Buckwheat Genotypes Research Articles

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Its Related Traits in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

An experiment was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in 40 buckwheat genotypes during Rabi, 2021-2022 at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHIATS, Allahabad in Randomized BlºCk Design with three replications to analyze correlation and path Analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant difference for seed yield and its components indicating presence of large amount of variability in the genotypes. The magnitude of GCV and PCV recorded highest for economic yield, plant height, time of beginning of flowering, number of branches, test weight, days to 50% flowering. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean was recorded for economic yield, plant height, time of beginning of flowering, test weight, number of branches, days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity. Seed yield per plant showed a highly significant positive correlation with test weight and days to 80% maturity at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that test weight and time of beginning of flowering registered high and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant. It suggests that there is a true relationship between these traits, and that direct selection for these traits will be beneficial for yield improvement.

Comparative transcriptome and genome analysis unravels the response of Tatary buckwheat root to nitrogen deficiency

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Garetn.), a dicotyledonous herbaceous crop, has good adaptation to low nitrogen (LN) condition. The plasticity of roots drives the adaption of Tartary buckwheat under LN, but the detailed mechanism behind the response of TB roots to LN remains unclear. In this study, the molecular mechanism of two Tartary buckwheat genotypes' roots with contrasting sensitivity in response to LN was investigated by integrating physiological, transcriptome and whole-genome re-sequencing analysis. LN improved primary and lateral root growth of LN-sensitive genotype, whereas the roots of LN-insensitive genotype showed no response to LN. 2, 661 LN-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. Of these genes, 17 N transport and assimilation-related and 29 hormone biosynthesis and signaling genes showed response to LN, and they may play important role in Tartary buckwheat root development under LN. The flavonoid biosynthetic genes’ expression was improved by LN, and their transcriptional regulations mediated by MYB and bHLH were analyzed. 78 transcription factors, 124 small secreted peptides and 38 receptor-like protein kinases encoding genes involved in LN response. 438 genes were differentially expressed between LN-sensitive and LN-insensitive genotypes by comparing their transcriptome, including 176 LN-responsive DEGs. Furthermore, nine key LN-responsive genes with sequence variation were identified, including FtNRT2.4, FtNPF2.6 and FtMYB1R1. This paper provided useful information on the response and adaptation of Tartary buckwheat root to LN, and the candidate genes for breeding Tartary buckwheat with high N use efficiency were identified.

Differences in Carbon Sequestration Ability of Diverse Tartary Buckwheat Genotypes in Barren Soil Caused by Microbial Action.

Planting plants to increase soil carbon input has been widely used to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Tartary buckwheat not only has good barren tolerance but is also rich in nutrients and very suitable for planting in barren areas. However, the effects of different genotypes of Tartary buckwheat roots and rhizosphere microorganisms on soil carbon input are still unclear. In this study, ozone sterilization was used to distinguish the sources of soil organic acids and C-transforming enzymes, and the contribution of root and rhizosphere microorganisms to soil carbon storage during the growth period of two genotypes of tartary buckwheat was studied separately to screen suitable varieties. Through the analysis of the experimental results, the conclusions are as follows: (1) The roots of Diqing tartary buckwheat have stronger carbon sequestration ability in a barren environment than Heifeng, and the microorganisms in Diqing tartary buckwheat soil will also increase soil carbon input. Therefore, Diqing tartary buckwheat is more suitable for carbon sequestration than Heifeng tartary buckwheat in barren soil areas. (2) In the absence of microorganisms, the rhizosphere soil of tartary buckwheat can regulate the storage of soil organic carbon by secreting extracellular enzymes and organic acids. (3) The structural equation model showed that to promote carbon sequestration, Heifeng tartary buckwheat needed to inhibit microbial action when planted in the barren area of Loess Plateau, while Diqing tartary buckwheat needed to use microbial-promoting agents. Adaptive strategies should focus more on cultivar selection to retain carbon in soil and to assure the tolerance of fineness in the future.

