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This study addresses the issue of maintaining nutritional quality amidst financial hardship faced by families in Plateau State, Nigeria. Surveys research designed was used for the study. The study covers 3 local government areas in Plateau State, ensuring diverse representation. The sample size of 400 families residing in Plateau State was used. Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study which capture the demographic information, dietary habits, household budget allocation for food, and perceptions of nutritional value. Mean and standard deviation was used to present result for the findings. The findings of the study revealed that that there should be cost-effective meal planning strategies in promoting healthy eating habits. Also, socioeconomic factors impact cost-effective meal planning in promoting healthy eating habits. Based on the findings, stakeholders, policymakers, and community organizations should implement interventions that support cost-effective meal planning, enhance nutritional literacy, and alleviate financial burdens on families in Plateau State. This study may empower families to make informed dietary choices and achieve better health outcomes despite economic constraints.

In order to promote the sustainable development of Zhejiang East white goose industry, freshwater aquaculture and seawater aquaculture of Zhejiang East white geese were taken as research objects. The heavy metal content, free amino acid composition, flavor nucleotide composition, and fatty acid composition were determined. The effects of seawater aquaculture on meat nutritional quality and flavor characteristics of Zhejiang East white geese were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the seawater group had lower water content, higher protein content, and lower fat content compared to the freshwater group. The content of free amino acids in the seawater group (4576.03 mg/kg) was significantly higher than that in the freshwater group (P

[Objective] To analyze the appearance characters and nutritional quality of walnuts in different origins of Xinjiang and Yunnan (13 batches from Xinjiang, 2 batches from Yunnan). [Method] The variation of 8 external quality indexes and 26 internal quality indexes of 15 batches and 6 varieties of walnuts from Xinjiang and Yunnan were studied by conventional observation, Soxhlet extraction, gas chromatography, Kjeldahl nitrogen determination and ICP-MS method. [Result] The longitudinal diameter, mean value of three diameters (longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, edge diameter) and fruit shape index of walnut from different regions had little difference, and the transverse diameter of walnut from Xinjiang was generally larger. The output rate of 13 batches of walnuts in Xinjiang (52.24%-64.33%) was significantly higher than that of 2 batches in Yunnan (46.22% and 47.68%,respectively). The coefficient of variation for palmitoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in 15 batches of walnut nuts were 52.06% and 16.04%, respectively, with significant differences. The protein content of walnut kernels varied significantly in different regions, with a coefficient of variation of 8.78%; the coefficient of variation of trace elements in walnut kernels was relatively large among different regions (9.39%-66.69%), the difference is obvious. The heavy metal mercury was not detected in the 15 batches of walnut nut samples, arsenic, cadmium and chromium were detected, the lead content detection ranged between 0.021-0.032 mg/kg, however, it did not exceed the limit requirements of GB 2762-2022 National Standard for Contamination in Food. [Conclusion] This study provides scientific basis for the development and utilization of walnut resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to address the shortage of high-quality and high-yield forage in the livestock industry development of the arid and semi-arid planting areas of the Hexi Corridor. The experiment selected nine different sorghum forage varieties as research subjects. By measuring and analyzing traits such as growth period, production characteristics, forage yield, and nutritional quality, a variety comparison experiment was conducted. A comprehensive evaluation is carried out using fuzzy mathematical membership functions. The results showed that although there were differences in the phenological stages of the varieties, all could complete the entire growth process. The varieties Kewo No.2, Super Sweet King, and Liaotian No.1 had significantly higher fresh and dry forage yields of 125 803.10, 118 317.04, 102 914.09 kg/hm2, and 43 817.22, 45 350.92, 30 565.49 kg/hm2, respectively, compared to other varieties (P<0.05). The variety BJ0906 had the highest content of crude protein (CP) at 12.56% and crude fat (EE) at 2.96%, which was significantly higher than other varieties (P<0.05). The variety Yajin 4148 had the highest water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content at 40.60%, significantly higher than other varieties (P<0.05). The variety with the lowest content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was BJ0906, with values of 40.24% and 27.34%, respectively, significantly lower than all other varieties except Super Sweet King (P<0.05). The relative feed value (RFV) and relative forage quality (RFQ) were highest for BJ0906 and lowest for Hercules. The average membership function values were higher for BJ0906 and Super Sweet King, while the overall production performance was worst for Hercules. The study indicates that BJ0906 and Super Sweet King are suitable for large-scale planting in the arid and semi-arid planting areas of the Hexi Corridor, and appropriate varieties can be selected for different uses in actual production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Analyse the breakfast cereal market to help to help healthcare professionals to guide parents in choosing healthy products for their children. Study design: Observational study of the breakfast cereals available in the biggest supermarkets, discount stores and organic chains in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Methods: An analysis of nutritional qualities using three indicators: Nutri-Score (initial and modified version), WHO Europe nutrient profile model, and Nova. Results: 645 products were listed; 559 excluding duplicates. A total of 28.8% are marketed to children and make up the group of "children's" cereals, 62.1% of cereals are Muesli, Oats and other cereal flakes (MOCF), and 54.9% are "organic". The study shows that "children's" cereals have a poorer nutritional profile: a higher proportion of Nutri-Score D, higher sugar content, lower fibre content, less conformity with the WHO Europe nutrient profile model and a higher proportion ofultra-processed. On the other hand, MOCF and "organic" products generally have a better nutritional profile: less sugar, more fibre, more Nutri-Score A, less Nutri-Score D and fewer ultra-processed products. Conclusions: Parents should therefore opt for cereals that