Alpha-amino Nitrogen Research Articles

The Effects of Nanoemulsion Film Coatings Containing Essential Oils on the Storage Quality of Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris L.)

This study was carried out under controlled conditions to determine the effects of chitosan-based nanoemulsion film coating formulations, formed using different essential oils, on storage quality of sugar beet roots during storage period. In the study, roots of Conviso Smart (KWS) sugar beet variety were coated with nanoemulsion film formulations containing thyme (Thymus vulgaris), clove (Szygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oils doses of 250, 500 and 1000 ppm immediately after harvest. The roots were stored in plastic cases under controlled conditions (+ 8-10°C, 85-90% relative humidity) for 90 days. Weight loss in beet roots was determined at 30-day intervals from the start of the storage period, and at the end of the storage period, firmness, dry matter ratio, brix value, polar sugar, reducing sugar, alpha amino nitrogen and glycine betaine contents and fungal infection developments in beet roots were also evaluated. The film coating applications significantly affected postharvest weight and quality losses in sugar beet roots. The applications significantly reduced roots weight loss during storage compared to the control. Although the polar sugar ratios were higher in film coated roots compared to the control, alpha-amino nitrogen, glycine betaine, and reducing sugar contents showed significant decreases. White mold and green mold infections on the roots were significantly decreased, especially with high dose film coating applications. The highest dry matter ratio, brix values and firmness were obtained from film coatings containing 1000 ppm cinnamon and thyme essential oils. While polar sugar ratio was higher in root which film coated compared to the control, alpha amino nitrogen, glycine betaine and reducing sugar contents showed significant decreases. White mold and green mold infections developing on root showed significant decreases especially with film coating applications applied at high doses. The study concluded that coating sugar beet roots with nanoemulsion film formulations containing essential oils can significantly reduce, weight and quality losses, as well as fungal disease development, during the storage period.

Unraveling genotypic interactions in sugar beet for enhanced yield stability and trait associations

The interaction between genotype and environment (GEI) significantly influences plant performance, crucial for breeding programs and ultimately boosting crop productivity. Alongside GEI, breeders encounter another hurdle in their quest for yield improvement, notably adverse and negative correlations among pivotal traits. This study delved into the stability of white sugar yield (WSY), root yield (RY), sugar content (SC), extraction coefficient of sugar (ECS), and the interplay among essential traits including RY, SC, alpha amino nitrogen (N), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) across 15 sugar beet hybrids and three control varieties. The investigation spanned two locations over two consecutive years (2022–2023), employing a randomized complete block design with four replications to comprehensively analyze these factors. The analysis of variance highlighted the significant effects of environment, genotype, and GEI at the 1% probability level. Notably, the AMMI analysis of GEI revealed the significance of the first component for WSY, RY, and SC, with the first two components proving significant for ECS. Within the linear mixed model (LMM), WSY, RY, SC, and ECS demonstrated significant effects from both genotype and GEI. In the WAASB biplot, genotypes 10, 8, 17, 6, 13, 14, 15, 7, 12, and 16 exhibited stability in WSY, while genotypes 9, 10, 6, 14, 7, 8, 13, 12, 18, and 15 displayed stability in RY. Additionally, genotypes 10, 15, 12, 13, 16, 17, 6, and 14 were stable for SC, and genotypes 8, 10, 7, 6, 13, 12, 16, 17, 15, 14, and 18 showcased stability in ECS, boasting above-average yield values. In the genotype by yield × trait (GYT) biplot, genotypes 15, 18, and 16 emerged as top performers when combining RY with SC, Na+, N, and K+, suggesting their potential for inclusion in breeding programs.

Bromelain Immobilized onto Clay-Carboxymethylcellulose Composites for Improving Nutritive Value of Soybean Meal.

Improvement of nutritional value and reduction of antinutritional factors (ANFs) of soybean meal (SBM) for animal feed applications could be achieved by using bromelain immobilized onto bentonite (Bt)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) composites. The composite with mass ratio between CMC to calcium ion (Ca2+) at 1:20 provided the highest enzyme activity, immobilization yield higher than 95%, with superior thermal and storage stabilities. Performance of the immobilized bromelain for soybean protein hydrolysis was further studied. The results showed that at 60 °C, the immobilized bromelain exhibited the highest efficiency in enzymatic hydrolysis to release free alpha amino nitrogen (FAN) as a product with high selectivity and to effectively reduce SBM allergenic proteins within 30 min. In conclusion, immobilization of bromelain onto Bt-CMC composites leads to stability enhancement of the enzyme, enabling effective improvement in SBM quality in a short treatment time and showing great potential for application in animal feed industries.

