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The article focuses on the role of the Unidad de Mejora de la Capacidad de Acogida del Hábitat (UMECAH) for Great Bustard is to create of an optimal habitat. Topics discussed include conservation of the target species; and providing quality food throughout the year, both with the crops, fruits and seeds of plants and shrubs.

The study was designed to compare the chemical composition of Piper guineense leaf and seed meals, and their effect on the performance of broilers at starter phase. The P. guineense leaves and seeds were processed and their chemical composition determined. Seven (7) broiler starter diets were formulated, with the control without the test samples, while diets 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to include 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 % of P. guineense seed meal, respectively. P. guineense leaf meal was included at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 % respectively in diets 4, 5 and 6. Two hundred and ten day-old broiler chicks were divided into seven groups and each group assigned to one of the experimental diets in a randomized complete block design and data generated were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. P. guineense leaf meal was superior (p<0.05) in crude protein (15.87 %) and ether extract (2.52 %), relative to the seed meal with higher crude fibre (6.30 %) and ash (3.60 %) contents. P. guineense seed meal contained lower phytochemical compounds compared to the leaf meal. Broiler chicks fed P. guineense seed and leaf meals supplemented diets were superior (p<0.05) to those fed on control diet in their mean daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Within the treatment groups, birds on 0.4 % P. guineense seed meal diet recorded the best performance. It was concluded that broiler diets could be supplemented with P. guineense seed meal at 0.4% during the starter phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Granivorous rodents commonly exhibit preferences for seeds of particular plant species. However, among buried seeds that are available, rodents may find that alternate, less desirable seeds are more easily located by olfaction than preferred seeds. Seeds of Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) are a highly preferred food resource for seed-caching desert heteromyid rodents. We tested relative abilities of heteromyids to locate buried caches of Indian ricegrass seeds versus seeds of another plant species (cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum) that are common in heteromyid diets at a western Nevada field site. Rodents located more cheatgrass than Indian ricegrass seed caches in the field when seeds were unaltered. When ground, however, detectability of preferred Indian ricegrass seeds increased, presumably due to release of volatile compounds inside seeds, and more ground Indian ricegrass seed caches were found and removed compared with ground cheatgrass caches. Grinding cheatgrass seeds did not affect harvest rates of cheatgrass caches. Results of a laboratory cache removal experiment using 2 heteromyid species, Merriam's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) and long-tailed pocket mice (Chaetodipus formosus), mirrored field cache removal results. Dispersal of Indian ricegrass seeds and establishment of new seedlings occurs largely through emergence of seedlings from heteromyid scatterhoard caches. Our results suggest that Indian ricegrass seeds may have been selected for reduced olfactory detectability to minimize the probability that they are recovered by rodents for later consumption once they have been cached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research investigated the use of pawpaw Carica papaya seed meal (PSM) as a natural sex‐reversal agent in tilapia production and its effect on growth. Freshly hatched fry of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were collected from brooders and randomly distributed (n = 50) to 15 aquarium tanks (30 × 30 × 20 cm3). They were fed a commercial diet (35% crude protein) blended with varying levels of PSM (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg) for 28 d. Fingerlings were then maintained in outdoor concrete tanks (1 × 1 ×  1 m3) and were fed the commercial diet (without the inclusion of PSM) for 140 d. Growth evaluation and sexual phenotype of the fish were recorded during the treatment and recovery periods. The results obtained showed that growth of treated fish was significantly reduced compared to the control group during the treatment period; however, the trend reversed during the recovery period. The optimal PSM inclusion that gave the maximum weight gain (32.65 g) and masculinization percentage (82.19%) was 4.27 g/kg. The female phenotype was not noticed in treatments with inclusion levels greater than 2 g/kg; hence, reproduction was effectively controlled in the treated groups. However, percentages of fish with modified or reduced gonads significantly increased at 4‐g/kg and greater PSM inclusion levels. Due to the biodegradable nature of PSM, it could be used as a viable alternative to popular synthetic hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 16 mycotoxins were analyzed in ten kinds of dried fruits and nuts sampled from four climate zones in China. The results showed that all 16 mycotoxins were detected at a contamination frequency of 124/253. The most frequent mycotoxin category detected was TCs with contamination levels ranging from

The purpose of this study is to complete our work on the characterization of four safflower varieties produced in the oriental region of Morocco by determining the composition of their meals. This characterization was carried out by analyzing proteins, amino acids, fibers, carbohydrates and mineral elements. The results show that the protein content varies in a range of 17.06-27.05%, fibers 63.45-69.97%, carbohydrates 12.40-17.07% and ash 3.11-3.60% on dry weight basis. The most abundant amino acid in the studied safflower meals is glutamic acid (3.19-3.89% of dry matter), while lysine and methionine are the least abundant. Cellulose and hemicellulose are the most representative fibers (28.16-31.35% and 21.04-21.68% of dry matter, respectively). The main carbohydrate is xylose, whose content varies between 10.56-14.31% of dry matter. The results also show that the studied safflower meals constitute a good source of potassium (6.32-9.51 g kg-1 of dry matter), phosphorus (2.35-4.60 g kg-1), magnesium (2.25-4.25 g kg-1) and calcium (1.53-1.72 g kg-1). Amongst the identified microelements, iron is the major element in all the analyzed samples (53-125 mg kg-1). Moreover, the majority of the studied analytical parameters were strongly influenced by the cultivar factor (p<0.05). In view of these analyses and pasture