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Inclusion of legumes in cereal based cropping system restores soil fertility and improves carbon storage and soil quality. In this background a field experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design using three legume species viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean as vertical strip, two residue management practices i.e. residue removal (-R) and residue retention (+R) as horizontal strip, and three nitrogen levels i.e. 100%, 75% and 50% recommended rate of nitrogen (N) application in intersectional sub plots with four replications during summer 2017 and 2018. The grain and stover yield of maize, N uptake and soil properties were monitored after each crop harvest; soil nitrogen balance and soil organic carbon were estimated. Under 100% N fertilization, cluster bean – maize cropping system with residue (+R) recorded 12.78 and 9.78% higher maize grain and stover yield, respectively than without residue (–R) treatment. Highest available N (189.9 kg ha−1) and available P (54.5 kg ha−1) were registered under cluster bean- maize cropping system. Legume residue incorporation resulted 9.65, 8.46, 7.09 and 8.86% higher (p = 0.05) WBC content, WBC stock, available N and P contents over residue removal scenario. Annually, 1.71% added carbon converted into soil organic carbon. Legume residue retention and 100% recommended rate of nitrogen application enhanced nitrogen balance. Soil N balance was highest under groundnut – maize system (165 kg ha−1). Overall, for better soil health and optimum crop production, cluster bean – maize cropping system with legume residue retention and 100% N fertilization may be promoted in semi-arid Western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Vigna (Leguminosae) comprises about 150 species grouped into five subgenera. The present study aimed to improve the understanding of karyotype diversity and evolution in Vigna, using new and previously published data through different cytogenetic and DNA content approaches. In the Vigna subgenera, we observed a random distribution of rDNA patterns. The 35S rDNA varied in position, from terminal to proximal, and in number, ranging from one (V. aconitifolia, V. subg. Ceratotropis) to seven pairs (V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, V. subg. Vigna). On the other hand, the number of 5S rDNA was conserved (one or two pairs), except for V. radiata (V. subg. Ceratotropis), which had three pairs. Genome size was relatively conserved within the genus, ranging from 1C = 0.43 to 0.70 pg in V. oblongifolia and V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, respectively, both belonging to V. subg. Vigna. However, we observed a positive correlation between DNA content and the number of 35S rDNA sites. In addition, data from chromosome-specific BAC-FISH suggest that the ancestral 35S rDNA locus is conserved on chromosome 6 within Vigna. Considering the rapid diversification in the number and position of rDNA sites, such conservation is surprising and suggests that additional sites may have spread out from this ancestral locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this literature review was to identify and provide a summary update on the validity and applicability of the most promising dietary biomarkers reflecting the intake of important foods in the Western diet for application in epidemiological studies. Many dietary biomarker candidates, reflecting intake of common foods and their specific constituents, have been discovered from intervention and observational studies in humans, but few have been validated. The literature search was targeted for biomarker candidates previously reported to reflect intakes of specific food groups or components that are of major importance in health and disease. Their validity was evaluated according to 8 predefined validation criteria and adapted to epidemiological studies; we summarized the findings and listed the most promising food intake biomarkers based on the evaluation. Biomarker candidates for alcohol, cereals, coffee, dairy, fats and oils, fruits, legumes, meat, seafood, sugar, tea, and vegetables were identified. Top candidates for all categories are specific to certain foods, have defined parent compounds, and their concentrations are unaffected by nonfood determinants. The correlations of candidate dietary biomarkers with habitual food intake were moderate to strong and their reproducibility over time ranged from low to high. For many biomarker candidates, critical information regarding dose response, correlation with habitual food intake, and reproducibility over time is yet unknown. The nutritional epidemiology field will benefit from the development of novel methods to combine single biomarkers to generate biomarker panels in combination with self-reported data. The most promising dietary biomarker candidates that reflect commonly consumed foods and food components for application in epidemiological studies were identified, and research required for their full validation was summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity drastically hampers the germination and growth of legumes including mungbean which jeopardizes the food and nutritional security of the rising human population. An experiment entailing varying salinity levels (0, 50, and 150 Mm NaCl) was conducted to investigate the response of salinity on germination and seedling growth of four mungbean genotypes (BARI Mung-7, BARI Mung-8, BU Mug-2, and BU Mug-4). The germination indices such as percentage and rate of germination along with the coefficient of velocity (GP) of all mungbean genotypes were significantly reduced by the salt stress, especially of Binamoog-5 at 150 mM NaCl. Contrarily, BARI Mung-8 remained superior by recording better germination indices under all salinity levels. The same cultivar outperformed the rest of the cultivars based on the greatest weights (fresh and dry) and length of roots and shoots, while BU Mug-2 could not perform at par under a saline environment. Thus, it might be inferred that mungbean genotypes differ in their potential for salt endurance due to the germination vigor and seedling growth robustness and screening of salt-tolerant cultivars could mitigate the detrimental effects of saline environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The health and environmental benefits of legume consumption are reflected in dietary guidelines worldwide. However, legume intake fails to meet recommendations. Dietitians' legume counseling practices can impact consumption patterns. This cross-sectional study assessed Israeli dietitians' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices regarding legume counseling and identified pertinent barriers and facilitators. Methods An electronic survey among Israeli dietitians (n  = 309) was performed. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between recommending legumes with participants' socio-demographic and professional characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes toward legume counseling and personal legume intake. Results Almost half (47.4%) of the participants recommended that 76% or more of their patients increase legume intake. Factors that were associated with recommending legumes were perceptions of fewer barriers to consumption [adjusted OR (aOR) 1.92 (95% CI 1.24–2.96)] and positive attitudes toward legume counseling pertaining to its importance [aOR 1.95 (95% CI 1.12–3.4)]. Negatively associated factors were a low level of personal legume consumption [aOR 0.38 (95% CI 0.15–0.94)] and working in hospitals [aOR 0.43 (95% CI 0.19–0.98)]. Conclusions Israeli dietitians' recommendations for legume consumption were well below current guidelines. These findings indicate the need for a tailored intervention for nutrition professionals to increase the frequency of legume counseling and overall consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Astragalus cicer L. is a perennial rhizomatous legume forage known for its quality, high biomass yield, and strong tolerance to saline-alkaline soils. Soil salinization is a widespread environmental pressure. To use A. cicer L. more scientifically and environmentally in agriculture and ecosystems, it is highly important to study the molecular response mechanism of A. cicer L. to salt stress. Results: In this study, we used RNA-seq technology and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed. The results showed 4 key modules were closely related to the physiological response of A. cicer. L. to salt stress. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of key modules were mapped into the KEGG database, and found that the most abundant pathways were the plant hormone signal transduction pathway and carbon metabolism pathway. The potential regulatory networks of the cytokinin signal transduction pathway, the ethylene signal transduction pathway, and carbon metabolism related pathways were constructed according to the expression pathways of the DEGs. Seven hub genes in the key modules were selected and distributed among these pathways. They may involved in the positive regulation of cytokinin signaling and carbon metabolism in plant leaves, but limited the positive expression of ethylene signaling. Thus endowing the plant with salt tolerance in the early stage of salt stress. Conclusions: Based on the phenotypic and physiological responses of A. cicer L. to salt stress, this study constructed the gene coexpression network of potential regulation to salt stress in key modules, which provided a new reference for exploring the response mechanism of legumes to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Pulse crops, including dry pea, lentil, and chickpea, are rich sources of protein, low digestible carbohydrates, and micronutrients. With the increasing demand for plant‐based protein with gluten‐free and allergen‐free foods, pulse crops have become of global importance for meeting the nutritional demand of growing populations. Breeding for nutritional quality is becoming a bottleneck for most breeding programs globally due to the cost of these available tools. Therefore, low‐cost, high‐throughput phenotyping tools will be a focus of interest for the selection of elite germplasm for cultivar development and gene identification for pulse cultivar development. This publication explains the emerging and future trends of phenotyping tools that are feasible for pulse breeding and improving nutritional quality.Precision agriculture tools based on spectroscopic and imaging techniques now contribute to high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) pipelines for nutritional and agronomic traits to speed breeding and selection for cultivar development. Fourier transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR) spectroscopy has been a reliable HTP tool for macro nutritional traits in pulse crops. Hyperspectral, multispectral, and RGB (red‐green‐blue) imaging with unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) have been developed to measure agronomic traits for cereals, but these techniques have yet to be developed and validated for pulse crops. This review summarizes different phenotyping techniques applied to nutritional and agronomic traits for crop breeding and reviews applications of machine learning tools for optimizing HTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent regional studies have cast doubt on the widespread assumption that nitrogen‐fixing plants (N‐fixers) act as facilitators of neighbouring plant communities. We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize the effects of N‐fixers on plant communities and to understand how ecological context moderates these effects. We analysed studies that assessed paired effects of N‐fixers and non‐fixers on soil N, neighbouring‐plant (non‐fixer) biomass and plant community diversity; ecological moderators included climate, soil texture and N‐fixer growth form and invasive status. N‐fixers led to higher soil N and neighbouring‐plant biomass, but lower community diversity compared to non‐fixers. The effect of N‐fixers on neighbouring‐plant biomass was strongly mediated by soil texture; N‐fixer invasive status and growth form were also significant mediators of the facilitative effects of N‐fixers. Synthesis: N‐fixer effects lie on a continuum between facilitation and suppression that is moderated by intrinsic and extrinsic processes, and this analysis provides insight into how these factors moderate the effects of N‐fixers. Overall, N‐fixers facilitate neighbour biomass but suppress diversity, though high variation in these effects can be explained in part by ecological context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In New Zealand, facial eczema (FE) is a serious health and welfare issue for grazing ruminants caused by ingesting toxic spores of the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum.A literature review of research about the effect of pasture plant species, farm management practices and associated environmental factors on FE in New Zealand, was undertaken. An important outcome of this research has been the development of spore count techniques used on-farm to monitor P. chartarum during the summer/autumn risk period. Other research outcomes include: Reduce pasture litter (decaying herbage) by hard spring grazing, with minimal topping, and use pasture species that reduce litter.Avoid hard grazing during the riskiest autumn period.Minimise grazing of perennial ryegrass dominant pastures by increasing legume content or use the less risky species such as tall fescue.Utilise specialist (non-ryegrass) legume and herb-based pastures that provide less litter, are grazed to higher residuals, and provide high-quality feed.Future FE research should focus on the incorporation of ‘high-quality’ FE-safe species, such as tall fescue, legumes and herbs, into existing farming systems. They can enhance feed supply during the summer/autumn FE risk period but require appropriate management guidelines to maximise production and persistence.Reduce pasture litter (decaying herbage) by hard spring grazing, with minimal topping, and use pasture species that reduce litter.Avoid hard grazing during the riskiest autumn period.Minimise grazing of perennial ryegrass dominant pastures by increasing legume content or use the less risky species such as tall fescue.Utilise specialist (non-ryegrass) legume and herb-based pastures that provide less litter, are grazed to higher residuals, and provide high-quality feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the role of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and crop yield while reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Topics include the importance of continuous soil renewal with renewable resources, the constraints to biofertilizer adoption, and the impact of intensive agriculture on biogeochemical cycles.

Even though legumes are valuable medicinal plants with edible seeds that are extensively consumed worldwide, there is little information available on the metabolic variations between different dietary beans and their influence as potential anti-cholinesterase agents. High-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in positive and negative ionization modes combined with multivariate analysis were used to explore differences in the metabolic profiles of five commonly edible seeds, fava bean, black-eyed pea, kidney bean, red lentil, and chickpea. A total of 139 metabolites from various classes were identified including saponins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, iridoids, and terpenes. Chickpea showed the highest antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase effects, followed by kidney beans. Supervised and unsupervised chemometric analysis determined that species could be distinguished by their different discriminatory metabolites. The major metabolic pathways in legumes were also studied. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most significantly enriched KEGG pathway. Pearson's correlation analysis pinpointed 18 metabolites that were positively correlated with the anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking of the biomarkers to the active sites of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes revealed promising binding scores, validating the correlation results. The present study will add to the metabolomic analysis of legumes and their nutritional value and advocate their inclusion in anti-Alzheimer's formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The rat's model evaluated the function of sprouted beans enriched with probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v in alleviating dyslipidaemia, inflammation and disturbed redox homeostasis caused by a high‐lard diet. Sprouted beans improved the total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver, regardless of whether the feeds had a higher content of low‐molecular antioxidants or were additionally enriched with probiotics. The reduction of inflammation (lowered level of C‐reactive protein) and restoration of triglycerides and total cholesterol to the levels recorded in the control group (AIN‐93M) were especially observed in the group supplemented with the control adzuki bean. Introducing sprouted legumes (both the control and probiotic‐rich) improved microbiota activity affected by a high‐lard diet. The highest, desirable reduction of urease (by 80%) and tryptophanase (by 78%) activity was found in the groups fed with probiotic‐rich adzuki and mung bean sprouts respectively. Sprouted beans improve the metabolism of individuals subjected to a diet with an increased fat‐to‐carbohydrate energy ratio, especially concerning oxidative stress injury and microbiota activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Seed colors and color patterns are critical for the survival of wild plants and the consumer appeal of crops. In common bean, a major global staple, these patterns are also essential in determining market classes, yet the genetic and environmental control of many pigmentation patterns remains unresolved. In this study, we genetically mapped variation for several important seed pattern loci, including T, Bip, phbw, and Z, which co‐segregated with candidate genes PvTTG1, PvMYC1, PvTT8, and PvTT2, respectively. Proteins encoded by these genes are predicted to work together in MYB‐bHLH‐WD40 (MBW) complexes, propagating flavonoid biosynthesis across the seed coat as observed in Arabidopsis. Whole‐genome