do not bear any reference to children on the packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato Solanum lycopersicum is an important economic fruit, and widely consumed for its high nutritional quality. Our previous study found that AtERF022, a member of Arabidopsisthaliana ethylene response factors (ERFs) group III, acted a vital role in Arabidopsis growth and development. However, whether or how endogenous AtERF022 confers tomato fruit quality is still elusive. To explore the role of AtERF022 gene in tomato fruit ripening and nutritional quality, we generated AtERF022-overexpressing tomato line by transgenic and plant tissue culture technology. Our results showed that the higher expression of AtERF022 was found in tomato flowers and fruits, especially in orange ripening stage of fruits. Compared to wild-type, AtERF022-overexpressing tomato exhibited morphological growth advantages and elevated fruit ripening and nutritional quality. Further experiments and transcriptome sequencing showed that overexpression of AtERF022 enhanced the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall metabolism, chlorophyll degradation, carotenoids and flavonoids biosynthesis, and thereby promoting fruit ripening, β-carotene, flavonoids, vitamin C and total phenols accumulation. Together, our results provide genetic evidence that AtERF022 regulates tomato fruit ripening and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) seeds, recognized for their significant nutritional content, but limited by the presence of anti-nutritional phytate, display potential in terms of sprouting and biofortification with ZnO nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate how ZnO NPs affect the nutritional aspects of mung bean seedlings, going beyond growth parameters, to examine soluble carbohydrates, free amino acids, and fatty acid levels, with the objective of advancing our understanding of NP-plant interactions and their nutritional consequences. Accordingly, the effect of ZnO NPs on mung bean seedlings was studied by germinating and growing the seeds in a growth medium with varying concentrations of ZnO NPs ranging from 10 to 160 ppm. Analysis of the nutritional composition of the seedlings revealed a significant increase in free amino acid and soluble sugar levels under ZnO NP treatments, with a peak at 160 ppm ZnO NPs concentration. The fatty acid composition also exhibited significant changes in response to ZnO NPs, with different fatty acids showing distinct responses. ZnO NPs generally had a positive influence on the production of nutritionally valuable omega-6 fatty acids, leading to the highest levels of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in samples treated with 10 and 20 ppm of ZnO NPs. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the potential of ZnO nanoparticles to positively influence the nutritional composition of mung bean seedlings. These results contribute to our understanding of the intricate interactions between nanoparticles and plants, emphasizing the importance of further research in this area to fully understand the implications for agricultural and nutritional practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to determine the optimal harvesting period for triticale in Northwestern He'nan Province, and to study the effects of the mowing period on the agronomic traits, yield, and nutritional quality of different triticale varieties. The experiment used six varieties as experimental materials: Zhong Si 3366 (ZS3366), Zhong Si 1640 (ZS1640), Zhong Si 1257 (ZS1257), Zhong Si 1048 (ZS1048), Shi Da No. 1 (SD1), and Gan Nong No. 2 (GN2). Four harvesting treatments were set up: Jointing stage (JNT), booting stage (HD), flowering stage (FLW), and milky stage (MLK), with the JNT treatment involving a second harvest of the regrowth at the milky stage. The results showed that as the growth period progressed, the plant height and dry hay yield continued to increase overall, while fresh hay yield first increased and then decreased. The fresh hay yield was in the order of HD > JNT > FLW > MLK, and the dry hay yield was in the order of MLK > FLW > HD > JNT. As the growth period progressed, the nutritional quality of the ryegrass decreased. Compared with JNT, the crude protein content and relative feed value of MLK decreased, while the content of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber increased. The crude protein content was extremely positively correlated with moisture and feed value (P<0.01), and extremely negatively correlated with the content of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber (P<0.01). The study indicates that SD1 has a higher comprehensive evaluation at different harvesting stages compared to other varieties, and the plant height, dry hay yield, and crude protein yield during the FLW stage are all higher than those of other varieties. Considering both yield and nutritional quality, the optimal harvesting period for triticale in the Northwestern He'nan Province is the flowering stage, and the variety SD1 has outstanding comprehensive traits, making it suitable for planting and promotion in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defatted cottonseed meal (DCSM), a byproduct of the cotton industry, is highly regarded for its high protein content, making it a source of nutrients in animal feed. Traditional physical and chemical treatments of DCSM can lead to a reduction in nutrient content and the presence of residual organic solvents. Probiotic fermentation of DCSM offers several advantages, including degradation of anti-nutritional factors, an increase in nutrient content, and production of beneficial metabolites. This study employed probiotic fermentation of DCSM using a probiotic microbe collection composed of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. This fermentation process significantly enhanced the nutritional quality of DCSM. Specifically, the contents of crude protein, free amino acid, total phosphorus, and moisture increased by 1.14-fold, 1.14-fold, 1.24-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. In the meanwhile, there was a substantial reduction in the content of dry matter, crude ash, and crude fat, with decreases of 27.83%, 25.74%, and 88.23%, respectively. Probiotic fermentation of DCSM resulted in an overall enhancement of the palatability of DCSM. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of mixed probiotic fermentation as a promising approach for improving the nutritional quality of DCSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial herb of the genus Hemerocallis of Liliaceae. It is also an economically important crop and is widely cultivated. Daylily has nutritional, medicinal and ornamental values. The research literature shows that daylily is a high-quality food raw material rich in soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, dietary fiber, carotenoids, mineral elements, polyphenols and other nutrients, which are effective in clearing heat and diuresis, resolving bruises and stopping bleeding, strengthening the stomach and brain, and reducing serum cholesterol levels. This article reviews the main nutrients of daylily and summarizes the drying process of daylily. In addition, due to the existence of active ingredients, daylily also has a variety of biological activities that are beneficial to human health. This article also highlights the nutritional quality of daylily, the research progress of dried vegetable rehydration technology and dried daylily. In the end, the undeveloped molecular mechanism and functional research status of daylily worldwide are introduced in order to provide reference for the nutritional quality research and dried processing industry of daylily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