shortage, especially during the dry seasons in Morocco, the meal obtained from oil extraction from safflower seeds can be upgraded by the formulation of new animal feed products in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, three polysaccharide fractions, QSMP-1, QSMP-2, and QSMP-3, were isolated and purified from the seed meal of Chinese quince. These fractions’ structures were investigated by high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and their antioxidant activities were assessed. The results showed that QSMP-1 is a novel polysaccharide with a backbone mainly composed of →4)-Glc p -(1→, →6)-Glc p -(1→, →6)-Gal p -(1→, →2, 3, 4)-Xyl p -(1→. The side chains consist of →4)-Ara p -(1→, →3, 4)-Ara p -(1→, →2)-Gal p -(1→, →4)-Man p -(1→, →3)-Gal p -(1→, and →3, 6)-Glc p -(1→ with the non-reducing terminals Glc p and Gal p . QSMP-1 exhibited effective antioxidant activities by ferrous ion chelation and superoxide anion-scavenging in a dose-dependent manner. These investigations of the polysaccharides from the seed meal of Chinese quince provide a scientific basis for the use of the by-products of quince seed oil processing, particularly as an ingredient in functional foods and medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, California (CA) is the primary commercial producer of pistachio nuts, Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae). The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an invasive and polyphagous insect pest from Asia, has established in urban areas in several pistachio-growing counties in CA. Breeding BMSB populations have not been detected in commercial pistachio acreage. However, the detection of BMSB in Kern and Fresno counties, major Kerman pistachio producing areas in CA, underscored key knowledge gaps on BMSB ecology in CA and motivated investigations on the susceptibility of pistachio nuts to BMSB feeding. Laboratory feeding trials conducted in quarantine under permit indicated that adult BMSB stylets can penetrate developing pistachio shells and associated feeding was correlated with kernel necrosis for nuts collected mid to late season (June to August 2016). Feeding damage estimates indicated that higher levels of kernel injury were associated with female BMSB when compared to feeding by male BMSB. These results suggest that there is probable risk of feeding damage to field grown pistachios from BMSB. The implications of this study for BMSB pest management in the CA pistachio system and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to study the possibility of utilizing enzyme incubated rape seed meal (RSM) in broiler diets (1 to 42 day of age). The RSM was anaerobically incubated with non-starch polysaccharide hydrolyzing enzymes (cellulase 1,500 IU, xylanase 250 IU and pectinase 125 IU per kilogram) for 300 minutes (processed RSM1, experiments 1 and 2) and 600 min (processed RSM2, experiment 2). Processed and raw RSM contained similar concentration of glucosinolates (275 and 288 mM/g, respectively). During the experiment 1, maize-soybean meal control diet (CD), two diets with raw (RRSM) and processed RSM (PRSM1) at 100 g/kg each were prepared. In the experiment 2, RRSM, PRSM1 and PRSM2 were included each at 3 levels (50, 100 and 150 g/kg). Each diet was offered to 9 replicates having 5 birds in each. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), ready to cook (RTC) yield and breast weight were depressed by incorporating RRSM (experiments 1, 2). As a result of this study, PRSM1 significantly reduced FI, maintained BWG and improved FE compared to the control group. BWG was not affected by including PRSM1 and PRSM2 up to 100 and 50 g/kg, respectively but depressed at higher inclusion levels compared to the CD. The BWG in processed RSM fed groups were higher than the respective level of raw RSM fed groups. Retention of energy and protein were improved by incorporating processed RSM compared to those fed RRSM. Based on the data, it is concluded that enzyme (cellulase, xylanase and pectinase) incubated RSM for 300 minutes improved the nutritional value, which can be incorporated up to 100 g/kg in broiler diet without affecting performance and slaughter variables, which can be attributed to the improved retention of energy and protein in RSM based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbitaceae family members such as pumpkin and watermelon have seeds that are discarded as the by-products of food processing. However, they have been discovered to contain a rich repertoire of nutrients such as proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, tocopherol, phytosterol, squalene etc. Biological assays have proven the seed extracts to exert antioxidative, hypoglycemic, anticancer, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antilipemic, gynoprotective, and anthelmintic properties. Further, the seeds do not contain any major anti-nutrients. Phytoestrogens like β-sitosterol occur, which might be acting as agonists or antagonists of estrogen and testosterone, given their validated role in gyenic and prostate health. Few instances of intestinal bezoar, and allergy, following pumpkin seeds consumption have emerged. After the risk-benefit analysis though exhaustive literature search, it can be suggested that these seeds are underutilized and they can be used to formulate a myriad of nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jicaro seeds ( Crescentia alata ) are widely consumed in Central America, primarily as a popular tasty and nutritious beverage called “horchata”. Seeds are roasted to develop a specific aroma through a process that has never been explored. Volatile compounds, extracted from raw and roasted jicaro seeds (140 °C for 140 s) by SAFE (Solvent Assisted Flavor Evaporation), were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven volatile compounds were isolated, among which, ethyl-2-methylbutyrate was designated by olfactometry as providing the characteristic jicaro note (0.16 and 0.47 mg/kg dry basis (d.b.) in raw and roasted seeds, respectively). The release of volatile compounds from the Maillard reaction, such as pyrazines, and the increase of ethyl-2-methylbutyrate after roasting, exhausted the pleasant jicaro aroma. This mild roasting process had a slight impact on polyphenol, fructose and free amino acid contents, in agreement with the Maillard reaction. Confocal microscopy showed the coalescence of lipids in roasted jicaro seeds, which might explain the higher extracted fat content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:: Biotic interactions such as seed predation can play a role in explaining patterns of abundance among plant species. The effect of seed predation will depend on how the strength of predation differs across species and environments, and on the degree to which seed loss at one life‐cycle phase increases fitness at another