Appraisal of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Genotypes for Growth, Yield, Yield Attributes, Seed and Seedling Characteristics under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions

Buckwheat is referred as poor man’s food because it has good fibre, carbohydrates and essential amino acids. So, it must be made as an integral crop in agriculture production system. For this purpose, production is to be improved through development and breeding of new varieties. So, an experiment was conducted by using 26 buckwheat genotypes to evaluate them under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions during 2021-22 to study growth, yield and yield attributes. The field experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and lab experiments were conducted in complete randomized design (CRD) with four replications. During the field experiment all genotypes showed wide variations among them for both growth and yield attributing traits. Among twenty-five genotypes, IC 108508 produced highest yield plot-1 (405g) followed by IC 26755 (315g), IC 37275 (299.3g) and IC 107575 (277.3g) higher yield than check PRB 1 (208.3 g). These genotypes also showed high to moderate values for growth and yield attributes. Therefore, these genotypes can be suggested for cultivation under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. Under laboratory study, it was observed that IC 42412 performed better for germination percent (97%), seedling length (27.9cm), fresh weight (1.05g), dry weight (0.303 g), vigour index I (2703), vigour index II (29.39), viability percent (99%) and electrical conductivity (0.22dsm-1). The highest protein content (14.1g%) was recorded in IC 24300 genotype. Therefore, IC 42412 can be considered as physiologically potential genotype. Through correlation and path analysis it was clear that number of seeds plant-1, inflorescence length, economic yield, number of inflorescence plant-1 and days to maturity may be considered for selection in crop improvement. Through this study it was concluded that IC 108508, IC 26755, IC 37275, IC 107575 and IC 42412 can be used for further breeding programs.

GENETIC VARIABILITY OF FAGOPYRUM SP. GENOTYPES DETERMINED BY GENE-TARGETED MARKERS

Fagopyrum represents an economically and nutritionally important crop which belongs to the group of pseudocereals. Buckwheat is referred to be a functional crop with a wide range of use around the world. Grains of buckwheat are nutritionally significant. They are characterised by a high content of starch, proteins, flavonoids and fibre. SCoT technique is used for the detection of plant genes polymorphism, for the evaluation of genetic diversity and for mapping the functional regions of the genome. The aim of the work was to perform molecular analyses of 21 genotypes of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and 14 genotypes of Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn. using ten gene-targeted SCoT markers. The seedlings of buckwheat were used for DNA isolation and subsequently for the amplification of the DNA using a polymerase chain reaction. The number of amplified fragments ranged from 12 (SCoT 60, SCoT 13) to 27 (SCoT 12). The total number of fragments was 176 of which 162 were polymorphic with an average of polymorphic fragments 16.2. The percentage of polymorphism ranged from 58.33 % (SCoT 60) to 100 % (SCoT 12, SCoT 13, SCoT 29, SCoT 30) with an average of 90.29 %. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values characterize the polymorphism of used SCoT markers. The PIC values ranged from 0.578 (SCoT 60) to 0.932 (SCoT 36) with an average of 0.859. The genetic diversity of buckwheat was determined by hierarchical cluster analysis using the UPGMA algorithm in the created dendrogram. Genotypes of buckwheat were divided into two main clusters. Two genotypes of common buckwheat (Siva, Špačinska I) from Slovenia and the Slovak Republic, respectively, as well as another two tartary buckwheat genotypes (Tohno Zairai, Winsor Royal) from unknown regions, respectively, were genetically the closest. The PCoA plot confirmed the separation of tartary buckwheat from common buckwheat resulting in the constructed dendrogram According to our results, we can consider the SCoT technique appropriate for differentiation of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn. genotypes leading to genotype identification and utilization in the breeding process to improve the buckwheat genetic material.

Comparative physiological, transcriptomic, and WGCNA analyses reveal the key genes and regulatory pathways associated with drought tolerance in Tartary buckwheat.

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stress factors that affect plant growth and crop productivity. Tartary buckwheat is a nutritionally balanced and flavonoid-rich pseudocereal crop and also has strong adaptability to different adverse environments including drought. However, little is known about its drought tolerance mechanism. In this study, we performed comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses of two contrasting drought-resistant Tartary buckwheat genotypes under nature drought treatment in the reproductive stage. Under drought stress, the drought-tolerant genotype XZSN had significantly higher contents of relative water, proline, and soluble sugar, as well as lower relative electrolyte leakage in the leaves than the drought-susceptible LK3. A total of 5,058 (2,165 upregulated and 2,893 downregulated) and 5,182 (2,358 upregulated and 2,824 downregulated) potential drought-responsive genes were identified in XZSN and LK3 by transcriptome sequencing analysis, respectively. Among the potential drought-responsive genes of XZSN, 1,206 and 1,274 genes were identified to be potential positive and negative contributors for XZSN having higher drought resistance ability than LK3. Furthermore, 851 out of 1,206 positive drought-resistant genes were further identified to be the core drought-resistant genes of XZSN based on WGCNA analysis, and most of them were induced earlier and quicker by drought stress than those in LK3. Functional annotation of the 851 core drought-resistant genes found that a large number of stress-responsive genes were involved in TFs, abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, signal transduction and response, non-ABA signal molecule biosynthesis, water holding, oxygen species scavenging, osmotic adjustment, cell damage prevention, and so on. Transcriptional regulatory network analyses identified the potential regulators of these drought-resistant functional genes and found that the HD-ZIP and MYB TFs might be the key downstream TFs of drought resistance in Tartary buckwheat. Taken together, these results indicated that the XZSN genotype was more drought-tolerant than the LK3 genotype as evidenced by triggering the rapid and dramatic transcriptional reprogramming of drought-resistant genes to reduce water loss, prevent cell damage, and so on. This research expands our current understanding of the drought tolerance mechanisms of Tartary buckwheat and provides important information for its further drought resistance research and variety breeding.