Genotype by environment and genotype by yield*trait interactions in sugar beet: analyzing yield stability and determining key traits association

The genotype by environment interaction significantly influences plant yield, making it imperative to understand its nature for the creation of breeding programs to enhance crop production. However, this is not the only obstacle in the yield improvement process. Breeders also face the significant challenge of unfavorable and negative correlations among key traits. In this study, the stability of root yield and white sugar yield, and the association between the key traits of root yield, sugar content, nitrogen, sodium, and potassium were examined in 20 sugar beet genotypes. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications over two consecutive years across five locations. The combined analysis of variance results revealed significant main effects of year, location, and genotype on both root yield and white sugar yield. Notably, two-way and three-way interactions between these main effects on root yield and white sugar yield resulted in a significant difference. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed that the first five interaction principal components significantly impacted both the root yield and white sugar yield. The linear mixed model results for root yield and white sugar yield indicated that the genotype effect and the genotype by environment interaction were significant. The weighted average absolute scores of the best linear unbiased predictions biplot demonstrated that genotypes 20, 4, 7, 2, 16, 3, 6, 1, 14, and 15 were superior in terms of root yield. For white sugar yield, genotypes 4, 16, 3, 7, 5, 1, 10, 20, 2, and 6 stood out. These genotypes were not only stable but also had a yield value higher than the total average. All key traits, which include sugar content, sodium, potassium, and alpha amino nitrogen, demonstrated a negative correlation with root yield. Based on the genotype by yield*trait analysis results, genotypes 20, 19, and 16 demonstrated optimal performance when considering the combination of root yield with sugar content, sodium, alpha amino nitrogen, and potassium. The multi-trait stability study, genotype 13 ranked first, and genotypes 10, 8, and 9 were identified as the most ideal stable genotypes across all traits. According to the multi-trait stability index, genotype 13 emerged as the top-ranking genotype. Additionally, genotypes 10, 8, and 9 were recognized as the most stable genotypes.

Uçucu Yağ Uygulamalarının Depolama Devresinde Şeker Pancarı (Beta vulgaris L.) Kalitesine Etkileri

This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of dill, clove and hyssop essential oils and fungicides applied on sugar beet roots on beet storage quality during the storage period. The roots of Esperanza (KWS) variety, which was produced in the experimental areas in 2019, were used in the study. Roots were treated with 100, 500 and 1000 ppm doses of dill (Anethum graveolens L.), clove (Szygium aromaticum) and hyssop (Echinophora tenuifolia) essential oils, synthetic fungicide (80% Thiram) and Tween-80 right after harvest and the roots were placed in the storage. Weight loss of roots determined at 15-day intervals from the beginning of the storage period, dry matter ratio, brix, polar sugar, reducing sugar and alpha amino nitrogen contents, phytotoxicity and fungal infection development at the end of the 3-month storage period. The applications made in the research significantly affected the post-harvest weight and quality losses in beet. Depending on the applications, the weight losses at the end of the 3-month storage period varied between 9.43-19.90%, and the weight losses in essential oil applications were lower than the control. The highest dry matter content and brix values were obtained from clove essential oil and fungicide and Tween-80 applications. While Tween-80 and fungicide applications increased the polar sugar content compared to the control, 1000 ppm clove essential oil caused a significant decrease in the polar sugar content. In the study, reducing sugar and alpha amino nitrogen contents of roots applied 1000 ppm essential oil E. tenuifolia essential oil were lower. E. tenuifolia essential oil showed the highest antifungal activity against white mold and green mold infections. It was concluded that with the application of essential oil to the roots after the harvest, both weight and quality losses and the development of fungal diseases can be reduced, however, some active substances may cause phytotoxicity in the roots.

Effects of Water Stress, Defoliation and Crop Thinning on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Solaris: Part I: Plant Responses, Fruit Development and Fruit Quality.

