Alfalfa Seeds Research Articles

Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on leek and alfalfa seeds with supercritical carbon dioxide

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supercritical CO2 process for the inactivation of artificially contaminated seeds of leek and alfalfa. The seeds were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Thompson and S. Typhimurium and treated at 80 and 120 bar and at 35 and 45 °C for 20 min. The process did not influence the germination rate of the seeds. The inactivation was dependent from the type of seed and pressure and temperature. At 120 bar and 45 °C E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. were reduced by 2.92 ± 0.27, 1.14 ± 0.63, and 1.74 ± 0.55 log CFU/g, respectively, on alfalfa and by 4.96 ± 0.37, 2.93 ± 0.27, and 3.18 ± 0.27, respectively on leek. Overall, these results indicated that supercritical CO2 can be used to improve the microbial safety of sprouts, especially for leek.

Effects of Graphene Oxide on Germination and Early Growth of Plants.

Owing to its excellent material properties such as large surface area and superb mechanical and thermal characteristics, graphene oxide (GO) is likely to be applied in a variety of environmental fields. These applications may lead to the entrance of GO in terrestrial ecosystems, but there is little research regarding the impact of GO on plants upon such entrances. To analyze the effects of GO on the germination and growth of various plants, the changes in lettuce, radish, perennial ryegrass, alfalfa, and cucumber seeds under GO treatment was studied. Germination rate and growth were analyzed after the seeds were exposed to GO at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg ml-1. For lettuce, the germination rate decreased with GO concentration. However, no significant effects were observed on the germination rate of other plants. On the other hand, the growth of lettuce, alfalfa, and radish decreased under GO treatment. For example, at 1.6 mg ml-1 of GO, the length of shoot and root of lettuce was shortened by 87% and 86%, respectively. Such results indicate that the germination and early growth of plants can be negatively affected in a species-specific manner under high concentrations of GO. Hence, we anticipate that our results may assist in supplementing the legal regulations for the proper disposal of nanomaterials.

About the use of plant-based complex of alfalfa in production of dairy products

Fermented milk products perform a special role in rational human nutrition and is an important factor in treatment and prevention of various diseases of gastrointestinal tract. Today, close attention is paid to development and inclusion of various herbal components in production technologies of fermented dairy products. The article discusses the issue of using the plant complex of alfalfa in production technology of fermented dairy products. Alfalfa contains many useful substances that are so necessary for a human body in the realities of today’s adverse environmental impact. The use of the plant complex of alfalfa in fermented milk products will fortify them with protein, vitamins and minerals. The work considered the technological scheme for production of the fermented dairy product with alfalfa seeds, as well as the organoleptic characteristics of finished product. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the alfalfa plant complex can be used in production of fermented milk products.

Non-Destructive Identification of Naturally Aged Alfalfa Seeds via Multispectral Imaging Analysis.

Seed aging detection and viable seed prediction are of great significance in alfalfa seed production, but traditional methods are disposable and destructive. Therefore, the establishment of a rapid and non-destructive seed screening method is necessary in seed industry and research. In this study, we used multispectral imaging technology to collect morphological features and spectral traits of aging alfalfa seeds with different storage years. Then, we employed five multivariate analysis methods, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), linear discrimination analysis (LDA), support vector machines (SVM), random forest (RF) and normalized canonical discriminant analysis (nCDA) to predict aged and viable seeds. The results revealed that the mean light reflectance was significantly different at 450~690 nm between non-aged and aged seeds. LDA model held high accuracy (99.8~100.0%) in distinguishing aged seeds from non-aged seeds, higher than those of SVM (87.4~99.3%) and RF (84.6~99.3%). Furthermore, dead seeds could be distinguished from the aged seeds, with accuracies of 69.7%, 72.0% and 97.6% in RF, SVM and LDA, respectively. The accuracy of nCDA in predicting the germination of aged seeds ranged from 75.0% to 100.0%. In summary, we described a nondestructive, rapid and high-throughput approach to screen aged seeds with various viabilities in alfalfa.