phase. Few studies have simultaneously quantified predispersal and postdispersal predation in co‐occurring rare and common congeners, despite the value of estimating both for understanding causes of rarity. METHODS:: We quantified predispersal seed predation on the rare, herbaceous species Lupinus tidestromii (Fabaceae) and its common, shrubby congener L. chamissonis across multiple years in the same community. We experimentally measured postdispersal seed predation at two seed densities and locations near or far from an exotic grass housing high densities of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), their primary, native seed predator. KEY RESULTS:: The common L. chamissonis had the lowest predispersal seed predation of the two lupine species, potentially because of its height: its high racemes received less predation than those low to the ground. By contrast, the same species experienced higher postdispersal seed predation, and at predators traveled long distances away from refuge habitat to consume their seeds. Across both plant species, mice preferentially predated high‐density seed sources. CONCLUSIONS:: Our results show differences in the magnitude and direction of seed predation between the species across different life‐cycle phases. We demonstrated possible roles of proximity to refuge habitat, seed density, and seed size in these patterns. Congeneric comparisons would benefit from a comprehensive framework that considers seed predation across different life‐cycle phases and the environmental context of predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal prey selection hypothesis, a part of Optimal Foraging Theory, uses prey energy content and forager searching and handling times to predict when a forager will choose only the most profitable prey and when it will include less profitable prey in its diet. I tested the hypothesis using eastern gray squirrels as foragers and pairs of prey--sunflower fruits and seeds, and pumpkin seeds and embryos-- that differed in handling time. In all foraging trials, the squirrels consumed both prey types, but showed a partial preference for the less profitable prey (sunflower fruit and pumpkin seed). For squirrels foraging on pumpkin seeds and embryos, the hypothesis, which predicts that the more profitable prey (embryos) alone would be selected, was not supported by a partial preference value significantly greater than 0.5 which would indicate that both prey types were consumed. The hypothesis may be limited to laboratory conditions in which prey are presented sequentially, a condition not met in the experiments described here where prey types were offered together and were constantly mixed as the squirrels searched for prey in a sand-containing dish. Instead, squirrels showed a slight preference for larger prey which may result from higher encounter rates or may result from squirrels using a "rule of thumb:" when hungry, consume prey as they are encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florida harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius, is one of many ant species and genera that stores large numbers of seeds in damp, underground chambers for later consumption. A comparison of the sizes of seeds recovered from storage chambers with those of seed husks discarded following consumption revealed that the used seeds are far smaller than stored seeds. This difference in use-rate was confirmed in field and laboratory colonies by offering marked seeds of various sizes and monitoring the appearance of size-specific chaff. Because foragers collect a range of seed sizes but only open small seeds, large seeds accumulate, forming 70% or more of the weight of seed stores. Major workers increase the rates at which small and medium seeds are opened, but do not increase the size range of opened seeds. Experiments limiting ant access to portions of natural seed chambers showed that seeds germinate during storage, but that the ants rapidly remove them. When offered alongside non germinating seeds, germinating seeds were preferentially fed to larvae. The rate of germination during the annual cycle was determined by both burial in artificial chambers at various depths and under four laboratory temperatures. The germination rate depends upon the species of seed, the soil/laboratory temperature and/or the elapsed time. The seasonal soil temperature cycle generated germination patterns that vary with the mix of locally-available seeds. Taken together, exploitation of germination greatly increases the resources available to the ants in space and time. While the largest seeds may have the nutritional value of 15 small seeds, the inability of workers to open large seeds at will precludes them from rapid use during catastrophic events. The harvester ant’s approach to seed harvesting is therefore two-pronged, with both immediate and delayed payoffs arising from the tendency to forage for a wide variety of seeds sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several seeds have been increasingly incorporated in various food items, with consequent risk of hypersensitivity reactions that are often severe. Identification of the specific seed as the culprit is often not explored or is difficult to verify. In this article, we reviewed the English literature from January 1930 to March 2016 using PubMed and Google Scholar searching for publications relevant to hypersensitivity to common edible seeds, namely sesame, sunflower seed, poppy seed, pumpkin seed, flaxseed, and mustard seed. Considering the worldwide consumption of those seeds, the number of published articles on the subject was relatively small and was mainly as case reports rather than large series. Allergy to sesame was more reported than to other seeds, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1-0.2%. In this review, we summarize the information relevant to each of the six seeds and their oils regarding the manifestations, routes of exposure, identified major allergens, and cross-reactivity with other seeds or other foods. We also addressed the important role of a thorough history taking in suspecting seed allergy, the limited reliability of routine diagnostic procedures, and the importance of verification by appropriate challenge tests. At present, management is basically dietary avoidance and the use of symptomatic medications that may include epinephrine auto-injectors. We did not encounter any well-designed studies on immunotherapy for seed allergy, but it is hoped that such a gap be filled by the development of safe effective protocols in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed size and toughness affect seed predators, and size-dependent investment in mechanical defence could affect relationships between seed size and predation. We tested how seed toughness and mechanical defence traits (tissue density and protective tissue