Faba Research Articles

Naphthalene induced “Cross-Talk” between pollen mother cells in Vicia faba L. plants

Naphthalene induced “Cross-Talk” between pollen mother cells in Vicia faba L. plants

Influence of Forecrop on Soil Quality Estimated on the Basis of the Growth and Development of Faba Bean and Biochemical Properties of the Soil

Influence of Forecrop on Soil Quality Estimated on the Basis of the Growth and Development of Faba Bean and Biochemical Properties of the Soil

Intercropping wheat and appropriate nitrogen supply can alleviate faba bean wilt disease by reshaping soil microbial community structure

RationaleThe faba bean-wheat intercropping system is widely adopted to mitigate the incidence of faba bean wilt. The application of nitrogen fertilizers is imperative for promoting crop growth. Determining the optimal nitrogen dosage is crucial for enhancing the disease control efficacy of intercropping systems. So far, the impact of different nitrogen input management on soil microbial communities during the occurrence of faba bean diseases under intercropping conditions of faba bean and wheat has not been clear. ObjectiveTo explore the effect of different nitrogen application levels on the inter-root soil microbial community of faba bean in intercropping scenarios and its relationship with the incidence of faba bean wilt. Materials and methodsTwo planting modes, namely sole faba bean cultivation (M) and faba bean-wheat intercropping (I), were established in both field and pot experiments. Four nitrogen application levels (N0: 0 kg ha−1; N1: 45 kg ha−1; N2: 90 kg ha−1; and N3: 135 kg ha−1) were used to assess the incidence of wilt disease in faba bean. Furthermore, collect soil samples from the rhizosphere of faba bean plants for enzyme and microbial assays in the rhizosphere soil. ResultsThe application of nitrogen (N1, N2, and N3) reduced the incidence of faba bean wilt in the monocultures. Among the same N application levels, intercropping exhibited a significant decrease in wilt incidence compared with monocropping, with the lowest incidence observed at the N2 level. Additionally, the rhizosphere enzyme activity in faba bean was maximized under intercropping at the N2 level. Intercropping increased the richness and diversity of soil microorganisms, leading to an adjusted microbial community structure and the promotion of beneficial microorganism functions. Notably, nitrogen application played a pivotal role in changing the rhizosphere soil microbial community structure of faba bean. A reasonable nitrogen application rate (N2) can significantly improve the disease control effects of intercropping. ConclusionIntercropping with N2(90 kg ha−1) resulted in a significant increase in microbial diversity in faba bean soil. This led to an adaptable microbial structure, effectively mitigating the occurrence of faba bean wilt and ultimately promoting soil function and health.

Role of Wilting Time on the Chemical Composition, Biological Profile, and Fermentative Quality of Cereal and Legume Intercropping Silage

Agricultural production in the Azores primarily focuses on the livestock sector, notably, dairy production, where cows graze year-round in a rotational system. To maintain pasture productivity, farmers often rely on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have adverse environmental impacts like ammonia emissions and nitrate leaching. Alternatively, nitrogen-fixing crops like legumes are explored as green manures to enhance soil quality and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. The traditional practice of using mixed forages of legumes and grasses, known as “outonos” or intercrops, has been crucial but is declining over time. These mixtures include plants such as lupins, Vicia faba, oats, and vetch, noted for their adaptability and nitrogen-fixing ability. Due to the high perishability of these crops, effective conservation strategies like ensiling are essential to preserve forage nutritional quality through controlled fermentation. This study evaluates the productivity and quality of intercrop forages in the Azores, focusing on fresh samples and silage prepared with wilting times of 0, 24, 48, and 96 h, followed by comprehensive chemical analyses. Results showed significant changes in fiber components (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin) with increased wilting time, leading to reduced digestibility. However, wilting improved dry matter content.

Facile‐Prepared Size‐Controllable Nanogels for Enhancing Bidirectional Translocation, Control Efficiency, and Security of Nanopesticide