Урожайність та посівні якості насіння сортів люцерни залежно від умов вирощування

Goal. To study the influence of moist conditions and growth stimulants on seed productivity, germination energy and laboratory germination of lucerne seeds. Methods. Field experiment using the method of split plots. Factor A — without irrigation and drip irrigation; factor B — varieties of lucerne Unitro and Zoriana; factor C — foliar feeding in the interphase period «beginning of flowering — mass flowering» by growth regulators: 1 — control 1 (without treatments); 2 — control 2 (water treatment); 3 — Agrostimulin; 4 — Ghart; 5 — Lutsis, and 6 — Emistym S. The sowing period was early spring. Sowing was wide-row with a row spacing of 70 cm. Results. On the grassland of the first year (2011-2013) under drip irrigation the cultivar Unitro formed the yield of conditioned seeds at the level of 203 kg/ha, which is lower than in the cultivar Zoriana by 8.4%. Without irrigation in Unitro and Zoriana varieties, this figure was 152 and 164 kg/ha, respectively. It was found that the use of growth regulations for the cultivation of lucerne contributed to the improvement of sowing qualities of seeds, which differed depending on the shelf life. Experimental data of the second year of life indicate a different reaction of lucerne varieties on seed productivity to the studied factors: moisture and growth stimulants. Thus, for irrigation the seed productivity of Unitro and Zoriana varieties was 643 and 656 kg/ha, respectively, against the non-irrigation variant of 463 and 483 kg/ha, respectively. An important result of the use of growth stimulants in research was also an increase in the sowing qualities of lucerne seeds: germination energy and laboratory germination. They are characterized by higher rates compared to the first year. On the grass of the third year of life under drip irrigation, the Unitro variety formed a yield of conditioned seeds at the level of 555 kg/ha, which is lower than in the Zoriana variety by 1.6%. Without irrigation in Unitro and Zoriana varieties, this figure was 239 and 247 kg/ha, respectively. The use of growth regulators compared to control variants contributed to increased seed productivity. Conclusions. Analysis of the obtained experimental material allows us to state that drip irrigation and growth regulators significantly increase lucerne seed productivity during three years of life. The highest yield was obtained with the application of Ghart: 236 kg/ha in the first year, 674 — the second, and 594 kg/ha — the third under irrigation, and 175; 497; 261 kg/ha, respectively, without irrigation. The best results on the weight of 1000 seeds, germination energy and laboratory germination of seeds were obtained with the use of Lutsis.

Influence of Priming with Exogenous Selenium on Seed Vigour of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element to higher plants, animals and humans, but low Se levels are a global public health concern. Seed priming has become a basic strategy for the production of Se-riched agricultural products, but its application is still not clear in the production of Se-enrich alfalfa, hence this study was conducted for the production of Se-enriched alfalfa by seed priming with different concentrations and time on seed vigour. Methods: Seeds were primed with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mmol L-1 of sodium selenite solution for 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h at 20°C and their germination percentage, germination index, seedling vigour index and mean germination time were analyzed. Result: Seed vigour of alfalfa was improved by priming with low selenium (Se) concentration (0.5 and 1.0 mmol L-1), but was inhibited by high Se concentration ( greater than 2.0 mmol L-1). Hence, it must be necessary to carefully select appropriate concentration and time for the application of Se priming in alfalfa seeds. The optimal manner of Se priming in alfalfa seeds might be at 1.0 mmol L-1 concentration for 9 h.

THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PURITY OF NATURAL ALFALFA SEEDS ON THE PROCESSING EFFICIENCY

This paper presents the results of the seed processing of ten lots of natural alfalfa seed with different purity (from 68.0% to 86.5%). The test was carried out at the seed processing center of the Institute for forage crops Kruševac-Serbia. Seed losses, processing output, seed yield and quality of the processed seed were investigated. It is important that the difference between the amounts of pure seed from laboratory assessment and the actual amount after processing, are low. The purity of natural alfalfa seed depends on the crop condition and the harvest process. In the seed processing of small-grained leguminous plants, the processing output of seed is directly dependent on the percentage of weed species and other species in the natural seed. Seeds of quarantine weeds of dodder and curly dock are a particularly big problem in alfalfa seeds. In the case of high-purity seeds with low quarantine weeds share, processing output are high. By the legal procedure on the seed quality, the content of pure seed, inert materials, weeds and other species in the processed seeds is defined. The efficiency of the alfalfa seed processing depends on the initial purity of the seed, as well as the applied technical and technological process of seed processing. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to optimally adjust and select the appropriate equipment for the processing of alfalfa seed, depending on the quantity and type of weeds and other ingredients in the natural alfalfa seeds.

Влияние способа посева и минеральных удобрений на показатели структуры урожая семенной люцерны в Гянджа-Казахской зоне Азербайджана

The article presents the results of research on the influence of the method of sowing and mineral fertilizers on the indicators of the structure of the yield of seed alfalfa in the Ganja-Gazakh zone of Azerbaijan. It has been established that the method of sowing and mineral fertilization has a positive effect on the indicators of the structure of the yield of seed alfalfa. For each method of sowing and mineral fertilization, alfalfa seeds had a positive effect on the indicators of the yield structure. To obtain irrigated gray-brown soils of high and stable yields of alfalfa seeds, it is necessary to form the density of the herbage of seed crops of 33.8–53.0 productive stems per 1 m of sowing methods 45 cm and the dose of mineral fertilizers N60P90K60 kg/ha active substance in the conditions of the Ganja-Gazakh zone Azerbaijan.

Self-Fertilization, Inbreeding, and Yield in Alfalfa Seed Production.

Selfing (self-pollination) is the ultimate form of inbreeding, or mating among close relatives. Selfing can create yield loss when inbreeding depression, defined as a lower survival and reproduction of inbred relative to outbred progeny, is present. To determine the impact of selfing in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), we quantified the selfing rate of 32 alfalfa seed production fields located in three regions, namely, the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the Central Valley of California (CEV), and the Imperial Valley of California (IMP). Selfing rates (the proportion of selfed seeds) varied between 5.3 and 30% with an average of 12.2% over the 32 seed production fields. In both the parents and their progeny, we observed an excess of heterozygotes relative to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. We detected notable levels of inbreeding in parents (0.231 ± 0.007 parental inbreeding coefficient) and progeny (0.229 ± 0.005). There were a 15% decrease in the number of seeds per stem (seed set) and a 13% decline in the number of seeds per pod in selfed relative to outcrossed stems, but negligible inbreeding depression for pods per raceme and seed weight. The number of racemes on selfed stems increased significantly in fields with greater selfing rates, supporting the presence of geitonogamous or among flower selfing. Despite the significant level of inbreeding depression, seed set did not decrease in fields with higher selfing rates, where the greater number of racemes on the selfed stems increased the seed set. The effects of the field selfing rate on the seed yield metrics were mostly indirect with direct effects of the number of racemes per stem. Available data indicate that the majority of selfing in alfalfa is pollinator-mediated, and thus, eliminating selfing in alfalfa seed production would require the selection of self-incompatible varieties, which, by eliminating inbreeding depression, would provide a 15% potential increase in seed yield and an increase in future hay yield.