content) are related to seed size among tropical forest species. Absolute toughness increased with seed size. However, smaller seeds had higher specific toughness both within and among species, with the smallest seeds requiring over 2000 times more energy per gram to break than the largest seeds. Investment in mechanical defence traits varied widely but independently of the toughness-mass allometry. Instead, a physical scaling relationship confers a toughness advantage on small seeds independent of selection on defence traits and without a direct cost. This scaling relationship may contribute to seed size diversity by decreasing fitness differences among large and small seeds. Allometric scaling of toughness reconciles predictions and conflicting empirical relationships between seed size and predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More intense and frequent droughts, coupled with elevated temperatures, are projected for grasslands worldwide. Although it has been suggested that alterations in temperature and precipitation will increase the success of biological invasions, studies that combine these climate change scenarios are limited. These changes in climate may increase the success of non-native, invasive plant species directly, as these species often possess traits that are favored by variable climates, or indirectly through negative impacts on native vegetation or alterations in soil microbial communities, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The goal of our research was to assess above- and below-ground production and mycorrhizal fungal abundance of functionally similar native and invasive non-native grass species under projected climate-change scenarios. We assessed plant biomass, intra-radical AM root colonization, and relative abundance of extra-radical fungal biomass of two native ( Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á.Löve) and two invasive ( Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng, Bromus inermis Leyss.) grass species subjected to increased temperature and decreased soil water availability. Regardless of temperature or soil moisture, the invasive grasses in our study displayed greater seedling growth as compared with paired native species. Invasive grasses were also generally characterized by greater intra-radical colonization by AM fungi, compared with native species. Our data suggest that invasive grasses will continue to be problematic and successfully out-compete native grasses following increased temperatures and reduced water availability, as projected by climate-change models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the acidogenic potential of eight different types of baked nuts or seeds eaten alone and after a sucrose challenge using in-dwelling electrode telemetry. Methods: Six participants wearing a mandibular partial prosthesis incorporated with a miniature glass pH electrode were enrolled. The plaque pH was measured after 5 or 6 days of plaque accumulation. To establish a control, the subjects were instructed to rinse with sucrose, without any subsequent treatment, at the first visit. At each subsequent test visit, the subjects were asked to chew sugar free xylitol gum or consume 10 g of baked (180°C, 5 minutes) peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or watermelon seeds alone and 10 minutes after a sucrose rinse. The minimum plaque pH value and area of plaque pH curve under 5.7 (AUC5.7) during and after nut/seed consumption or gum chewing alone, the plaque pH value at 10 minutes after the sucrose rinse, the time required for the pH to return to >5.7 and AUC5.7 after the sucrose rinse with or without nut/seed consumption or gum chewing were calculated from the telemetric curves. Results: The sucrose rinse induced a rapid decrease in the plaque pH to 4.32 ±0.17 at 10 minutes; this value remained below 5.7 for the measurement period. The AUC5.7 values were 34.58 ± 7.27 and 63.55 ± 15.17 for 40 and 60 minutes after the sucrose challenge, respectively. With the exception of cashews and pumpkin seeds (minimum pH, 5.42 and 5.63 respectively), the nuts or seeds did not decrease the plaque pH to below 5.7 when consumed alone, with the AUC5.7 values during and after consumption (total 40 minutes) ranging from 0.24 to 2.5 (8.44 for cashews), which were significantly lower than those after the sucrose challenge. Furthermore, nut/seed consumption or gum chewing after the sucrose challenge significantly reversed the sucrose-induced decrease in the plaque pH, and the time required for the pH to return to >5.7 and the AUC5.7 values for 60 minutes after the sucrose challenge were much less than that of the sucrose challenge without subsequent interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Spatial memory of cached food items plays an important role in cache recovery by scatter-hoarding animals. However, whether scatter-hoarding animals intentionally select cache sites with respect to visual landmarks in the environment and then rely on them to recover their cached seeds for later use has not been extensively explored. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence on whether there are sex differences in visual landmark-based food-hoarding behaviors in small rodents even though male and female animals exhibit different spatial abilities. In the present study, we used a scatter-hoarding animal, the Siberian chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus to explore these questions in semi-natural enclosures. Our results showed that T. sibiricus preferred to establish caches in the shallow pits labeled with visual landmarks (branches of Pinus sylvestris, leaves of Athyrium brevifrons and PVC tubes). In addition, visual landmarks of P. sylvestris facilitated cache recovery by T. sibiricus. We also found significant sex differences in visual landmark-based food-hoarding strategies in Siberian chipmunks. Males, rather than females, chipmunks tended to establish their caches with respect to the visual landmarks. Our studies show that T. sibiricus rely on visual landmarks to establish and recover their caches, and that sex differences exist in visual landmark-based food hoarding in Siberian chipmunks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupin seeds are promising sources for the production of vegetable proteins. However, these proteins are associated with green and bean-like flavour, which is attributed to endogenous enzyme activities. Therefore, the objective was to develop a suitable process for the thermal inactivation of quality-affecting enzymes for lupin ( Lupinus angustifolius cv. Boregine) seeds and de-oiled flakes. After monitoring the specific activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (POD) and lipase during seed maturation, LOX was selected as the most appropriate indicator enzyme to assess inactivation as lipase and POD activities