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Vitamin A deficiency remains prevalent on a global scale, including in regions where maize constitutes a high percentage of human diets. One solution for alleviating this deficiency has been to increase grain concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.)-an example of biofortification. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) developed a Carotenoid Association Mapping panel of 380 inbred lines adapted to tropical and subtropical environments that have varying grain concentrations of provitamin A and other health-beneficial carotenoids. Several major genes have been identified for these traits, 2 of which have particularly been leveraged in marker-assisted selection. This project assesses the predictive ability of several genomic prediction strategies for maize grain carotenoid traits within and between 4 environments in Mexico. Ridge Regression-Best Linear Unbiased Prediction, Elastic Net, and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces had high predictive abilities for all tested traits (β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, provitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and outperformed Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. Furthermore, predictive abilities were higher when using genome-wide markers rather than only the markers proximal to 2 or 13 genes. These findings suggest that genomic prediction models using genome-wide markers (and assuming equal variance of marker effects) are worthwhile for these traits even though key genes have already been identified, especially if breeding for additional grain carotenoid traits alongside β-carotene. Predictive ability was maintained for all traits except lutein in between-environment prediction. The TASSEL (Trait Analysis by aSSociation, Evolution, and Linkage) Genomic Selection plugin performed as well as other more computationally intensive methods for within-environment prediction. The findings observed herein indicate the utility of genomic prediction methods for these traits and could inform their resource-efficient implementation in biofortification breeding programs.

SUMMARY: Cassava is a crucial staple crop for smallholder farmers in tropical Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. Although high yield remains the top priority for farmers, the significance of nutritional values has increased in cassava breeding programs. A notable negative correlation between provitamin A and starch accumulation poses a significant challenge for breeding efforts. The negative correlation between starch and carotenoid levels in conventional and genetically modified cassava plants implies the absence of a direct genomic connection between the two traits. The competition among various carbon pathways seems to account for this relationship. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 49 African cassava genotypes with varying levels of starch and provitamin A. Our goal was to identify factors contributing to differential starch accumulation. Considering carotenoid levels as a confounding factor in starch production, we found that yellow‐ and white‐fleshed storage roots did not differ significantly in most measured components of starch or de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. However, genes and metabolites associated with myo‐inositol synthesis and cell wall polymer production were substantially enriched in high provitamin A genotypes. These results indicate that yellow‐fleshed cultivars, in comparison to their white‐fleshed counterparts, direct more carbon toward the synthesis of raffinose and cell wall components. This finding is underlined by a significant rise in cell wall components measured within the 20 most contrasting genotypes for carotenoid levels. Our findings enhance the comprehension of the biosynthesis of starch and carotenoids in the storage roots of cassava. Significance Statement: The development of high‐yielding cassava varieties with high‐carotenoid contents is an important goal in breeding to improve the nutritional value of the crop. However, high‐starch and high‐carotenoid levels are often inversely correlated. By comparing transcript and metabolite profiles of high‐starch and high‐carotenoid cassava storage roots, we found that the typically lower starch levels in high‐carotenoid genotypes are associated with increased carbon allocation toward myo‐inositol and cell wall component pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofortification of provitamin A in maize is an attractive and sustainable remedy to the problem of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. The utilization of molecular markers represents a promising avenue to facilitate the development of provitamin A (PVA)-enriched maize varieties. We screened 752 diverse tropical yellow/orange maize lines using kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) makers to validate the use of KASP markers in PVA maize breeding. To this end, a total of 161 yellow/orange inbred lines, selected from among the 752 lines, were evaluated for their endosperm PVA and other carotenoid compounds levels in two separate trials composed of 63 and 98 inbred lines in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among the yellow maize inbred lines studied for all carotenoid profiles. An inbred line TZMI1017, introduced by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) showed the highest level of PVA (12.99 µg/g) and β-carotene (12.08 µg/g). The molecular screening showed 43 yellow maize inbred lines carrying at least three of the favorable alleles of the KASP markers. TZMI1017 inbred line also carried the favorable alleles of almost all markers. In addition, nine locally developed inbred lines had medium to high PVA concentrations varying from 5.11 µg/g to 10.76 µg/g and harbored the favorable alleles of all the KASP PVA markers. Association analysis between molecular markers and PVA content variation in the yellow/orange maize inbred lines did not reveal a significant, predictable correlation. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying genetic architecture of the PVA content in this germplasm. However, we recommend strategic utilization of the maize-inbred lines with higher PVA content to enhance the PVA profile of the breeding program's germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Carotenoids perform a broad range of important functions in humans; therefore, carotenoid biofortification of maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most highly produced cereal crops worldwide, would have a global impact on human health. PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) genes play an important role in carotenoid metabolism; however, the possible function of PTOX in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize has not yet been explored. In this study, we characterized the maize PTOX locus by forward‐ and reverse‐genetic analyses. While most higher plant species possess a single copy of the PTOX gene, maize carries two tandemly duplicated copies. Characterization of mutants revealed that disruption of either copy resulted in a carotenoid‐deficient phenotype. We identified mutations in the PTOX genes as being causal of the classic maize mutant, albescent1. Remarkably, overexpression of ZmPTOX1 significantly improved the content of carotenoids, especially β‐carotene (provitamin A), which was increased by ~threefold, in maize kernels. Overall, our study shows that maize PTOX locus plays an important role in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize kernels and suggests that fine‐tuning the expression of this gene could improve the nutritional value of cereal grains. Significance Statement: We used a genetic approach to show that an important enzyme PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) regulates the biosynthesis of carotenoids, a pivotal nutrient for human health, in maize kernels. This work provides the first evidence that PTOX plays an important role in carotenoid biosynthesis in cereal grains, and we successfully increased the nutrient value of maize by overexpressing this gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-cryptoxanthin (β-crx) is a provitamin A carotenoid, ideal for targeting Vitamin A deficiency (VAD); however, its instability and uncontrolled release limit its biological properties. β-crx encapsulated soy phosphatidylcholine nanoliposome was designed to target VAD, and it showed good entrapment efficiency (96.11 ± 0.79%) and desirable size (64.34 ± 1.42 nm), zeta-potential (−17.5 ± 1.70 mV) and polydispersity index (0.288 ± 0.004), suggesting a stable and efficient encapsulation. The spherical nanoliposome was characterized through Field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The nanoliposome retained 74.12 ± 2.08% of β-crx at 4 °C after 30 days of storage at pH 7.4. Bioaccessibility study showed the release of β-crx was less in the gastric medium (5.93 ± 0.68%) compared to intestinal digestion (54.63 ± 0.11%), coinciding with the site of vitamin A metabolism. The residual scavenging activity (67.05 ± 1.53%) increased in the intestinal digestion. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was 82.59 ± 0.43% and inhibited 55.73 ± 0.48% protein oxidation. The TBARS value of 0.493 ± 0.02 mg/L was obtained after 30 days of storage, preventing lipid peroxidation. No chromosomal aberration was observed in the genotoxicity study. It prevented the lysis of erythrocytes, confirmed by the haemolytic assay. The study helps in designing a liposome for the delivery of β-crx to generate new fortified food to prevent VAD. [Display omitted] • Nanoliposomal vehicle was designed to deliver β-cryptoxanthin at the targeted site. • Allium cepa and red blood cells confirmed the nontoxic nature of the nanoliposome. • Entrapment improved the stability of the β-cryptoxanthin in adverse conditions. • Liposomal delivery vehicle retained antioxidant activity of β-cryptoxanthin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofortification of provitamin A in maize is an attractive and sustainable remedy to the problem of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. The utilization of molecular markers represents a promising avenue to facilitate the development of provitamin A (PVA)-enriched maize varieties. We screened 752 diverse tropical yellow/orange maize lines using kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) makers to validate the use of KASP markers in PVA maize breeding. To this end, a total of 161 yellow/orange inbred lines, selected from among the 752 lines, were evaluated for their endosperm PVA and other carotenoid compounds levels in two separate trials composed of 63 and 98 inbred lines in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among the yellow maize inbred lines studied for all carotenoid profiles. An inbred line TZMI1017, introduced by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) showed the highest level of PVA (12.99 µg/g) and β-carotene (12.08 µg/g). The molecular screening showed 43 yellow maize inbred lines carrying at least three of the favorable alleles of the KASP markers. TZMI1017 inbred line also carried the favorable alleles of almost all markers. In addition, nine locally developed inbred lines had medium to high PVA concentrations varying from 5.11 µg/g to 10.76 µg/g and harbored the favorable alleles of all the KASP PVA markers. Association analysis between molecular markers and PVA content variation in the yellow/orange maize inbred lines did not reveal a significant, predictable correlation. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying genetic architecture of the PVA content in this germplasm. However, we recommend strategic utilization of the maize-inbred lines with higher PVA content to enhance the PVA profile of the breeding program’s germplasm.