To investigate difference in the quality of the different parts (back, tail muscles, and fish skin) of Opsariichthys bidens from pond and rice field cultures, a comparative study was conducted in terms of nutritional composition, volatile flavor profiles and gut microbiota. In detail, the texture, free amino acids, fatty acids were further assessed. The results suggested that the moisture content, crude protein and crude fat content in the skin of O. bidens are higher than those in the back and tail muscles, regardless of breeding modes. The fish cultured in the rice field had a higher protein content than those from the pond culture, while the fat content of the rice field-cultured fish was significantly low compared to the fish from the pond culture, especially in the back and tail parts. A total of 43 volatile components were detected by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), with a maximum of 18 types of aldehydes and the highest concentration being nonanal. Compared to pond cultures, the fish from the rice field cultures showed more abundant flavor composition and odor-active compounds. The total content of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) in the rice field-cultured fish was higher than that of the pond group, while no significant disparity in amino acid composition was observed (p > 0.05). Comparative and clustering analyses of gut microbiota revealed notable discrepancies in the gut microbiota of O. bidens from two aquaculture systems. However, an inherent correlation between the gut microbiome and meat quality would be further emphasized in further studies. This study can offer a theoretical reference for the development of high-quality aquatic products by selecting the appropriate aquaculture models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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

The study aimed to screen suitable sugar sorghum varieties for planting in the Xing'an League area of Inner Mongolia, and analyzed and compared the production performance and nutritional quality of eight fodder sweet sorghum varieties, using grey relational analysis for comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that 3701 had the highest plant height (412.67 cm), fresh forage yield (186 111.11 kg/hm²), and dry forage yield (39 995.56 kg/hm²). Hercules had the highest crude protein content (5.17%). Manatee had the lowest content of neutral detergent fiber (64.02%) and acid detergent fiber (40.35%). The adaptability order of the eight tested varieties in the Xing'an League area of Inner Mongolia was: Fengtian > Lishen > F10 > Green Giant > Hercules > Bull Demon King > Manatee > 3701. The study indicates that the sweet sorghum variety Fengtian has the best comprehensive performance in the Xing'an League area and has the value for promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment mainly used in-shell fresh peanuts as the main raw material and adopted heat pump drying technology to dry peanuts. The effects of different material temperatures, loading masses, and air velocities on drying characteristics and peanut kernel nutritional quality were compared. Results showed that during drying, the drying moisture ratio decreased exponentially with increasing drying time, and the drying rate decreased with time. With the increase in material temperature, the drying time decreases, and the unit energy consumption first decreases and then increases. With the increase in loading mass, the drying time increases, and the unit energy consumption first decreases and then increases. Air velocity had no significant effect on drying time and unit energy consumption. The material loading had no significant effect on the protein, fat, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and amino acid contents in peanut kernels. The material temperature and air velocity had a significant effect on the nutritional quality of peanut kernels. The acid value and peroxide value of the dried peanut kernels met the national standard. When the hot air temperature was 45 °C, the germination potential and rate of peanut kernels were the highest, and the material loading and air velocity had no significant effect on the germination rate. In conclusion, setting the drying conditions to a hot air temperature of 45 °C, a single loading amount of 1 000 g, and an air velocity of 1.2 m/s resulted in better drying characteristics and quality of peanut kernels, with a shorter drying time (10.0 h) and the lowest unit energy consumption (11.01 kW·h/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agroecosystems, arthropod communities may be influenced by bottom-up forces induced by environmental variations (e.g., fertilization) through the modification of plant traits. The way bottom-up forces affect the second trophic level is well documented, but how these effects cascade to the third trophic level is less understood. We aimed to understand: 1) how bottom-up effects vary between natural enemies with contrasted ecology, i.e., parasitoids and predators; and 2) how the diet regime of the predators affected the intensity of bottom-up effects. We set-up a lab experiment measuring the effects of reduced fertilization (from standard rates to no fertilization) on tri-trophic systems in tomato. The selected herbivores are frequent pests on tomato systems (Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Bemisia tabaci and Tuta absoluta). The respective parasitoids were Aphidius ervi and Encarsia formosa, and the respective predators Adalia bipunctata (carnivorous), Macrolophus pygmaeus (omnivorous), Dicyphus errans (omnivorous) and Chrysoperla carnea (carnivorous). We recorded plant growth and leaf carbon and nitrogen content, herbivore fecundity as well as various parasitoid/predator traits including development, longevity, reproduction and biocontrol efficacy. We found evidence of diluted bottom-up forces through trophic levels depending on the herbivore types, with variable but overall marginally positive effects of reducing fertilization from high to intermediate levels on host quality and biocontrol efficacy. Parasitoids were overall less affected than predators. This work offers perspectives in the framework of Integrated Pest Management where reduced fertilization may help better control pest populations without significant impacts on plant growth and thus yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to explore the latest innovations in beer supply chain. Innovation is defined as the combined application of strategies that enhance intrinsic and extrinsic product characteristics while optimizing complementary aspects for a modern approach to the food market. The study is structured around key themes that define the overall quality of beer supply chain: safety (wholesomeness and authenticity), biological quality (chemical composition, sensory profile, and nutritional quality), process quality, convenience, and commodities. The goal is to promote accurate dissemination of information within the beer community and dispel common misconceptions. These misconceptions often arise from flawed approaches, leading to the creation of urban legends and unfounded prejudices. Special attention is given to innovation and research in the craft beer sector, which is rapidly growing in Italy and the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild fish are preferred by consumers primarily for their superior sensorial qualities, including taste and texture. However, their limited availability often results in higher prices. Considering this, we explored the possibility of enhancing the quality of earthen pond aquaculture fish by transferring them to a near wild environment. This study investigated how rewilding time affects the physical properties, nutritional composition, and volatile profile of grass carp muscle. The results showed that compared to the 0M group, the crude protein content in grass carp muscle did not change significantly (p > 0.05) as the rewilding time increased to 6 months. Meanwhile, the significant increase in hardness and springiness (p < 0.05) indicated that the textural characteristics of muscle, which were key sensory and physical indices of muscle quality, were improved. Although the 6M group showed a 58.93% reduction in crude fat content compared to the 0M group, it retained the highest docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that as the rewilding time increased, the fishy and grassy odors of the rewilding grass carp diminished. Furthermore, cluster heatmaps and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that cultured grass carp and rewilding grass carp at three time points exhibited differences in various indicators. The variable importance in projection (VIP) showed that volatile flavor compounds (acetone, propionaldehyde-D, 1-penten-3-ol) and hardness were key factors in distinguishing between them. Therefore, extending the rewilding time can potentially enhance the acceptability of cultured grass carp by improving the physical properties, nutritional quality, and volatile profile of the muscle. This approach may provide a new pathway for fish aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of different mixing ratios of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Bromus inermis on the nutritional and fermentation qualities of their mixed silage. Alfalfa and Bromus inermis were used as experimental materials and mixed in fresh weight ratios of 10∶0, 8∶2, 7∶3, 6∶4, 4∶6, 3∶7, 2∶8, and 0∶10 for ensiling, with three replicates for each treatment. After 60 days of storage, the sensory quality, nutritional components, and fermentation quality were tested and analyzed. The fermentation quality was scored using the V-Score scoring system, and grey relational analysis was used to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional and fermentation qualities of the eight groups of mixed silages to determine the optimal mixing ratio for the two forage grasses. The results showed that when alfalfa is mixed with Bromus inermis in a ratio of 6∶4 for ensiling, the silage quality was optimal, with the lowest pH value and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content, and the highest levels of crude protein (CP) and lactic acid (LA), as well as the lowest levels of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The study indicates that the mixed ensiling of alfalfa and Bromus inermis was superior to the individual ensiling of alfalfa and Bromus inermis. The mixed silage could better exert the advantages of each ensiling raw material, thus better preserving the nutritional components and fermentation quality of the green feed. A mixing ratio of 6∶4 for alfalfa to Bromus inermis is optimal for mixed ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds are used as spices. In this study, fatty acids extracted from the coriander seeds collected from three places (Sululta, Jimma and Wolaita Sodo) in Ethiopia were determined as their methyl ester using GC-MS. The fatty acid components were assessed using linoleic acid ethyl ester as an external standard. Sululta sample showed five fatty acids, while Wolaita Sodo and Jimma three each with highest amount of petroselinic acid: 68.41%, 72.53%, and 64.4%, respectively, of the total fatty acids. Linoleic acid (omega6) was found in the range of 18.24-22.37%. The polyunsaturated versus saturated (P/S) index values were found to be 1.69-2.39, which indicated that coriander seeds from the three sites have a good capacity to prevent the development of cardiovascular and some chronic diseases. The number of compounds identified in the essential oils of coriander seeds from Jimma, Sululta, and Wolaita Sodo were 7, 9, and 15 with total percent areas of 99.64, 75.14, and 96.68, respectively. The major component in the essential oils was linalool ranging from 36.72-88.50% of the total amount. In general, the chemical constituents of fatty acids and essential oils of coriander seeds indicates its good nutritional quality and usefulness for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In controlled environment agriculture, customized light treatments using lightemitting diodes are crucial to improving crop yield and quality. Red (R; 600-700 nm) and blue light (B; 400-500 nm) are two major parts of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), often preferred in crop production. Far-red radiation (FR; 700-800 nm), although not part of PAR, can also affect photosynthesis and can have profound effects on a range of morphological and physiological processes. However, interactions between different red and blue light ratios (R:B) and FR on promoting yield and nutritionally relevant compounds in crops remain unknown. Here, lettuce was grown at 200 µmol m-2 s-1 PAR under three different R:B ratios: R:B87.5:12.5 (12.5% blue), R:B75:25 (25% blue), and R:B60:40 (40% blue) without FR. Each treatment was also performed with supplementary FR (50 µmol m-2 s-1; R:B87.5:12.5+FR, R:B75:25+FR, and R:B60:40+FR).White light with andwithout FR (Wand W+FR) were used as control treatments comprising of 72.5% red, 19% green, and 8.5% blue light. Decreasing the R:B ratio from R:B87.5:12.5 to R:B60:40, there was a decrease in fresh weight (20%) and carbohydrate concentration (48% reduction in both sugars and starch), whereas pigment concentrations (anthocyanins, chlorophyll, and carotenoids), phenolic compounds, and various minerals all increased. These results contrasted the effects of FR