AbstractNanopesticides have been acknowledged by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as a critical tool for revolutionizing future agricultural practices. However, the existing nanopesticides are often plagued by high costs, strict preparation conditions, uncontrollable size, and poor stability. Herein, taking the non‐systemic insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC) as a model pesticide, a series of LC‐loaded poly(octyl acrylate) nanogel formulations (LONFs) simultaneously featuring easy‐preparation, size‐controllable, and targeted delivery using microemulsion polymerization are developed. By adjusting the ratio of surfactants, the size of LONFs can be accurately designed to be 20, 50, 100, and 200 nm, exhibiting good stability under unconventional storage conditions (0 °C, 54 °C, ultraviolet radiation). Furthermore, reducing the particle diameter enhances the bidirectional translocation of LONFs in Vicia faba L., potentially reaching an optimal diameter (≈20 nm) for unique and rapid transport. LONFs increase the acute toxicity of LC to Aphis craccivora compared to conventional microemulsions (with a maximum reduction of 82.40% in LC50 at 24 h). Additionally, LONFs alter the lethal process of LC in human embryonic kidney 293T cells, with minimal cytotoxicity at a concentration of general application (40 mg L−1). This strategy simultaneously considers convenience, size controllability, and efficiency, providing a feasible method for the industrial development of nanopesticides.

Extruded plant protein two-dimensional scaffold structures support myoblast cell growth for potential applications in cultured meat

Cultured meat has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional meat products. Five different plant protein blends made from soy (from two different manufacturers), wheat, mung bean, and faba bean, were extruded to form low-moisture meat analogs (LMMA) and were used to assess LMMA scaffold potential for cultured meat application. Extruded LMMAs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, water-holding capacity, total soluble matter, and mechanical properties. Two-dimensional LMMA scaffolds were seeded with C2C12 skeletal myoblast cells and cultured for 14 days, and cell attachment and morphology were evaluated. All five extrudates exhibited directionality of their fibrous protein structures but to varying degrees. Soy, wheat, mung bean, and faba bean-based LMMA scaffolds initially supported myoblast cell growth. However, after 14 days of culture, the extruded wheat LMMA exhibited superior myoblast cell growth. This may be attributed to the highly aligned fibrous structure of the extruded wheat LMMA as well as its elastic modulus, which closely approximated that of native skeletal muscle. Overall, two-dimensional structures of the extruded plant proteins support cell growth and advance the development of cultured meat.

Lactic and propionic acid bacteria starter cultures for improved nutritional properties of pea, faba bean and lentil

Increasing plant-based food consumption as a sustainable and health-oriented alternative to meat is pivotal. Pulses are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins; however, they also contain antinutritional compounds, impairing their nutritional value. This study addresses this challenge through the development and application of four distinct microbial consortia in pulse-based fermentations, featuring lactic acid bacteria or a combination of lactic and propionic acid bacteria. Microbial starters significantly reduced galacto-oligosaccharides in all pulse materials, concurrently degrading vicine and convicine in faba beans, while the impact on tannins in faba beans and lentil was moderate. Fermentation with lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria consortia exhibited notable vitamin B12 production, and the effect on the content of phenolic compounds of the studied pulses was also evidenced. Additionally, genomic analyses discerned distinctive profiles among the samples, elucidating the microbial community dynamics shaping fermentation outcomes. The results of this study proved how fermentation can advance the development of pulse-based products with improved nutritional and sustainability attributes.

Economic thresholds and economic injury level for pea aphid in tannin and low tannin faba bean

Pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, are one of the major insect pests of faba bean (Vicia faba). Infestations of pea aphids on faba bean can occur at any plant growth stage and result in drastic yield losses (up to 100%). There was no established guideline to determine when to manage pea aphids on faba bean in Saskatchewan. We conducted a field study to develop an economic threshold for pea aphids on faba bean at six sites in the Saskatoon area in 2019 and 2020. No choice experiments were performed to determine pea aphid growth rate on tannin and low tannin faba bean. Under field conditions, the population of pea aphids on faba bean doubled in approximately 5.25 ± 0.19 days. The average economic threshold (ET) was 34–50 aphids per main stem of a plant. This ET provides a 7-day lead time before aphid populations are expected to exceed the economic injury level (EIL) of 680–984 cumulative aphid days or 96 to 142 aphids per faba bean main stem. All ETs were estimated based on the cost of registered insecticides and the average of three benchmark prices (high, medium and low) of faba bean from January 2018 to July 2021. Laboratory no-choice bioassays demonstrated no significant effect of faba bean tannins on pea aphid growth. Therefore, economic thresholds established in this study are applicable to both tannin and low tannin varieties of faba bean.

Effect of Different Grow out Test on the Seedling Anatomy and Germination Attributes of Faba Bean (<i>vicia faba</i> L.)