Maize enriched in provitamin A carotenoids could be key in combatting vitamin A deficiency in human populations relying on maize as a food staple. Consumer studies indicate that orange maize may be regarded as novel and preferred. This study identifies genes of relevance for grain carotenoid concentrations and kernel color, through simultaneous dissection of these traits in 10 families of the US maize nested association mapping panel that have yellow to orange grain. Quantitative trait loci were identified via joint-linkage analysis, with phenotypic variation explained for individual kernel color quantitative trait loci ranging from 2.4% to 17.5%. These quantitative trait loci were cross-analyzed with significant marker-trait associations in a genome-wide association study that utilized ∼27 million variants. Nine genes were identified: four encoding activities upstream of the core carotenoid pathway, one at the pathway branchpoint, three within the α- or β-pathway branches, and one encoding a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase. Of these, three exhibited significant pleiotropy between kernel color and one or more carotenoid traits. Kernel color exhibited moderate positive correlations with β-branch and total carotenoids and negligible correlations with α-branch carotenoids. These findings can be leveraged to simultaneously achieve desirable kernel color phenotypes and increase concentrations of provitamin A and other priority carotenoids.

Abstract Landrace orange maize is rich in carotenoids and is thought to be a potentially sustainable solution for Vitamin A deficiency. This study evaluated the acceptability of landrace orange maize food products among school-aged children living in rural Malawi. It also determined the retention of provitamin A carotenoids after storage in an uncontrolled environment, followed by milling and cooking. Sensory evaluations of porridge and nsima (thick porridge) were carried out in school-aged children (n = 160) using a 7-point hedonic scale. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was analysed using a spectrophotometric method and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the specific carotenoid composition of the food products. Sensory evaluation results showed a higher acceptance of landrace orange maize food products in comparison to those commonly prepared from white maize. Plain porridge scored 6.5 ± 1.4 and 5.6 ± 1.9 for orange and white maize, respectively. Similar results were observed with nsima. Orange maize nsima received a score of 6.8 ± 0.7 while white maize was evaluated at 5.8 ± 1.9. After 10 months of storage and processing, there was 89% retention of total carotenoids with 59% accounted for by evaluation of individual carotenoids. Despite the total degradation of beta-carotene, 42% retention of beta-cryptoxanthin with provitamin A activity was observed. Encouraging the production of landrace orange maize appears to be a useful strategy for providing Malawian farmers with carotenoid-rich foods with high palatability. It presents a cost-effective option to reduce dependence on supplementation and fortification. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background The establishment of heterotic groups of inbred lines is crucial for hybrid maize breeding programs. Currently, there is no information on the heterotic patterns of the Provitamin A (PVA) inbred lines developed in the maize improvement program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to form productive PVA enriched hybrids for areas affected by vitamin A deficiency. This study assessed the feasibility of classifying PVA-enriched inbred lines into heterotic groups based on PVA content without compromising grain yield in hybrids. Sixty PVA inbred lines were crossed to two testers representing two existing heterotic groups. The resulting 120 testcrosses hybrids were evaluated for two years at four locations in Nigeria. Results The two testers effectively classified the inbred lines into two heterotic groups. The PVA-based general combining ability and specific combining ability (HSGCA) method assigned 31 and 27 PVA enriched maize inbred lines into HGB and HGA, respectively, leaving two inbred lines not assigned to any group. The yield-based HSGCA method classified 32 inbred lines into HGB and 28 inbred lines into HGA. Both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping methods assigned more than 40% of the inbred lines into the same heterotic groups. Even though both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping of the inbred lines differed from the clusters defined by the DArTag SNP markers, more than 40% of the inbred lines assigned to HGA were present in Cluster-1 and 60% of the inbred lines assigned to HGB were present in Cluster-3. Interestingly, the inbred lines assigned to the same heterotic groups based on PVA content and grain yield were distributed across the three Ward’s clusters. The PVA-based HSGCA was identified as the most effective heterotic grouping method for breeding programs working on PVA biofortification. Conclusions Selecting PVA enriched maize inbred lines with diverse genetic backgrounds from the three marker-based clusters may facilitate the development of productive hybrids with high PVA content and for generating source populations to develop more vigorous maize inbred lines with much higher concentrations of PVA.

