self-compatible, but far fewer seeds resulted from either manual pollination with self-pollen (11% seed set for D. ornata and 7% for D. searlsiae) or unassisted autogamy (5% and 6% seed set, respectively). Limited surveys of the prairie-clovers' pollinator guilds in ruderal or cheatgrass-infested habitats revealed sparse visitation solely by wild bees, primarily of the genera Anthidium, Colletes, Bombus, Eucera, and Melissodes. Beetles (Acanthoscelides oregonensis Johnson and Apion amaurum Kissinger) infested seed sampled from 18 of 25 D. ornata populations across a 3-state region. Productive farming of the seed of these prairie-clovers for rangeland restoration in the western United States will require supplementation of bees for pollination and exclusion of seed beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snacking occasions are considered to contribute little more than energy to the diet; however, few studies have examined the role of snacking on overall diet quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between snacking frequency and overall diet quality. This study included 11,209 adults aged 20 years and older who participated in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Twenty-four–hour dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 were used to assess snacking frequency and diet quality. Diet quality was assessed with the US Department of Agriculture''s Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005). To adjust for confounding variables, multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the association between snacking frequency and HEI-2005 score, whereas the relationship between snacking frequency and HEI-2005 component scores were examined with Tobit regression models. Contrary to expectation, snacking was modestly associated (P<0.001) with higher total HEI-2005 scores (49.3±0.5, 49.9±0.3, 50.9±0.3, 51.9±0.4, and 51.6±0.6 for snacking zero, one, two, three, and four or more times per day, respectively). Total fruit (P<0.001), whole fruit (P<0.001), whole grains (P<0.001), milk (P<0.001), oils (P<0.001), and sodium (P<0.001) component scores were positively associated with snacking frequency. Inverse associations between snacking frequency and total vegetables (P=0.009); meat and beans (P=0.045); and the energy from solid fat, alcohol, and added sugars (P=0.007) components were observed. Although the magnitude of the association between snacking and overall diet quality was modest, snacking was associated with a more nutrient-dense diet. Focusing on the contribution snacking may have on single nutrient intakes may overlook its total nutritional impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Locoweeds are defined as Astragalus and Oxytropis species that cause intoxication due to the alkaloid swainsonine. Swainsonine concentrations in Oxytropis sericea were influenced by location, plant part, and the developmental stage of the plant. Concentrations followed similar trends at each location, generally increasing over the growing season in above-ground parts until the plant reaches maturity with no change in concentration in the crowns. At the onset of senescence, swainsonine decreased in floral parts to less than half of the peak concentration. Similar to swainsonine concentrations, endophyte amounts were influenced by location, plant part, and the developmental stage of the plant. Likewise, endophyte amounts generally increased over the growing season in above ground parts and remained static in the crowns at all four locations. Swainsonine in Oxytropis sericea was positively associated with the endophyte Undifilum, which is responsible for swainsonine biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Legumes and non-legumes usually differ in using soil water and nutrients. Both water and nutrients are scarce in the semi-arid Mu Us Sandland where legume and/or non-legume shrubs coexist/dominate. Here, we addressed the responses of legume versus non-legume shrubs to different soil water and nutrient conditions. Methods We conducted an experiment in which a legume (Hedysarum laeve) and a non-legume (Artemisia ordosica) were used, both of which are dominant species in the Mu Us Sandland. Seedlings of these two species were subjected to three water levels (45.0, 67.5 and 90.0 ml every 3 days) and three nutrient treatments (0, 0.1% and 0.2% nutrient solution every week) during the experiment. Important Findings Interactions between water and nutrients on total biomass, root weight ratio and rain use efficiency (RUE) were detected in A. ordosica but not in H. laeve, suggesting that water effects on A. ordosica but not on H. laeve are dependent on soil nutrients. Nutrient addition alleviated drought stress and increased RUE in A. ordosica. The interspecific differences in response to soil water and nutrients may be linked to the ability of plants to fix nitrogen. In addition, under low-soil water or nutrient conditions, H. laeve produced more biomass than A. ordosica, and the opposite was the case under high-soil resources. The relationship between relative growth rate (RGR) and RUE [or nutrient use efficiency (NUE)] varied with two species. RGR of A. ordosica was positively correlated with both RUE and NUE while RGR of H. laeve was negatively correlated with NUE. The different responses may be linked to the trade-off between high-growth rate and low-resource use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the nutrient analysis of commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S. which intends to identify the vegetables that provide the most nutrient in the greatest amount. It offers analysis on average intake of several vegetables including dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and legumes. Charts which show the commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S. along with its nutrients are offered.