extensively declined at full maturity. Effective reduction of LOX activity was achieved by various hydrothermal treatments at 70–100 °C for up to 30 min and 100% relative humidity. The calculation of kinetic parameters revealed a first-order reaction, whereby the k values increased from 0.09 to 0.58 min −1 and 0.06 to 0.62 min −1 for seeds and flakes, respectively. The activation energies were significantly lower for inactivation in seeds (60.5 kJ mol −1 ) than in de-oiled flakes (78.0 kJ mol −1 ), suggesting the application of whole seeds for LOX inactivation. Based on these results, a gentle inactivation process at 80 °C for 7 min for lupin LOX is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to investigate the antioxidant activities of various extracts from defatted adlay seed meal (DASM) based on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) assay and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay. Of all the fractions, the n -butanol fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, followed by crude acetone extract and aqueous fractions. Of the three sub-fractions obtained by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, sub-fraction 3 possessed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. There was a strong positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. Based on HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS analysis, the most abundant phenolic acid in sub-fraction 3 of DASM was ferulic acid at 67.28 mg/g, whereas the predominant flavonoid was rutin at 41.11 mg/g. Of the major individual compounds in sub-fraction 3, p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest ORAC values, and quercetin exhibited the highest PSC values and CAA values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a small insect was discovered predating seeds of Crocanthemum canadense (Canada Frostweed or Rockrose), which is an endangered plant with small, localized populations in Nova Scotia. This insect targets primarily chasmogamous flowers (insect-pollinated, open flowers) but not cleistogamous flowers (self-pollinated, closed) of Canada Frostweed. This behavior is of concern because a decrease in the number of seeds produced by outcrossing could cause a decrease in genetic variance within populations at affected sites (e.g., Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, NS). We extracted DNA from larvae collected from chasmogamous flowers and used the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to barcode the DNA. Results from queries showed a 91% match to Mompha (Lepidoptera: Momphidae) species on GenBank, indicating that this insect was a member of the genus Mompha, but that this particular species was not in the database. To further characterize this lepidopteran, we collected and incubated chasmogamous flowers to rear the larvae to adulthood. We identified the reared adults as Mompha capella, a species of Momphidae not previously documented in the Maritime provinces, Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

False flax (Camelina sativa L.) is an oil seed crop, a member of Brassicaceae family which has got popularity in biofuel production. The meal of false flax seed has a good potential to be used as a cheap alternative protein source in livestock. False Flax Meal (FFM) has not been used and evaluated in quail diet earlier. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of FFM supplementation in quail diets on growth performance, some carcass characteristics, and lipid oxidation in meat. A total of 300 five-day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), including both sexes were divided into 5 groups, each consisting of 60 quails. They were kept in pens and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with FFM supplemented at 0% (Control), 5% (FFM5), 10% (FFM10), 15% (FFM15), and 20% (FFM20). The experimental period was lasted for 35 days. Results showed that there were no changes in body weight, body weight gain and feed intake as well as hot and cold carcass weights, relative weight of liver, heart, spleen, gizzard and proventriculus in all experimental groups with FFM supplementation (P>0.05). FCR was impaired in the FFM15 and FFM20 groups compared with the control group (P<0.01). Malondialdehyde levels of serum (P<0.001) and breast meat (P<0.01) decreased in the FFM10, FFM15 and FFM20 groups, whereas serum antioxidant activity level (P<0.01) increased in all experimental groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, it may be stated that dietary supplementation of FFM up to 10% prevents lipid oxidation without any adverse effect on performance and carcass characteristics in quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of Chakwa (Cassia tora) and Khesari (Lathyrus sativus) seeds as animal feed supplement in the albino rats. Twenty five albino rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups of five each. The albino rats were fed on the basal ration (maize 25% + Bajra 25% + Gram chunni 50%) in group I (G1). In rest of the groups, 50% gram chunni was replaced with 50% unboiled L. Sativus (G2), 50% boiled L. Sativus (G3), 50% unboiled C. tora (G4) and 50% boiled C. tora (G5). The experimental feeding was conducted for a period of 42 days. The complete randomized block design (CRBD) was used for the analysis of data. The result revealed that the values of ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, calcium and phosphorous were found highest in Chakwa seed groups than the values obtained in Khesari seed groups. The feed efficiency ratio in group G3 was comparable to control group while it was nearly doubled in Chakwa fed groups. The feed intake and body weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) lowest in G4 and G5 respectively than rest of the groups. The differences in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys weight were not-significant between the groups. The significant increase (p<0.01) has been observed in blood glucose, creatinine and urea in group G2, blood glucose and urea in group G3, blood glucose, creatinine, urea and SGOT in group G4, blood glucose and creatinine in group G5 than the values obtained in control group. Contrary to this, a significant decrease (p<0.01) was observed in kidneys weight in group G2, blood creatinine, SGPT and lungs weight in group G3, lungs and kidneys weight in group G4, blood SGOT and heart weight in group G5 than the values obtained in control group. It can be thus concluded that boiled Khesari and Chakwa seeds are better than unboiled seeds and also Khesari is superior to Chakwa seed in respect of growth performance of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate their potential use as a new dietary source, the seeds of Terminalia catappa Linn were analyzed for their nutritional and antinutritional properties, and to determine the effect of