Background: The palm tribe Phytelepheae (vegetable ivory palms) produces oleaginous fruits traditionally consumed by indigenous and local communities. We therefore analyzed the oil content as well as fatty acid (FA), carotenoid, and tocochromanol composition of fruits collected from 35 palm trees in their natural habitats, namely Phytelephas aequatorialis (Pa, n = 28), Aphandra natalia (An, n = 5), and Ammandra decasperma (Ad, n = 2). Results: Average mesocarp oil content was high in Pa and An (ca. 30% dry mass [DM]) but not in Ad (10% DM). However, significant differences in fruit oil content between Pa populations were observed. Further, FA composition varied significantly among species and between Pa populations. The main FAs were oleic (17%–73%), palmitic (17%–41%), linoleic (2%–32%), and stearic (3%–13%) acids. The mesocarp oil of some Pa palms contained a high amount (>20%) of linoleic acid and a low amount of saturated FA (<25%). A high variability of total tocochromanol (89, 122, and 145 mg/kg oil for Pa, An, and Ad, respectively) and total carotenoids (96, 42, and 157 mg/kg for Pa, An, and Ad, respectively) content was also found. Conclusion: The fruits of the neglected Phytelepheae palms may represent a valuable source of lipids, including the essential FA linoleic acid and lipid‐soluble vitamins, and help to diversify dietary lipid sources in Ecuadorian geographical areas where there is a high rate of saturated fat consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landrace orange maize is rich in carotenoids and is thought to be a potentially sustainable solution for Vitamin A deficiency. This study evaluated the acceptability of landrace orange maize food products among school-aged children living in rural Malawi. It also determined the retention of provitamin A carotenoids after storage in an uncontrolled environment, followed by milling and cooking. Sensory evaluations of porridge and nsima (thick porridge) were carried out in school-aged children (n = 160) using a 7-point hedonic scale. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was analysed using a spectrophotometric method and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the specific carotenoid composition of the food products. Sensory evaluation results showed a higher acceptance of landrace orange maize food products in comparison to those commonly prepared from white maize. Plain porridge scored 6.5 ± 1.4 and 5.6 ± 1.9 for orange and white maize, respectively. Similar results were observed with nsima. Orange maize nsima received a score of 6.8 ± 0.7 while white maize was evaluated at 5.8 ± 1.9. After 10 months of storage and processing, there was 89% retention of total carotenoids with 59% accounted for by evaluation of individual carotenoids. Despite the total degradation of beta-carotene, 42% retention of beta-cryptoxanthin with provitamin A activity was observed. Encouraging the production of landrace orange maize appears to be a useful strategy for providing Malawian farmers with carotenoid-rich foods with high palatability. It presents a cost-effective option to reduce dependence on supplementation and fortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There has been no previous investigation into the relationship between serum β-Carotene levels and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. This research aims to explore the association between schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, and serum β-Carotene levels. Specifically, this study addresses this knowledge gap and examines whether lower serum β-Carotene levels are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Methods and Results: The present study involved 38 patients with schizophrenia (n = 38). We collected demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood samples for lipid panels, sugar levels, and serum β-Carotene levels, as well as participant responses to food frequency questionnaires. Results revealed the median serum β-Carotene was 0.87 (range: 0.69–1.14 μmol/L). The median metabolic syndrome Z-score using waist circumference was 0.13 (range: −1.10–2.39). Pairwise Spearman's correlation between metabolic syndrome Z-score versus β-Carotene showed a rho = −0.56, P < 0.001 for the overall sample. Linear regression between metabolic syndrome Z-score as a dependent variable and serum β-Carotene as an independent variable showed a regression coefficient of −3.11, P < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study offer suggestive evidence of a statistically significant positive correlation between reduced serum β-Carotene levels in individuals with schizophrenia and a heightened global risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This preliminary study has implications for the management of schizophrenia patients, suggesting that patients' serum levels of β-Carotene be periodically checked and referrals made to dieticians as necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The establishment of heterotic groups of inbred lines is crucial for hybrid maize breeding programs. Currently, there is no information on the heterotic patterns of the Provitamin A (PVA) inbred lines developed in the maize improvement program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to form productive PVA enriched hybrids for areas affected by vitamin A deficiency. This study assessed the feasibility of classifying PVA-enriched inbred lines into heterotic groups based on PVA content without compromising grain yield in hybrids. Sixty PVA inbred lines were crossed to two testers representing two existing heterotic groups. The resulting 120 testcrosses hybrids were evaluated for two years at four locations in Nigeria. Results: The two testers effectively classified the inbred lines into two heterotic groups. The PVA-based general combining ability and specific combining ability (HSGCA) method assigned 31 and 27 PVA enriched maize inbred lines into HGB and HGA, respectively, leaving two inbred lines not assigned to any group. The yield-based HSGCA method classified 32 inbred lines into HGB and 28 inbred lines into HGA. Both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping methods assigned more than 40% of the inbred lines into the same heterotic groups. Even though both PVA and yield-based heterotic grouping of the inbred lines differed from the clusters defined by the DArTag SNP markers, more than 40% of the inbred lines assigned to HGA were present in Cluster-1 and 60% of the inbred lines assigned to HGB were present in Cluster-3. Interestingly, the inbred lines assigned to the same heterotic groups based on PVA content and grain yield were distributed across the three Ward's clusters. The PVA-based HSGCA was identified as the most effective heterotic grouping method for breeding programs working on PVA biofortification. Conclusions: Selecting PVA enriched maize inbred lines with diverse genetic backgrounds from the three marker-based clusters may facilitate the development of productive hybrids with high PVA content and for generating source populations to develop more vigorous maize inbred lines with much higher concentrations of PVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wave of individuals impacted by dementia continues to rise rapidly as worldwide lifespan increases. Dietary strategies to slow cognitive decline and prolong time to clinical dementia remain understudied, but with potentially powerful public health consequences. Indeed, previously conducted large, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of micronutrients remain an under‐leveraged resource to study changes in cognitive performance. As a motivating example, we highlight an ancillary report from the Physicians' Health Study, where subjects randomized to β‐carotene (a provitamin A carotenoid) had a more attenuated change in longitudinal global cognitive performance and verbal memory, as compared to subjects randomized to placebo. Despite mechanistic evidence from cell and animal studies supporting a vitamin A‐mediated role in the biology associated with cognition, limited follow‐up work has been conducted. We argue that dietary factors (including provitamin A) deserve a second look, leveraging multi‐omic approaches, to elucidate how they may mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the variations in the nutritional attributes of thirteen Moringa oleifera cultivars. Leaves from six-month-old plants were harvested and tested for various nutritional attributes. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the carbohydrates, energy, some of the sugars, and fibre amongst the cultivars. The levels of moisture in the cultivars ranged from 7.10% to 8.20%. Additionally, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences across the cultivars in microelements studied except for zinc (Zn). These data revealed that plants from different geographical provenances differed in their adapting to varied environments. In general, under the same cultivation, management, and environmental conditions, the main reasons for these differences occurring in cultivars could be associated with the genetic background of each M. oleifera germplasm. However, the study cautions on the differences in nutritional properties, as some of the cultivars have been reported not to be pharmacologically potent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A deficiency remains a severe global health issue, which creates a need to biofortify crops with provitamin A carotenoids (PACs). Expanding plant cell capacity for synthesis and storing of PACs outside the plastids is a promising biofortification strategy that has been little explored. Here, we engineered PAC formation and sequestration in the cytosol of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, Arabidopsis seeds, and citrus callus cells, using a fungal (Neurospora crassa) carotenoid pathway that consists of only three enzymes converting C 5 isopentenyl building blocks formed from mevalonic acid into PACs, including β-carotene. This strategy led to the accumulation of significant amounts of phytoene and γ- and β-carotene, in addition to fungal, health-promoting carotenes with 13 conjugated double bonds, such as the PAC torulene, in the cytosol. Increasing the isopentenyl diphosphate pool by adding a truncated Arabidopsis hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase substantially increased cytosolic carotene production. Engineered carotenes accumulate in cytosolic lipid droplets (CLDs), which represent a novel sequestering sink for storing these pigments in plant cytosol. Importantly, β-carotene accumulated in the cytosol of citrus callus cells was more light stable compared to compared with plastidial β-carotene. Moreover, engineering cytosolic carotene formation increased the number of large-sized CLDs and the levels of β-apocarotenoids, including retinal, the aldehyde corresponding to vitamin A. Collectively, our study opens up the possibility of exploiting the high-flux mevalonic acid pathway for PAC biosynthesis and enhancing carotenoid sink capacity in green and non-green plant tissues, especially in lipid-storing seeds, and thus paves the way for further optimization of carotenoid biofortification in crops. This study demonstrates the functionality of the transiently and stably transformed, complete fungal, C 40 carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and its capability to produce provitamin A in the cytosol of different plant species and tissues. It shows the advantages of using the cytosol as an additional compartment for plant metabolic engineering of carotenes and reveals cytosolic lipid droplets as a novel sequestering sink for storing provitamin A outside of plastids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A Festulolium grass is an intergeneric hybrid of fescue (Festuca L.) and ryegrass (Lolium L.) that combines the nutritional qualities and weather resistance of each. Its high nutritional value and resistance to extreme weather conditions are important considerations in the era of global climate change. Festulolium has been used as a forage crop for many years, but little information is available on the levels of biologically active compounds (β-carotene and tocopherols) in Festulolium-based diets and in the meat of animals fed such diets. The present study assessed the contents of β-carotene, retinol and tocopherols and the proximate chemical composition of meat from young rams receiving diets based on silage made from different Festulolium cultivars (Becva, Felopa, Paulita), as compared with meat from rams fed a diet based on hybrid ryegrass. The meat of animals fed Festulolium silage-based diets contained more tocopherols and retinol than the meat of sheep receiving a hybrid ryegrass-based diet. Meat from rams fed diets based on silage made from Festulolium cvs. Felopa and Paulita was characterized by the highest concentrations of tocopherols and retinol. The results of this study indicate that Festulolium silage can be a desirable component of ram diets, but its efficacy may vary across cultivars. This study analyzed the chemical composition and the β-carotene, tocopherol and retinol content of meat (musculus longissimus lumborum, musculus gluteus maximus) from young rams fed different silage-based diets. The animals were divided into four groups depending on the type of silage in the feed ration (hybrid ryegrass, Festulolium cv. Becva, Festulolium cv. Felopa, Festulolium cv. Paulita). The concentrations of the examined lipophilic compounds were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Animals fed a diet based on ryegrass silage had the highest intakes of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol and total tocopherols (p < 0.01). Muscles of rams fed Festulolium silage-based diets contained more tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) than the meat of animals receiving hybrid ryegrass-based diets. The highest amounts of tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) were found in meat from rams fed rations based on silage made from Festulolium cvs. Felopa and Paulita. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between the intake of tocopherols and the α-tocopherol content of meat (r = 0.99), as well as between the β-carotene intake and the retinol content of meat (r = 0.92 in m. l. lumborum; r = 0.91 in m. g. maximus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a high-yielding and provitamin A-rich maize variety is one of the best approaches to reduce malnutrition and increase production, especially in regions where maize is a staple food, such as, the former Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it requires a good knowledge of combining ability and heterosis for grain yield and provitamin A. Thus, evaluating grain yield, provitamin A content and other agronomic traits of eight lines, four testers, and their 32 hybrids occurred during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 cropping seasons. The results showed that genetic parameters related to combining ability and heterosis among various F1 hybrids influenced all the studied traits except plant height. The parental genotypes P6 and P10 were suitable for improving 100-kernel weight, grain yield, stature at ear insertion, and provitamin A content. The parental genotypes P7, P4, and P2 were promising for provitamin A content, while the parental genotype P3 was leading for grain yield. Five hybrids (P10 x P5, P10 x P6, P10 x P7, P10 x P8, and P11 x P5) showed distinction as the best specific combinations for improving productivity and provitamin A content. The F1 hybrid P10 x P6 with desirable specific combining ability revealed that it is helpful as the best combination in producing double and triple hybrids with the highest yield and provitamin A potential. Crosses P10 x P5 and P11 x P5 can serve as the best cross combinations for grain yield, while hybrids P10 x P7 and P10 x P8 showed promising for provitamin A content. The presented results could benefit future breeding programs to develop maize genotypes with high yield and provitamin A elements, alleviating food insecurity and malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There has been no previous investigation into the relationship between serum β-Carotene levels and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. This research aims to explore the association between schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, and serum β-Carotene levels. Specifically, this study addresses this knowledge gap and examines whether lower serum β-Carotene levels are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Methods and Results: The present study involved 38 patients with schizophrenia (n = 38). We collected demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood samples for lipid panels, sugar levels, and serum β-Carotene levels, as well as participant responses to food frequency questionnaires. Results revealed the median serum β-Carotene was 0.87 (range: 0.69–1.14 μmol/L). The median metabolic syndrome Z-score using waist circumference was 0.13 (range: −1.10–2.39). Pairwise Spearman's correlation between metabolic syndrome Z-score versus β-Carotene showed a rho = −0.56, P < 0.001 for the overall sample. Linear regression between metabolic syndrome Z-score as a dependent variable and serum β-Carotene as an independent variable showed a regression coefficient of −3.11, P < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study offer suggestive evidence of a statistically significant positive correlation between reduced serum β-Carotene levels in individuals with schizophrenia and a heightened global risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This preliminary study has implications for the management of schizophrenia patients, suggesting that patients' serum levels of β-Carotene be periodically checked and referrals made to dieticians as necessary.