Viticultural practices and irrigation have a major impact on fruit development and yield, and ultimately on must quality. The effects of water deficit (WD), defoliation (Def), and crop-thinning (CT) on Solaris plants and fruit development, as well as on the chemical composition of grape juice were investigated. WD was induced at three periods during fruit development (pre-veraison, veraison, and ripening) in pot-grown plants, while Def and CT were carried out on field-grown plants. Environmental and vegetative parameters were monitored during the experiments. The bulk chemical composition of the fruits was determined in juice by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy throughout fruit ripening and at final harvest. The results showed that WD reduced soil water content and leaf water status. CT significantly reduced yield per vine, but increased cluster size. Mid to late WD reduced soluble solids by 1%. CT increased sugar content in juice, while Def decreased sugar accumulation. Total acids were higher in the juice from the field vines. Yet, CT lowered malic and tartaric acids. Def increased tartaric acid. Ammonia and alpha amino nitrogen were higher in the juice from pot-grown vines, while pH was lowered by Def and raised by CT. It is concluded that Solaris has a remarkable ability to tolerate and recover from WD. CT and Def significantly affected the bulk chemical composition of grapes in terms of total acidity and sugar accumulation, with CT grapes having the highest sugar content and the lowest total acidity and Def the opposite.

Effect of sprouting on the proteome of chickpea flour and on its digestibility by ex vivo gastro-duodenal digestion complemented with jejunal brush border membrane enzymes

The demand for sustainably produced proteins is increasing with the world population and is prompting a dietary shift toward plant sourced proteins. Vegetable proteins have lower digestibility and biological value compared to animal derived counterparts. We explored sprouting of chickpea seeds as a strategy for improving digestibility. Protein evolution associated with by the sprouting process was assessed by proteomics. The sprouting induced breakdown of seed storage proteins and doubled the release of free alpha-amino nitrogen in sprouted chickpea flour. During sprouting, several enzymes involved in plant development were newly expressed. An ex vivo model of gastroduodenal and jejunal digestion was applied to assess the bioaccessibility of the protein digests. Proteins from chickpea sprouts showed a greater susceptibility to digestion with a 10% increase in alpha amino nitrogen. Peptides with potential immunoreactivity or bioactivity were catalogued in both digested chickpea sprouts and seeds using an in-silico approach. Peptides belonging to the non-specific transfer proteins, which are allergens in pulses, and peptides belonging to an IgE-binding hemagglutinin protein could only be identified in the digested chickpea sprouts. The observation collected paved the way to immune-based evaluations to assess the effect of germination on the allergenic potential.

Tritordeum as an Innovative Alternative to Wheat: A Comparative Digestion Study on Bread.

Tritordeum results from the crossbreeding of a wild barley (Hordeum chilense) species with durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. turgidum). This hexaploid crop exhibits agronomic and rheological characteristics like soft wheat, resulting in an innovative raw material to produce baked goods. We applied a gel-based proteomic approach on refined flours to evaluate protein expression differences among two widespread tritordeum cultivars (Aucan and Bulel) taking as the reference semolina and flour derived from a durum and a soft wheat cvs, respectively. The products of in vitro digestion of model breads were analyzed to compare bio-accessibility of nutrients and mapping tritordeum bread resistant peptides. Significant differences among the protein profiles of the four flours were highlighted by electrophoresis. The amino acid bio-accessibility and the reducing sugars of tritordeum and wheat breads were comparable. Tritordeum cvs had about 15% higher alpha-amino nitrogen released at the end of the duodenal simulated digestion than soft wheat (p < 0.05). Bulel tritordeum flour, bread and digested bread had about 55% less R5-epitopes compared to the soft wheat. Differences in protein expression found between the two tritordeum cvs reflected in diverse digestion products and allergenic and celiacogenic potential of the duodenal peptides. Proteomic studies of a larger number of tritordeum cvs may be successful in selecting those with good agronomical performances and nutritional advantages.