Controlling Downy Mildew in Buckwheat using Fungicide

Downy mildew caused due to Peronospora fagopyri is the most important fungal pathogen that contributed to significant yield loss in buckwheat genotypes. Efficacy of six fungicides namely SAAF (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%) @ 3 g/l, Krilaxyl (Metalaxyl 8%+ Mancozeb 64% WP) @ 2 g/l, Bavistin (Carbendazim 50% WP) @ 2g/l, Hexazol (Hexaconazol 5% SC) @ 2 g/l of water, Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) @ 2.5 g/l and Cyclon (Tricyclazol 75% WP) @ 2 g/l of water against one control with three replicates were tested at Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha during summer season of two consecutive years 2019 and 2020 against downy mildew of buckwheat. First spray was given just after the appearance of disease symptom in the field. Two sprays were given at an interval of 10 days. Data were recorded before every spray using 1-9 scoring scale on 10 randomly tagged plants/plot. All the fungicides were found to be effective in controlling the disease. SAAF was the most effective in reducing the disease severity (≤30%) and enhancing yield, followed by Dithane M-45 when compared to the unprotected control with highest disease severity (>75%). The use of these fungicides is recommended in an integrated disease management strategy, incorporating host resistance and cultural practices.

Genotypic variability and physio-morphological efficiency of buckwheat (

Context Crop production in Eastern Himalaya is constrained by combined effects of soil acidity and moisture deficit during post monsoon under a changing climate. Aim This study aimed to identify potential buckwheat genotypes and stress mechanisms in hill environments of Meghalaya (India). Method Field and microcosm experiments were conducted to study field performance, genotypic variability and physio-morphological efficiency in buckwheat. Key results Substantial genetic variability for shoot length (30.3–110 cm), crop canopy distribution (3.0–7.5 number of primary branches), leaf area retention (15.7–60.2 cm2/two leaves), 1000 seed weight (16.2–34.7 g) and seed yield (0.088–1.31 metric tonne (MT)/ha) was observed. Mean grain yield of buckwheat genotypes was 0.446 MT/ha whereas IC13411, IC24298 and IC37305 produced significantly higher seed yield (1.31, 1.28 and 1.14 MT/ha, respectively) accounting to 1.93, 1.87 and 1.67 times higher than average yield (0.680 MT/ha). Genotypes like IC42416, EC323730 and EC218784 have lower crop yields (0.8, 1.02, 0.93 MT/ha respectively). Interestingly, few high yielders (IC13411 and IC24298) exhibited higher photosynthetic rate (46.1 and 32.3 μmol/m2.s), increased stomatal conductance (311.0 and 326.2 mmol/m2.s), leaf chlorophyll (2.47 and 2.55 mg/g fresh weight (FW)) and carotenoids (95 and 106.3 μg/g FW). Chlorophyll a and b ratio (3.3 and 3.0) and total chlorophyll to carotenoids (4.2 and 4.0) were higher in high yielders (IC13411 and IC24298) compared to other low yielders. Conclusions Robust root systems, stomatal structure and higher cuticle wax ideally enhanced water use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance in high-yielding buckwheat genotypes. Implications IC13411 and IC24298 are promising for enhanced productivity in the mountainous ecosystem of Meghalaya.

Deciphering allelic variability and population structure in buckwheat: An analogy between the efficiency of ISSR and SSR markers.