roasting. The TC seeds contained high levels of protein, oil and essential minerals. The 2 most limiting amino acids were Tryptophan and Lysine. Oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) are the main fatty acids which were determined at 32.4 and 30.3%, respectively. The ratio of saturated: monounsaturated: polyunsaturated fatty acid was close to what is recommended in the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association. Contents of phenolic compounds and phytates (IP4 + IP5 + IP6) in raw seeds were 64.9 g of GAE/g and 2,110 mg/100g, which are comparable to the values in edible nuts. Trypsin inhibitor activity was 2.3 trypsin inhibitor units/mg. After roasting at 180°C for 4 min, both phenolic compounds and trypsin activity were reduced, while IP6 phytate degraded into IP4 and IP5 forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhoon 9512 hit Mikura-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan in 1995, producing many landslide slopes. Torino-o No.3 landslide slope was fascined with fallen trees and planted with seedlings of native species (Alnus sieboldiana tree and Miscanthus condensatus grass) as part of vegetation recovery efforts, and was subsequently seeded by helicopter in 2002 with exotic pasture grasses. To elucidate the influence of fertilization on the growth of transplanted seedlings of native species, exotic pasture grasses and newly invading trees and herbs, we designated seven plots in 2004, and surveyed vegetation every summer until 2013: four fertilized plots (fowl manure applied at 0.2 g/m2) and three non-fertilized plots. The native species seedlings grew steadily irrespective of fertilization, but with self-thinning in A. sieboldiana. Exotic pasture grasses decreased gradually and almost disappeared in 2013. Fertilizing temporarily enhanced the growth of some species, but seemed to induce species competition, judging from the delay of invading of native trees and the increase of climbing plants in herbaceous layer in fertilized plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lens culinaris Medik (Leguminosae) is an annual, bushy and herbaceous plant cultivated globally for its edible seeds. A methanolic extract of the seeds contained four new antioxidant compounds, namely β-sitosteryl-3-(2′- n -eicosanyloxy)-benzoate ( 3 ), n -octadec-9-enoyl-1-β- d -glucurano-pyranoside ( 4 ) α- d -galactopyranosyl-(6→1′)-α- d -galactopyranosyl-(6′→1″)-α- d -galactopyranosyl-(6″→1‴)-α- d -galactopyranoside ( 5 ) and benzoyl- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(2a→1b)- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(2b→1c)- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(6c→1d)- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(6d→1e)- O -α- d -gluco-pyranoside ( 6 ) along with two known compounds n -heptadecanyl n -octadec-9-enoate ( 1 ) and β-sitosterol ( 2 ) on the basis of chromatographic and spectral data analytical techniques. Compound 3 showed significant antioxidant activity compared to compounds 4 , 5 , and 6 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spillover of beneficial organisms from natural habitats to croplands can improve agro-ecosystem services, but wildlife can also negatively influence agricultural production. When managing agricultural landscapes to conserve biodiversity, we need to understand whether the availability of natural habitats increases ecosystem dis-services such as vertebrate seed predation to avoid risking higher costs than benefits., We studied whether vertebrates and their impact in crop seed predation are related to the percentage of natural (chaparral) and semi-natural habitat (planted forest with native and exotic trees) in an agricultural landscape of Israel. We selected 20 almond and 20 sunflower study sites within a landscape with varying percentages of natural (0-61%) and semi-natural (0-70%) habitats within a 1000 m radius of their surroundings. We observed birds, trapped rodents (in almond), counted seeds and noted feeding marks to obtain seed predation rates, at each site. Within the almond crops, we physically excluded birds, rodents and both to determine their relative and combined influence on seed predation., Neither vertebrate abundance nor species richness was influenced by the percentage of natural habitat. However, bird species richness increased with increasing percentage of semi-natural habitat., Seed predation across both crops was not influenced by natural or semi-natural habitat but increased significantly with increasing abundance and species richness of birds. This was also reflected by the exclusions of birds, vertebrates and both to the almond crop, leading to lowest seed predation when both groups were excluded., Synthesis and applications. Natural or semi-natural habitat did not influence the agro-ecosystem dis-service of seed predation by birds and rodents. Policymakers should consider promoting agri-environment schemes that include the conservation of natural habitats and the management of semi-natural habitats adjacent to cropland to enhance agro-ecosystem services meditated by beneficial organisms such as natural pest enemies and pollinators without fearing increased vertebrate seed predation. In order to provide more detailed management recommendations tackling the reduction of vertebrate dis-services, their feeding behaviour, metabolic needs, behaviour patterns and local abundances should be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity, the expression of traits dependent on an individual's environment, should increase the range of communities in which a plant can establish, potentially influencing community assembly. Plasticity may be induced by either the mean or variance in conditions; however, plant responses to variance in the environment remain largely unquantified. We conducted a greenhouse experiment in northeastern Ohio using two congeneric pairs of perennial species in a design that crossed two soil heterogeneity and two light heterogeneity treatments. Nested within the soil heterogeneity treatment were patches of congener and conspecific origin, which tests the effects of possible plant-soil feedbacks on trait expression. We used plant biomass to measure performance and root:shoot ratio and specific leaf area (SLA) to measure resource acquisition and allocation. Plant biomass responded to the origin of the soil, consistent with the literature demonstrating that plant-soil feedbacks influence plant performance. Soil and light heterogeneity interacted to significantly affect resource acquisition traits (i.e., SLA) demonstrating that plants integrated both above- and belowground resource variance. All four species showed light-dependent, non-additive effects of soil mixture, though these effects were only marginally significant ( P < 0.10). This is important in the context of community assembly because