Ability to geminate is very important attributes of seed quality. Critical factors for germination include moisture, oxygen, temperature and light. In combination with the factor’s germination media and place to layout are very important. Germination test was conducted on Ashebeka variety of Faba bean. The aim of the study was to test the effect of different germination Condition on seedling anatomy and germination potential of the seed. Germination room (GR) with air conditioning, Germination chamber with Adjustable (Relative humidity, Temperature and light) and Normal room were used. 50seeds/germination box with four replication were panted using CRD design in each room. Germinated seed and its shoot length counting was started to recorded starting from after five days within 3 day interval (5<sup>th</sup>, 8<sup>th</sup>, 11<sup>th</sup> and 14<sup>th</sup>) of planting to observe effect of growing room on germination and it attributes. Finally, data collected was analyzed using Statistical software. The mean squares of each treatment reveal that there is a significant variation on germination and seedling attributes for all counting days due to growing room. Among treatment Germination room with air condition shows best performance both quantative and qualitative data. While germinating seed in growing chamber leads to increment of seedling/germinated seed due to mutation or another factor. Germinating seed under normal room also affect the situation due to temperature fluctuation.

Anti-nutrient factors, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) as affected by genotype, seed traits, and their interactions

This study explored how genotype, seed color, and seed weight affect major biochemical components in 95 faba bean accessions. Genotype variation significantly affected convicine, total tannin (TTC), total saponin, and total phenol (TPC) contents. Seed color and weight variations affected several parameters, with their interaction significantly affecting convicine, total vicine-convicine content (TVC), TTC, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and antioxidant activities. Genotype interaction with seed weight and seed color also significantly affected convicine, TVC, TPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid, PUFA, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Vicine, dietary fiber, total fat, crude protein, palmitic acid, and stearic acid contents remain unaffected by these factors. Multivariate analysis showed that brown and small beans had distinctive characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrated the connection between biochemical components, genotype, and seed traits in faba beans. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing faba bean genotypes for use in the food industry and breeding programs.

Extraction, identification and mass production of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from faba bean (Vicia faba L.) rhizosphere soils using maize (Zea mays L.) as a host plant

Ethiopia is the second-largest grower of faba bean in the world next to China. The crop is highly useful with its edible seed serving as an essential protein complement of the Ethiopian diet, especially for those who cannot afford animal protein. Even though faba bean is mycotrophic to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the different genera and species that are associated with the crop are not determined in yet at the maturity time of the crop (harvesting period). Sixteen faba bean rhizospheric soils were collected to isolate and identify AMF. Spores were extracted using the wet-sieving and decanting method. The Glomus genera was the most dominant, followed by the Acaulospora and Gigaspora genera. The highest spore load per 100 g of soil was observed in the sample that contained the lowest soil phosphorus. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between the spore load and soil phosphorus was observed. Three treatments were considered for mass multiplication of AMF, viz, Treatment (1) Glomus aggregatum, treatment (2) Glomus sp.BZ, and treatment (3) Glomus sp.AZ. However, the highest number of AMF's spore and root colonization was seen in treatment 3 with significant difference (P < 0.05) from the others. In conclusion, AMF constituted an important component of the faba bean rhizosphere during its harvesting period (dry season) and its multiplication using maize favored the viability and infectivity of the fungi.

Reproductive parameters of a new biocontrol agent, Eupeodes americanus (Diptera: Syrphidae) and comparison with the commercialized Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The American hoverfly Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) is an aphidophagous predator during its larval stage and is currently being evaluated for inclusion in biocontrol programs as a new biocontrol agent. However, little is known about its reproductive aptitudes. The objective of the present study was to determine the reproductive parameters of E. americanus and to compare them with those of a commercialized and widely used biological control agent for aphids, the aphid midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The preoviposition period, oviposition period, adult longevity, lifetime and daily fecundity, egg hatching rate, and fertility were determined for E. americanus females and compared to those of A. aphidimyza. Trials were conducted under laboratory conditions in rearing cages on the broad bean plant Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae), infested with pea aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The results revealed that the preoviposition period, oviposition period, and adult longevity were significantly longer in E. americanus than in A. aphidimyza. The daily fecundity and egg-hatching rate were similar in both species. However, lifetime fecundity and fertility were considerably higher in E. americanus than in A. aphidimyza. This study demonstrates that the reproductive capacity of E. americanus is clearly superior to that of A. aphidimyza and therefore supports its inclusion in the aphid pest management program as a new biocontrol agent.

Effects of Doses and Different Applications of Salicylic Acid on Salinity Stress and Plant Growth in Broad Beans (Vicia faba L.)