Food and nutritional security continue to be the issues of concern in developing countries like ours. Exploring the reservoir of high potential unexplored genetic resources could address the world’s food and nutritional insecurity. The availability of diverse data and the population structure of any crop germplasm is a valuable genetic resource for discovering genes that can help achieve food and nutritional stability. We used seven ISSR and seven SSR markers to investigate diversity among 63 buckwheat genotypes, including landraces from India's northwestern Himalayas. Various parameters such as percent polymorphism, PIC, resolving power, and marker index was used to evaluate the inequitable efficacy of these markers. We foundthat both marker systems are effective in detecting polymorphism in buckwheat germplasm. Seven ISSRs produced 55 polymorphic bands, while seven SSRs produced 32bands. When compared to ISSRs, SSRs had a greater average PIC value (0.43) than that of (0.36). ISSRs, on the other hand, had a resolving power of (4.38) compared to (1.42) for SSRs. The hierarchical cluster analysis dendrogram divided genotypes into three major clusters. We found that both marker systems were equally accurate in grouping buckwheat genotypes according to their geographical origins. Using 7 ISSR and 7 SSR markers, the model-based STRUCTURE analysis established a population with two sub-populations that correspond to species-based groupings. Within the population, there was a high level of genetic diversity. These results have consequences for both buckwheat breeding and conservation efforts.

Per-se Performance of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Genotypes for Plant Growth, Yield and Seed Quality Parameters in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

Buckwheat is one of the most important alternative food crops it being a rich sources of protein and high nutritious value. The field experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year 2019-2020 at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Research farm, Naini Agriculture Institute, Prayagraj. With an objective to evaluate and identify suitable genotypes in Praygraj Agro-climatic conditions based on different quantitative and seed quality parameters. The field experiment conducted using randomized block design in field with 3 replications and complete randomized design in laboratory experiment with 4 replications. The results showed that among the 13 genotypes, EC-2018742 found to be promising genotype with 23.55 seeds infloresence-1 481.71 seed plant-1 and 725.55 g seed yield plot-1 maximum yield recorded of 17.64 q/ha, genotype EC-2018742 found to be vigorous among the 13 genotypes with high seed vigour indices were found suitable for cultivation in Prayagraj region.

Breeding Buckwheat for Nutritional Quality in the Czech Republic.

Buckwheat is a nutritionally valuable crop, an alternative to common cereals also usable in gluten-free diets. The selection of buckwheat genotypes suitable for further breeding requires the characterization and evaluation of genetic resources. The main objective of this work was to evaluate selected phenotypic and morphological traits using international buckwheat descriptors, including total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, on a unique set of 136 common buckwheat accessions grown in 2019–2020 under Czech Republic conditions. In addition, UHPLC-ESI- MS/MS was used to analyze a wide spectrum of 20 phenolic compounds in buckwheat seeds, including four flavanols, three phenolic acids, seven flavonols, four flavones, and two flavanones. Significant differences among years and genotypes were observed for morphological traits (plant height and 1000-seed weight) and antioxidant activity, as well as levels of observed chemical compounds. Antioxidant activity, crude protein content, plant height and rutin content were characterized by higher mean values in 2020 than in 2019 and vice versa for total polyphenol content and 1000-seed weight. Crude protein content was the most stable across years, while total polyphenol content and rutin content varied greatly from year to year. The most abundant phenolic compounds were rutin, hyperoside, epicatechin, catechin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin and isoorientin. Protein content was negatively correlated with plant height, catechin and epicatechin content. On the other hand, AA and TPC were positively correlated with rutin, hyperoside and chlorogenic acid. Five accessions showed high stability of the evaluated traits under changing conditions within both years of observation. These materials can be used in breeding programmes aimed at improving buckwheat genotypes with emphasis on quality traits.

English

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is an important food crop that is widely adaptable to hostile environments. In this study the responses of two Tartary buckwheat genotypes: drought-susceptible Chuanqiao No. 1 (CQ) and drought-tolerant Jingqiao No. 2 (JQ) in terms of morphology, photosynthesis, physiology and yield to a progressive water deficit and recovery treatment (WD-R) were evaluated. Plants in the well-watered (WW) treatment were watered throughout the experiment. Compared to the WW treatment, water deficit in the WD-R treatment caused decreases in plant height, stem diameter, branch number, stem node number, biomass, seed number, soil water content (SWC), leaf relative water content (RWC), net photosynthesis rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr) and Fv/Fm in both CQ and JQ plants. Leaf wilting, malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, initial fluorescence (F0) and root-to-shoot ratio were significantly increased under water stress in the WD-R treatment. Under the WD-R treatment, compared to CQ, JQ maintained higher RWC, SWC, Pn, Gs, WUE, Fv/Fm, plant height, branch number, stem node number, root biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, total biomass, root-to-shoot ratio, seed number per plant, and yield, but a lower Tr and F0. By correlation analysis, Gs was positively correlated with leaf RWC and SWC. These differential growth indexes, biochemical traits and physiological responses might be useful for understanding drought-tolerance genotypes that can grow under water-deficit conditions with minimum yield loss. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Diversity of seed borne fungi associated with treated buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculenum Moench) seeds under storage conditions

