Comparing the yield and the nutritional and nutraceutical composition of pigmented maize landraces (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) grown under agroecological and conventional management

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the most important members of Prunus and its trees bears delicious and nutritious fruits during summer months in the temperate zones in the world. Apricot cultivars are propagated asexually which consists of clones. Information on inter-clonal variations in apricot cultivars can assist us in the selection of better clones from commercial cultivars. We aimed to determine morphological traits (fruit weight, seed weight, kernel weight, flesh/seed ratio, shape index, fruit firmness, color index), nutritional (sugars and organic acids) and nutraceutical (total phenolic, total flavonoids, total carotenoid and antioxidant activity) composition of 18 clones of Sekerpare apricot cultivar grown together in Kagizman district in eastern Turkey. Results showed significant differences among clones concerning most of the morphological traits, nutritional and nutraceutical compositions. Fruit weight, flesh/seed ratio and fruit firmness of clones were in range of 23.14–27.11 g, 11.21–13.14 and 3.88–5.11 kg/cm2, respectively. Fruit shape index was slightly similar among all clones which was between 0.95 and 1.03. Citric acid and sucrose were found to be the predominant organic acid and sugar among clones which varied from 728 to 915 mg/100 g and 7.11 to 9.94 g/100 g, respectively. The clone ‘KS2’ exhibited the highest level of total phenol (67.1 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g) and antioxidant activity (2.16 μmol trolox equivalent per g). The study confirmed the diversity among Sekerpare clones and effectiveness of combining morphological, nutritional and nutraceutical analyses in assessment of Şekerpare clones and its use for future pre-breeding programs.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereal crops in the world as well as in Sri Lanka. Data on the nutritional composition of maize is beneficial for the food and feed industry, but there is a lack of information regarding this avenue in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the suitable landraces with higher nutritional composition among the different landraces by evaluating nutritional parameters using the rank summation index. The maize kernels derived from 42 local landraces were used and the responses were with varieties Bhadra (Control) and Pacific. The proximate composition was analyzed using Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and carbohydrate content and energy were determined using the calculation method. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by performing ANOVA and the rank summation index (RSI) to identify the best performer among the landraces. The results revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the nutritional components for moisture, ash, fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and energy among the tested landraces. Accordingly, the maize landraces SEU 22, SEU 31, and SEU 2 were identified as the superior germplasms regarding nutritional composition compared with Bhadra, as they exhibited the lowest RSI of 85, 88, and 89, respectively. Therefore, these maize landraces were recommended for future breeding programs for the development of nutritionally enriched maize grains and for sustainable production where land limitation is a challenge.

Effective vineyard management is essential for maintaining grapevine cultivation in semi-arid regions impacted by climate change. Utilising organic mulches is a viable soil management practice that improves soil properties, such as moisture retention, erosion control and soil structure. However, the effect of organic mulches on plant development and grape composition remains unclear. The present study analysed the effects of three organic mulches and two conventional soil management practices on vine physiology, agronomy and grape composition over three years under semi-arid conditions in northern Spain. Three organic mulches (spent mushroom compost-SMC, straw-STR and grapevine pruning debris-GPD) were compared with two conventional soil management practices (herbicide-HERB and tillage-TILL) in nutrient-poor soil. Physical and chemical soil properties, grapevine physiological response, leaf nutrition, growth development, yield and grape composition were evaluated in the Tempranillo cultivar. The SMC mulch improved soil water content, leaf nitrogen concentrations and vegetative growth, resulting in higher yields without compromising grape composition. Conversely, STR mulch increased soil water content, reduced soil temperature, and improved plant water status and leaf gas exchange variables without affecting vine growth and yield. However, no significant differences in grape carbon isotopic discrimination (δ13C) were observed between soil management treatments. SMC’s nutrient-rich composition, fine granularity and low C/N ratio could thus promote short-term plant development in poor-nutrient soils, and STR and GPD organic mulches may offer long-term benefits for vine development. A strong correlation was obtained between reflectance values and vegetative growth, yield and leaf nutritional content, offering a non-destructive and rapid assessment method. Overall, organic mulches represent a viable soil management alternative that enhances plant development and yield without reducing grape composition. This research provides valuable insights for winegrowers interested in suitable viticultural practices and highlights the importance of analysing soil and mulch properties to select the most appropriate organic mulch.