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different application methods and doses of salicylic acid on the first developmental stages of broad beans grown under salt stress. The experiment was carried out in the plant growth cabinet at Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops laboratory. During the investigation, the temperature of the working environment was kept at 25±3 °C. Plants were grown in 16 hours of light and 8 hours in the dark period. Three salt concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mM NaCl) and three salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mM SA) were applied to the plants through soil and leaves. As a pre-application, 0.5 mM SA and hydropriming were used. According to the results, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, stem height, root lenght, stem fresh weight, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and total chlorophyll content varied between 63.33-86.67%, 0.97-2.51, 3.60-6.28 day, 36.11-39.47 cm, 27.50-30.57 cm, 4.404-6.623 g, 0.473-0.555 g, 2.813-3.400 g, 2.813-3.400 g, 0.300-0.396 g and 41.0-50.6%, respectively. While salinity levels did not have a significant impact on germination characteristics, hydropriming application improved germination characteristics, but salicylic acid application had a negative effect. However, it has been observed that salicylic acid applications increase seedling development and dry matter accumulation and promote plant growth under salinity stress. As a result, it has been observed that the application of 0.5 mM salicylic acid is a useful application to improve salinity stress and promote plant growth in broad bean.

Faba bean in crop rotation shapes bacterial and fungal communities and nutrient contents under conventional tillage of triticale

Legumes in cropping sequence can strongly moderate soil biodiversity and its biochemical status, which could influence soil fertility and productivity. However, their impact on soil microbes and their relationships with soil chemical variables during the subsequent crop growth is not understood enough. In this study, we analyzed the changes in bacterial and fungal communities structure through 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing, respectively, across crop rotation with faba bean (faba bean-wheat-triticale, F) and without faba bean (wheat-wheat-triticale, W). Rhizosphere and bulk soil samples were taken during the triticale growth stages (stem elongation and maturity). Soil enzymatic activity and chemical properties were also determined. Study factors (crop rotation, soil compartment, growth stage) affected N, C, and P transformations, as indicated by the activity of soil enzymes, and F was more beneficial than W for protease, urease, and acid phosphomonoesterase activities, as opposed to cellulase activity. Changes in the chemical properties led to the shift in soil microbial communities with different bacterial and fungal communities' responses. F treatment enhanced the abundance of the bacterial genera representatives such as Streptomyces and Candidatus Udaeobacter while suppressing the abundance of Jatrophihabitans and Terrabacter. Crop rotation significantly influenced fungal genera and a greater abundance of Helgardia, Pseudogymnoascus, Monocillium, Fusarium, Chaetomium, and Vishniacozyma under F than W was noted and the adverse situation was noted for Peziza and Rhizopus. Rotation type significantly affected the alfa-diversity of the fungal, but not bacterial community. Beta-diversity analyses (nMDS, cluster) indicated that the main factor grouping samples were soil compartment and growth stage for the bacterial and fungal microbiome, respectively. The PERMANOVA results revealed significant effects of all factors on bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Different soil chemical variables governed bacterial and fungal communities. Corg, pH, P, Mg, and Corg, pH were the most important soil factors regulating bacterial and fungal community structure by crop rotation, respectively. Bacterial and fungal communities were more related to the content of Ntot in rotation with than without faba bean. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper insight into the relation between the faba bean in cropping sequence and soil microbiome, and modulation crucial soil conditions for the productivity of the successive crop.

Metabolites profiling, in-vitro and molecular docking studies of five legume seeds for Alzheimer’s disease

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

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on textural properties and sensory attributes of cooked faba beans

Drying process extends the shelf-life of fresh faba beans and makes them available all year round. Dried and cooked faba beans are used to make a variety of traditional food products. Ultrasonic pretreatment, as a modern food processing technology, can shorten the drying time of fresh legumes and improve the quality and sensory properties of products. So, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of the ultrasonic treatment process (0, 5, 10, and 15 min, 40 kHz, and 150 W) on the mass transfer rate, drying time, and effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of fresh faba beans. Also, the effect of ultrasonic treatment on textural properties and sensory attributes of cooked faba beans was studied. By using the ultrasonic process, the rate of water extraction from fresh faba beans, and thus their dehydration rate, can be increased. With increasing the duration of ultrasonic pretreatment from 0 to 15 min, the drying time of fresh faba beans decreased from 250 min to 150 min (p < 0.05). The Deff was calculated by Fick’s second law, and it significantly increased from 0.70 × 10−9 m2 s−1 to 1.05 × 10−9 m2 s−1 when the sonication duration was extended from 0 to 15 min (p < 0.05). The Page model best fitted the drying kinetic of fresh faba beans with a coefficient of determination (r) > 0.9968, and the sum of squared error (SSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were also closer to zero compared to other models. The rehydration ratio of dried faba beans (after cooking) significantly increased from 308.4 % to 327.1 % with the extension of processing time from 0 to 15 min (p < 0.05). The maximum and minimum crust hardness and texture firmness values were for the untreated and sonicated samples for 15 min, respectively. The sonication increased the sensory acceptance of the cooked faba beans and the highest appearance, odor, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance were for the 10 min sonicated faba beans.