Present paper deals with occurrence and diversity of fungi on treated seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculenum Moench) at storage conditions. Study consisted of 20 genotypes of buckwheat and three treatments. The seeds were treated with neem oil @ 5ml per kg (T1) and Carbendezim @2g per kg (T2). Un-treated seeds served as control (T0). Four fungal species, namely Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Rhizopus spp. and Pencilium spp. were found associated with the treated seeds of 20 genotypes. These were the most predominant fungi in terms of prevalence with increase in the storage period. The association of fungi varied with the treatments, genotypes and duration of storage periods. Among 20 genotypes, the association of fungi in buckwheat genotypes was noticed in seven genotypes. The total association of fungi was predominant in G2 genotype when remained un-treated (T0G2) and the rest 13 genotypes showed no traces of fungi. On the other hand, the total fungal association of Aspergillus spp. was highest and Penicillium spp. was lowest.

Assessment of Disease Resistance and High Yielding Traits of Common Buckwheat Genotypes in Subtropical Climate of Nepal

Twelve common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) genotypes received from Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha were evaluated for resistance against major foliar fungal diseases and high yielding traits at the research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during winter seasons of two consecutive years 2017 and 2018. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block having three replications. The unit plot size was 3m x 2m with 25cm row to row spacing and continues plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 6 sq meters. The experiment was planted at last week of October in both years. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 30:30:0 for N:P:K kg ha-1 respectively and seed rate 50 kg ha-1. Disease data were recorded for downy mildew (Perenospora fagopyri), powdery mildew (Erysiphepolygoni) and botrytis leaf blight (Botrytis cinerea) severity on 20 randomly tagged plants/plot. The yield and yield attributing traits were recorded. Buckwheat genotypes differed significantly (p<0.05) on disease severity, grain yield and yield attributing traits. Genotypes CBBP-01, KIF-72-22-520, GF5283, ACC#2234 and ACC#2213 were resistant to powdery mildew, downy mildew and botrytis leaf blight and also resulted in higher grain yield. Grain yield had found strong negative correlation with the fungal disease severity of buckwheat. These genotypes might be useful for the development of major foliar fungal disease resistant high yielding common buckwheat variety in inner terai region of Nepal.
 SAARC J. Agri., 18(1): 143-152 (2020)

Unravelling the genetic variability and population structure of buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.): a collection of north western Himalayas

Buckwheat is a pseudocereal that belongs to family Polygonaceae. It is cultivated as a traditional crop in Asia, central Europe and eastern Europe and is used as food as well as medicine. It possesses high quality protein that lacks gluten and is rich in many nutraceuticals and antioxidants; due to which it is presently in great demand. In the present investigation, we collected the buckwheat germplasm from various regions of north western Himalayas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The material was purified and then used for molecular variability studies. We used 15 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSRs) to study polymorphism among 52 genotypes of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and further, evaluated these SSRs for transferability in other buckwheat species. Among 15 SSRs isolated from common buckwheat; only seven SSRs could amplify the other buckwheat species. These SSRs were then used to study the genetic variability among 110 genotypes of buckwheat based on the allele frequency. These SSRs amplified a total number of 136 alleles, with 30 alleles amplified by Fem-1322. The major allele frequency ranged from 0.11 to 0.42 and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.04 to 0.46. Fem-1322 represents highest Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.93; followed by Fem-1303 and Fem-1407 with PIC 0.89. The gene diversity ranged from 0.72 to 0.93. Further Darwin based cluster analysis revealed the formation of two major groups by the 110 genotypes. Furthermore, model based STRUCTURE analysis generated two subpopulations which correspond to distance based groups. High level of genetic diversity was observed within the population. The results obtained provided insights about transferability of SSR markers among different species and these findings have further implications in buckwheat breeding as well as conservation strategies.