Malting and Wort Production Potential of the Novel Grain Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium)

As the environmental impacts of beer are of increasing concern to maltsters, brewers, and consumers, perennial cereal crops can offer a more sustainable solution. One new cereal species of interest to the brewing industry is intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium subsp. intermedium), developed by The Land Institute, in Salina, Kansas, U.S.A., under the branded name Kernza®. It has been touted as a more sustainable alternative to barley and wheat in its requirements for less water and nutrient additions and reduced tilling of agricultural fields. To date, no published research has been performed to assess the potential for this grain for the malt and beer industries as a barley replacement. Here, the “M5” variety Kernza grain was micromalted and the finished malt was compared with both the raw grain and to a reference raw and malted barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Copeland). All samples were analyzed for starch gelatinization temperatures via differential scanning calorimetry, amino acid composition, alpha-amylase, diastatic power (DP), total and soluble nitrogen and protein, Kolbach Index (KI), extract, wort free alpha-amino nitrogen (FAN), wort β-glucan, wort color, pH, and clarity. The Kernza malt produced sufficient extract and FAN for typical fermentations with low β-glucan content. However, extract and FAN in the Kernza malts were lower than in the barley reference, and the Kernza worts exhibited higher levels of undesirable soluble protein and haze. Interestingly, the DP for both the raw and malted Kernza were similarly high, indicating that both of the raw grains exhibit high enzymatic activity, which malting did not increase substantially. Results support that Kernza could be an acceptable candidate for malting and subsequent wort production; however, specific techniques may be required to utilize this malt most effectively. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/03610470.2022.2026662 .

High-Resolution Drone-Acquired RGB Imagery to Estimate Spatial Grape Quality Variability

Remotesensing techniques can help reduce time and resources spent collecting samples of crops and analyzing quality variables. The main objective of this work was to demonstrate that it is possible to obtain information on the distribution of must quality variables from conventional photographs. Georeferenced berry samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory, and RGB images were taken using a low-cost drone from which an orthoimage was made. Transformation equations were calculated to obtain absolute reflectances for the different bands and to calculate 10 vegetation indices plus two new proposed indices. Correlations for the 12 indices with values for 15 must quality variables were calculated in terms of Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Significant correlations were obtained for 100-berries weight (0.77), malic acid (−0.67), alpha amino nitrogen (−0.59), phenolic maturation index (0.69), and the total polyphenol index (0.62), with 100-berries weight and the total polyphenol index obtaining the best results in the proposed RGB-based vegetation index 2 and RGB-based vegetation index 3. Our findings indicate that must variables important for the production of quality wines can be related to the RGB bands in conventional digital images, potentially improving and aiding management and increasing productivity.

Effect of Experimental Variables on the Malting Performance of Nigerian Maize Oba Super 2 Variety

Background: The Nigerian cultivar, Oba Super 2 (OS2) maize is inexpensive but under- utilized owing to poor development of malting technology for brewing.&#x0D; Aim: To study the effects of experimental variables on the malting performance of Nigerian maize Oba Super 2 variety.&#x0D; Study Design: Exploratory.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, between March, 2018 to September, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Certified Oba Super 2 maize variety was obtained from Premier Seed Limited, Zaria. The grain sample was malted at varying steeping (S) period (S30, S36 and S42 hours), different germination (G) period (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days) and varying kilning (K) temperatures (45, 50 and 55°C) to determine the malting performance. The properties of the un-malted and malted maize were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The malting loss (ML) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) at different steeping period, on the fifth day of germination (G5). The cold water extract (CWE) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on the fourth day of germination (G4) kilned at K50. The values for hot water extract (HWE) were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on the G4 at K45, K55 and K50, respectively, while free alpha amino nitrogen (FAN) values were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on the G4, all kilned at K50. The values for diastatic power (DP) were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on the G5, kilned at K50, while the cold water soluble protein (CWS-P) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on the G3 kilned at K50.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results indicated that longer steeping and germination periods as well as moderate kilning temperature contributed maximally in improving the malting properties and high extract yields.

Food matrix structure (from Biscuit to Custard) has an impact on folate bioavailability in healthy volunteers.