Effect of Thermal and Non-Thermal Processing on the Nutritional Composition, Pasting Profile and Protein Secondary Structure of Alfalfa

Abstract Alfalfa is an unconventional alternative legume and its potentiality for utilization can be improved by processing. In this study, alfalfa seeds were processed by different thermal and non-thermal techniques and evaluated for their physical properties, colour characteristics, nutritional composition, pasting profile and protein secondary structure. The results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis to elucidate the effect of processing. Colour of the flour was more affected by thermal processing in comparison to non-thermal processing. Nutritional composition of alfalfa flour was significantly affected by germination as compared to other methods and germinated flour showed an increase in the protein content. All the processing treatments resulted in improving the pasting properties except for germination. Particularly, marked improvement in the pasting properties was observed by wet heat processing and soaking. ATR-FTIR exhibited change in the secondary structure of the protein as a result of processing and showed the dominance of intermolecular β-sheets in extrusion, germination and microwave treated flour and formation of anti-parallel β-sheets after dry heat processing. Wet heat processing and soaking treatment can be employed for alfalfa for enhancing its techno-functionality.

The performance and genetic variation of first and second generation tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Abstract. Suwignyo B, Arifin L, Umami N, Muhlisin, Suhartanto B. 2021. The performance and genetic variation of first and second generation tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Biodiversitas 22: 3265-3270. This study aimed to compare the growth performance, nutrient content, seed viability, and genetic variation of first- and second-generation alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). First and second-generation alfalfa seeds were obtained from the Forage and Pasture Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. First generation alfalfa (F1) seeds were obtained from cross breeding of two different parental alfalfa varieties, namely, Canadian and local. The second-generation (F2) seeds were obtained from plants of the first-generation alfalfa (F1). A randomized design experiment was conducted using the two types of alfalfa (first- and second generation). Alfalfa from Canada as female parent was used as the baseline in the genetic masker test. Seeds were planted in a polybag, watered twice a day, and received 12 hours of daylight and 4 hours of artificial light. Plants were then harvested 8 weeks after planting by cutting the plant canopy. Genetic variation was examined using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) method followed by descriptive analysis. Germination, plant height, dry matter content, organic matter, and crude protein were assessed as variables using a Student’s T-test. Our results showed that germination, plant height, leaf color, and nutrient content (dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein) of the first- and second-generation alfalfa plants were not significantly different. However, the second-generation alfalfa demonstrated better seed viability than the first generation plants, then it can be categorized as a new genotype (tropical alfalfa) based on genetic variation analysis.

Water consumption and irrigation regime of seed alfalfa under the conditions of regional climate change in the southern Steppe of Ukraine

The article presents the results of scientific research to specify the seed productivity of alfalfa grown on irrigated and rainfed lands of the southern Steppe of Ukraine. It is proved that obtaining stably high yields of conditioned alfalfa seeds under the conditions of regional climate change is possible only providing an optimal supply of productive moisture in the soil, since in recent years the crop has been grown under high temperature conditions and insufficient precipitation. It was established that irrigation of seed alfalfa throughout the growing season regardless of cultivar and mowing, should be conducted in two interphase periods: "the beginning of regrowth (shoots) – early budding" and "the beginning of budding – beginning of flowering". In the first interphase period, it is necessary to create conditions for optimal growth and development of plants that is achieved by maintaining the level of pre-irrigation humidity in 0-100 cm layer in the range of 70-75% MMHC on dark chestnut soils and 55-60% – on sandy loam chernozems. In the second interphase period, it is necessary to provide optimal conditions for the development of production processes and the formation of conditioned seed yields that is achieved by inhibiting growth processes, since alfalfa tends to grow up. Therefore, the level of pre-irrigation humidity of the calculated layer on medium and heavy loamy soils should be maintained within 60-65% MMHC and 45-50% MMHC – on sandy loam chernozems. The analysis of changes in natural and climatic conditions carried out over the past years shows that in the subzone of the southern Steppe, alfalfa cultivation for seeds is possible only by providing the developed irrigated agriculture. Getting the deficit of natural moisture solved, combined with high availability of heat resources and fertile dark‑chestnut soils and southern chernozems, is an objective natural prerequisite for further growth of seed productivity of alfalfa and reducing its dependence on extreme weather conditions and, above all, in medium‑dry (75%) and dry (95%) precipitation years.