Role of Intra-Specific Varietal Mixture in Pollination Services: A Case Study in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Buckwheat is one of the crops on which pollination services from honeybees and other insect pollinators are necessary for obtaining quality and higher grain yield. Increasing plant biodiversity is an important strategy to attract and restore pollinators in an agro-ecosystem. Among many ways to increase plant biodiversity, the present study aimed to identify whether the increasing intra-specific crop diversity enhances pollinator diversity in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench). The field experiment was conducted at research field of Hill Crop Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha district, Nepal at an altitude of 1750 m asl during 2016. Thirteen treatments, each representing either a single or combination of two or three buckwheat genotypes were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Pollination diversity or richness as well as their foraging behavior in the buckwheat flowers and associated yield parameters were measured for each treatment. Plots with higher intra-specific varietal mixture were found to attract more pollinators and had higher yield than plots with two or single genotypes. Pollinator visitation was higher during morning hour of the day (9 am to 10 am), which was followed by mid-day (12 noon to 1 pm) and the least visitation was observed during late afternoon (3 pm to 4 pm). The benefit of increasing intra-specific crop diversity on pollination services is not optimized and practiced under current farming practices. Hence, multi-location and multi-season studies are recommended to strengthen the current findings for future endeavors.

Common Buckwheat: Nutritional Profiling of Grains

Buckwheat is economically important smaller millet grown primarily for carbohydrates and protein content. In this study, biochemical composition of 14 promising genotypes of buckwheat grown in Sangla region of Himachal Pradesh were analysed. The grain weight, moisture content, crude protein, total soluble protein, crude fat (ether extract), ash, crude fibre, carbohydrates, methionine, tryptophan, in vitro protein digestibility and oxalate in genotypes ranged from 18.8 to 26.8g, 10.2 to 10.9%,10.4 to 15.1%,9.4 to 13.3%,1.7 to 2.8%,1.49 to 2.45%,6.1 to 9.2 %,62.0 to 67.9%,57.9 to 103.4 mg/gN,62.2 to 79.2 mg/gN,66.7 to 79.5% and 98 to 152mg/100g, in that order. Based on cumulative grading of nutritionally desirable qualities, the genotypes VL-27 and PRB-9001 followed by S-B-201 proved superior cultivars.

Polymorphism of buckwheat seed storage proteins in cultivar groups, differing by their morphotype

Aim. To study polymorphism of buckwheat seed proteins in cultivar groups of different morphotypes by the color of corolla. Methods. Electrophoresis by Laemmli method in 17.5 % separating PAAG gel. Results. Electrophoresis spectrum variants with the incidence from 1 to 76 %, common for buckwheat cultivar groups, which are different in their morphotype, were revealed. The obtained results demonstrate a particular level of heterogeneity by the revealed variants in each investigated group of buckwheat genotypes. Variants 2h and 4f, occurring with the incidence of 10 % and 8 % respectively, and specifi c for green-fl owered group of buckwheat cultivars, were also revealed. Conclusions. Different incidence of electrophoresis spectrum components in buckwheat morphotypes, different in fl ower coloring, demonstrates probable different selective value of genes, which control the synthesis of these components or their relation to the genes, closely bound to them. Taking this fact into consideration, buckwheat seed proteins may be molecular and genetic markers for identifi cation of some buckwheat morphotypes, which may be used in breeding programs.

Seed Storage Protein of Buckwheat Genotypes Grown in Dry Temperate Climatic Conditions

Seed Storage Protein of Buckwheat Genotypes Grown in Dry Temperate Climatic Conditions

Nutritional evaluation of buckwheat genotypes and its utilization in the preparation of supplemented biscuits

Six buckwheat samples were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics. Crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, free fatty acids, free amino acids and trypsin inhibitor activity were assessed using standard methods. Attempts were made to utilize buckwheat grains flour in preparation of biscuits. Biscuits were supplemented with 10, 20, 30 and 40 per cent buckwheat flour. The prepared biscuits were evaluated for nutritional profile and sensory acceptability. Results of the study revealed that nutritionally rich and organoleptically acceptable biscuits can be prepared using buckwheat flour upto 40 per cent level of supplementation. Development of buckwheat fortified products will not only help cultivation and consumption of nutritionally and medicinally rich underutilized crop but will also help to combat the problem of malnutrition in vulnerable sections of society as buckwheat proteins have better amino acid composition with high levels of lysine.