Multiple soil health indicators are responsive to summer cover crops on an irrigated organic farm

While cover crops (CC) are known to enhance soil health, outcomes are often subtle and confined to a shallow surface soil layer. We assessed 15 soil health indicators over three CC trials with a 15-species Blend polyculture, a Mustard biculture (white ( Sinapsis alba L.) and brown ( Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) mustards), Buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and Faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) monocultures, and a Weedy fallow (no CC, weeds allowed to grow) on an organic farm in southern Alberta. Soil sampling times included (i) summer pretermination; (ii) fall post-termination; and (iii) spring post-termination of CC. Twelve of 15 soil health indicators showed significant effects of CC treatment for at least one sampling time. Soil organic C (SOC) ranked highest with 80% of sampling times showing significant CC effects. N-related indicators (total N (TN), nitrate-N)) were also quite sensitive, being significantly affected by CC treatment at 60% of sampling times. Three soil health indicators (acid phosphomonoesterase (AcP), wet aggregate stability, and free-living nematodes (FLN)) were consistent in their nonresponses to CC treatment at all sampling times. Comparing CC treatments with a Weedy fallow, showed that not all enhancements of soil health were explained by inclusion of a CC, with Weedy fallow as effective for some indicators. A polyculture Blend significantly enhanced soil health over a monoculture CC or Weedy fallow in 46% of instances of soil health indicator improvement. While CC led to enhancement of soil health, results were not always consistent, being contingent on specific indicators.

Vicia faba L. Pod Valves: A By-Product with High Potential as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Vicia faba L. is a leguminous plant with seeds rich in nutritional compounds, such as polyphenols and L-dopa, a dopamine precursor and first-line treatment for Parkinson's symptoms. Recently, its by-products have been revalued as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. In this study, aqueous extracts of Lucan broad bean pod valves (BPs) were characterized to evaluate their potential use as adjuvants in severe Parkinson's disease. L-dopa content, quantified by LC-UV, was much higher in BPs than in seeds (28.65 mg/g dw compared to 0.76 mg/g dw). In addition, vicine and convicine, the metabolites responsible for favism, were not detected in pods. LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap/MS2 allowed the identification of the major polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin and catechin equivalents, that could ensure neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. ESI(±)-FT-ICR MS was used to build 2D van Krevelen diagrams; polyphenolic compounds and carbohydrates were the most representative classes. The neuroprotective activity of the extracts after MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was also investigated. BP extracts were more effective than synthetic L-dopa, even at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL, due to the occurrence of antioxidants able to prevent oxidative stress. The stability and antioxidant component of the extracts were then emphasized by using naturally acidic solutions of Punica granatum L., Ribes rubrum L., and gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) as extraction solvents.

Mechanisms of the structures and antioxidant activity of broad bean protein affected by AC electric field: changes in conformation and molecular interaction

SummaryThe hierarchical structure modification and antioxidant traits of broad bean protein (BBP) with low denaturation induced by alternating current electric field (ACEF) were examined. The ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectrometry showed that ACEF affected the tertiary and secondary structures of BBP, as evidenced by the significant increase in surface hydrophobicity, more β‐turns and random coils, fewer β‐sheets, and the variation of microenvironments of certain amino acid residues. X‐ray diffractometry revealed that ACEF reduced the relative crystallinity and granular size of BBP, increased lattice spacing, caused the weakening of intermolecular forces, and significantly decreased the compactness of spatial conformations in BBP. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of BBP increased following ACEF treatment and was influenced by voltage. This may be due to the BBP structure unfolding and the release of aromatic amino acids.

Impact of Magnetic Technology for Mitigation Salinity Water Stress on Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L) Growing in Sandy Soil

Impact of Magnetic Technology for Mitigation Salinity Water Stress on Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L) Growing in Sandy Soil