Karyotypical Identification of Some Important Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Lines in Turkey

Chromosome line and characterization of nine Turkish alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) lines were investigated using karyological techniques in this study. Root tips were obtained from germinated alfalfa seeds in petri dishes at room temperature (25°C) for visualizing somatic chromosomes. The chromosome numbers of nine alfalfa lines were determined as 2n=4x=32. The karyotype formula of 2n=32= 30m+ 2sm (30 median + 2 submedian) were noted for Line 1, 2and 3. Whereas, Line 4, 6, 8, 9 showed the karyotype formula of 2n=32=32m (32 median). The karyotype formula of Line 5 and 7 were 2n=32=28m+4sm (28 median + 4 submedian). Satellite chromosome pairs were observed from Line 5. The results of the karyotype asymmetry index analysis showed that intrachromosomal asymmetry is higher than interchromosomal asymmetry in the karyotypes of alfalfa lines.

The ability of a new strain of Bacillus pseudomycoides to improve the germination of alfalfa seeds in the presence of fungal infection or chromium

This study was conducted to improve alfalfa seed germination under stress conditions, elevated chromium concentrations or Fusarium infection by seed inoculation. The new Bacillus pseudomycoides strain BM1 was selected as the inoculant according to its ability to suppress plants pathogens and tolerate increased chromium concentrations. This rhizobacteria was isolated and identified based on 16S rDNA sequence from the soil of the rhizosphere of Medicago sativa. Additionally, in this study, the ability of strain BM1 to produce phytohormone Indole-3-Acetic Acid, siderophores, Hydrogen cyanide, extracellular lipase, cellulase, pectinase and to solubilize phosphate was examined. Strain BM1 showed in vitro strong inhibition rate of fungal growth of 59.68%, 48.72% and 43.59% for F. graminearum, F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum f. sp. medicaginis, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that Bacillus pseudomycoides has been reported to have antifungal potential and possess biosynthetic genes for fengycin and subtilin. This rhizobacteria can produce Indole-3-Acetic Acid, siderophores, extracellular lipase, cellulose and pectinase. Inhibition percentage of alfalfa seedling growth infected by F. oxysporum f. sp. medicaginis (in vitro) was reduced from 27.87% to 2.46%. The highest increase of root and shoot length of 12.36% and 21.43% was reached by applying BM1 culture inoculum. Seeds inoculated with BM1 showed no inhibition compared to the control in the presence of a chromium concentration of 0.11 mM L−1 and decreasing inhibition when chromium concentration increased in comparison to control samples (1.54–2.30 mM L−1). The new strain BM1 may be a good choice in phytoremediation of contaminated soil as well as a good active agent in biofertilizers or biofungicide.

A universal method for rapid identification of alfalfa and burr medic seeds with an emphasis on discriminating different forage species

AbstractUnlike many crop seeds which are large in size, forage seeds are relatively small. Moreover, some forage seeds from the same genus, or even different genera, share similar morphologies in terms of colour, size, weight and so on. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.) also share similar morphology. However, alfalfa is a perennial, cross‐pollinated herbaceous species, whereas burr medic is considered an annual, self‐pollinating plant. Therefore, a universal and rapid method of discriminating burr medic seeds from alfalfa seeds or other similar forage seeds from different plant species is needed. Previous methods of discriminating similar‐looking forage seeds have been shown to be unreliable or time consuming. Here, a universal method that combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques was developed to discriminate alfalfa and burr medic. Based on the differences in the lengths of homologous genes caused by insertions and deletions between two species, a pair of primers was designed to discriminate the accessions of 15 alfalfa and 9 burr medic via visualizing the clearly different PCR amplicon sizes. In addition, the melting curve analysis was performed to investigate the specificity and reliability of the primer pair. The results showed two different melting peaks between the two species, further demonstrating this method can accurately and sensitively identify the two species. Thus, we believe that this method has the great potential to be extensively applied for the identification of contaminated seeds and breeding of forages.