Objective: To determine the nutritional composition and chromatic parameters of two varieties of pigmented maize (blue and red) Bolita breed belonging to communities in the Valles Centrales region, Oaxaca, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Corn grain of the two varieties was evaluated for moisture, ash, crude fiber, ethereal extract, protein, carbohydrates, chromatic parameters, as well as micro and macroelements. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test for independent samples with a confidence level of 95% (p≤0.05). Results: The results of nutritional composition showed significant difference (p≤0.05) in the content of each of the parameters analyzed: moisture (7.46-9.70 %), ash (1.33-1.61%), fat (5.43-6.6%), protein (8.32-9.3%), fiber (3.25-4.38%) and carbohydrates (70.83-71.78%). The presence of the macroelements was identified: Mg, Ca, K, Na, P and the microelements: Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn, and the chromatic parameters L*, a*, b*, C* and h were determined. Limitations on study/implications: There were no limitations in this study Findings/conclusions: The Bolita azul and Bolita rojo maize varieties presented a nutritional composition that agrees with that reported by other authors, with differences that may be due mainly to genetic factors and plant development conditions. Keywords: Zea mays L., nutritional composition, color.

This study aimed to determine the nutraceutical composition and properties of three selected marine seaweeds: Ulva reticulata, Halymenia durvillei and Sargassum cristaefolium from Patikul Higad, Patikul, Sulu and Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The proximate and heavy metal composition of the seaweeds were determined. Qualitative phytochemical screenings were done. Antimicrobial assay of the algal extracts were tested against pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using paper diffusion. Antioxidant properties of seaweed extracts were assessed using diphenyl-p-picrylhydrazyl. Nutritional proximate composition of seaweeds in this study revealed that the brown seaweed (i.e. S. cristaefolum) collected from Patikul, Sulu had highest average composition in terms of moisture, lipids, and total soluble solids while seaweeds from Burgos, Ilocos Norte had highest content of protein (for U. reticulata), carbohydrate (for H. durvillei), ash (for H. durvillei) and sodium (for H. durvillei). This varying results on nutritional proximate composition of the same species of seaweed in two collection sites maybe due to the effect of geographical location, time of collection and the weather condition. Heavy metal analysis in seaweeds showed that zinc registered highest concentration (328.74 mg/kg) in U. reticulata growing in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Other evaluated seaweed species registered lower concentrations of copper (Cu), mercury, and lead indicating that they could be eaten as source of Cu. Antimicrobial property of seaweeds revealed in this study that S. cristaefolium of Patikul, Sulu and Ilocos Norte has active zone of inhibition on E. coli and S. aureus. The S. cristaefolium of Ilocos Norte has 5.19±0.52 mm; S. cristaefolium of Sulu has 13.35±0.84mm; and H. durvillei of Sulu has 5.98± 1.09 mm zone of inhibition for E. coli while U. reticulata of Ilocos Norte and Sulu had no effect on the bacterial pathogens. Maximum activity of cristaefolium of Ilocos Norte has 4.68± 3.53 mm and S. cristaefolium of Sulu has 15.79 ±0.30 mm inhibition zone against S. aureus. Halymenia durvillei of Ilocos Norte and Sulu, and U. reticulata of Ilocos Norte Sulu have no activity against S. aureus. Dried samples of U. reticulata of Burgos, Ilocos Norte showed best antioxidant activity while S. cristaefolium had least antioxidant activity. Among the seaweeds, the green seaweed, U. reticulata exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity while S. cristaefolium had the lowest. The results show that the scavenging activity of the seaweeds on the DPPH radical was dependent on concentration. The phytochemicals responsible for the bioactivities could be attributed to the saponins, terpenes, tannins, steroids, anthraquinones, phenols and flavonoids present in the seaweeds. In conclusion, the seaweeds screened in this study possess phytochemicals, antioxidants, and antimicrobial potentials, which may be considered for future applications in medicine, cosmetics and feed industry. In the next research studies, further investigation should be undertaken to characterize the active compounds present in these types of seaweed as well as to evaluate the effects of each individual compound in fish and microorganism.