We examined the impact of matrix food structure on post-prandial folate bioavailability (and other macronutrients) in human volunteers using a randomized, controlled, crossover experimental design. Twelve healthy male volunteers (22.6 ± 0.4years old) were offered four food models (differing in matrix structure: Custard, Pudding, Sponge cake and Biscuit) to which 1mg of folic acid was added, according to a randomized, controlled, crossover experimental design. Plasma folates, glucose, insulin, alpha amino nitrogen and triglycerides were measured over the post-prandial period (from T0 to T480min). Food matrix structure was capable of altering folate plasma availability. The highest folate availability was observed for pudding and to a lesser extent Sponge cake whereas the lowest was for the two matrices presenting extreme rheological properties: Custard (liquid) (P < 0.05 total AUC) and to a lesser extent Biscuit (hard solid) (P < 0.05, AUC 180min). The analysis of plasma kinetics of appearance of other nutrients/metabolites helps to understand/explain the lower bioavailability of folates in Custard and Biscuit. A least overall efficient bio-accessibility of all macronutrients and folic acid is observed in the gut lumen for Biscuit (delayed/incomplete destructuration of biscuit along the digestive tract). On the contrary, the lower folic acid absorption observed with custard does not fit with the rapid plasma appearance of other nutrients and should require further investigation.

Discovery of interesting new polymorphisms in a sugar beet (elite times exotic) progeny by comparison with an elite panel

Key messageThe comparison of QTL detection performed on an elite panel and an (elite times exotic) progeny shows that introducing exotic germplasm into breeding programs can bring new interesting allelic diversity.Selection of stable varieties producing the highest amount of extractable sugar per hectare (ha), resistant to diseases, and respecting environmental criteria is undoubtedly the main target for sugar beet breeding. As sodium, potassium, and alpha-amino nitrogen in sugar beets are the impurities that have the biggest negative impact on white sugar extraction, it is interesting to reduce their concentration in further varieties. However, domestication history and strong selection pressures have affected the genetic diversity needed to achieve this goal. In this study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection was performed on two populations, an (elite times exotic) sugar beet progeny and an elite panel, to find potentially new interesting regions brought by the exotic accession. The three traits linked with impurities content were studied. Some QTLs were detected in both populations, the majority in the elite panel because of most statistical power. Some of the QTLs were colocated and had favorable effect in the progeny since the exotic allele was linked with a decrease in the impurity content. A few number of favorable QTLs were detected in the progeny, only. Consequently, introgressing exotic genetic material into sugar beet breeding programs can allow the incorporation of new interesting alleles.

Effect of Zinc applied together with compound fertilizer on yield and quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

ABSTRACTThis research was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc, added into compound fertilizer in the production process, and zinc applied together with compound fertilizer on yield and quality component of sugar beet in 2009–2010.The treatments consisted of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) (12-30-12) compound fertilizer; 2. NPK (12-30-12) compound fertilizer + zinc sulfate and NPK (10-20-20) + 1% Zn compound fertilizer. Root yield, sugar percentage, white sugar percentage (WSP), white sugar yield (WSY), alpha-amino nitrogen, sodium and potassium concentration were investigated in this study. A total of 5 kg ha−1 zinc application on sugar beet significantly increased the yield and quality of sugar beet; the rate of increase was in the range of 4.62–6.97% in root yield, 2.09–5.75% in sugar percentage, 2.60–8.03% in WSP and 7.84–13.06% in WSY. NPK (10-20-20) + 1% Zn compound fertilizer and NPK (12-30-12) compound fertilizer + zinc applications increased the sugar beet yield and quality values in both years.

Wastes from bioethanol and beer productions as substrates for l(+) lactic acid production – A comparative study

Waste substrates from bioethanol and beer productions are cheap, abundant and renewable substrates for biorefinery production of lactic acid (LA) and variability in their chemical composition presents a challenge in their valorisation. Three types of waste substrates, wasted bread and wasted potato stillage from bioethanol production and brewers' spent grain hydrolysate from beer production were studied as substrates for the production of l(+) LA and probiotic biomass by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469. The correlation of the content of free alpha amino nitrogen and the production of LA was determined as a critical characteristic of the waste media for efficient LA production by L. rhamnosus on the substrates which contained equal amount of fermentable sugars. A maximal LA productivity of 1.54gL(-1)h(-1) was obtained on wasted bread stillage media, whilst maximal productivities achieved on the potato stillage and brewers' spent grain hydrolysate media were 1.28gL(-1)h(-1)and 0.48gL(-1)h(-1), respectively. A highest LA yield of 0.91gg(-1) was achieved on wasted bread stillage media, followed by the yield of 0.81gg(-1) on wasted potato stillage and 0.34gg(-1) on brewers' spent grain hydrolysate media. The kinetics of sugar consumption in the two stillage substrates were similar while the sugar conversion in brewers' spent grain hydrolysate was slower and less efficient due to significantly lower content of free alpha amino nitrogen. The lignocellulosic hydrolysate from beer production required additional supplementation with nitrogen.