Physiological and proteomic analysis reveals the impact of boron deficiency and surplus on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) reproductive organs

Boron (B), an essential element for increasing seed yield and germinability in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), plays a vital role in its reproductive processes. However, effects of B stress on physiological and proteomic changes in reproductive organs related to alfalfa seed yield and germinability are poorly understood. In order to gain a better insight into B response or tolerance mechanisms, field trials were designed for B deficiency (0 mg B L−1), B sufficiency (800 mg B L−1), and B surplus (1600 mg B L−1) application during alfalfa flowering to analyze the proteomics and physiological responses of alfalfa ‘Aohan’ reproductive organs. Results showed that B deficiency weakened the stress-responsive ability in these organs, while B surplus reduced the sugar utilization of ‘Aohan’ flowers and caused lipid membrane peroxidation in ‘Aohan’ seeds. In addition, four upregulated stress responsive proteins (ADF-like protein, IMFP, NAD(P)-binding Rossmann-fold protein and NAD-dependent ALDHs) might play pivotal roles in the response of ‘Aohan’ reproductive organs to conditions of B deficiency and B surplus. All of the above results would be helpful to understand the tolerance mechanisms of alfalfa reproductive organs to both B deficiency and B surplus conditions, and also to give insight into the regulatory role of B in improving seed yield and germinability in alfalfa seed production. In summary, B likely plays a structural and regulatory role in relation to lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and signal transduction, thus regulates alfalfa reproductive processes eventually affecting the seed yield and germinability of alfalfa seeds.

Symbiotic Properties of Sinorhizobium meliloti and Ethylene Production by Alfalfa Plants at the Early Stages of the Symbiosis Formation under Different Water Supply and Seed Treatment by Lectin

The symbiotic properties of bacteria significantly influence on the effectiveness of symbiosis and the yield capacity of plants. Therefore, it is important and relevant to study the features of micro- and macrosymbionts interactions, in particular under stressful conditions, and to find ways to improve the productivity of symbiotic systems. Aim. The investigation of the nodulation and nitrogen-fixing activities of Sinorhizobium meliloti as well as the ethylene production by alfalfa plants at the early stages of the formation of symbiotic system under conditions of both optimal and insufficient water supply and the pre-sowing treatment of seeds by lectin. Methods. Microbiological (cultivation of bacteria culture, seed inoculation), physiological (pot experiment), biochemical (nitrogenase activity and ethylene production determination). Results. It was observed a decrease of the nodulation activity of Sinorhizobium meliloti under drought as well as under lectin application, which was accompanied by an increase in the amount of produced by macrosymbiont ethylene at the early stages of the symbiosis formation. At the same time, the nitrogen fixing activity was inhibited at the insufficient water supply only. The use of lectin promoted the symbiotic apparatus functioning under optimal and insufficient water supply. After renewal of irrigation an increase of the nodule weight and nitrogen fixing activity as well as the aboveground mass of alfalfa plants were noted under lectin treatment. Conclusions. It was identified the role of ethylene as a negative regulator of the nodulation processes at pre-sowing treatment of alfalfa seeds with lectin. The formation of the effective nitrogen-fixing system capable of full recovery after drought under lectin application confirms the prospects for further research in the use of lectins to create optimal conditions for the realization of the symbiotic potential of rhizobia and to increase the symbiotic systemˊ resistance to the action of stress factors.

Endogenous Metabolites Released by Sanitized Sprouting Alfalfa Seed Inhibit the Growth of Salmonella enterica.