Five wild culinary-medicinal species of genus Pleurotus (Fr.) P. Kumm. (P. floridanus Singer, P. pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél., P. sapidus Quél., P. cystidiosus O.K. Miller, and P. sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer), collected from different localities of Northwest India, were studied for their nutritional and nutraceutical composition. Composition analysis of nutrients involved determining proteins, fats, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates using standard biochemical techniques. Minerals were estimated by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and toxic metals were determined by the Reinsch test method. The analysis of nutraceuticals included determination of sugars by high-performance liquid chromatography, fatty acids by gas chromatography, and antioxidants such as β-carotene, lycopene, and total phenolic compounds with methanolic extract using a colorimetric assay. In the samples analyzed, carbohydrates dominated over protein and other macronutrients. Carbohydrates ranged from 85.86 to 88.38%, protein 0.98 to 2.17%, crude fat 0.62 to 0.84%, crude fibers 2.76 to 3.12%, and ash content 1.03 to 2.20%. Macro- and microminerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, and iron) also were found in substantial amount, whereas toxic metals (lead, silver, arsenic, mercury, and antimony) were not detected. Three main sugars-sucrose (0.338-2.011%), glucose (0.553-0.791%), and xylose (0.01%)-were detected. Among fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty (37.17-68.29%) acids were documented in a higher proportion than saturated fatty acids (26.07-47.77%). In terms of antioxidant composition, all species contained ascorbic acid, phenols, carotene, and lycopene. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 0.46 to 0.49 mg/100 g, total phenolic compounds ranged from 6.76 to 16.92 mg/100 g of gallic acid, β-carotene ranged from 0.134 to 0.221 μg/100 g, and lycopene from 0.055 to 0 .075 μg/100 g.

ABSTRACTIn order to combine the ability of legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen and the cruciferous capacities to mobilize soil nutrients and herbicide action, the aim of this work was to evaluate an alternative winter intercrop (faba bean-rapeseed) as a replacement of Italian ryegrass culture in a rotational system with maize as summer crop. For this purpose, two adjacent plots were used during three agronomic years (2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014) to evaluate the agronomic performance through the forage production, nutritional composition of forage and silage, and the effects on soil fertility. The Italian ryegrass was cultivated under conventional management: using chemical fertilization and recommended dosages of herbicides. The faba bean-rapeseed intercrop was cultivated under an alternative management: organic fertilization and less herbicide supply. The intercrop provides higher forage yield per hectare than Italian ryegrass, with greater protein (kg ha−1) and similar energy (GJ ha−1) yields. The intercrop allows reducing the inputs of chemical fertilization and herbicides, and it has a positive effect on the balance of soil nutrients, especially increasing the potassium, calcium and magnesium contents. The results show that faba bean-rapeseed intercrop could be an alternative to the Italian ryegrass as winter crop.

In Jujuy, Argentina, there is a wide races of native Andean maize. Although these races are highly valued as a staple food, the full nutritional and functional potential of its pigmented races remains largely underutilized and underexplored. The objective of this study was to characterize whole grain maize flours from three pigmented maize races (Purple, Red, and Garrapata) for their nutritional composition and antioxidant and technofunctional properties. Proximal composition was determined by AOAC methods, minerals by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and phenolic compounds/anthocyanins by spectrophotometry. Technofunctional properties were evaluated using the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Results showed that Red maize flour had the highest protein (12.89 ± 0.06%) and lipid (5.86 ± 0.09%) content. The flours from the Garrapata race stood out for their content of macrominerals K, P, and Mg. The Purple race stood out for its high content of polyphenols (1450 ± 131mg GAE/100g), anthocyanins (310.7 ± 2.96mg CGE/100g) and total flavonoids (2241.12mg QE/100g) and high antioxidant activity, in DPPH (37.06 ± 0.60% inhibition), ABTS (184.03 ± 0.60 µmol TE/g sample) and FRAP (7.59 ± 0.54 µmol AA/g sample). The Garrapata and Purple races have high peak viscosity and low pasting temperature, making them suitable for use in pasta and baked goods. Conversely, Red maize flour, due to its low breakdown and setback viscosity, could be added as an ingredient to improve the stability of sauces and purees. The results demonstrate that these three races are valuable not only as staple foods but also as functional ingredients with specific applications, highlighting the importance of valorizing regional agricultural biodiversity.