Alpha (α) and beta (β)-carotene are among the nutritious contents of bananas, with the unique feature of a high ratio of α-/β-carotene. Research on the gene and protein of the key enzymes determining the ratio of α-/β-carotene in bananas, namely lycopene beta cyclase (LCYB) and lycopene epsilon cyclase (LCYE), is currently not well defined. Hence, this study aimed to compare the characters of the LCYB and LCYE genes and their putative proteins from Musa acuminata 'DH-Pahang' and Musa balbisiana 'DH-PKW'. The corresponding nucleotide sequences from both species were aligned to detect similarities in the gene structure. Their protein products were characterized at the primary and tertiary levels. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on nucleotide and protein sequences. The result showed that the gene structure between these two species is similar in LCYB in chromosome 9 but different in LCYB in chromosome 7 and LCYE. The presence of cis-acting regulatory elements in response to light dominated the 2000 nucleotide region of the 5'UTR of LCYB and LCYE genes in both species. Based on protein alignment and domain analysis, the NADB_Rossmann superfamily domain was detected in both LCYB and LCYE. Alignment of the three-dimensional protein structure showed a significant difference between MaLCYB.c07 and MbLCYB.c07 only. The phylogenetic tree based on protein sequences indicated the distant relationship of MaLCYB.c07 and MbLCYB.c07 with other LCYB ingroup OTUs. The results of this study could provide a molecular basis related to the exploration of bananas as a promising functional food to meet the needs of provitamin A.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), millions of people depend on maize as a primary staple. However, maize consumers in SSA may be exposed to malnutrition due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and unsafe aflatoxin levels, which can lead to serious economic and public health problems. Provitamin A (PVA) biofortified maize has been developed to alleviate VAD and may have additional benefits such as reduced aflatoxin contamination. In this study, maize inbred testers with contrasting PVA content in grain were used to identify inbred lines with desirable combining ability for breeding to enhance their level of resistance to aflatoxin. Kernels of 120 PVA hybrids generated by crossing 60 PVA inbreds with varying levels of PVA (5.4 to 51.7 µg/g) and two testers (low and high PVA, 14.4 and 25.0 µg/g, respectively) were inoculated with a highly toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin had a negative genetic correlation with b-carotene (r = -0.29, p < 0.0001) and PVA (r = -0.23, p < 0.0001), indicating that hybrids with high PVA content accumulated less aflatoxin than those with low to medium PVA. Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of lines and testers were significant for aflatoxin accumulation, number of spores, PVA, and other carotenoids, with additive gene actions playing a prominent role in regulating the mode of inheritance (GCA/SCA ratio >0.5). Eight inbreds had combined significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin accumulation and spore count with significant positive GCA effects for PVA. Five testcrosses had combined significant negative SCA effects for aflatoxin with significant positive SCA effects for PVA. The high PVA tester had significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin, lutein, b-carotene, and PVA. The study identified lines that can be used as parents to develop superior hybrids with high PVA and reduced aflatoxin accumulation. Overall, the results point out the importance of testers in maize breeding programs to develop materials that can contribute to controlling aflatoxin contamination and reducing VAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The color of the maize (Zea mays L.) grain is determined by the content and composition of carotenoids, including provitamin A, which is a product of the β-β (β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin) and β-ɛ (α-carotene) branches of carotenogenesis. The ratio of the fluxes of the branches depends on the activity of the lycopene-ɛ-cyclase LcyE, which determines the β-ɛ branch. In this work, we analyzed allelic variants of the LcyE gene, which are potentially effective for increasing the biosynthesis of β-carotene, in 20 maize inbred lines of domestic selection, which differ in grain color. The 5'-UTR regions of the LcyE gene were amplified and sequenced. Fragment analysis showed the presence of allele 2 in four lines and the new allele 5 in 16 lines. The polymorphism of the new allele 5 was characterized—four single nucleotide polymorphisms and two deletions. The comparison of cis-regulatory elements in the analyzed 5'-UTR region in alleles 2 and 5 revealed a difference in binding sites with transcription factors. Expression of the LcyE gene was determined in the leaves of two lines with allele 2 and three lines with allele 5. A direct relationship was shown between the presence of allele 5 and a decrease in gene expression: the level of gene transcription in the case of allele 2 was 10–15 times higher than in the case of the allele 5. It has been suggested that the presence of allele 5 of the LcyE gene in the maize genome correlates with a decrease or suppression of the LcyE expression and, with stable activity of other carotenogenesis enzymes, with grain color. The use of allele 5 donors in combination with a known dark yellow or orange color of the grain can be used in the breeding of maize with increased synthesis of provitamin A in the grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are a vital source of redox-active phytochemicals in the diet. Traditional green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a rich source of carotenoids, dietary fiber, minerals, phenols, vitamins, and tocopherols and are commonly consumed in rural areas worldwide. In traditional Korean medicine, many GLVs are used to treat various ailments. However, data on the carotenoid and tocopherol content of many traditional GLVs consumed in the Republic of Korea are insufficient. The current work aims to compare the carotenoid and tocopherol profiles of 18 traditional GLVs by utilizing a single ion monitoring LC-MS approach to identify the potential GLVs for commercial cultivation and healthy diet formulations. Among the traditional GLVs investigated, (all-E)-lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, ranging from 44.4% in Glehnia littoralis to 52.1% in Heracleum moellendorffii. It was followed by (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene. The highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin (75.6 µg/g FW), 9-Z-neoxanthin (48.4 µg/g FW), (all-E)-luteoxanthin (10.8 µg/g FW), (all-E)-lutein (174.1 µg/g FW), total xanthophylls (310.5 µg/g FW), (all-E)-β-carotene (69.6 µg/g FW), and total carotenoids (380.1 µg/g FW) were recorded in Pimpinella brachycarpa. Surprisingly, Taraxacum mongolicum also showed the highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin, (all-E)-lutein, and total carotenoids, which were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05, Tukey HSD) with P. brachycarpa. The highest concentration of (all-E)-zeaxanthin (14.4 µg/g FW) was recorded in Solidago virga-aurea. Among the studied herbs, 13.9 (H. moellendorffii)–133.6 µg/g FW (Toona sinensis) of α-tocopherol was recorded. Overall, the results suggest that P. brachycarpa and T. mongolicum are rich sources of carotenoids. On the other hand, T. sinensis is a rich source of α-tocopherol. These GLVs can be utilized in the diet to enhance the intake of health-beneficial carotenoids and α-tocopherol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), millions of people depend on maize as a primary staple. However, maize consumers in SSA may be exposed to malnutrition due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and unsafe aflatoxin levels, which can lead to serious economic and public health problems. Provitamin A (PVA) biofortified maize has been developed to alleviate VAD and may have additional benefits such as reduced aflatoxin contamination. In this study, maize inbred testers with contrasting PVA content in grain were used to identify inbred lines with desirable combining ability for breeding to enhance their level of resistance to aflatoxin. Kernels of 120 PVA hybrids generated by crossing 60 PVA inbreds with varying levels of PVA (5.4 to 51.7 µg/g) and two testers (low and high PVA, 14.4 and 25.0 µg/g, respectively) were inoculated with a highly toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin had a negative genetic correlation with β-carotene (r = −0.29, p < 0.0001) and PVA (r = −0.23, p < 0.0001), indicating that hybrids with high PVA content accumulated less aflatoxin than those with low to medium PVA. Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of lines and testers were significant for aflatoxin accumulation, number of spores, PVA, and other carotenoids, with additive gene actions playing a prominent role in regulating the mode of inheritance (GCA/SCA ratio >0.5). Eight inbreds had combined significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin accumulation and spore count with significant positive GCA effects for PVA. Five testcrosses had combined significant negative SCA effects for aflatoxin with significant positive SCA effects for PVA. The high PVA tester had significant negative GCA effects for aflatoxin, lutein, β-carotene, and PVA. The study identified lines that can be used as parents to develop superior hybrids with high PVA and reduced aflatoxin accumulation. Overall, the results point out the importance of testers in maize breeding programs to develop materials that can contribute to controlling aflatoxin contamination and reducing VAD.