supplementation in the growth spectra; when supplementing FR to different R:B backgrounds, we found a significant increase in plant fresh weight, dry weight, total soluble sugars, and starch. Additionally, FR decreased concentrations of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and various minerals. Although blue light and FR effects appear to directly contrast, blue and FR light did not have interactive effects together when considering plant growth, morphology, and nutritional content. Therefore, the individual benefits of increased blue light fraction and supplementary FR radiation can be combined and used cooperatively to produce crops of desired quality: adding FR increases growth and carbohydrate concentration while increasing the blue fraction increases nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, plasma activated water (PAW) immersion with different discharge times were applied to investigate their effects on broccoli seed germination, sprouts growth, antioxidant enzyme activities, polyphenol and anthocyanin content as well as sulforaphane formation. The seed germination rate, germination index, vigor index, water absorption, wettability and sprouts growth were promoted by PAW treatments, and plasma discharge for 30 min (PAW30) treatment showed the best germination rate and sprouts growth. No significant difference was found in color, polyphenol and anthocyanin content as well as myrosinase activity among different PAW treatments. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities of broccoli sprouts were enhanced significantly by all PAW treatments. Besides, PAW15, PAW30 and PAW60 treatments also increased significantly the sulforaphane formation of 5 d sprouts, which increased by 7.09%, 10.34% and 5.43% compared to the control, respectively. Therefore, these data indicated that seeds immersed with PAW30 could be used as a promising strategy to enhance the seed germination and quality of broccoli sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) landraces, traditional local varieties representing an intermediate stage in domestication, are gaining attention due to their high genetic variability and performance in challenging environments. While major kernel metabolites have been examined, limited research has been conducted on minor bioactive components like lipids, despite their nutritional benefits. To address this, we analyzed twenty-two tetraploid accessions, comprising modern elite cultivars and landraces, to (i) verify if the selection process for yield-related traits carried out during the Green Revolution has influenced lipid amount and composition; (ii) uncover the extent of lipid compositional variability, giving evidence that lipid fingerprinting effectively identifies evolutionary signatures; and (iii) identify genotypes interesting for breeding programs to improve yield and nutrition. Interestingly, total fat did not correlate with kernel weight, indicating lipid composition as a promising trait for selection. Tri- and di-acylglycerol were the major lipid components along with free fatty acids, and their relative content varied significantly among genotypes. In particular, landraces belonging to T. turanicum and carthlicum ecotypes differed significantly in total lipid and fatty acid profiles. Our findings provide evidence that landraces can be a genetically relevant source of lipid variability, with potential to be exploited for improving wheat nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encouraging the food industry to reformulate their products is a possible public intervention to improve diet quality. In this paper, we assess the impact of food reformulation on per capita salt and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) intake, in France, for four product categories, namely, potato chips, fresh pizzas, frozen pizzas, and frozen meals, taking into account the changes in products' nutritional quality and consumer choices. Nutrient intake is calculated by matching data on food purchases and nutritional data, collected at the same date. An algorithm is run to disentangle the specific effect of food reformulation. We find that food reformulation, which is based on voluntary individual firm choices or voluntary industry‐wide agreement in our case studies, contributes to decrease SFAs and salt intake in seven out of eight cases. However, the magnitude of the impact is moderate, except in the case of potato chips for which a much stronger impact is observed. Product renewal has an ambiguous effect, depending on the nutrient considered. By contrast, changes in consumer behavior increase the intake of SFAs and salt in all cases. Finally, food reformulation generally benefits all consumers equally, regardless of income or age. For food categories with consumption disparities, product reformulation can reduce heterogeneity in nutrient intake across socioeconomic groups, provided that recipes are greatly and widely improved [EconLit Citations: D12, D22, I1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native grass is the most important material base in grassland livestock production, and it is of great significance to improve its feeding value. In order to study the dynamic change law of the silage quality of native grass, typical steppe native grass were used as experimental materials, and their nutritional quality, fermentation quality and microbial population were determined after 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30 d and 60 d of silage, respectively. The ensiling time had significant effects (P<0.05) on the nutritional quality, fermentation quality and microbial population of native grass silage. Dry matter, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrate content and pH showed a gradual decrease with increasing ensiling time. Lactic acid, acetic acid, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content showed a gradual increase. There was a gradual increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria and a gradual decrease in the number of yeasts, aerobic bacteria and coliform bacteria. In conclusion, the fermentation quality of native grass silage for 60 d was optimal. However, the effect of native grass silage by conventional way was not ideal, and the addition of suitable fermentation bacterial agent for silage could be considered in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variability in sugar content between raw and cooked sweetpotato storage roots impact nutritional and dietary importance with implications for consumer preference. High‐throughput phenotyping is required to breed varieties that satisfy consumer preferences. Results: Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration curves were developed for analysing sugars in baked storage roots using 147 genotypes from a population segregating for sugar content and other traits. The NIRS prediction curves had high coefficients of determination in calibration (R2c) of 0.96 (glucose), 0.93 (fructose), 0.96 (sucrose), and 0.96 (maltose). The corresponding coefficients of determination for cross‐validation (R2cv) were 0.92 (glucose), 0.89 (fructose), 0.96 (sucrose) and 0.93 (maltose) and were similar to the R2c for all sugars measured. The ratios of the standard deviation of the reference set to the standard error of cross‐validation were greater than three for all sugars. These results confirm the applicability of the NIRS curves in efficiently determining sugar content in baked sweetpotato storage roots. External validation was performed on an additional 70 genotypes. Coefficients of determination (r2) were 0.88 (glucose), 0.88 (fructose), 0.86 (sucrose) and 0.49 (maltose). The results were comparable to those found for the calibration and cross‐validation in fructose, glucose, and sucrose, but were moderate for maltose due to the low variability of maltose content in the population. Conclusions: NIRS can be used for screening sugar content in baked sweetpotato storage roots in breeding programs and can be used to assist with the development of improved sweetpotato varieties that better meet consumer preferences. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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]

The objective was to determine the forage production and nutritional quality of six buffel grass ecotypes in vegetative and physiological maturity stages. The experiment was carried out at the Los Cañones Experimental Station in Zacatecas, Mexico. The ecotypes were as follows: E-42, E-45, E-66, E-72, E-S245, and the Titan variety as a control. The experiment design was a completely randomized block with three replications, and the evaluation years were from 2020 to 2022. The variables measured were as follows: plant height (PH), dry matter yield (DMY), leaf (Lf) and stem-inflorescence (St), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Pearson's correlation and a combined analysis of variance were performed for each growth stage. A correlation analysis showed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between variables. In the vegetative stage, ecotypes E-42, E-45, and E-S45 showed accumulations of over 12% of CP, which were higher (p < 0.05) than the ones for Titan. Low values of E-S245 (p < 0.05) for NDF (63.44%) and ADF (44.49%) stood out among all ecotypes. In the maturity stage, Titan was surpassed by E-45 and E-S245 with CP higher than 4%. The neutral and acid fibers in E-42, E-45, and E-S245 were less than in Titan (p < 0.05). Ecotypes E-42 and E-S245 are alternatives to improve feed efficiency in the dry subtropical climate of Zacatecas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraploid oysters are artificially produced oysters that do not exist in nature. The successful breeding of 100% triploid oysters resolved the difficulties of traditional drug-induced triploids, such as the presence of drug residues and a low triploid induction rate. However, little is known concerning the biochemical composition and nutrient contents of such tetraploids. Therefore, we investigated compositional differences among diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Crassostrea gigas as well as between males and females of diploids and tetraploids. The findings indicated that glycogen, EPA, ∑PUFA, and omega-3 contents were significantly higher in triploid oysters than in diploids or tetraploids; tetraploid oysters had a significantly higher protein content, C14:0, essential amino acid, and flavor-presenting amino acid contents than diploids or triploids. For both diploid and tetraploids, females had significantly higher levels of glutamate, methionine, and phenylalanine than males but lower levels of glycine and alanine. In addition, female oysters had significantly more EPA, DHA, omega-3, and total fatty acids, a result that may be due to the fact that gonadal development in male oysters requires more energy to sustain growth, consumes greater amounts of nutrients, and accumulates more proteins. With these results, important information is provided on the production of C. gigas, as well as on the basis and backing for the genetic breeding of oysters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne viruses can modify the phenotype of their host plants to manipulate the behavior of their vectors and maximize their dissemination. The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a primary vector of soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a non-persistent potyvirus that is a serious disease of soybean. We investigated mechanisms by which SMV changes A. glycines feeding and dispersal behavior via virus-induced modifications of plant phenotype. These changes affect gustatory, visual and olfactory cues that alter the behavior of both viruliferous and virus-free aphids to enhance virus acquisition and transmission. SMV-infected soybean seedlings exhibited up-regulation of the amino acids threonine and tyrosine which rendered viruliferous aphids more restless and prone to dispersal. Whereas dispersing viruliferous A. glycines preferred to settle and feed on virus-free soybean seedlings, virus-free aphids preferred SMV-infected seedlings. Volatile cues emanating from SMV-infected seedlings, primarily up-regulated methyl salicylate and down-regulated (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, were implicated in repulsion of viruliferous aphids, whereas the mottled yellow coloration of SMV-infected seedlings was a visual attractant for aphids regardless of virus status. Our results reveal how a non-persistent virus uses multimodal 'push and pull' mechanisms to manipulate vector behavior for its own benefit, and suggests new avenues for exploring the mechanisms of altered behavior in viruliferous aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Objectives: Nutritional quality of gluten-free (GF) food products is very important, as patients with celiac disease consume these products for lifelong. There is paucity of data on the nutritional content and cost of GF food products compared with their gluten-containing (GC) counterparts from India (Asia). Design: After a detailed market survey, packaged and labeled GF food products (n=485) and their packaged GC counterparts (n=790) from the supermarkets of Delhi (India) and e-commerce websites were included. Nutritional content and cost/100 g food (in US dollars) were calculated using the information on food label. Results: Gluten-free food products were 232% (range: 118% to 376%) more expensive than their GC counterparts. Energy content of all GF food products was similar to their GC counterparts, except cereal-based snacks (GF: 445 kcal vs. GC: 510 kcal, p<0.001). The protein content was significantly lower in GF pasta and macaroni products (single-grain: GF: 6.5 g vs. GC:11. 