Edible rose flowers: A doorway to gastronomic and nutraceutical research

Pitaya (Stenocereus spp.) is an exotic fruit, which has been consumed since ancient timesby pre-Hispanic cultures. Recently in Mexico, this cactus has been the target of commercialattention due to the pleasant taste of their succulent fruits with juicy and sweet pulp, and agreat variety of colors (white, yellow, purple and red fruits). This fruit has excellent sensory,nutritional, nutraceutical, agroindustrial and medicinal attributes; however, it has beenunder-utilized. The high content of betalains in this fruit allows us to consider these varietiesas a source of natural pigments to be used in the food industry. The aim of this study is toshow “the state of the art” of the properties of Stenocereus, to promote its study,dissemination, production, consumption and agroindustrial use. The present study shows adescription of its botany, distribution, cultivation, physiology, pre and postharvest aspects,nutritional and nutraceutical composition, as well as agroindustrial and medicinal uses. Theproduction of this fruit represents an opportunity for the economic development of somearid and semi-arid zones of Mexico due to the agronomic, nutraceutical and agroindustrialadvantages. Therefore, more studies are required, mainly on physiological, nutraceutical,medicinal and agroindustrial aspects, more specifically on the non-studied species ofStenocereus, and future researches should deal with development of agro-technologies toguarantee high yields and good quality products to enable growers to make a living from it.

Onion nutritional and nutraceutical composition and therapeutic potential of its phytochemicals assessed through preclinical and clinical studies

Nutritional, nutraceutical attributes, microbiological and chemical safety of different varieties of dates—A review

The worldwide requirement for food and protein is assumed to rise as a result of the world’s growing human population, which is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050. Soybean is an outstanding source of unsaturated fatty acids and protein, dietary fiber, and various other compounds with different physiological properties. Soybean crops besides supplying nutrients can be utilized in the prohibition and cure of various medical conditions. Soybean has been named as one of the most eminent sources of highly important nutraceutical chemicals with health-promoting characteristics. Folic acid and isoflavones content made soybean a versatile healthy food crop. Isoflavones are nutraceutical seed components that have an important role in preventing and treating chronic illnesses. Soybean oil contains small amounts of tocopherols having lipophilic antioxidant characteristics that play an important role in delaying the development of cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Soybean intake has also been extensively researched for addressing the nutritional demands of vegetarians, as well as people suffering from chronic disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Studying genetics, physiological and nutraceutical importance will help in enhancing the quality and quantity of soybean production. This chapter will provide detailed information about soybean nutritional and nutraceutical composition in relation to genetics and physiological properties.

Local maize landraces are generally less yielders. Farmers have been cultivating and consuming local maize available in their areas due to specific color and taste of the grains. Only a few attempts were made by the researchers to study the nutritional status in north eastern maize, there was a lot of scope to study the local maize germplasm of the north eastern region for various nutritional compositions further. Considering the above, the following research study was undertaken. The six germplasm and their corresponding S1 progenies along with check were analyzed for estimation of the nutritional traits viz., crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash, iron and zinc. The mean value for a replicate for each entry in respect of a trait was used for analysis of data in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two replications. Analysis of variance reveals that the estimates of mean square due to germplasm were significant to highly significant for the traits viz., iron (mg /100 g), zinc (mg /100 g), moisture content (%), crude protein (%), crude fat (%), carbohydrate plus crude fiber (%) and ash (%) indicating sufficient variation among the thirteen entries tested. The result showed ARY2 exhibited high carbohydrate content, crude protein and zinc content.

Native pigmented maize (Zea mays L.) landraces are of interest because of their nutritional qualities, nutraceutical and antioxidant components. The aim of this study was to evaluate pigmented maize grown in three towns of Federal District's agricultural area in order to determine their potential to elaborate nixtamalized pigmented maize flour (NPMF). Physical properties of the kernel and NPMFs were evaluated and compare with official norms. Textural analysis of fresh dough, and fresh and refrigerated tortillas were carried out. Results showed that even though the kernel's characteristics do not attain industrial quality standards, it may still produce flour suitable for the preparation of moldable dough. Significant differences in the water absorption index and subjective water absorption capacity between flours determined differences in textural parameters of tortilla. The extensibility of red fresh tortilla were similar to white tortillas and were significantly different to blue tortillas. Therefore red maize is recommended for nixtamalized corn flour industry. Practical Applications This research would have practical applications in the snack and cereal industries, because currently, white maize is the main raw material recommended for use in the production of pigmented. At the present time, there is an increased consumer demand for products with added value; the red and blue maizes are nutraceutical source, mainly by the verified presence of phenolic compounds in the external structures of the kernel. The results indicate that flours made from nixtamalized red maize are useful for instant preparation of tortilla with acceptable textural properties thus offering traditional consumers a new option for its preparation with very little time and effort, and a healthy alternative in their diet. This study will contribute to the use of native materials and will promote the conservation of this genetic resource for the benefit of the families that produce this crop traditionally.