sequencing of 37 accessions identified mutations, including seven unique parallel mutations in T (PvTTG1) and non‐synonymous SNPs in highly conserved residues in bipana (PvMYC1) and z (PvTT2). A 612 bp intron deletion in phbw (PvTT8) eliminated motifs conserved since the Papilionoideae origin and corresponded to a 20‐fold reduction in transcript abundance. In multi‐location field trials of seven varieties with partial seed coat pigmentation patterning, the pigmented seed coat area correlated positively with ambient temperature, with up to 11‐fold increases in the pigmented area from the coolest to the warmest environments. In controlled growth chamber conditions, an increase of 4°C was sufficient to cause pigmentation on an average additional 21% of the seed coat area. Our results shed light on key steps of flavonoid biosynthesis in common bean. They will inform breeding efforts for seed coat color/patterning to improve consumer appeal in this nutritious staple crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Pseudosperma is described based on collections recently made in Benin in West Africa. Pseudosperma brunneopilosum sp. nov. occurs in forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal Fabaceae Isoberlinia and Phyllanthaceae Uapaca trees. Phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS‐LSU‐RPB2‐TEF1 gene regions shows that P. brunneopilosum is unrelated and distinct from several recently described species of Pseudosperma also from West Africa. Complete descriptions and illustrations, including photographs and line drawings are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stratigraphic sequence from Ghar-e Boof, a cave site in Iran, covering a period of c. 80,000–30,000 BP and containing more than 20,000 seed and chaff remains, allows a detailed study of the use of annual seed species of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer groups and its evolution under the influence of changing environmental conditions. Taxonomic changes in the archaeobotanical assemblage and the stable carbon isotope data of pistachio support a considerable change in environmental conditions over the sequence from MIS 5a to MIS 3. The exceptional dominance of wild ancestors of modern crop species, including glume wheat and large-seeded legumes from Middle Palaeolithic layers AH VI (OSL ranges 72–81 ka BP), coincides broadly with the transition from MIS 5a to MIS 4. With the beginning of MIS 4 these taxa are strongly reduced, corresponding with a strong decrease in global CO2 concentrations and in the Δ13C values of Pistacia khinjuk/atlantica from the site. Wild glume wheat completely disappears after Middle Palaeolithic AH Vb and never reappears at the site. We hypothesize that the Middle Palaeolithic niche that allowed the harvesting and consumption of wild cereals and legumes ended with a destabilization of the vegetation in early MIS 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackgram, a protein-rich pulse crop (24%), is crucial for combating food insecurity, particularly in malnourished and economically weak countries. Enhancing blackgram production requires improved, input-saving management practices. Given the challenges of climate change and population growth, efficient water management is vital for increasing pulse productivity and water use efficiency with minimal investment. This study aimed to identify cost-effective irrigation methods to optimise blackgram yields. Experiments were conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre in Vamban, Pudukkottai, and the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli, during the kharif season of 2021 and 2022. The study compared different treatments of irrigation methods, such as check basin, raised bed, drip, sprinkler and rain hose irrigation. Results showed that the rain hose system maintained the highest soil moisture (23.93% at 10 cm depth and 19.71% at 20 cm depth). Even though drip irrigation resulted in a higher seed yield (1363 kg ha−1), the rain hose system proved to be more cost-effective, saving 27.09% in costs and achieving a 15.23% higher benefit–cost ratio. These findings suggest that the rain hose method, combined with current agronomic practices, is a viable low-cost technique for sustainable blackgram cultivation, optimising water use and maximising profits. This research provides valuable insights into water-saving irrigation methods for pulse crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistant starch (RS) is a fraction of starch not digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and it is fermented by the intestinal microbiota in the colon, thereby influencing many health benefits. Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fermentable dietary fiber, and RS can be included in this fiber group. These legumes are not considered a "typical" source of starch and have not been extensively studied as a source of RS. There are still insufficient data on modern non-thermal methods like high-pressure processing (HPP) and combining this method with refrigerated storage. The study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of HPP and HPP combined with refrigerated storage on the RS content of legumes, particularly white beans, green lentils, and chickpeas. Different pressure levels and processing times were used to evaluate changes in RS content and to assess the total fiber content and fiber fraction of the tested legumes. Our study showed that the increase in pressure and pressurization time affected changes in the RS content of the examined legumes. Furthermore, the cooling process of previously pressurized samples resulted in a significant increase in RS content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary isoflavones have been associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the evidence for this association is still limited. We investigated the association between isoflavone intake and GC risk using data from a case–control study including 230 incident, histologically confirmed GC cases and 547 controls with acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Dietary information was collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and isoflavone intake was estimated using ad hoc databases. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of GC using logistic regression models, including terms for total energy intake and other major confounders. The OR for the highest versus the lowest tertile of intake was 0.65 (95%CI = 0.44–0.97, p for trend = 0.04) for daidzein, 0.75 (95%CI = 0.54–1.11, p for trend = 0.15) for genistein, and 0.66 (95%CI = 0.45–0.99, p for trend = 0.05) for total isoflavones. Stratified analyses by sex, age, education, and smoking showed no heterogeneity. These findings indicate a favorable effect of dietary isoflavones on GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we examined the contents of 14 polyphenols in white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) samples cultivated in Southern Italy by the optimisation and validation of a LC-HRMS method. The validation of the LC-HRMS method showed linearity results r2 > 0.989 and recovery values between 71 and 119% for a very wide range of concentrations. Ellagic acid was the most abundant polyphenol, with mean concentrations of 16271.86 ± 19798.53 μg/Kg, followed by apigenin (2749.51 ± 889.95 μg/Kg). A significant variability in ellagic acid contents was found between the areas of cultivation examined (p < 0.05). As far as we know, this work provides the first data on the polyphenols contents of white lupins cultivated in Italy. The comparison with other study confirms the role of the cultivation area for the determination of the polyphenol's contents. The study also confirms white lupins as a promising source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances in a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFour new homoisoflavonoids, 7-hydroxy-3-[hydroxy(4′-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-benzopyran-4-one (1), (3R)-7, 8-dihydroxy-3-(4′-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (2), 7-hydroxy-3-(2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (3), and 7-hydroxy-3-(2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxybenzyl)-benzopyran-4-one (4), were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR spectra. Their absolute configurations were assigned using electronic circular dichroism spectrum. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited cytotoxic effects on MCF-7/TAM cells with the IC50 values of 101.4 ± 0.03 and 93.02 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and one new species of Tegonotini (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from China are described and illustrated. They are Multispinacarus dimocarpi gen. nov. & sp. nov. infesting Dimocarpus longan Lour. (Sapindaceae), Alvetegonotus callerya gen. nov. & sp. nov. infesting Callerya tsui (F. P. Metcalf) Z. Wei & Pedley. (Fabaceae), and Shevtchenkella sterculiae sp. nov. infesting Sterculia euosma W. W. Smith. (Malvaceae). These new species were found to be vagrants on the lower leaf surface of their associated plants, albeit with no apparent damage observed.The article corresponds to http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:46A54A0E-77B7-4BF2-877E-67163E31D991The new genera Multispinacarus Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo et Wang corresponds to http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A50AB374-B2A8-458E-9343-D7F1A0E44C35The new genera Alvetegonotus Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo et Wang corresponds to http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:0FE72EFB-6E7E-4BA2-B7A3-AA29AF1D448BThe new species shevtchenkella sterculiae Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo & Wang, corresponds to http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:17637E47-3A13-4301-984D-2AA337367E06 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change induces perturbation in the global water cycle, profoundly impacting water availability for agriculture and therefore global food security. Water stress encompasses both drought (i.e. water scarcity) that causes the drying of soil and subsequent plant desiccation, and flooding, which results in excess soil water and hypoxia for plant roots. Terrestrial plants have evolved diverse mechanisms to cope with soil water stress, with the root system serving as the first line of defense. The responses of roots to water stress can involve both structural and physiological changes, and their plasticity is a vital feature of these adaptations. Genetic methodologies have been extensively employed to identify numerous genetic loci linked to water stress-responsive root traits. This knowledge is immensely important for developing crops with optimal root systems that enhance yield and guarantee food security under water stress conditions. Results: This review focused on the latest insights into modifications in the root system architecture and anatomical features of legume roots in response to drought and flooding stresses. Special attention was given to recent breakthroughs in understanding the genetic underpinnings of legume root development under water stress. The review also described various root phenotyping techniques and examples of their applications in different legume species. Finally, the prevailing challenges and prospective research avenues in this dynamic field as well as the potential for using root system architecture as a breeding target are discussed. Conclusions: This review integrated the latest knowledge of the genetic components governing the adaptability of legume roots to water stress, providing a reference for using root traits as the new crop breeding targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is a key pulse crop grown in the spring in dryland regions. The cold resistance potential of chickpeas allows for the development of genotypes with varying sowing dates to take advantage of autumn and winter rainfall, particularly in dryland regions. In this study, we assessed grain yield, plant height, 100-seed weight, days to maturity, and days to flowering of 17 chickpea genotypes in five autumn-sown dryland regions from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, the response of selected chickpea genotypes to cold stress was examined at temperatures of -4 °C, 4 °C, and 22 °C by analyzing biochemical enzymes. Results: Mixed linear model of ANOVA revealed a significant genotype × environment interaction for all traits measured, indicating varying reactions of genotypes across test environments. This study reported low estimates of broad-sense heritability for days to flowering (0.34), days to maturity (0.13), and grain yield (0.08). Plant height and seed weight exhibited the highest heritability, with genotypic selection accuracies of 0.73 and 0.92, respectively. Moreover, partial least square regression highlighted the impactful role of rainfall during all months except of October, November, and February on grain yield and its interaction with environments in autumn-planted chickpeas. Among the genotypes studied, G9, G10, and G17 emerged as superior based on stability parameters and grain yield. In particular, genotype G9 stood out as a promising genotype for dryland regions, considering both MTSI and genotype by yield*trait aproaches. The cold assay indicated that − 4 °C is crucial for distinguishing between susceptible and resistant genotypes. The results showed the important role of the enzymes CAT and GPX in contributing to the cold tolerance of genotype G9 in autumn-sown chickpeas. Conclusions: Significant G×E for agro-morphological traits of chickpea shows prerequisite for multi-trial analysis. Chickpea's direct root system cause that monthly rainfall during plant establishment has no critical role in its yield interaction with dryland environment. Considering the importance of agro-morphological traits and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield, the utilization of multiple-trait stability approches is propose. Evaluation of chickpea germplasm reaction against cold stress is necessary for autumn-sowing. Finally, autumn sowing of genotype FLIP 10–128 C in dryland conditions can led to significant crop performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing legumes into C4-dominated tropical pastures, may enhance their sustainability but has some pasture management constraints. One potential alternative is using arboreal legumes, but several of these species have relatively high condensed tannin (CT) concentrations, which negatively impact forage quality. There is limited knowledge, however, on how arboreal legume leaf CT content varies over the year and how this might impact forage quality. The objective of this 2 year study was to assess the seasonal variation of CT and nutritive value for ruminants of the tropical tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp.] and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The research was carried out in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil on well-established pastures in which either legume was present with signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf.). We determined CT and nitrogen concentrations, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and leaf δ13C and δ15N from January to October of 2017 and 2018. All parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the interaction between legume species and sampling time, with generally higher leaf CT content for mimosa than gliricidia, and both were reduced at the start of the dry season, although much more drastically for mimosa. The IVDOM was strongly affected by CT content and increased at the start of the dry season, coincidentally when C4 grass forage quality typically decreased. There is a marked species effect, with CT from gliricidia impacting IVDOM more than the same CT content from mimosa. While N concentration from mimosa also increased at the start of the dry season, that for gliricidia did not vary over the year. We conclude that although these arboreal legumes have relatively high CT contents, these reduce during the dry season when CT concentrations coinciding with a reduced forage quality as the protein content for C4 grasses is usually inadequate in this season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient deficiencies are a major cause of yield loss under abiotic stress conditions, so proper nutrient management can reduce the negative effects of stress to some extent. Nutrients can alleviate stress by activating resistance genes, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, creating osmoprotectants in cells, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, increasing cell membrane stability, synthesizing proteins associated with stress tolerance, and increasing chlorophyll content in leaves. The current review highlights changes in soybean metabolic activity caused by drought stress and changes in vital functions caused by the deficiency of primary (N, K, P) and secondary macronutrients (Ca, Mg, S). The role of macronutrients in reducing the adverse effects of water deficit stress is highlighted. Under stressed conditions, appropriate nutrient management options can be implemented to minimize the effects of drought and ensure good yields. Balanced nutrient fertilization helps activate various plant mechanisms to mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses and improve soybean drought resistance/tolerance. Nutrient management is therefore a viable technique for reducing environmental stress and increasing crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new species of Rhopalomyia Rübsaamen, 1892 are described from eastern Australia feeding on a diverse range of plant genera and families. All induce galls on flower or growth buds: Rhopalomyia cassiniae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Cassinia subtropica (Asteraceae), Rhopalomyia digitata Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Podolobium ilicifolium (Fabaceae), Rhopalomyia glebosa Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Parsonsia straminea (Apocynaceae), Rhopalomyia inconspicua Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Kunzea sp. (Myrtaceae), Rhopalomyia ozothamniae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Asteraceae), Rhopalomyia pultenicola Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Pultenaea forsythiana (Fabaceae) and Rhopalomyia