5 g, p-0.002; multigrain: GF:7.6 g vs. GC:11.5 g, p-0.027), cereal flours (single-grain: GF: 7.6 g vs. GC: 12.3 g, p<0.001; multigrain: GF:10.9 g vs. GC: 14.1 g, p-0.009) and nutritional bars (GF: 21.81 g vs. GC:26 g, p-0.028) than their GC counterparts. Similarly, the dietary-fiber content of GF pasta and macaroni products, cereal flours, cereal premix and nutritional bars of GF foods was significantly lower than their GC counterparts. Gluten-free bread and confectionary items, biscuits and cookies and snacks had higher total fats and trans-fat content than their GC counterparts. Gluten-free cereal-based snacks had higher sodium content than their GC counterparts (GF: 820 mg vs. GC:670 mg; p<0.001). Conclusion: GF foods are significantly more expensive, contain less protein and dietary fiber and higher fat, trans-fat and sodium than their GC counterparts. Strategies must be developed to reduce the cost and improve the nutritional profile of GF foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food marketing targeting children influences their choices and dietary habits, and mainly promotes food high in fat, sugar, and salt as well as ultra-processed food. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of food and beverages marketed to children over the age of 3 and available on the Swiss market. Products with at least one marketing technique targeting children on the packaging were selected from five food store chains. Three criteria to assess nutritional quality were used: (1) nutritional composition (using the Nutri-Score), (2) degree of processing (NOVA classification), and (3) compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A total of 735 products were found and analyzed. The most common marketing techniques used were childish names/fonts (46.9%), special characters (39.6%), and children's drawings (31.3%). Most products had a Nutri-Score of D or E (58.0%) and were ultra-processed (91.8%). Only 10.2% of products displayed the Nutri-Score. The least processed products generally had a better Nutri-Score (p < 0.001). Most products (92.8%) did not meet the criteria of the WHO NPM. Products that met the WHO NPM criteria, organic products, and products with a nutritional claim generally had a better Nutri-Score and were less processed (ps < 0.05). Pre-packaged foods and beverages marketed to children in the Swiss market were mostly of poor nutritional quality. Public health measures should be adopted to improve the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in Switzerland and restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant-based food market is rapidly growing, offering innovative options to meet consumer expectations. However, a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional quality of these foods is lacking. We aimed to characterize industrial plant-based food products' nutritional value and degree of processing. A cross-sectional study was conducted on two market-leading Portuguese food retail chains by assessing the nutritional composition of all the available pre-packaged plant-based food products (n = 407). These products were categorized into meal alternatives, dairy alternatives, and other products containing dairy/meat alternative ingredients including ready meals and desserts. The products' nutritional quality was assessed according to the cut-offs established by the Portuguese Directorate General of Health [DGS] on total fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and considering the degree of processing using NOVA classification. One-tenth of the products were classified as having a high total fat, saturated fat, sugars, or salt content. In some sub-categories, half of foods were classified as high in saturated fat, and over two-thirds were considered high salt products. Less than one-third exhibit a good nutritional profile based on the national cut-offs. A total of 84.3% of plant-based food products were ultra-processed. These findings emphasize the need to improve the nutritional profile of plant-based options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aromatic, flavorful, and fragrant qualities of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) make it a valuable herb for culinary and medical uses. This study investigated the sensory quality of C. citratus and its richness in chemical compounds. The sensory tests were realized on the infusion of the plant and compared to 4 Teas among a group of participants. Further, total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents, and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the infusions of tested products. The primary metabolites in the dry matter of the plant were also measured. Before beginning, each participant was required to read and fill out an informed permission form by the national legislation and the Declaration of Helsinki's Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. Participants were aged between 20 and 60 years old with dominance of 20-39 years old (80%). Moreover, 60% of participants were women compared to 40% of men. Half the participants drink aromatized tea, mainly menthe. The infusion of C. citratus had the highest rating, calculated at 9.33±0.62 compared to the other aromas. The infusion of C. citratus was distinguished by its strong flavour and order, as well as its pleasant aroma, flavor, and aftertaste. The values of TPC, TFC, and tannin were 0.463 mg eq Q/g dry matter, 0.033 mg eq Q/g dry matter, and 21.96 mg eq AT /g dry matter, respectively. The antioxidant activity was 98.07%. The total sugar was the most dominant in the infusion of the plant with 0.376 g per g of dry matter of C. citratus, followed by lipids with 0.106 g per g of dry matter. This study presents new data on the nutritional value of C. citratus in Morocco and is suggested to be a reference for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain from improved varieties of the perennial grass Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey is marketed under the trade name Kernza (common name intermediate wheatgrass, IWG). While a growing body of evidence is available on the nutritional quality of Kernza, gaps exist for components such vitamins and minerals and protein quality. Therefore, we performed two studies on early-generation breeding program material, characterizing nutritional quality by quantifying macronutrients, sugars, dietary fiber, amino acid profiles, fat composition, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, antioxidants, and antioxidant activity. The IWG studied frequently had concentrations significantly different from the reference values for whole wheat flour. For example, IWG had 50% higher protein, 129% higher dietary fiber, and 65% higher ash content than reference whole wheat flour. Calcium and selenium were 267% and 492% higher, respectively, in IWG than whole wheat flour. Riboflavin and folate were 43% and 447% higher, respectively, and niacin 74% lower in IWG versus whole wheat flour. We identified lysine as the limiting amino acid, although its concentration was 33% greater in IWG than in whole wheat flour. These results support potential benefits of Kernza for human nutrition. This work supports ongoing studies to further characterize and evaluate nutritional quality during the domestication and breeding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible fungi have certain photo-sensitivity during the mushroom emergence stage, but there have been few relevant studies on the responses of Ganoderma lucidum to