The work describes the carotenoid synthesis process by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422 using an agro-industrial waste as the substrate, seeking a biorefinery platform approach for waste utilization to produce high-value molecules. A culture medium based on goat milk whey (GMW) was optimized via the Taguchi method (L9 array). Four factors (ethanol, carbon and nitrogen source, and pH) were evaluated at three levels. The carbon and nitrogen composition were the factors dominating the process performance. Optimized conditions were validated (Urea, 0.3% w/v; pH, 4.5; ethanol, 10% v/v; glucose, 6.0%), and the carotenoid production (4075 µg/L) was almost 200% higher than when using the un-optimized process (2058 µg/L). Provitamin A carotenoids torulene, β–carotene, and γ–carotene (different proportions) were produced under all conditions. The hydrolyzed goat milk whey showed promising expectations as a low-cost source for carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422. The results are important for the innovative sustainable production of carotenoid-rich matrices for different purposes (nutrition, health promotion, color) and industries (foods, nutricosmetics, nutraceuticals, feeds), notably to help to combat vitamin A deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha (α) and beta (β)-carotene are among the nutritious contents of bananas, with the unique feature of a high ratio of α-/β-carotene. Research on the gene and protein of the key enzymes determining the ratio of α-/β-carotene in bananas, namely lycopene beta cyclase (LCYB) and lycopene epsilon cyclase (LCYE), is currently not well defined. Hence, this study aimed to compare the characters of the LCYB and LCYE genes and their putative proteins from Musa acuminata 'DH-Pahang' and Musa balbisiana 'DH-PKW'. The corresponding nucleotide sequences from both species were aligned to detect similarities in the gene structure. Their protein products were characterized at the primary and tertiary levels. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on nucleotide and protein sequences. The result showed that the gene structure between these two species is similar in LCYB in chromosome 9 but different in LCYB in chromosome 7 and LCYE. The presence of cis-acting regulatory elements in response to light dominated the 2000 nucleotide region of the 5'UTR of LCYB and LCYE genes in both species. Based on protein alignment and domain analysis, the NADB&#95Rossmann superfamily domain was detected in both LCYB and LCYE. Alignment of the three-dimensional protein structure showed a significant difference between MaLCYB.c07 and MbLCYB.c07 only. The phylogenetic tree based on protein sequences indicated the distant relationship of MaLCYB.c07 and MbLCYB.c07 with other LCYB ingroup OTUs. The results of this study could provide a molecular basis related to the exploration of bananas as a promising functional food to meet the needs of provitamin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs), especially lettuce and spinach, are the key source of bioactive antioxidants in a diet. This research compared the contents and composition of lettuce and spinach bioactive compounds with emerging GLVs, moringa and fenugreek. Liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) with single ion monitoring (SIM) was used to examine carotenoids and tocols, while phytosterols were examined using gas chromatography (GC)-MS. Among the studied GLVs, the (all-E)-lutein was the most dominating carotenoid ranging between 31.3 (green/red lettuce)–45.3 % (fenugreek) of total carotenoids, followed by (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene. Surprisingly, (all-E)-β-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, was the second most dominating carotenoid in moringa, accounting for 109.2 µg/g fresh weight (FW). Moreover, the significantly highest (p < 0.05; Tukey HSD) contents of total carotenoids (473.3 µg/g FW), α-tocopherol (83.7 µg/g FW), and total phytosterols (206.4 µg/g FW) were recorded in moringa. Therefore, moringa foliage may serve as an affordable source of nutritionally vital constituents in a diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa is mainly being addressed through crop biofortification. Several high provitamin A (PVA) maize varieties have been released as part of these measures. However, these varieties are grown in areas where Aspergillus ear rot (AER) and Fusarium ear rot (FER) frequently occur, leading to contamination with mycotoxins, which in turn reduce the yield and grain quality. Chronic mycotoxin exposure leads to serious public health problems. Therefore, PVA maize varieties should be resistant to mycotoxin contamination. In a previous study, we generated 120 PVA hybrids by crossing 60 PVA inbreds and two testers with contrasting PVA content. Several inbreds resistant to aflatoxin were detected through laboratory-based kernel screening assays. In the current study, 21 PVA inbred lines with varying carotenoid content inoculated with toxigenic isolates of A. flavus and F. verticillioides were evaluated in field trials conducted at two locations in Nigeria for resistance to ear rots and mycotoxin production. Inbred lines resistant to AER, FER, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination were identified. High PVA inbred lines were less susceptible to the ear rots, aflatoxin, and fumonisin than those with low PVA content. There were negative correlations between PVA content and each of AER (r = −0.28, P < 0.0001), FER (r = −0.37, P < 0.0001), aflatoxin (r = −0.15, P < 0.05), and fumonisin (r = −0.27, P < 0.0001). Three promising inbred lines were resistant to both aflatoxin and fumonisin. Moreover, the inbred TZI1715 combined resistance to AER, FER, aflatoxin, and fumonisin with desirable general combining ability for high β-carotene and total PVA content. These results suggest that the PVA biofortified maize developed to address vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to reduced exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin. • Several PVA maize lines were resistant to ear rots and mycotoxins in field trials. • Parental lines to develop PVA hybrids with reduced mycotoxin levels were detected. • High PVA maize reduces aflatoxin and fumonisin accumulation. • High PVA maize has a dual health benefit: increased vitamin A and reduced mycotoxin exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carotenoids are liposoluble plant pigments. The most common in the human diet are a-carotene, b-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Methods: This article provides an overview of the findings on carotenoids to date, their depots in body, recommended daily doses and mechanisms of protective action. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCIndex, Dimension, Scopus and Google for English and Serbian language abstracts, using the searching terms "carotenoids", "provitamin A", "antioxidants", "cardiotoxcity", "prevention" and "NADES". Topic: After being metabolised in intestinal mucosa (with the help of bile acids) and absorbed, carotenoids are mainly stored in the liver and adipose tissue. Major impact on carotenoids bioavailability is the nature of matrix/medium in which they are dissolved. The latest generation of non-toxic "green" solvents, the so-called NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) are in special focus of research today. Lycopene has been confirmed to improve sperm efficiency, raising incidence of pregnancy. Regarding cardiovascular diseases, trans forms inhibit process of atherosclerosis, most likely by increasing HDL levels. Low serum b-carotene and b-cryptoxanthin concentrations is associated with increased mortality from heart diseases, but also stroke. Carotenoids also can cause apoptosis in TE1 cells of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The recommended daily doses are still not standardized, due to lack of studies performed. A group of provitamin A carotenoids, when converted to vitamin A, participate in the regulation of vision and prevention of eye diseases (xerophthalmia, macular degeneration, night blindness, ulcerations, scars). They are also associated with potential influences on reproduction, embryogenesis, immune system, intracellular connections as well as metabolic pathways. Studies indicate their influence in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but also various malignancies. Conclusion: The literature data so far has indicated that carotenoids are a good choice in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, however, they are still insufficiently researched to deffine preventive and/or therapeutic doses.