Sprouts are the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks globally, mainly because the specialized conditions required to germinate seed sprouts for human consumption contribute to an environment that allows pathogenic bacteria to flourish. To reduce risk of illness, current food safety guidelines in the United States and Canada recommend hypochlorite treatment for seed sanitation. However, many growers and consumers have become wary of the impact of hypochlorite on human health and the environment and are actively seeking less caustic approaches. Here, we evaluated the effects of both the traditional hypochlorite treatment and a milder alternative on nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica colonization of germinating alfalfa seed. Moreover, we explored three biological factors as potential contributors for inhibition of S. enterica growth: colonization by indigenous bacteria, seed composition changes, and seed metabolite release. In this experimental setting, we found that a combinatorial treatment of heat, peroxide, and acetic acid was as effective as hypochlorite for inhibiting S. enterica growth. Notably, we pinpointed N-acetyl-spermidine as an endogenous metabolite exuded by treated seeds that strongly inhibits S. enterica growth. In doing so, we both elucidated one of the mechanisms of chemical sanitation and highlighted a potential seed-derived mode of antimicrobial treatment that may apply to modernized food safety protocols.IMPORTANCE Warm, humid, and nutrient-rich conditions that are used to produce sprouts encourage Salmonella enterica to proliferate. However, many disparate sanitation methods exist, and there is currently no single treatment that can guarantee pathogen-free seeds. Here, we compared the ability of traditional hypochlorite treatment against a combinatorial treatment of heat, peroxide, and vinegar (HPA) commonly used in organic farming practices to inhibit S. enterica colonization and growth during alfalfa germination and found HPA to be at least as effective. Furthermore, we explored seed-based changes following sanitization treatments using metabolomics and identified polyamines as strong inhibitors of Salmonella growth on germinating alfalfa. Our findings enable a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions in sprout microbial communities and promote in-depth, evidence-based research in seed sprout safety.

Microwave Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Carbohydrates from Different Morphological Parts of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Despite the nutritional properties of alfalfa, its production is mainly for animal feed and it is undervalued as a food source. In this study, the valorization of alfalfa as a potential source of bioactive carbohydrates [inositols, α-galactooligosaccharides (α-GOS)] is presented. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to optimize the extraction of these carbohydrates from leaves, stems, and seeds of alfalfa by solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Optimal extraction temperatures were similar for both treatments (40 °C leaves, 80 °C seeds); however, SLE required longer times (32.5 and 60 min vs. 5 min). In general, under similar extraction conditions, MAE provided higher yields of inositols (up to twice) and α-GOS (up to 7 times); hence, MAE was selected for their extraction from 13 alfalfa samples. Pinitol was the most abundant inositol of leaves and stems (24.2–31.0 mg·g−1 and 15.5–22.5 mg·g−1, respectively) while seed extracts were rich in α-GOS, mainly in stachyose (48.8–84.7 mg·g−1). In addition, inositols and α-GOS concentrations of lyophilized MAE extracts were stable for up to 26 days at 50 °C. These findings demonstrate that alfalfa is a valuable source of bioactive carbohydrates and MAE a promising alternative technique to obtain functional extracts.

Formula refining through composite blend of soya, alfalfa, and wheat flour; A vegan meat approach

Present project involves the formula development by way of standardization for vegan meat through Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of Design Expert 12 (DX-12). Soya chunks, alfalfa sprouts, and wheat flour were used as base ingredients. Preliminary experimental screening to fix the levels of these base ingredients were the basis to work ahead for formula refining through numerical optimization by way of RSM. The optimization tactics were revealed against a given set of responses viz; physico-chemical (polyphenol, % crude protein) and sensory properties (mouthfeel and texture, color and appearance and overall acceptability) as dependent variable. Obtained product with (75.35%) soya, (1.25%) alfalfa, and (22.73%) wheat flour were evaluated for their crude protein, fiber, polyphenol, antioxidant level, water holding capacity, hardness, chewiness, and springiness as 26.13, 7.88, 0.52, 7.03, 3.962%, 1500 g, 2812 g, and 0.60 g, respectively. Practical applications Vegan meat analogue obtained herewith is also competitive in its sensory preferences in alongwith embedded high protein, elevated fiber and antioxidant potential features too. Fortified alfalfa seeds boost it with meaty flavor thus proven to be competitive among commercial demand. Least fat utilization put it in another healthier trait owe to be a better option for obese and calorie conscious patients. Thus in nutshell, stated combination was ideal in terms of textural and sensory attributes as meat mimic.