Few North American legumes are available for use in rangeland revegetation in the western USA, but Searls prairie clover [Dalea searlsiae (A. Gray) Barneby] is one that holds promise. Commercial-scale seed production of this species could address the issues of unreliable seed availability and high seed costs associated with its wildland seed collection. To evaluate its utility for revegetation, we collected Searls prairie clover at 20 locations across Utah and Nevada. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and morphological and phenotypic traits (measured in common-garden plots) were used to clarify the role of evolutionary forces responsible for its genetic structure. Collections were evaluated for dry-matter yield, inflorescence weight, number of inflorescences, plant height, foliage diameter, flowering date, acid-detergent fiber, neutral-detergent fiber, and crude protein at two common-garden locations in northern Utah. Collections from southern Utah and eastern Nevada exhibited high phenotypic values, whereas collections from western Nevada and northwestern Utah had low phenotypic values. Collections from northwestern Utah were genetically differentiated from those of southern Utah and Nevada via AFLP markers. Strong isolation by distance between collections suggests that genetic drift and gene flow are important factors in determining population structure in Searls prairie clover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage legumes have the unique attributes of producing a high-quality forage to enhance animal performance and the ability to utilize atmospheric N that eliminates the legume plants dependence on soil N. Biological N2 fixation (BNF) rates are dependent on the infection by an effective rhizobia strain on the root hairs for each legume species. Producers planting forage legumes have the potential to utilize both benefits. However, both forage quality and BNF are influenced by numerous factors, including legume species, management practices, and climate, which determine their contribution to a forage-livestock system. Because of soil and climatic differences, the region of the United States dictates which legume species are grown, how productive they are, and how they are utilized in a forage-livestock system. Major factors influencing the contribution of legumes will be reviewed followed by a discussion of predominant legume species and their utilization in various regions of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Dakota is the leading producer of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the United States. In order to remain competitive, growers need to find ways to optimize yields and minimize input costs. Direct harvest may decrease equipment investment, harvest time, and operational costs when compared with conventional methods. However, direct harvest is often associated with reduced seed yield and quality. Experiments were conducted at four environments in North Dakota to evaluate the harvest efficiency of nine dry bean cultivars representing three market classes. Seed yield, seed loss, and other agronomic/morphological traits were measured using a split plot design. Harvest method and cultivar were consistently the most important factors contributing to seed yield and seed loss. Seed yield was significantly greater (830 kg ha-1) with the conventional method and seed loss was significantly greater (23.2%) under direct harvest. For conventional harvest, there was no difference in seed yield among cultivars within a market class. However, under direct harvest, one pinto (Lariat) and two black bean (T-39 and Eclipse) cultivars showed the highest yield. There were no differences among the navy cultivars for seed yield. Lariat was the most efficient cultivar across and within both harvest methods, with the best combination of highest yield (2232 kg ha-1) and lowest seed loss (11.1%). None of the morphological traits measured had a strong association with seed yield or seed loss. Results indicate that for optimal yields, growers need to select a cultivar with the best harvest efficiency possible, in addition to other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversions of water from irrigated agriculture are occurring in the western United States to address increasing municipal and industrial demands. Deficit irrigation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) could be a source of water without complete dry-up of irrigated fields. Water saving potential from alfalfa is high because it is a high water-use crop produced on 12% of the irrigated land in the United States. The objectives of this paper are to review alfalfa plant-water relations in the Great Plains and Intermountain West, to understand potential water savings through deficit irrigation, and to indentify management practices that maximize water-use efficiency (WUE). Alfalfa biomass yield exhibits a linear relationship to evapotranspiration (ET) with the slope of a regionally aggregated water production function of 0.16 Mg ha-1 cm-1 Relative ET declines 30% faster than relative biomass yield under deficit irrigation or dryland management. Because early season harvests have greater WUE, combining full irrigation in spring with no irrigation during less efficient water-use growth periods may be more effective in saving water than season-long deficit irrigation. Management practices that can influence WUE under deficit irrigation include stand age, growth stage at harvest, and alfalfa variety. A potential complication with controlled deficit irrigation of alfalfa is an uncertain contribution to ET from a water table. As alfalfa roots develop over time, a significant percentage of total ET can come from water tables shallower than 200 cm and the percentage increases as availability of water from precipitation or irrigation declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economically important genus Arachis (Fabaceae) comprises 80 species restricted to South America. One monograph on the genus divided it into nine sections and included an intuitive assessment of evolutionary relationships. There is no comprehensive phylogenetic study of the genus. To test the current systematic treatment of the genus, we reconstructed a phylogeny for Arachis using nuclear ITS and plastid trnT- trnF sequences from 46 species representing all nine sections. ITS cloning of the allotetraploid species of section Arachis indicated the presence of A and B genome alleles and chimeric sequences. Our study revealed that species from section Extranervosae were the first emerging lineage in the genus, followed by sections Triseminatae and Caulorrhizae, and two terminal major lineages, which we refer to as erectoides and arachis . The lineage erectoides comprises members of sections Erectoides, Heteranthae, Procumbentes, Rhizomatosae, and Trierectoides. Species in the arachis lineage form two major clades, arachis I (B and D genomes species and the aneuploids) and arachis II (A genome species). Our results substantiated the sectional treatment of Caulorrhizae, Extranervosae, and Triseminatae, but demonstrated that sections Erectoides, Procumbentes, and Trierectoides are not monophyletic. A detailed study of the genus Arachis with denser taxon sampling, additional genomic regions, plus information from morphology and cytogenetics is needed for comprehensive assessment of its systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]