DNA methylation can be affected by numerous lifestyle factors, including diet. Tobacco smoking induces aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) DNA hypomethylation, which increases the risk of lung and other cancers. However, no lifestyle habits that might increase or restore percentage of AHRR DNA methylation have been identified. We hypothesized that dietary intakes of vegetables/fruits and serum carotenoid concentrations are related to AHRR DNA methylation. A total of 813 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of vegetables and fruits. AHRR DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured using pyrosequencing method. In men, dietary fruit intake was significantly and positively associated with AHRR DNA methylation among current smokers (P for trend =.034). A significant positive association of serum provitamin A with AHRR DNA methylation was observed among current smokers (men: standardized β = 0.141 [0.045 to 0.237], women: standardized β = 0.570 [0.153 to 0.990]). However, compared with never smokers with low provitamin A concentrations, percentages of AHRR DNA methylation were much lower among current smokers, even those with high provitamin A concentrations (men: β = −19.1% [−33.8 to −19.8], women: β = −6.0% [−10.2 to −1.7]). Dietary intake of vegetables and fruits rich in provitamin A may increase percentage of AHRR DNA methylation in current smokers. However, although we found a beneficial effect of provitamin A on AHRR DNA methylation, this beneficial effect could not completely remove the effect of smoking on AHRR DNA demethylation. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether dietary vegetables/fruits intakes and serum carotenoid concentrations were associated with AHRR DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a Japanese population. We found that dietary intake of vegetables and fruits rich in provitamin A may increase AHRR DNA methylation in current smokers. AHRR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc deficiency affects one third of the population worldwide, and vitamin A deficiency is a prevalent public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Asia, including Nepal. Crop biofortification is the sustainable solution to these health—related problems, thus we conducted two different field trials in an alpha lattice design to identify zinc and provitamin A biofortified maize genotypes consistent and competitive in performance over the contrasting seasons (Season 1: 18 February to 6 July 2020 and Season 2: 31 August to 1 February, 2020/21). In our study, the performance of introduced maize genotypes (zinc—15 and provitamin A biofortified—24) were compared with that of the local check, focusing on the overall agro-morphology, yield attributes, yield, and kernel zinc and total carotenoid content. Zinc and total carotenoid in the tested genotypes were found in the range between 14.2 and 24.8 mg kg−1 and between 1.8 and 3.6 mg 100 g−1. Genotypes A1831-8 from zinc and EEPVAH-46 from provitamin A biofortified maize trial recorded kernel zinc and total carotenoid as high as 52.3, and 79.5%, respectively, compared to the local check (DMH849). The provitamin A genotypes EEPVAH-46 and EEPVAH-51 (total carotenoid: 3.6 and 3.3 mg 100 g−1), and zinc biofortified genotypes A1847-10 and A1803-42 (20.4 and 22.4 mg kg−1 zinc) were identified as superior genotypes based on their yield consistency over the environments and higher provitamin A and zinc content compared to the check. In addition, farmers can explore August sowing to harvest green cobs during December-January to boost up the emerging green cob business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of nutritious food amongst rural farmers has been a challenge for m Cany years. Challenges can be attributed to many factors, including poor access to water, use of old planting methods, financial challenges, etc. Therefore, new climate-smart technologies (CSTs) were introduced to the farmers. The CSTs implemented in the study were in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) techniques compared with conventional production (CON). These technologies were applied in combination with sound agronomic management practices, such as mulching and fertilizer application, to produce cabbage, beetroot, spinach and orange-fleshed sweet potato. The vegetables produced were harvested and their nutritional composition analysed to assess whether or not agronomic treatments, water-use technology and season affected their micronutrient levels, with a particular focus on provitamin A and mineral levels. The main finding of the study was that the nutrient levels of the vegetables can be enhanced by adopting IRWH technology combined with different agronomic treatments, especially including mulching as one of the treatment combinations. Limitations: Farmer research participants did not always adhere to research agreements, particularly regarding reserving vegetable samples for analyses. As a result, some experiment replicates are missing. Value: The study findings are of socio-economic significance as they demonstrate that rural, small-scale farmers can apply local, accessible and appropriate agronomic treatments and water-use technologies to achieve economically viable yields of nutritive vegetables to enhance food and nutrition security and household livelihoods of the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the variations in the nutritional attributes of thirteen Moringa oleifera cultivars. Leaves from six-month-old plants were harvested and tested for various nutritional attributes. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the carbohydrates, energy, some of the sugars, and fibre amongst the cultivars. The levels of moisture in the cultivars ranged from 7.10% to 8.20%. Additionally, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences across the cultivars in microelements studied except for zinc (Zn). These data revealed that plants from different geographical provenances differed in their adapting to varied environments. In general, under the same cultivation, management, and environmental conditions, the main reasons for these differences occurring in cultivars could be associated with the genetic background of each M. oleifera germplasm. However, the study cautions on the differences in nutritional properties, as some of the cultivars have been reported not to be pharmacologically potent.