stypheliae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Syphelia triflora (Ericaceae). The scope of Rhopalomyia is broadened to contain species with a partially setulose gonostyle and a four‐segmented palp, a decision supported by a phylogenetic analysis based on the barcoding section of the mitochondrial COI gene. Apocynaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae and Myrtaceae are recorded as hosts of Rhopalomyia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The top-down approach, whereby scientists design "ready-to-use" packages to be adopted as they are by farmers, is being increasingly called into question. In reality, farmers often do not just adopt new systems that interest them, but adapt proposed systems to their own situation. Yet, these adaptations are seldom encouraged by agronomists and are even less so a focus of research. In this study, we designed and tested a new collective and individual learning-based approach to support farmers' adaptation of innovative cropping systems, and applied this approach to increasing legume cultivation in cropping systems in a region of Burkina Faso where legumes have been neglected in favor of cotton. The approach is based on a sequence of three steps. First, collective exchanges during "farmers' field days" were organized in each village around prototyping trials comparing different legume-based cropping system options proposed by agronomists. Second, farmers could choose the cropping system option that most interests them for implementation. Third, farmers progressively adapted this cropping system, in dedicated adaptation plots. Various degrees of adjustments and adaptations were observed between the options displayed in the prototyping trials and the adaptations made in the plots over a 2-year period. We classified these adaptations into five types of dynamics of change. We found that (i) farmers adapted the cropping system options differently depending on the flexibility as well as the farmer's knowledge of the system, and (ii) the adaptations made by farmers were influenced by the discussions (both peer-to-peers and with the agronomists) that took place during field days. We thus show that collective exchanges on prototyping trials could contribute to support farmers embarking on a trajectory of change through step-by-step design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark wings are projections commonly interpreted as plant protective structures against herbivory. Their location in stems has been typically thought to be random, something that here we dispute, using Piptadenia gonoacantha as a case study. We collected stem samples from several specimens in different developmental stages from natural populations in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. These stems were studied in detail under light microscopy to determine the formation of bark wings and their possible correlation with other anatomical features. Stems of P. gonoacantha are deeply lobed during primary growth, with each lobe containing a large vascular bundle, alternating with smaller vascular bundles in the interlobes. On top of these lobes, prickles develop, being composed of epidermal tissue and the cortex beneath. Some of the eight lobes merge and a phellogen is installed on top of them, which starts to produce a large sheath of phellem, which will become the conspicuous bark wings of Piptadenia. The phellogen switches on and off, leaving marks resembling growth rings. The bark wings in Piptadenia have very specific positioning, always in the front of five to eight major vascular bundles, indicating that bark wings appear always in very precise locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by boron (B) occurs in different ways, such as through mineral fertilisers and irrigation, and in surface waters it has increased significantly over the years. It is an important element for plants, participating in several physiological processes. This work aimed to evaluate the behaviour of Crotalaria juncea, widely used as green manure. The species that tolerates B up to a dose of 60 mg dm−3 has the capacity to phytoremediate B and is classified as a phytostabilizer. It is clear that a dose of 120 mg dm−3 of B is harmful to the growth of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legume–rhizobia symbiosis is a unique natural phenomenon, which supplies the plant with the necessary mineral nitrogen via fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen. This interaction involves two partners: the legume plant and root nodule bacteria (rhizobia). In the wild, members of the Fabaceae family enter into symbiosis with a polymorphic group of rhizobia specific to them; the mechanism and reasons for the formation of heterogeneity of rhizobia are currently the subject of active research. In the present work, a Rhizobium leguminosarum strain strictly specific to Phaseolus vulgaris L. was used to show that within 30 days upon its introduction into soil, genetic rearrangements occurred in the cells, as was revealed by changes in the pattern of its genetic profile. It was also found that recombination activity of the cells was also affected by the root exudates produced during seed germination, which may indicate involvement of the plant in the formation of polymorphism of its microsymbionts. These findings suggest interpretation of this process not as a spontaneous event, but rather as an event controlled by the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework for researchers, academics, and food developers regarding the techno-functional properties of the most consumed legume proteins globally, including peas, cowpeas, common beans, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, and lupins. The review delves into the structural aspects of these proteins in detail and the techniques employed in their extraction and modification. Detailed information is provided on various techno-functional properties, such as solubility, water and oil retention capacity, emulsifying properties, foaming properties, and gelation properties of legume proteins. Practical applications in various food products are highlighted, including bakery items, pasta, snacks, dairy alternatives, sauces, meat analogues, and hybrid products. The review also explores emerging uses, such as the role of these proteins as encapsulating materials and even in 3D food printing. In addition, suggestions for future applications are presented, emphasizing their relevance in the development of innovative products and promoting the comprehensive utilization of legume proteins in the food industry. The importance of these innovations is emphasized in attracting consumers and facilitating a successful transition toward more sustainable plant-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Reduced snow cover and increased air temperature variability are predicted to expose overwintering herbaceous plants to more severe freezing in some northern temperate regions. Legumes are a key functional group that may exhibit lower freezing tolerance than other species in these regions, but this trend has been observed only for non-native legumes. Our aim was to confirm if this trend is restricted to non-native legumes or whether native legumes in these regions also exhibit low freezing tolerance. Methods First, we transplanted legumes (five non-native species and four native species) into either an old field (non-native) or a prairie (native) and used snow removal to expose the plots to increased soil freezing. Second, we grew plants in mesocosms (old field) and pots (prairie species) and exposed them in controlled environment chambers to a range of freezing treatments (control, 0, −5 or −10 °C) in winter or spring. We assessed freezing responses by comparing differences in biomass, cover and nodulation between freezing (or snow removal) treatments and controls. Key Results Among legume species, lower freezing tolerance was positively correlated with a lower proportion of nodulated plants and active nodules, and under controlled conditions, freezing-induced reductions in above-ground biomass were lower on average in native legumes than in non-native legumes. Nevertheless, both non-native and native legumes (except Desmodium canadense) exhibited greater reductions in biomass in response to increased freezing than their non-leguminous neighbours, both in controlled environments and in the field. Conclusions These results demonstrate that both native and non-native legumes exhibit low freezing tolerance relative to other herbaceous species in northern temperate plant communities. By reducing legume biomass and nodulation, increased soil freezing could reduce nitrogen inputs into these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecosystem simplification for greater food production has led to the loss of ecosystem services such as pest control by predators. Plant diversification has shown excellent potential to improve the diversity of crop predators such as spiders.However, in agroecosystems with frequent disturbances such as annual crops, it is unknown whether the effect of plant diversification on spiders depends on the surrounding landscape and the stages of the agricultural cycle (i.e., periods with differences in vegetation, weather and agricultural