Yield and quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) at different water and nitrogen levels under the climatic conditions of Kırsehir, Turkey

Abstract The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different irrigation and nitrogen levels on yield, yield components, and sugar rate of the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) during the years 2012 and 2013 in the Kirsehir province of Turkey. Experiments were carried out in split plots in randomized blocks with three replications. The application of irrigation water was based on cumulative class A pan evaporation within the irrigation intervals. Treatments consisted of one irrigation interval (7 days) and three different irrigation levels (I1, I2, and I3) adjusted according to the class A pan evaporation (Epan) using three different plant-pan coefficients (Kcp1: 0.5; Kcp2: 0.75; and Kcp3: 1.00) and four nitrogen fertilizer levels (N1: 30 kg ha−1; N2: 40 kg ha−1; N3: 50 kg ha−1; and N4: 60 kg ha−1). The highest WUE and IWUE values, the best quality parameters (Na, K, and alpha-amino nitrogen), and economic sugar beet root yield was determined in the treatment of I1N1 (Kcp1: 0.5 and 30 kg ha−1 of N). Therefore, this treatment can be used for sugar beet cultivation under similar climate and soil conditions.

Effect of Area Specific Mineral Supplementation on Biochemical Profile in Female Black Bengal Goats

To discern the effect of area specific mineral supplementation (ASMS), on some plasma parameters viz. glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), alpha amino nitrogen (AAN), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), the intensive study was conducted on 24 female Black Bengal goats at around of 4–5 months of age. The animals were divided into four groups viz. Group I (control), II, III supplemented with 0, 1 and 2% area specific mineral supplementation, respectively. Whereas, in another group (Group-IV), commercial mineral mixture fortified concentrate was given. Blood samples were collected at monthly interval and estimated five prime plasma parameters. Present study revealed that plasma glucose concentration was in normal range and differed significantly (P < 0.05) in groups. Highest plasma glucose concentration was observed in group IV and lowest in control group. Whereas, NEFA differed significantly in different groups. Plasma AAN level was higher in Group IV followed in Group III, II and I respectively. AAN did not differ significantly in groups. Plasma ALT and AST level differed significantly but highest Plasma ALT and AST level observed in Group II. Present study revealed that ASMS improved plasma biochemical profile in Black Bengal goats.

INFLUENCE OF SULPHUR AND CARBOFURAN NEMATICIDE ON ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME SUGAR BEET VARIETIES IN SANDY SOIL