Vitamin A deficiency poses health risks for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Southeast Asia. Provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties can contribute to minimizing the adverse effects of vitamin A deficiency in areas where maize is a staple food crop. Identifying suitable testers is important to breed provitamin A-biofortified hybrid maize. This study was therefore conducted to 1) assess the suitability of maize inbred lines with contrasting levels of provitamin A (one with high and one with low provitamin A concentration) to assess the combining ability of maize inbred lines in accumulating provitamin A and other carotenoids, and grain yield, 2) confirm the mode of inheritance of provitamin A and grain yield, and 3) identify promising inbred lines with desirable combining ability effects for use to develop high-yielding provitamin A-biofortified hybrids. The inbreds crossed to the two inbred testers were evaluated in four environments for the carotenoid content and eight environments for the agronomic performance. The combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genetic variation among the testcrosses for all carotenoids, grain yield, and other agronomic traits. The mode of inheritance for grain yield, other agronomic traits, provitamin A, and other carotenoids was regulated by both additive and non-additive gene effects with a prominence of additive gene effects. The high provitamin A tester that displayed positive GCA effects for p-carotene and provitamin A content, broader agronomic performance of testcrosses, and higher levels of provitamin A in testcrosses can be considered suitable for breeding programs developing provitamin A-biofortified hybrids. The inbred lines TZI2012, TZI2142, TZI2130, TZI2065-2, TZI2161, TZI2025, TZI1278, TZI1314, TZI1304, and TZI2032 with positive GCA effects for grain yield and provitamin A content could be used as parental lines to develop source population of new inbred lines and high-yielding hybrids with elevated levels of provitamin A. The best performing hybrids are promising for release as high-yielding provitamin A maize hybrids after further evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the micronutrient composition of fresh and boiled traditional green leafy vegetables (TGLVs). Design: Sixteen TGLVs categorised into cultivated and uncultivated vegetables were analysed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid [AA] and dehydroascorbate [DHAA]), β-carotene, lutein and minerals. Results: Basella alba had the highest AA (72 mg/100 g) content; Vernonia amygdalina (unwashed), had the highest β-carotene and lutein concentrations (14.1 and 29.0 mg/100 g, respectively); Amaranthus hybridus had the highest AA (43 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (9.3 mg/100 g) content, for cultivated sp. Celosia argentea had the highest Fe content; Zn content of all the vegetables was low, 0.4–2.6 mg/100 g. Cooking resulted in significant losses in AA content in all the samples, 19% in B. alba to 100% in Crassocephalum crepidioides. Carotenoid losses were observed in 10 samples and six samples had increased values of β-carotene (12% to 183%) and lutein (64% to double). Conclusion: Traditional green leafy vegetables studied were found to be rich in the micronutrients of interest, especially in carotenoids. Boiling of leafy vegetables, as traditionally done, led to considerable losses of the micronutrients. The micronutrient content of uncultivated leafy vegetables compared well with commonly cultivated species.

Vitamin A deficiency poses health risks for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Southeast Asia. Provitamin A–biofortified maize varieties can contribute to minimizing the adverse effects of vitamin A deficiency in areas where maize is a staple food crop. Identifying suitable testers is important to breed provitamin A–biofortified hybrid maize. This study was therefore conducted to 1) assess the suitability of maize inbred lines with contrasting levels of provitamin A (one with high and one with low provitamin A concentration) to assess the combining ability of maize inbred lines in accumulating provitamin A and other carotenoids, and grain yield, 2) confirm the mode of inheritance of provitamin A and grain yield, and 3) identify promising inbred lines with desirable combining ability effects for use to develop high-yielding provitamin A–biofortified hybrids. The inbreds crossed to the two inbred testers were evaluated in four environments for the carotenoid content and eight environments for the agronomic performance. The combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genetic variation among the testcrosses for all carotenoids, grain yield, and other agronomic traits. The mode of inheritance for grain yield, other agronomic traits, provitamin A, and other carotenoids was regulated by both additive and non-additive gene effects with a prominence of additive gene effects. The high provitamin A tester that displayed positive GCA effects for β-carotene and provitamin A content, broader agronomic performance of testcrosses, and higher levels of provitamin A in testcrosses can be considered suitable for breeding programs developing provitamin A–biofortified hybrids. The inbred lines TZI2012, TZI2142, TZI2130, TZI2065-2, TZI2161, TZI2025, TZI1278, TZI1314, TZI1304, and TZI2032 with positive GCA effects for grain yield and provitamin A content could be used as parental lines to develop source population of new inbred lines and high-yielding hybrids with elevated levels of provitamin A. The best performing hybrids are promising for release as high-yielding provitamin A maize hybrids after further evaluations.

This study analyzed the chemical composition and the β-carotene, tocopherol and retinol content of meat (musculus longissimus lumborum, musculus gluteus maximus) from young rams fed different silage-based diets. The animals were divided into four groups depending on the type of silage in the feed ration (hybrid ryegrass, Festulolium cv. Becva, Festulolium cv. Felopa, Festulolium cv. Paulita). The concentrations of the examined lipophilic compounds were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Animals fed a diet based on ryegrass silage had the highest intakes of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol and total tocopherols (p < 0.01). Muscles of rams fed Festulolium silage-based diets contained more tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) than the meat of animals receiving hybrid ryegrass-based diets. The highest amounts of tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) were found in meat from rams fed rations based on silage made from Festulolium cvs. Felopa and Paulita. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between the intake of tocopherols and the α-tocopherol content of meat (r = 0.99), as well as between the β-carotene intake and the retinol content of meat (r = 0.92 in m. l. lumborum; r = 0.91 in m. g. maximus).

Fruits and vegetables are a vital source of redox-active phytochemicals in the diet. Traditional green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a rich source of carotenoids, dietary fiber, minerals, phenols, vitamins, and tocopherols and are commonly consumed in rural areas worldwide. In traditional Korean medicine, many GLVs are used to treat various ailments. However, data on the carotenoid and tocopherol content of many traditional GLVs consumed in the Republic of Korea are insufficient. The current work aims to compare the carotenoid and tocopherol profiles of 18 traditional GLVs by utilizing a single ion monitoring LC-MS approach to identify the potential GLVs for commercial cultivation and healthy diet formulations. Among the traditional GLVs investigated, (all-E)-lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, ranging from 44.4% in Glehnia littoralis to 52.1% in Heracleum moellendorffii. It was followed by (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene. The highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin (75.6 µg/g FW), 9-Z-neoxanthin (48.4 µg/g FW), (all-E)-luteoxanthin (10.8 µg/g FW), (all-E)-lutein (174.1 µg/g FW), total xanthophylls (310.5 µg/g FW), (all-E)-β-carotene (69.6 µg/g FW), and total carotenoids (380.1 µg/g FW) were recorded in Pimpinella brachycarpa. Surprisingly, Taraxacum mongolicum also showed the highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin, (all-E)-lutein, and total carotenoids, which were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05, Tukey HSD) with P. brachycarpa. The highest concentration of (all-E)-zeaxanthin (14.4 µg/g FW) was recorded in Solidago virga-aurea. Among the studied herbs, 13.9 (H. moellendorffii)–133.6 µg/g FW (Toona sinensis) of α-tocopherol was recorded. Overall, the results suggest that P. brachycarpa and T. mongolicum are rich sources of carotenoids. On the other hand, T. sinensis is a rich source of α-tocopherol. These GLVs can be utilized in the diet to enhance the intake of health-beneficial carotenoids and α-tocopherol.

Availability of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with elevated provitamin A (PVA) levels and tolerance to contrasting stresses would improve food self-sufficiency and combat malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was conducted to (i) analyze selected PVA inbreds of extra-early maturity for carotenoid content, (ii) estimate the combining abilities of the inbred lines for grain yield and other agronomic traits, (iii) assign inbred lines to distinct heterotic groups (HGs), (iv) identify testers among the inbred lines, and (v) determine grain yield and stability of the PVA hybrids across contrasting environments. Thirty-three extra-early maturing inbred lines selected for high carotenoid content were crossed with four inbred testers to obtain 132 testcrosses. The testcrosses, six tester × tester crosses and two hybrid checks, were evaluated across three Striga-infested, four drought and five optimal growing environments in Nigeria, 2014–2016. Results of the chemical analysis revealed that inbred lines TZEEIOR 109, TZEEIOR 30, TZEEIOR 41, TZEEIOR 97, TZEEIOR 42, and TZEEIOR 140 had intermediate PVA levels. Both additive and nonadditive gene actions were important in the inheritance of grain yield and other measured traits under stress and optimal environments. However, additive gene action was preponderant over the nonadditive gene action. The inbred lines were classified into three HGs across environments. Inbreds TZEEIOR 249 and TZEEIOR 30 were identified as testers for HGs I and II, respectively. The hybrid TZEEI 79 × TZEEIOR 30 was the most outstanding in terms of grain yield and was stable across environments. This hybrid should be tested extensively in on-farm trials for consistency in performance and commercialized to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroundβ-carotene, the most active provitamin A molecule produced by plants, plays important roles in human nutrition and health. β-carotene does not usually accumulate in the endosperm (i.e. flour) of mature wheat grains, which is a major food source of calories for humans. Therefore, enriching β-carotene accumulation in wheat grain endosperm will enable a sustainable dietary supplementation of provitamin A. Several metabolic genes affecting β-carotene accumulation have already been isolated from wheat, including phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1), lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYe) and carotenoid β-ring hydroxylase1/2 (HYD1/2).ResultsIn this work, we cloned and biochemically characterized two carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs), CCD1 and CCD4, from wheat. While CCD1 homoeologs cleaved β-apo-8'-carotenal, β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin into apocarotenoid products, CCD4 homoeologs were inactive towards these substrates in in vitro assays. When analyzed by real-time qPCR, PSY1, LCYe, HYD1/2 and CCD1/4 homoeologs showed distinct expression patterns in vegetative tissues and sections of developing tetraploid and hexaploid wheat grains, suggesting that carotenoid metabolic genes and homoeologs are differentially regulated at the transcriptional level in wheat.ConclusionsThe CCD1/4 enzyme activity and the spatial-temporal gene expression data provide critical insights into the specific carotenoid metabolic gene homoeologs that control β-carotene accumulation in wheat grain endosperm, thus establishing the knowledge base for generation of wheat varieties with enhanced β-carotene in the endosperm through breeding and genome editing approaches.