different light irradiation conditions. Ganoderma lucidum were planted in an environmentally controllable mushroom room with different light supply modes that were, respectively, continuous white light (CK), red light (R), green light (G), blue light (B), and intermittent red light (R-), green light (G-), and blue light (B-), with a total light intensity of 15 μmol·m−2·s−1 and a light/dark (L/D) period of 12 h/12 h for each treatment. The interval in intermittent light treatments was 30 min. The optimal light supply mode suitable for the growth of Ganoderma lucidum was explored by analyzing the characteristics, nutritional quality, and extracellular enzyme activity in mushrooms exposed to different light treatments. The results showed that red light (whether in continuous or intermittent supply modes) inhibited the fruiting body differentiation of Ganoderma lucidum, showing delayed differentiation or complete undifferentiation. The highest stipe length and pileus diameter of fruiting bodies were detected under G- treatment, which were, respectively, increased by 71.3% and 3.2% relative to the control. The highest weight of fruiting bodies was detected under G treatment, which was significantly increased by 21.4% compared to the control (p < 0.05). Intermittent light mode seemed to be more conducive to the size development of the fruiting body, while continuous light mode was beneficial for increasing the weight. The highest contents of crude protein and total triterpenes in pileus were detected under G treatment (significantly 14.9% and 28.1% higher than the control, respectively), while that of the crude polysaccharide was detected under G- treatment (significantly 35.7% higher than the control) (p < 0.05). The highest activities of extracellular enzymes such as cellulase, hemicellulase, laccase, lignin peroxidase, and amylase were detected in fruiting bodies subjected to G treatment, which were significantly increased by 11.9%~30.7% in the pileus and 9.5%~44.5% in the stipe. Green light might increase the weight and nutrient accumulation in the pileus of Ganoderma lucidum via up-regulating the extracellular enzyme activities. This study provides an effective light supply strategy for regulating the light environment in the industrial production of Ganoderma lucidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of incorporating different levels of Euglena gracilis microalgae powder (MP) on the dough properties, rheology, and quality attributes of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) for the first time. Moderate levels of MP (2%) reinforced the gluten network and improved protein structure, while higher levels (4–8%) adversely affected the gluten network and rheological properties. The addition of MP decreased the specific volume, pore number, and pore density of CSB, but increased pore size, hardness, and chewiness. It also imparted a yellow color to the CSB and slowed down moisture loss during storage. Notably, MP effectively increased the protein and lipid content of CSB, enhancing its nutritional value. The results suggest that optimizing the MP level is crucial to achieve nutritional enhancement while maintaining desirable texture and sensory attributes. An addition of 2% MP can strike a balance between nutrition and the overall quality of the final product.

Effects of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on the storability, quality attributes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism of litchis were investigated. Results showed that SAEW-treated litchis presented better quality attributes and storability than control litchis. On storage day 5, the commercially acceptable fruit rate of control litchis was 42%, while SAEW-treated litchis displayed 59% higher rate of commercially acceptable fruit, 21% lower pericarp browning index, and 13% lower weight loss percentage than control litchis. Additionally, compared to control litchis, SAEW-treated litchis demonstrated higher activities of SOD, CAT and APX, higher levels of GSH, AsA, DPPH radical scavenging ability, and reducing power, but lower O2−· generation rate, lower levels of H2O2 and MDA. These findings indicated that SAEW treatment could elevate antioxidant capacity and ROS scavenging ability, reduce ROS production and accumulation, and lower membrane lipid peroxidation, thereby retaining the quality attributes and storability of litchis.

Mustard sprouts is a new form of vegetable product that is gaining attention due to its high content of health-promoting compounds such as glucosinolates. This study investigated the effects of different light qualities (white, red, and blue) alone and in combination with 100 μmol L−1 melatonin on the growth and health-promoting substance content of mustard sprouts. The results showed that white light + melatonin treatment promoted the accumulation of glucosinolates in sprouts (compared with white light increased by 47.89%). The edible fresh weight of sprouts treated with red light + melatonin was the highest, followed by white light + melatonin treatment. In addition, the sprouts treated with blue light + melatonin contained more ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and total phenolics. Therefore, the combined treatment of light quality (especially white light) and melatonin can provide a new strategy to improve the quality of mustard sprouts.

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is an important woody economic crop and often attacked by various insect pests such as tea aphids (Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe). To reveal tea plant responses to tea aphid infestation, tea aphid-resistant cultivar ‘Taicha13’ and -susceptible one ‘Jingfeng’ were first screened, and then widely targeted metabolomics profiling, biochemical parameter and RT-qPCR analyses were performed in three samples, TCN (tea aphid non-infested ‘Taicha13’), JFN (tea aphid non-infested ‘Jingfeng’) and JFA (tea aphid-infested ‘Jingfeng’). The results showed amnio acid (plus proline) and protein content, and amnio acid: sucrose ratio were significantly less abundant in TCN relative to JFN, suggesting TCN is low nutritional quality for tea aphids. Metabolite profiling revealed that flavonoids and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) were more enriched in TCN and JFA compared to JFN, proposing effective roles of flavonoids and JA-Ile in tea plant defense against tea aphid infestation. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that five JA biosynthesis genes (CsLOX2, CsLOX3, CsOPR, CsAOC and CsJAR) in exception of CsAOS, and six flavonoid biosynthesis genes (CsPAL, CsC4H, CsCHS1, CsCHS2, CsFL and CsDFR) shared similarly higher abundance in TCN than in JFN, and exhibited elevated expression levels in JFA relative to JFN, further suggesting flavonoids and JA confer tea plant resistance against tea aphid feeding. Overall, our findings uncovered that tea aphid-infestation activated defensive responses and highlighted involvement of nutritional quality, flavonoids and JA-Ile in tea plant resistance against tea aphid infestation.