practices).Here, we evaluated the effect and interaction of local management (plant diversification), landscape (forest areas) and agricultural cycle on the richness and abundance from the main spider guilds of a maize polyculture in Mexico.We found that greater crop diversification (i.e., addition of legumes and leafy plants) caused a greater abundance of ground‐hunting spiders. We also show that a larger area of forest around the crop favours a greater richness and abundance of ground‐ and vegetation‐hunting spiders.We found that each stage of the agricultural cycle had a different spider richness and abundance, ground hunters were more common at the beginning of the agricultural cycle, while vegetation hunters and web‐builders were more common during the peak developmental stages of the crops.Our findings support the idea that to foster functionally diverse spider communities that potentially enhance natural pest control, we must jointly manage plant elements within the crop, in the surrounding landscape, considering the high dynamics of spider communities throughout the agricultural cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigna mungo. L (Black gram) belonging to the Leguminosae family is a most abundant source of protein for human and animal diets. Over 8.5 million tonnes of black gram are being produced worldwide, and after confiscating the endosperm for the protein source, the seed coat is dumped as agro-waste and used as feed for the cattle. This study aims to investigate and profile the metabolites in three distinct parts of V. mungo seeds: coat, cotyledon, and intact seed. Also, it has been hypothesized that sugar methylation plays a pivotal role in facilitating black gram seed germination by serving as an energy source during metabolic processes. In our study, A total of forty-nine compounds belonging to the class such as fatty acids, saccharides, triterpenes, sterols, and vitamins were detected in various parts of V. mungo seed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Most interestingly, 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) was commonly detected in methanolic extract of coat, intact seed, and cotyledon with peak area percentages of 3.076, 1.157, and 1.100 %, respectively. Based on the highest peak area percentage in the coat, this compound was purified by using a silica gel column with a mesh size of 60–120 followed by Biotage SNAP cartridge KP-C18-HS (12 g). The yield and purity of the purified fractions were found to be 11.78 & 94.19 %, respectively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Further, the mass confirmation of purified fraction containing 3-OMG (m/z - 217.06 g/mol) was done by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and reconfirmed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). The MS/MS analysis of the fragment showed m/z 206.91 for 3-OMG which corresponds to the association of the sodium adduct. The concentration of 3-OMG was quantified as 332.65 µg/g of dry weight in the coat of V. mungo by HPLC analysis. Also, among the antioxidant assays conducted, such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and NOS, it was observed that the methanolic extract of coat exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity. The 3-OMG is commonly used as a non-metabolized analogue of glucose by regulating glucose transporter, especially GLUT-4 that regulates the absorption of glucose by insulin into muscle and fat cells. This study supports the black gram seed with coat as an alternative medicine to regulate blood glucose. [Display omitted] • The analysis focuses on the seed of Vigna mungo L which is produced globally. • Fatty acids, saccharides, triterpenes, sterols, and vitamins were detected by GC-MS in various parts of the V. mungo seed. • 3-O-methyl-D-glucose was detected in the coat with a high peak area percentage using GC-MS.3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) detected in coat, seed, and cotyledon with high peak. • The MS/MS fragment of purified fraction for 3-OMG showed m/z 217.06 and was quantified at 332.65 μg/g of dry weight by HPLC. • Methanolic extract of the coat exhibited the highest antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controlled environment agriculture, particularly vertical farms (VF), also called plant factories, is often claimed as a solution for global food security due to its ability to produce crops unaffected by weather or pests. In principle, essential macronutrients of the human diet, like protein, could technically be produced in VF. This aspect becomes relevant in the era of protein transition, marked by an increasing consumer interest in plant‐based protein and environmental challenges faced by conventional farming. However, the real question is: what does the cultivation of protein crops in VF imply in terms of resource use? To address this, a study was conducted using a VF experiment focusing on two soybean cultivars. Results: With a variable plant density to optimize area use, and because of the ability to have more crop cycles per year, protein yield per square metre of crop was about eight times higher than in the open field. Assuming soy as the only protein source in the diet, the resources needed to get total yearly protein requirement of a reference adult would be 20 m2 of crop area, 2.4 m3 of water and 16 MWh of electricity, versus 164 m2, 111 m3 and 0.009 MWh in the field. Conclusions: The study's results inform the debate on protein production and the efficiency of VF compared to conventional methods. With current electricity prices, it is unlikely to justify production of simple protein crops in VF or promote it as a solution to meet global protein needs. © 2024 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]

The present study assessed the influence of the preceding crop (crotalaria or corn) on the bromatological, digestibility and microbiological aspects of the EMBRAPA 139 black oat hay (Avena strigosa) cultivar. A randomized block design was used, with subplots divided according to time, whereby the preceding crop (crotalaria or corn) was allocated to the main plot and hay storage times (baling, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage) to the subplots, with five repetitions. Crotalaria as predecessor resulted in lower indigestible fiber and higher protein contents in black oat hay, both in acid detergent, as well as higher pH. Corn as the preceding crop provided better hay digestibility due to lower neutral detergent insoluble protein content and higher in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The preceding crop did not significantly affect the drying time of forage and the microorganism population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Mucuna is a potential protein source, but it has been underutilized due to the presence of antinutritional factors, especially L-DOPA. Solid-state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria could be an effective and simple method for reducing these antinutritional factors while simultaneously enriching the protein content. In this work, an experimental analysis identified the variables with the greatest influence on the solid-state fermentation of Mucuna deeringiana. In general, we observed a decrease in pH due to the production of and increase in lactic acid, resulting in a 91% (6.40 to 0.55 g/100 g sample) reduction in L-DOPA, 51% decrease in phenolic compounds (11.65 to 5.70 g/100 g sample), 97% decrease in tannins (1.26 to 0.04 g/100 g sample), and the antioxidant capacity of the fermented flour was 97%, with an increase in protein content of 12%. Furthermore, it demonstrated greater stability over 24 days compared to the control samples, which remained stable for only 3 days. These results suggest that the bacterium has a positive effect on the production of lactic acid, and the nutritional composition can be enhanced by reducing antinutritional factors, especially L-DOPA, that limit the use of this legume. This process proves to be a cost-effective and sustainable method for developing nutritious feed products derived from Mucuna flours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf-mining microlepidopteran, Macrosaccus morrisella (Fitch) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), has emerged as a new pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill (Fabales: Fabaceae), in Canada and the United States, but little is known about its life history traits. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the immature developmental rate of M. morrisella , from egg to adult emergence, on soybean at different temperatures, and the longevity of adults supplied with water and/or honey at different temperatures. The time to 50% emergence of adults was 71.90, 36.33, 24.62, and 17.83 days at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. The lower developmental threshold of M. morrisella was estimated at 8.96 °C, with 425.04 degree-days required for egg-to-adult development. For adult longevity, time to 50% mortality at 25 °C was 15.00, 4.00, and 2.00 days when adults were provided with 25% (v/v) honey–water solution, water, or nothing, respectively. In a follow-up experiment, time to 50% mortality at 25 °C was 24.00, 6.00, 3.00, and 3.00 days when adults were provided with honey and water (offered separately), honey, water, or nothing, respectively, with a synergistic effect when honey and water were offered simultaneously as opposed to honey or water alone. Finally, when fed 25% (v/v) honey–water solution and maintained at 20, 25, and 30 °C, time to 50% mortality of adults was 26.50, 15.00, and 15.00 days. These results inform the understanding of the basic biology of M. morrisella and will help inform the future development of management programs for this insect in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary liver cancer is globally on the rise, partially due to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Shifting to more plant-based diets may lower the risk. We aimed to estimate the effect of replacing total red meat, unprocessed red meat and processed red meat with legumes on primary liver cancer in a free-living population. We analyzed data from 126,744 UK Biobank participants who completed ≥ two 24 h diet recalls. Baseline characteristics were collected from the initial assessment visit. Information on liver cancer diagnoses was collected via external linkage to inpatient hospital episodes or central cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the substitution of 15 g/day of legumes with 15 g/day of total red meat, unprocessed red meat or processed red meat on liver cancer risk, using the leave-one-out food substitution model. During a median follow-up time of 11.1 years, 173 participants developed liver cancer. In the fully adjusted models, no association was observed when substituting 15 g/day of legumes with total red meat (HR: 1.02 (95% CI 0.96–1.08)), unprocessed red meat (HR: 1.00 (95% CI 0.94–1.06)) or processed red meat (HR: 1.09 (95% CI 0.99–1.21)). Overall, little evidence of an association between replacing red meat with legumes and liver cancer was observed. Further research in other study populations with longer follow-up time is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of two chickpea varieties, 'Costa 2004' and 'El Patrón', and to characterize their proteins to determine their technological potential for the food industry. For this purpose, chickpea samples of both varieties from the 2019 harvest region of Guanajuato, Mexico, were obtained and chemically characterized to determine the protein fractions using electrophoretic and amino acid profiling. The chickpea variety 'Costa 2004' contained 3% less protein and 7% less dietary fiber content than the variety 'El Patrón'; whereas, the carbohydrate content of 'Costa 2004' was 4% greater. Additionally, the chickpeas demonstrated an antioxidant capacity ranging from 319 to 387 µMET/g and total phenol levels exceeding 500 mg/g. Among the protein fractions, globulins represented the highest proportion in both varieties of chickpea, at approximately 8.73 g/100 g ('Costa 2004') and 10.42 g/100 g ('El Patrón'), followed by albumin, at approximately 1.24 g/100 g and 1.47 g/100 g, respectively. The chickpea proteins ranged in molecular weight between 100 and 25 kDa, with particularly strong signals in the albumin and globulin bands. Regarding the amino acid profile, histidine was predominant in both varieties. In conclusion, both varieties of chickpea have high nutritional value and broad potential for technological use in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ancient times, the shoots of certain species within the Cytisus genus were used as animal feed. Cytisus striatus is a plentiful and widespread shrub that has long been utilized as a soil fertilizer in the Iberian Peninsula. The flowers of this shrub have traditionally been employed for medicinal purposes. However, the nutritional value of yellow broom flowers and fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, flowers and fruit of C. striatus (Cytisus striatus) were collected from natural shrubs at three different locations in Portugal during the same year. An analytical assessment of their macro and micronutrient content was conducted. Regarding nutritional composition, flowers and fruits exhibited a fibre content of 18% and 42%, protein content of 21% and 12%, lipid content of 2% and 1%, carbohydrate content of 43% and 14%, and ash content of 4% and 3%, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral, with concentrations of approximately 20,094 mg/kg in the flowers and 11,746 mg/kg in the fruits, followed by calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Compared to some edible flowers and fruits, these plant parts of C. striatus showed macro and micronutrient values similar to species such as lavender, lupins, and cowpea pod husks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro/nanoplastics are widespread in terrestrial ecosystem. Even though many studies have been reported on the effects of these in marine environment, studies concerning their accumulation and impact on terrestrial ecosystem have been scanty. The current study was designed to determine how terrestrial plants, especially legumes, interact with micro/nanoplastics to gain insights into their uptake and translocation. The paper describes the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dot embedded polystyrene (CDPS) followed by its characterization. Translocation studies at different concentrations from 2 to 100% (v/v) for tracking the movement and accumulation of microplastics in Vigna radiata and Vigna angularis were performed. The optical properties of the synthesized CDPS were investigated, and their translocation within the plants was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. These findings were further validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the plant sections. The results showed that concentrations higher than 6% (v/v) displayed noticeable fluorescence in the vascular region and on the cell walls, while concentrations below this threshold did not. The study highlights the potential of utilizing fluorescent CDPS as markers for investigating the ecological consequences and biological absorption of microplastics in agricultural systems. This method offers a unique technique for monitoring and analyzing the routes of microplastic accumulation in edible plants, with significant implications for both food safety and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unhealthy dietary habits are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and adopting a healthy diet is a central recommendation in CVD prevention. This study assessed the dietary habits of patients with established CVD, their compliance to dietary guidelines, and the relationship between guideline-compliance and recurrent cardiovascular event risk. Methods: 2656 patients with established CVD from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Secondary Manifestations of ARTerial disease (UCC-SMART) prospective cohort study, were included between 1996 and 2022. Data on dietary intake was retrospectively collected for all participants in December 2022 using a 160-item food frequency questionnaire. Compliance with dietary guidelines was quantified using an amended version of the Dutch Healthy Diet 2015 (DHD-15) index (range: 0–135). Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify the relationship with cardiovascular events (stroke and myocardial infarction). Results: Among 2656 CVD patients (77% male, mean age 59 ± 9 years), median energy intake was 1922 [IQR: 1536–2351] kcal/day. The median DHD-15 index was 81.7 [IQR 71.2–92.0], with high compliance scores for recommendations on legumes and fish, and low scores for recommendations on whole grains, red meat, processed meat, and dairy. A higher DHD-15 score was associated with lower stroke risk (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.92 per 10-point increase) but not with myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Compliance with dietary guidelines was suboptimal in patients with established CVD. High compliance was associated with a clinically significant reduction in stroke risk in patients with established CVD, emphasizing the importance of dietary counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manure legumes represent an important nitrogen (N) source potentially reducing the need for fertilizer inputs. Organic vegetable production systems, which aim to reduce reliance on external N sources, require enhanced control over legume-derived N and high transfer efficiency, with which this N contributes to the N supply for vegetable crops. The primary objective of the study was to quantify the N fertilizer value of cut green manure herbage transferred to vegetable crops and to evaluate residual effects on subsequent cereal crops. During four field experiments, the apparent net N mineralization of soil incorporated and surface mulched cut-and-carry biomass differing in nutrient composition and application rate ranged from 6 to 39% and from 4 and 27% within the year of their application, respectively. Despite a positive response of mulch N mineralization to application rate, the highest short-term N release was observed for soil incorporated herbage with low C:N ratio, being potentially comparable to that of organic N fertilizers. Net residual N effects on subsequent cereal crops averaged 5.2 and 5.3% for soil incorporated and mulched