Abstract Background Information on population structure and genetic diversity of germplasm in a breeding programme is useful because it enhances judicious utilisation of genetic resources to achieve breeding objectives. Seventy early maturing provitamin A (PVA) quality protein maize (QPM) inbreds developed by the IITA- maize improvement programme were genotyped using 8171 DArTseq markers. Furthermore, 96 hybrids derived from 24 selected inbreds plus four checks were evaluated under low-N and optimal environments in Nigeria during 2016 and 2017. Genotypic and phenotypic data of inbreds and hybrids respectively, were analysed to (i) assess the level of genetic dissimilarities and population structure of the inbreds, and (ii) investigate the grain yield performance of derived hybrids under low-N, optimal and across environments. Results Genetic diversity among the seventy inbreds was high varying from 0.042 to 0.500 with an average of 0.357. Sixty-six inbred lines with probabilities ≥0.70 were assigned to a single group. The population structure analysis, the UPGMA phylogeny, and the principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) of the DArTseq markers revealed a clear separation of five groups and each followed pedigree records. Clustered inbreds displayed common characteristics including high PVA levels, and drought and low-N tolerance. The top performing hybrid, TZEIORQ 40 × TZEIORQ 26 out-yielded the best hybrid control, TZEIOR 127 × TZEIOR 57 by 8, 3, and 9% under low-N, optimal, and across environments, respectively. High repeatability estimates were detected for grain yield under each and across environments. Similarly, high breeding efficiency of 71, 70 and 72% were computed under low-N, optimal, and across environments, respectively. Conclusions The UPGMA clustering, the structure analysis, and the PCoA consistently revealed five groups which largely followed pedigree information indicating the existence of genetically distinct groups in the inbred lines. High repeatability and breeding efficiency values estimated for grain yield of hybrids under low-N, optimal and across environments demonstrated that high productive hybrids could be developed using inbreds from the opposing clusters identified by the DArTseq markers. The 15 top performing hybrids identified, particularly TZEIORQ 40 × TZEIORQ 26 and TZEIORQ 29 × TZEIORQ 43 should be further evaluated for release and commercialization in SSA.

The success of a breeding programme can be determined by the level of genetic diversity that exists among breeding materials. This study was carried out to (i) determine the level of genetic diversity that exist among the collection of tropical provitamin A maize inbred lines and (ii) evaluate the genetic structure and divergence of provitamin A maize inbred lines. Forty-six advanced provitamin A inbred lines obtained from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) were genotyped using 3047 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genotyping was done following an Illumina Infinium HD Assay Ultra protocol. Eight six percent of the SNPs were polymorphic with the mean polymorphic information content of 0.36. Cluster analysis displayed two distinct clusters. The average pairwise genetic distance among the inbred lines was 0.60. The average gene diversity was 0.359. Variation was partitioned into among individuals (78%), among populations (12%) and within individuals (10%). Overall results suggest the inbred lines are genetically diverse. The key implication of this study is that selection should be done from genetically diverse inbred lines in order to exploit heterosis when developing hybrids.

The work describes the carotenoid synthesis process by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422 using an agro-industrial waste as the substrate, seeking a biorefinery platform approach for waste utilization to produce high-value molecules. A culture medium based on goat milk whey (GMW) was optimized via the Taguchi method (L9 array). Four factors (ethanol, carbon and nitrogen source, and pH) were evaluated at three levels. The carbon and nitrogen composition were the factors dominating the process performance. Optimized conditions were validated (Urea, 0.3% w/v; pH, 4.5; ethanol, 10% v/v; glucose, 6.0%), and the carotenoid production (4075 µg/L) was almost 200% higher than when using the un-optimized process (2058 µg/L). Provitamin A carotenoids torulene, β–carotene, and γ–carotene (different proportions) were produced under all conditions. The hydrolyzed goat milk whey showed promising expectations as a low-cost source for carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422. The results are important for the innovative sustainable production of carotenoid-rich matrices for different purposes (nutrition, health promotion, color) and industries (foods, nutricosmetics, nutraceuticals, feeds), notably to help to combat vitamin A deficiency.

Biofortification breeding for three important micronutrients for human health, namely, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and provitamin A (PVA), has gained momentum in recent years. HarvestPlus, along with its global consortium partners, enhances Fe, Zn, and PVA in staple crops. The strategic and applied research by HarvestPlus is driven by product-based impact pathway that integrates crop breeding, nutrition research, impact assessment, advocacy, and communication to implement country-specific crop delivery plans. Targeted breeding has resulted in 393 biofortified crop varieties by the end of 2020, which have been released or are in testing in 63 countries, potentially benefitting more than 48 million people. Nevertheless, to reach more than a billion people by 2030, future breeding lines that are being distributed by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers and submitted by National Agricultural Research System (NARS) to varietal release committees should be biofortified. It is envisaged that the mainstreaming of biofortification traits will be driven by high-throughput micronutrient phenotyping, genomic selection coupled with speed breeding for accelerating genetic gains. It is noteworthy that targeted breeding gradually leads to mainstreaming, as the latter capitalizes on the progress made in the former. Efficacy studies have revealed the nutritional significance of Fe, Zn, and PVA biofortified varieties over non-biofortified ones. Mainstreaming will ensure the integration of biofortified traits into competitive varieties and hybrids developed by private and public sectors. The mainstreaming strategy has just been initiated in select CGIAR centers, namely, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). This review will present the key successes of targeted breeding and its relevance to the mainstreaming approaches to achieve scaling of biofortification to billions sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofortification breeding for three important micronutrients for human health, namely, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and provitamin A (PVA), has gained momentum in recent years. HarvestPlus, along with its global consortium partners, enhances Fe, Zn, and PVA in staple crops. The strategic and applied research by HarvestPlus is driven by product-based impact pathway that integrates crop breeding, nutrition research, impact assessment, advocacy, and communication to implement country-specific crop delivery plans. Targeted breeding has resulted in 393 biofortified crop varieties by the end of 2020, which have been released or are in testing in 63 countries, potentially benefitting more than 48 million people. Nevertheless, to reach more than a billion people by 2030, future breeding lines that are being distributed by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers and submitted by National Agricultural Research System (NARS) to varietal release committees should be biofortified. It is envisaged that the mainstreaming of biofortification traits will be driven by high-throughput micronutrient phenotyping, genomic selection coupled with speed breeding for accelerating genetic gains. It is noteworthy that targeted breeding gradually leads to mainstreaming, as the latter capitalizes on the progress made in the former. Efficacy studies have revealed the nutritional significance of Fe, Zn, and PVA biofortified varieties over non-biofortified ones. Mainstreaming will ensure the integration of biofortified traits into competitive varieties and hybrids developed by private and public sectors. The mainstreaming strategy has just been initiated in select CGIAR centers, namely, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). This review will present the key successes of targeted breeding and its relevance to the mainstreaming approaches to achieve scaling of biofortification to billions sustainably.