studies find the variance in environmental drivers to be as, or more, important than the means in determining community structure. This study provides some of the first evidence that plant trait expression responds to the variance of environmental drivers, including those driven by plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the general interaction between native and exotic plants and specialist insect herbivores has received considerable attention in ecological studies, plant responses to herbivory by generalist insects, as well as feeding preferences of generalist insects, are still poorly understood. Experimental studies comparing leaf damage of native and exotic plants to generalist insects have provided inconsistent results due to irregularities in methodology such as using only one type of experiment or using non-standard measurements. Our study addresses these issues by examining leaf damage caused by generalist Melanoplus grasshoppers in morphologically and physiologically similar native ( Andropogon gerardii and Bouteloua curtipendula) and exotic grasses ( Miscanthus sinensis and Bothriochloa ischaemum) in Ohio and Maryland. In a 2-year study, we explored whether exotic grasses sustain less damage than native grasses, and consequently, whether generalist grasshoppers may potentially pose biotic resistance to exotic grasses. Using a combination of choice and no-choice feeding experiments with intact plants and with clipped leaves under different (field and greenhouse) conditions, we found that overall both herbivory and grasshopper performance (body length) were greater on the exotic grasses compared to native grasses. Our results suggest that exotic grasses which do not share a coevolutionary history with native generalist Melanoplus grasshoppers might have lower physical and chemical defenses than native plants. Consequently, Melanoplus grasshoppers may provide biotic resistance to these exotic grasses should these plants invade natural areas at the study regions. These results have important applications for predicting the interaction between exotic plants and generalist herbivores in the introduced range, which is critical for understanding factors facilitating plant invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large, nutrient-rich seeds of Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelmann) are important food for bears (Ursus spp.) in Yellowstone National Park. In Banff National Park, studies have shown that American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) eat these seeds, but little additional information is available. We studied Whitebark Pine in Banff National Park to address this information gap. Because bears obtain Whitebark Pine seeds from Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) middens, our objective was to measure the abundance, habitat characteristics, and use by bears of middens in Whitebark Pine forests. A second objective was to determine whether Grizzly Bears (U. arctos) in Banff National Park also eat Whitebark Pine seeds. In 2011-2012, we ran 29 ha of 20-50 m wide transects at 10 sites with accessible Whitebark Pine stands and found 0-3.7 middens/ha (mean 1.23, SD 1.17, n = 10). Midden density was weakly related to total basal area of all conifers but not to basal area of Whitebark Pine. Middens were located in the upper subalpine at an average elevation of 2110 m (SD 90, n = 8) on 41-248° facing slopes with a mean steepness of 28° (SD 5, n = 8). Bears had excavated middens at all eight sites where we found middens; at the remaining two sites, middens did not occur within our transects. Overall, 24 (67%) of the 36 middens located in our transects had been dug by bears. In October 2013, we searched areas where three global positioning system (GPS)-collared Grizzly Bears had been located in late September 2013 and found five recently dug middens located less than 6 m from GPS fixes. These observations are, to our knowledge, the first conclusive evidence that Grizzly Bears in Banff National Park eat Whitebark Pine seeds. Because Whitebark Pine occurs at high elevations on steep slopes where human use is low, this resource may be important in keeping bears in habitat where risk of human-caused mortality is lower. Our results may assist managers responsible for conservation of bears in Banff National Park, where both American Black Bears and Grizzly Bears are subject to high levels of human-caused mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of partial replacement of dietary dry-rolled corn (DRC) and soybean meal (SBM) in isonitrogenous diets with different levels (0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg) of seed cake obtained from a nontoxic variety of Jatropha curcas on growth performance, dietary energetics, plasma metabolites, carcass characteristics, and visceral mass in 32 Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs. Jatropha seed cake (JSC) was obtained by mechanically pressing whole seed and contained 262 g/kg crude protein (CP), 473 g/kg neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom), 402 g/kg acid detergent fiber (ADF), 7 g/kg starch, 60 g/kg ether extract, and 938 g/kg of organic matter. The JSC substitution decreased linearly (P=0.02) final weight and average daily gain but did not affect (P=0.47) dry matter intake (DMI), thus efficiency of gain was decreased (P<0.01). In all treatments, the concentration of hemoglobin, haematocrit, glucose, creatinine, urea, and lipase was within normal ranges for healthy ruminants. Inclusion of JSC in diet did not affect dressing percentage and non-carcass fat deposition, but decreased (P=0.03) hot carcass weight and fat depth. As level of JSC inclusion increased, the muscle and fat composition of shoulder (as g/100 g of shoulder weight) was affected, muscle increased (P<0.01) and fat decreased (P=0.02). Replacing corn and SBM with JSC did not affect empty body weight (EBW, as percentage of full weight) or the organ weights as a proportion of EBW (g/kg EBW). Increased JSC levels in the diet tended to increase visceral fat (P=0.06). The net energy (NE) value of JSC corresponds closely to its chemical composition (∼7.74 MJ/kg NE m /kg), this NE value decreased linearly as the inclusion level of JSC increased as result of the removal of starch instead of NDF in diets and by the possible associative effects of JSC with other components of the diet. The changes of energy level and energy source (NDF and lipids instead of starch) by the replacement of corn and SBM by JSC, can affect the deposition of body fat. Based on DMI and performance observed in this study, nontoxic JSC is a suitable substitute for a portion of the DRC and SBM in a finishing diet; however, at high levels, it tends to decrease growth performance of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores foraging choices made by seed predators (white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis (Fischer, 1829), and woodland deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis (LeConte, 1855)) presented with seeds of two dominant tree species (sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marsh., and red maple, Acer rubrum L.). I hypothesized that both species would prefer A. saccharum seeds, as they are larger and ostensibly contain more energy. Although P. l. noveboracensis consumed more seed than P. m. gracilis, there was also a species-specific difference in preference. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis clearly preferred A. rubrum over A. saccharum, whereas preferences of P. l. noveboracensis were less specific. Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis, being a habitat generalist, may demonstrate higher plasticity in response to different food types. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis may prefer A. rubrum because of differences in nutrition, handling costs, or germination schedules, although this was not explicitly tested. This species-specific difference in preference indicates the common assumption that Peromyscus species are ecologically similar should be made with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Chemical composition of cowpea seeds from IPGR collection in Bulgaria was analyzed. [•] Fatty acid, sterol, tocopherol and phospholipid composition of oils was analyzed. [•] Cowpea seeds are a good source of bio-active compounds. [•] High nutritive values of the studied Vigna unguiculata accessions were established. [•] Cowpea seeds are an alternative source of food for the future in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Plant seeds have gained interest for their health benefits due to their fatty acid content.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary consumption of milled sesame/pumpkin/flax seed mixture on glycemic control, serum lipids, phospholipid fatty acid status, and inflammatory factors in patients on hemodialysis. Methods. Thirty patients with well nutrition status (18 male, 12 female) were enrolled in the study. Participants consumed 30 g of milled sesame/pumpkin/flax (6 g/6 g/18 g, resp.) seeds mixture added to their habitual diet. Results. Total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and levels of linoleic, dihomogamma- linolenic (DGLA), arachidonic, alpha-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid were increased after 12 weeks of supplementation. A significant decrease of the serum triglyceride level (P < 0.001), glucose, insulin, calculated IR HOMA (P < 0.05), and inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and hs-CRP, P < 0.001) was observed after seed mixture treatment. The serum levels of CRP and TNF-alpha negative correlate with ALA, DHA, and DGLA. Conclusion. Results of this study indicated that dietary milled sesame/pumpkin/flax seed mixture added to a habitual diet lowered triglyceride and CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 levels, affect glycemic control and improved fatty acid profile and pruritus symptoms in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Standard Soxhlet extraction and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) methods were compared for the isolation of lipids from different particle size fractions of milled amaranth seeds. Particle size was crucial for the extract yield, which was 9 times higher in case of the finest fraction (<0.23 mm) as compared with the largest particle size fraction (>0.5 mm). Soxhlet and ASE gave similar yields, however extraction rate in case of ASE was several times faster. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the ASE parameters for maximizing extract yield from amaranth seeds. Particles size fractions (≤0.23 mm, 0.23–0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm), extraction time (5–25 min) and temperature (40–110 °C) were selected as independent variables for a central composite design. The highest yield (13.72 g oil/100 g seeds) was obtained using the smallest particle size fraction at the temperature 90 °C and 17 min extraction time. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by extracting seed oil under optimum values given by a model. The content of triacylglycerols, squalene and fatty acid composition of oils were determined by HPLC and GC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Strategies for reducing plasma cholesterol have been focused on reducing the absorption or synthesis of cholesterol. The aim of this study was to correlate the content of flavonoids and saponins in black bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed coats extracts with a potential effect in lowering cholesterol absorption by the inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility. Extracts with different flavonoids and saponins concentration were obtained from a Box-Behnken design used to optimize extraction temperature, stirring time and solvent composition. Major flavonoids and saponins were quantified by HPLC-PDA-ELSD and confirmed through mass spectrometry. Contrary to the flavonoid content, saponins were correlated to the inhibitory effect of cholesterol micelle solubility as an approach to a potential reduction of cholesterol absorption. Extracts with the highest saponin content strongly inhibited cholesterol micellization with values of 55.4 ± 1.9 %, while stigmasterol used as control, only reached 12 ± 2.3 % at the same concentration (5 mg/ml). The optimal extracting conditions for saponins were 25 °C, during 3 h in 85 % aqueous-methanol. Correlations of inhibitory effect of cholesterol micellar solubility with the content of each identified saponin suggested that the reduction of cholesterol micellization depends on the C-22 substitution of saponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The grain, starch and protein characteristics of twenty rice bean lines were evaluated. The relationship between grain and starch properties was described using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Seed weight was positively correlated with swelling capacity, hydration capacity, soaked and cooked seed hardness; and negative with ash content. Protein, ash and fat content of the lines ranged between 18.64 to 20.4%, 3 to 4.26% and 0.30 to 1.98%, respectively. Amylose content of starch varied between 21.12 and 60.14%. PCA revealed that the lines with higher seed weight had starch with lower amylose content and higher peak and breakdown viscosity. Lines with higher amylose content showed higher cooked grain hardness. Protein profiling revealed a total 27 major proteins of 103–15kDa consisting of high MW (103.0, 92.0, 63.0kDa), medium MW (58.0, 56.0, 50.0, 33.0–31.0kDa) and low MW (29.0–20.0kDa). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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