Two field trials were carried out in Nubaryia region, El BeheiraGovernorate, Egypt throughout two successive seasons of 2012/2013 and2013/2014 to examine the response of five multigerm varieties of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris, sacchrifera L.) as affected by agricultural sulphur(100 kg/fed.), and nematicide, furan (carbofuran10% G) at 13 kg/fed onroot knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita under naturally infected withit. A split-split plots design was used, where sulphur treatments in mainplots, the nematicide, in the sub-plots, and sugar beet varieties were sownin the sub-sub- plots. Results obtained cleared that number of galls/ plantsignificantly affected by sulphur treatments, this finding was true in bothgrowing seasons at the two studied age i.e. 3-momth or 6- month.Application of 100 kg sulphur reduced the values of galls from 15.6 to 9.0in the 1st age corresponding 38 to 25 in the 2nd age. The percent ofreduction amounted by 73.33% and 52.0% at age 3 and 6 monthsrespectively. Once more, the differences between sulphur treatments didnot reach the level of significant in respect to their effect on galls numberin the 2nd seasons of both ages. Concerning carbofuran (C) influence, theresults showed that the used nematicide compound significantly reducedthe percent values of gall’s number, the amount of reduction reached to140 and 152 % in the 1st and 2nd seasons at age of 3- month corresponding172 and 226.4 % in 6- month age in the 1st and 2nd season respectively.This result may be indicating to the high specificity against nematode.Regarding the different combination between the studied factors, it couldbe noted that the 1st and 2nd order interaction were significantly effected onthe values of gall’s number/ root in both seasons whether at 3-momth or 6-month ages. Once more by the end of growing season (six months), thevalues of egg masses significantly affected by the individual studiedfactors. Application of 100 kg sulphur significantly reduced the values ofeggmasses/root. As for, the influence of carbofuran nematicide on eggmasses, the available data appeared highly response to carbofuran inrespect to its effect on egg masses in the two growing seasons, usingcarbofuran et a reduction in this trait amounted by 113.33 and 137.5% inthe 1st and 2nd seasons respectively. Belong to varietal difference in respectto egg masses, the collected results showed sugar beet variety Gloriserecorded the lowest value of this trait in both seasons. This finding may beassured the gen make up role in its influence on varieties with respect to their resistance against nematode infection. The most effect interaction wasthat between sugar beet varieties and each of sulphar treatment andnematicide. Sugar beet root fresh weight, root diameter and sugar yield/fedincreased significantly at the studied rates of nematicide and sulphur in the1st and 2nd seasons. Root yield had the same trend in the 2nd season only.Sucrose% and sugar extractable% significantly increased at the rates ofnematicide and sulphur treatments in both seasons, respectively. Glorisevariety cleared the significant superiority over all the other tested ones insucrose%, without significant variance with lilly variety. The interactionbetween the used rates of sulphur and carbofuran nematicide had the sameeffect on root diameter in both seasons. Sulphur treatment at developedroot quality and reduced the impurity of juice of sugar beet and increasedroot growth as well as carbofuran nematicide did. Alpha amino nitrogen insugar beet roots was significantly influenced by sulphur and carbofurannematicide interaction in both seasons. Potassium, sucrose and extractablesugar percentages and percentage extractability of root juice weresignificantly recorded impacts by the interaction between varieties andsulphur levels in both seasons.

Biochemical, textural, microbiological and sensory attributes of gutted and ungutted sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) stored in ice.

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (sutchi catfish) is a fresh water catfish extensively being cultured in the South East Asian countries in the recent years. The present study provides the first report on the effects of gutting on the quality characteristics of aquacultured sutchi catfish stored in ice. pH of whole ungutted and gutted catfish didn't show significant difference (p > 0.05) during ice storage period. Total Volatile Base Nitrogen (TVB-N), Alpha Amino Nitrogen (AAN), Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and Thio Barbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) were lower in gutted fish compared to whole ungutted fish at any particular day during ice storage. However, gutted fish expressed higher rate of primary lipid oxidation than ungutted fish. Textural degradation of the fish muscle as indicated by hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness was lower in gutted fish. Results of sensory evaluation revealed that gutting has significantly improved the sensory quality of the fish. However, microbiological analysis revealed higher Total Plate Count (TPC) and Enterobactereaceae count in gutted fish. The shelf life of gutted and whole ungutted sutchi cat fish as determined by microbiological analysis was 16-18days and 18-20days respectively while storage in ice.

Nutritional Assessment of Some Traditionally Processed Hill-Stream Fishes of Manipur with Special Reference to n-3 Fatty Acids

Traditionally, smoke-dried hill-stream fishes are an important part of the diet of the people of Manipur, India. The nutritional values of the processed fishes were studied. The proximate composition, protein digestibility, and fatty acid composition of hill-stream fishes Neolissochilus stracheyi, Labeo pangusia, Semiplotus manipurensis, Schizothorax sp., and Ompok sp. were determined. The mean values of protein, lipid, ash, and moisture ranged from 31.20 to 72.58%, 6.36 to 18.73%, 4.32 to 5.33%, and 10.14 to 16.25%, respectively. The protein digestibilities were high (75.56–97.65%), and alpha amino nitrogen liberated during in vitro tests was highest (19.34 mg/g) in L. pangusia in pepsin and trypsin phase. The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were highest in L. pangusia, followed by S. manipurensis. The study shows that the processed hill-stream fishes have different food values, and some are a good source of highly digestible protein and also contain a good amount of essential fatty acids that may be beneficial for brain development and optimal health.