herbage biomass respectively, and did not compensate for low N mineralization rates in the year of application. Ensiled herbage exhibited low short-term N mineralization rates not exceeding 9%, limiting its potential to replace organic N fertilizers for early-season vegetable crops. Thus, a significant challenge arises from the lack of timely synchronicity between biomass availability and vegetable cropping periods, constraining efforts to reduce reliance on external N sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Species interactions should be considered during the design of restoration plans for tropical dry forests. Legume trees dominate old-growth and regenerating tropical dry forests with some pioneers becoming temporarily monodominant during secondary succession. Yet, the mechanisms promoting legume coexistence in this ecosystem are poorly understood but essential to develop restoration strategies for degraded forests. We studied plant–plant interactions in the regeneration niche of an early and a late successional legume tree species, increasingly co-occurring in northwestern Mexico due to persistent climatic and anthropogenic disturbance that is altering forest dynamics. Our experiment comprised two species (Acacia cochliacantha, typical early successional and monodominant, and Lysiloma watsonii, typical late successional) × two habitats (direct light and shade) × three plant interaction treatments (control, intraspecific and interspecific). Each of the 12 experimental units contained 20 pots, totaling 240 replicates. We examined germination, seedling survival, and growth dynamics and determined seedling dry mass (total and root: shoot) at the end of the experiment. Our results suggest that legume monodominance in regenerating tropical dry forests starts early during germination and may be temporarily maintained through the interplay between interspecific facilitation and intraspecific competition. In contrast, late successional species may avoid negative heterospecific interactions by recruiting later (benefiting from neighbors' shade) and maintaining neutral associations with conspecifics since early ontogenetic stages. Therefore, a cautious selection of early and late successional species and their spatial arrangement should be considered during the planning stage of restoration programs for tropical dry forests. Advancing our understanding of plant interactions in tropical dry forests should lead us to develop better tools for restoring this highly degraded ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Our findings shed light on the regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in chickpea seed coats. Expression of R2R3-MYB transcription factors CaLAP1 and CaLAP2 enhanced the anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins content in chickpea. The seed coat color is a major economic trait in leguminous crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PAs) are two classes of flavonoids that mainly contribute to the flower, seed coat and color of Desi chickpea cultivars. Throughout the land plant lineage, the accumulation of anthocyanins and PAs is regulated by MYB and bHLH transcription factors (TFs), which form an MBW (MYB, bHLH, and WD40) complex. Here, we report two R2R3-MYB TFs in chickpea belonging to the anthocyanin-specific subgroup-6, CaLAP1 (Legume Anthocyanin Production 1), and CaLAP2 (Legume Anthocyanin Production 2), which are mainly expressed in the flowers and developmental stages of the seeds. CaLAP1 and CaLAP2 interact with TT8-like CabHLH1 and WD40, forming the MBW complex, and bind to the promoter sequences of anthocyanin- and PA biosynthetic genes CaCHS6, CaDFR2, CaANS, and CaANR, leading to anthocyanins and PA accumulation in the seed coat of chickpea. Moreover, these CaLAPs partially complement the anthocyanin-deficient phenotype in the Arabidopsis thaliana sextuple mutant seedlings. Overexpression of CaLAPs in chickpea resulted in significantly higher expression of anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic genes leading to a darker seed coat color with higher accumulation of anthocyanin and PA. Our findings show that CaLAPs positively modulate anthocyanin and PA content in seed coats, which might influence plant development and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights experimental and field studies of the scientific problem of increasing the yield of soybean seeds by optimizing the main elements of growing technology. Improved standards for the depletion of major biological nutrients during the formation of units in soybean crops make it possible to specify the standards of foliar fertilization to obtain the planned levels of yield and removal of these elements from the soil. The obtained results are of practical importance, as they contribute to optimizing the nutrition of soybean plants due to the use of foliar fertilizers Ecoline Legume. This helps to increase seed yield to the level of 2.0-2.5 tons per hectare. The researchers also conducted a generalization and analysis of scientific results in the field of soybean yield management through foliar feeding. In addition, scientific publications on the influence of liming, application of organic, mineral and microfertilizers on the physicochemical and agrochemical properties of the soil were analyzed. The cultivation of soybeans and the rational application of foliar fertilization are economically beneficial methods, and in this case, the use of foliar fertilization Ecoline Legume to approximately neutral reaction of the soil environment contributed to obtaining the highest levels of conditional net profit and profitability. This confirms the high energy efficiency of soybean cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFaba beans (Vicia faba L.), integral to the legume family, are a significant component of the global pulse market because of their nutritional richness and positive health implications. While existing reviews have extensively covered the nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of faba beans, and their utilization in food product development, the insights into the optimization of processing methods and upcycling the wastewater during faba bean processing remain insufficient. Therefore, this review focuses on consolidating information about their bioactive compounds, elucidating associated health benefits and unveiling the possible application of processing water derived from faba beans. Key issues discussed include the impact of bioactive compounds in faba beans on cardiovascular health and carcinogenic condition, the challenges in processing that affect bioactive content, and the potential nutritional and functional applications of processing water in food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a high-protein Old World grain legume with remarkable food and feed production interest. It is sown in autumn or early spring, depending on the local agroclimatic conditions. This study aimed to identify allelic variants associated with vernalization responsiveness, in order to improve our knowledge of legume flowering regulatory pathways and develop molecular selection tools for the desired phenology as required for current breeding and adaptation to the changing climate. Results: Some 120 white lupin accessions originating from a wide range of environments of Europe, Africa, and Asia were phenotyped under field conditions in three environments with different intensities of vernalization, namely, a Mediterranean and a subcontinental climate sites of Italy under autumn sowing, and a suboceanic climate site of France under spring sowing. Two hundred sixty-two individual genotypes extracted from them were phenotyped in a greenhouse under long-day photoperiod without vernalization. Phenology data, and marker data generated by Diversity Arrays Technology sequencing (DArT-seq) and by PCR-based screening targeting published quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from linkage map and newly identified insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the promoter region of the FLOWERING LOCUS T homolog, LalbFTc1 gene (Lalb_Chr14g0364281), were subjected to a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Population structure followed differences in phenology and isolation by distance pattern. The GWAS highlighted numerous loci significantly associated with flowering time, including four LalbFTc1 gene promoter deletions: 2388 bp and 2126 bp deletions at the 5' end, a 264 bp deletion in the middle and a 28 bp deletion at the 3' end of the promoter. Besides LalbFTc1 deletions, this set contained DArT-seq markers that matched previously published major QTLs in chromosomes Lalb_Chr02, Lalb_Chr13 and Lalb_Chr16, and newly discovered QTLs in other chromosomes. Conclusions: This study highlighted novel QTLs for flowering time and validated those already published, thereby providing novel evidence on the convergence of FTc1 gene functional evolution into the vernalization pathway in Old World lupin species. Moreover, this research provided the set of loci specific for extreme phenotypes (the earliest or the latest) awaiting further implementation in marker-assisted selection for spring- or winter sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]